| Now that you've spent several hundred dollars or | | | | buy. You need to know exactly what sort of locking |
| more on your laptop, it's time to look into accessories | | | | security system you need to keep your laptop from |
| and add-ons that you shouldn't be caught without. | | | | being stolen. It's worth the investment even if your |
| Some are necessary for your computer's well being, | | | | insurance covers theft. Even if you have replacement |
| while others simplify your life through ergonomics or | | | | coverage, your warranty won't replace the data on |
| another means of simplifying things. | | | | the stolen computer. It's best to protect it as much as |
| You could spend a few hundred dollars on these | | | | possible. |
| accessories and add-ons, but that's okay. Depending | | | | - A padded travel case. This is important if you travel |
| on how you use your laptop, this additional investment | | | | anywhere with the laptop. It helps protect it from |
| could actually make you more productive, thus giving | | | | exterior scratches and provides a little padding if you |
| you an increased earning potential - or at least a little | | | | accidentally drop it. This won't do much good if it falls |
| more free time to spend with the family. | | | | down eight flights of stairs and hits a cement floor at |
| - Internet security software. This is vital for high-speed | | | | the bottom, of course, but a smaller and less horrifying |
| connections, especially those of the wireless variety. | | | | accident can be made less traumatic with a little |
| They are the most vulnerable to hackers and data | | | | padding. And with the case, you also have a |
| thieves, so pick a reliable and trustworthy security | | | | convenient place to store other computer stuff, like |
| suite. | | | | your extra battery and the charger. |
| Firewalls or all-in-one package products are both good | | | | - A cooling pad if you intend to use your laptop as an |
| options, but if you go with the former you should | | | | actual laptop. If your computer is on your lap, odds are |
| complement it with antivirus and spyware protection. | | | | you'll have nicely toasted upper legs when you're |
| Either way, you're reducing intrusions of all kinds, which | | | | finished. Even with today's technology, portable |
| will give you more freedom to enjoy your portable | | | | computers can become very warm to say the least. |
| Internet connection. | | | | A cooling pad or stand will provide a buffer between |
| - Data backup solutions. The CD burner that came | | | | your legs and the computer. It'll also give you another |
| with your laptop is a good way to save multiple copies | | | | sweet accessory to brag about in computer forums |
| of your important data, but there are faster and more | | | | and company meetings. |
| portable options. | | | | - An external keyboard to plug in to a USB port. This is |
| One option is to buy and use a flash drive. Most use | | | | important if you're stationed in, say, your home office |
| USB 2.0, which means that they save and retrieve | | | | with the laptop and want to do lots of typing. Most |
| data as fast as you need them to read and write. | | | | laptop keyboards can become uncomfortable after |
| They're basically tiny hard drives that can fit into your | | | | long-time use, but a "regular" ergonomic keyboard will |
| pocket or on a keychain. | | | | offer plenty of comfort. You'll also have the advantage |
| Another good choice is an external hard drive. This | | | | of picking out an external keyboard with Internet hot |
| can be left at home or the office so that you can | | | | keys and other features that the laptop's model won't |
| back up all of your data once a week or so and leave | | | | give you. And your laptop's keyboard will last longer if |
| it there. You'll appreciate not having all of your data in | | | | you don't use it when you can use the external one. |
| the same place if something catastrophic, like a flood | | | | - Better yet, invest in a docking station so that your |
| or fire, happens. | | | | laptop can become a desktop when you're at home |
| - Accident coverage insurance. Okay, so YOU might | | | | or in the office. You'll have to buy a desktop monitor to |
| be the world's most cautious and conscientious person, | | | | go with it, but you'll appreciate not having to hunch over |
| who's never had any sort of accident with any | | | | the laptop the entire workday. You can also position |
| electronic product, but what about the people around | | | | the desktop monitor basically wherever you want for |
| you? Not everything is within your control, but with | | | | improved comfort and visibility. Or, if you're busy with |
| accident insurance you won't have to worry about the | | | | an online poker tournament when you're supposed to |
| consequences of your daughter-in-law accidentally | | | | be working, you can arrange your docked desktop so |
| knocking your brand-new laptop off the kitchen | | | | that your boss can't see it. |
| counter. | | | | - Retractable USB cables. These are great for people |
| Most insurance is offered when you purchase your | | | | who don't want to trip over a tangle of cords when |
| computer, but third-party coverage can be found for a | | | | they have three or four USB devices hooked up to |
| reasonable price. Do Web searches or ask your | | | | the computer. These cords are also very easy to |
| laptop-enabled friends and coworkers: odds are | | | | store (say, in your nice leather traveling case) because |
| someone will know what you need. | | | | they compact easily. |
| - Warranty coverage. This should be purchased when | | | | - A better battery. This is especially important for |
| you get the laptop. It'll cover just about anything that | | | | traveling users. Many of the batteries that come with |
| goes wrong, from broken keyboards to display | | | | laptops will only work for 45 minutes to one hour. |
| problems. | | | | Invest in a larger, better battery so that you won't |
| Before you buy the warranty, though, you should | | | | have to run around in circles looking for a power outlet. |
| make sure that you are familiar with its terms as well | | | | With the above accessories, however, you'll be able to |
| as any options that you might have. It's important to | | | | relax and play or work with your computer - instead |
| know how long the manufacturer's original warranty is | | | | of having to constantly worry about what-if situations. |
| in place as well as what differs between its coverage | | | | There are countless other accessories on the market, |
| and that of the extended warranty that you're thinking | | | | with new ideas and technologies emerging almost |
| of buying. You should also know what you'll have to go | | | | every day. You should keep up to date with trends |
| through to make a claim as well as how much, if | | | | and new designs by visiting computer forums or |
| anything, you'll have to pay of your own money. | | | | reading computer magazines on a fairly regular basis. |
| - A security system if you travel with the laptop. | | | | You might find some new accessory that you can't |
| These can be found at any computer store or online. | | | | live without. |
| The price range is very broad, so research before you | | | | |