Travel Accessories

Question

I am new to the wonderful word of notebook/laptop computers, and I would like to know what are your favorite travel accessories, which ones are worth the money and which ones to avoid. I have been looking at the various accessories availible on the market and their are so many, I know that I want to get a USB light and a cable lock to secure my laptop when I leave it in my hotel room, but I don't want to waste my money on junk, so please give me the benefit of your experence. Mom H.

NemesisDB · Answer

It really depends what kind of travel you do -- if you often take really long flights or car drives then a car/air charger would probably be a good investment.

a cable lock is a good, cheap investment -- but don't expect it to prevent a determined theif

while I thought the USB lights looked kinda cute (for lack of a better word) the screen provides a decent amount of light if it was dark. if you have a use though, so much the better

a good case (big enough for your laptop and all accessories) is nice. currently I can't fit everything in my bag and it's a bit of a pain. wheels or a backpack might be good if it's heavy.

wireless cards (and an extra ethernet cable) are good accessories to have as well as an increasing number of hotels seem to offer free high speed internet

an extra battery would be usefull if you're away from power-taps for extended periods of time -- it really just depends on your needs and location

Bay Wolf · Answer

If you use the notebook for traveling and want to use the Internet connections in the hotel room and you hate being locked into a wired connection, then one of those small portable wireless access point might be nice.  It would allow you to sit anywhere in the room and not be tied (literally) to the wall.  This is just a nicety.   I also find that a USB memory key is nice to have also.  If I want to transfer files beyond the 1.44MB restrictions of a floppy disk, this is invaluable.  I would suggest having this one.  And it is not large or heavy.  I have a 1GB memory key and I can put a lot of files on it.  A lot of my presentations are a lot larger then what a floppy disk can hold.

Mom H. · Answer

I already have a built in wireless card so that's covered, and I'm going to buy a case tomorrow. I'm definitely going to but the best I can afford at this time, I've been looking at a few of them online, sometimes I think that maybe there are to many choices.

I do have a couple of more questions, first on the back-up battery, which brand would you buy, and would you spring for a external charger? Next, do you use the retractable cords and cables, or do the winding machcanizioms wear out to fast to be worth the expense? Has anyone tried one of the lap trays made for laptops, the kind that folds up to fit in a laptop case, they look like they would be easier to carry than a standard lap desk?

I'm definitely going to buy the USB light, in a dark room the screen doesn't put enough light on the keyboard for my 40 something eyes,lol.

popcorntoes200 · Answer

Hi MomHI hate having to take my laptop out of its case everytime I want to use it, so I searched and searched and ended up buying  this one, you never have to take it out.  Only problem for me was I had to get it from USA as they dont have them in Oz, it should arrive any day. I also got the keyboard and screen skins for protection from the same place. Thought you may be interested. http://www.protectcovers.com/grabngo_laptop_cases.htm SamAustralia

NemesisDB · Answer

Sam, how does that case not block airflow?  specifically on models with bottom vents

popcorntoes200 · Answer

I'm not sure about models with bottom air vents, my new 8600 has vents at the sides and one on the top. Doesnt have any on the bottom except for the fan. The guy I spoke to said he has the same model and its fine. Did you scroll right down and see that there are flaps that you open on the bottom section at the back and around the sides? I will let you know when it arrives how it is.
Sam

NemesisDB · Answer

yeah, i saw the ones at the back, which would definitely work ok on my mom's notebook for instance ...  probably wouldn't do so well on my 5100, but then again mine is sitting on my desk 99.5% of the time

Mom H. · Answer

Actually I've been thinking about getting one, I am noticing that I keep reaching to the right when it comes time to enter numbers for something. Then again I look at my lap desk and for the life of me I can't see where I'd put it, you see I work with my laptop in my lap most of the time. The lap desk I use just fits perfectly between the armrests of my wheelchair. Has anyone tried the laptop desk/trays that I've see for sale, they come apart and supposedly store behind your laptop in the travel case?

Mom H.

TheCanine · Answer

Don't know if you work with numbers a lot (i.e. Excel). But I can't live without a numeric keypad for my laptop.

popcorntoes200 · Answer

I told you I would let you know when the laptop case, screen protector and keyboard cover arrivesfrom USA.  Well I set it all up last night, and I am really happy with it!  The bag is great! never have to take out the laptop. And no it doesnt get hot. Had fangui running and played a couple of games last night and the temp stayed at around 48c. Only thing I am having trouble getting used to is when the case is closed, you unzip it and have to get your thumb in and open the laptop latch before you raise the top lid, this I think will get easier as the stiffness goes out of the new case. The screen protector is just a tiny bit small all round, but i think this is so you can easely remove it if you want to. The keyboard skin is good, covers everything except the strip along the left side where the vent is, so wouldn.t want to spill liquid there :) It is easy to remove and wash and replace, and nice to type on. Overall I am very happy with the 3 items. It is great not having to remove the laptop from the case to use it when travelling,  I used to hate that, trying to find somewhere to put down the case, a real pain. Samantha Australia.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Travel Accessories

Was this post helpful?