These are products I thought were cool that I have seen, seen on the internet and it looked interesting, tried, recommend, or I think would come in handy in a pinch. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
Pretty much every product has pros and cons.
What I don't recommend:
- older XP HP PC's system restore discs aren't a Microsoft OS cd so fixup of a messed-up system are not always possible (only format and start over from scratch). I have fixed things that it can't by doing something as simple as plugging the disk in a separate machine and running chkdsk /f g: on the drive).
- Used PC's (sort of - the OS cd and drivers usually doesn't with the machine - if you need to reinstall the OS from scratch, you are in a pickle, plus they are usually full of viruses, spyware, and trojans, diallers, and other undesireables).
You can get express card and pcmcia/cardbus/pc card laptop cards from and .
Misc
Dell Wireless 1500 internal card, available from dell $70
802.11a/b/g+draft-n. twice the range & speed of regular wireless cards. but made specifically for innards of Dell Inspiron Notebooks.
probably blocks cell transmission too. blocking cell phones is not allowed for restaurants and possibly other public places.
Laptop Hard Disk Upgrade
Read the reviews of users. get your IDE drive while you can.
CMS Products HDD54-160 160GB 5400 RPM 2.5" PATA/IDE Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Retail, available from newegg $129.99+7.28
size is over the 137GB limitation of most older BIOSes and the original XP (pre SP1) limitation, but it should appeaar as a 137GB drive. one of the few remaining IDE drives left.
2.5" IDE/PATA hard drives (wide connector with LOTS of pins), available from newegg $40-140
you may not be able to see any more then 137GB if your BIOS can't handle it. only a few makes of drives left.
2.5" SATA hard drives, available from newegg $40-260
you may not be able to see any more then 137GB if your BIOS can't handle it. prices are low becauxse they are in abundance.
2.5" Universal HD upgrade kit, available at apricorn $39, newegg.com $27.79+6.98
USB 2.0. comes with upgrade software.
2.5" EZ Upgrade Universal & PATA Hard Drive Bundle HD upgrade kit w/160GB, available at apricorn $119
USB 2.0. comes with software. 120GB no longer available.
2.5" Xtreme Upgrade 7200 RPM SATA HD upgrade kit w/120/160/200GB, available at apricorn $149,$169,$229
USB 2.0. comes with software.
General Tools 17 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set 63518 - Cyberguys.com, available at cyberguys.com $20
required to open the laptop access panel.
Laptop Bags
Rosewill Black 15.4" Notebook Bag Model RBG-002 - Retail, available at newegg $25+15
Large capacity Comfortable shoulder strap Multifunctional pocket for your pens,documents,name card and ipod. With long opening hole at backside of bag, you can hang the bag on your luggage. Capacity: 15.8"x12.5"x5.8", Dimensions: 16"x12.8"x6"
Case Logic Black 17" Slimline Laptop Case Model VNC-17 - Retail, available at newegg $25+11
Adjustable internal compartment w/moveable padded divider accommodates variety of laptop sizes, ensuring a perfect fit. Speed Pocket - A quick access, secure place to put valuables (watch, keys, coins, etc.) prior to passing through airport security. Interior sleeve is perfect for files, documents, magazines. Capacity: 16.4"x11.54"x1.82",
Dimensions: 19.5"x14"x4.75"
All newegg Laptop Cases, available at newegg $16-60
different sizes, different colors & styles for ladies. 8 pages worth.
Mobile/Laptop Printers
HP OfficeJet H470 series, available from HP $250-$25instantrebate to $350-$35instantrebate
Get yours with a battery, wireless, or both or none. ($40 combo pack ink ysilding 330-480 pages, 12.1¢/page).
Docking Stations
USB 2.0 Laptop Docking Station with Video, available from cablestogo $100
Use your Laptop as your Desktop -- with only ONE cable!
(1) DB-9 RS-232 serial port 1,200bps-115.2Kbps, (1) DB-25 parallel IEEE-1284 bi-directional (for printers & old zip drives & scanners), (1) PS/2 keyboard port, (1) PS/2 mouse port, (1) 10/100 Ethernet LAN port, (3) USB 2.0 female type A downstream ports (3-port USB 2.0 Hub), (1) VGA female out port (included VGA/USB 2.0 combo cable connects the dock to your Laptop), (1) VGA male in port
Kensington SD200V Laltop Docking Station with DualView - Black, available from dell $110
4 USB 2.0 ports, video, mic & speaker jacks.
short usb extension cables (port-saving device)
you don't always need a long USB extension cable. sometimes you just need s short one. like for those USB sticks. avoid plugging those directly in your laptop. plug them into a hub or plug them into one of these extension cables.
startech.com $3+shipping
get several. these things will save your USB ports from wear and tear from long stiff dongles like usb sticks. Majic Jack comes with one and I suggest thorougly that you use it even though they put the thing down. Why? we lost 2 ports on my mom's laptop to flakiness due to wear, wiggle & wrench.
decent USB Hubs
has 2 verticle ports for usb sticks. has handle. red and green LEDs that aren't really bright (for those of you who don't like that). beefy power supply.
Synchrotech/Koutech 13-port hub, available from cyberguys.com $40+$10shipping, newegg $30-40 free shipping, amazon.com $45, ebay $36 free shipping
no LEDs. newegg has cheaper hubs.
laptop coolers
this is REQUIRED EQUIPMENT for a laptop (unless *maybe* you have a toshiba qosmio 17" - my mother's doesn't need cooling). this will prevent most lockups, flakiness, crashes, slowdowns, reduced life expentancy, on a laptop.
Antec Cooling system for notebook computers Model Notebook Cooler 200 - Retail, available from newegg.com $59.99+9.48
I especially recommend this for hot laptops such as the Dell laptops. actually, this would be my first recommendation for all laptops.
laptop coolers, available from newegg.com $20-$60