I just bought an XPS M1530 laptop for my soon to be college freshman. What are some good accessories to add with this laptop besides a laptop case/backpack?
I was a college freshman last year, I didn't really need or want too many accessories for my laptop. I would suggest a wireless mouse, a backpack for the laptop, and a usb thumb drive. You don't really need anything else. Also if his school doesn't offer free printing, I would suggest a small printer.
An external (2.5") hard drive... or even just a decent capacity pendrive (as suggested), is a must for backups when you're on the move.
'Cool Feet' would also be a good idea. They're a cheap way to ensure good ariflow/better cooling, and are easily removeable when you're not using the laptop (they come with their own pouch).
And a good set of comfy earphones is also worth considering, if you're liable to listen to music or play movies.
Once your child's new M1530 is running on Windows Vista, I would suggest that you spend less on hardware and direct some of those savings on an affordable tune-up program that you and your son/daughter maight prefer. I've had an M1330 since November 2007 and, boy, if you don't check up on this particular Windows Operating System, errors can pile up like you wouldn't believe.
I am also a college freshman and no, I am not advertising for any of those tune-up programs.
When you're busy trying to hustle down assignments, the last thing you want is to have a system crash. The experts on the Windows Vista Team blog, would know how tricky Vista has been and there's always that need to do a weekly disk check, plus regular disk defragmenters, plus regular disk cleanups. Time is always precious, so that's why an affordable tune up program was a choice of mine, so that I would not have to allocate so much time to maintaining all the different areas of Windows Vista. Efficiency is the focus here.
A lock would be a good idea -- the kind with a retractable cable that goes around a table leg or chair back. I've heard more than one story about laptops that sprouted legs and walked away from tables in the library or Student Union Coffee Shop when the owner was busy in another room.
deparson
6 Posts
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May 29th, 2008 01:00
Ymmot32
32 Posts
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May 29th, 2008 02:00
I was a college freshman last year, I didn't really need or want too many accessories for my laptop. I would suggest a wireless mouse, a backpack for the laptop, and a usb thumb drive. You don't really need anything else. Also if his school doesn't offer free printing, I would suggest a small printer.
TheRealFireblad
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4.6K Posts
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May 29th, 2008 10:00
An external (2.5") hard drive... or even just a decent capacity pendrive (as suggested), is a must for backups when you're on the move.
'Cool Feet' would also be a good idea. They're a cheap way to ensure good ariflow/better cooling, and are easily removeable when you're not using the laptop (they come with their own pouch).
And a good set of comfy earphones is also worth considering, if you're liable to listen to music or play movies.
ejn63
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May 29th, 2008 10:00
The backup drive is an excellent idea - and a copy of Acronis True Image.
A 3- or 4-year Complete Care warranty is also essential.
tvm1530
17 Posts
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May 29th, 2008 13:00
- Definitely a back up drive, you can get a 250 gig for $100 now; the Western Digita Passport compact for traveling.
- Cooling pad; about $30 for a decent one, I suggest the Bytecc one with duel fans.
- get at least a 3 year extended warranty on it.
- wireless mouse and keyboard combo; about $40.
CAIRN M
5 Posts
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May 29th, 2008 17:00
Once your child's new M1530 is running on Windows Vista, I would suggest that you spend less on hardware and direct some of those savings on an affordable tune-up program that you and your son/daughter maight prefer. I've had an M1330 since November 2007 and, boy, if you don't check up on this particular Windows Operating System, errors can pile up like you wouldn't believe.
I am also a college freshman and no, I am not advertising for any of those tune-up programs.
When you're busy trying to hustle down assignments, the last thing you want is to have a system crash. The experts on the Windows Vista Team blog, would know how tricky Vista has been and there's always that need to do a weekly disk check, plus regular disk defragmenters, plus regular disk cleanups. Time is always precious, so that's why an affordable tune up program was a choice of mine, so that I would not have to allocate so much time to maintaining all the different areas of Windows Vista. Efficiency is the focus here.
May your child be infinitely successful!
Bugbatter
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20.5K Posts
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May 29th, 2008 19:00
DeathRider
549 Posts
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May 29th, 2008 20:00
He called me the other day, told me her laptop went click...she was writing a paper she needed to hand in.
I asked if the computer was still under warranty...nope.
Did she have it backed up (even partially)...nope.
How much was it worth to her...:(