Laptop Computer Accessory - Deciding When To Buy

by John Ducharne

Now that you've got your laptop computer, it's only natural to accessorize. A laptop computer accessory may be necessary or just plain fun, but either way, there are lots of options.

The standard accessories are a computer mouse (unless you don't mind solely using a laptop's convenient touch pad) and any software that compliments your computer use. Additional accessories like a printer, scanner, and headphones are pretty common and grander add-ons like larger speakers or a microphone definitely can enhance your computer use (at least when the laptop is safe and cozy at home and not being shuffled around places). A more internal way of improving your computer's sound system, as opposed to purchasing cumbersome speakers, is an audio card.

Another popular laptop computer accessory of late is the web cam. Web cams record still and/or motion video and transfer it all in real-time to other computers via an internet connection. A businessman may want a web cam so he can participate in videoconferences, while others may use it to stay in touch with family and friends.

There is a laptop computer accessory or two for whatever your needs and desires. As you may note, necessity is the mother of invention. At first you might be overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of available laptop computer accessories. Many people fall into the trap of buying just about every cool looking accessory they can put their hands on. However they end up not using 90% of the bells and whistles they bought. Before buying any type of laptop computer accessory be sure you really need it. The only way to know if you really need something for your new laptop is to go without any accessories for the first couple of weeks. If you notice that you need something extra, like a webcam, then you know it's time to make a new acquisition.