The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Accesory suggestions?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Cassandra022, May 31, 2006.

  1. Cassandra022

    Cassandra022 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    57
    Messages:
    264
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    So ordered a S96J last week and it should be coming soon enough, and I've been thinking of accesories I want/need to get for it. This is my first laptop, so I'm not completly sure of what would be best. Going to be carrying it around quite frequently, and using it for gaming, internet surfing, and writing/schoolwork. So far things I need and want to get promptly include:

    -A messanger bag and/or a laptop sleeve. The sleeve a bare minimum, but a bag would be good since I'm going to need one anyway and don't have anything I can use much in the future. Ideally, I'd like both, but if I found an expensive bag I'd be willing to hold off on the sleeve for a bit.

    -A mouse. Preferably not bluetooth, as that would require me buying a USB bluetooth adaptor, which is an extra expense I'd like to avoid. Sadly, my favorite kind of mouse, the kind I have for my desktop (doesn't move around at all, instead has a ball thing) seems to be no longer sold anymore.

    -Considering headphones. The S96J is known to have horrid speakers and anyway using speakers in public is rude, so headphones would be good, especially if I could also use them for my I-Pod mini. I currently use earplug headphones which are semi-broken but still mostly work with some encouragement. I COULD contintue using them, but new headphones would be nice eventually, especially something better quality. But again, money is an issue and this is not a priority.

    -Confused about whether i need a router. I won't be using my wireless at home because I have 56k dial-up and if a router will cause me to have the same on my laptop there is no point. I don't THINK i need a router to use wireless in public (my college and my home are both in cities with lots of internet spots presumably) or in my college, but not positive about this. Is there any reason I'd need one?

    Any other important things I don't know of that I should consider getting?
     
  2. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    599
    Messages:
    1,463
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    you don't need a router to use wireless hotspots. Your IntelĀ® PRO/Wireless 3945
    will do the job of wireless connection.
     
  3. dudesdudets

    dudesdudets Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    61
    Messages:
    782
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
  4. Arla

    Arla Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    35
    Messages:
    1,073
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Huh, you mean a trackball? In which case there are still tons around, Logitech makes great ones (what I use). Compusa normally has a good selection to look at, I'm sure you can find them on Newegg too.

    For headphones I suggest Shure E2C's as they are excellent quality, however they aren't the cheapest (bit will work fine with your Ipod).
     
  5. SVTWannabe

    SVTWannabe Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    52
    Messages:
    148
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If you're using this computer on or around campus (maybe even in your dorm or where you're living during school), I'd STRONGLY recommend you get some sort of security cable for the laptop. There are usually the key and/or combination ones.

    For your favourite mouse, check a variety of places like big-box retailers. I do recall seeing trackballs still around. Online stores/depots might have them as well.

    You might also want to look at getting a USB key, in case you are working on a group project and need to pass something off to another student.
     
  6. Cassandra022

    Cassandra022 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    57
    Messages:
    264
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Do they really? I haven't seen the mouses in big stores like Circuit City/Staples etc for ages. But I will check Newegg and the like. Yeah, mine is a Logitech and I love it. So much easier and no mousepad needed.

    Mmmy, I'm being really picky/indecisive about bags right now, but thanks for the suggestion. Will look into it^^ (stuck between a cheaper, useful kind of thing and something that's also pretty cause um, I'm female. But I like black things and most female type bags arent black. Or they are leather. Which is no cool because I dun like using cow skin if I can avoid it these days)

    How exactly do security cables work? How would they stop theft. My current thinking is to keep the laptop in my sight at all times (like, until/unless I REALLY trust my roomate, this laptop is not staying in my dorm when I'm not there) but if the cable could really help I might get it.

    And yeah, a USB key is a good idea actually. *adds to mental list*
     
  7. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

    Reputations:
    436
    Messages:
    3,651
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    you're going to get very sick of carrying it everywhere.

    the cable locks into the security slot on your computer and then you tether it to something stationary. it works just like a bike lock.
     
  8. Cassandra022

    Cassandra022 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    57
    Messages:
    264
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Ah, cool. Mayhaps I should look into that then. Sounds useful.

    And yay, I found a corded logitech trackball mouse on Newegg that'll be perfect for me and only $26, which is acceptable. Exactly like my current desktop mouse except my desktop mouse is wireless, but for a laptop corded seems better. Because it works on radio not bluetooth, and the bit of mobility I'd get with a cordless isn't worth the trouble of setting it up all the time as opposed to just plugging in. Awesome. I love trackball mouses oh so much^^
     
  9. tianx

    tianx Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    91
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Kensington locks are fun :p It's like a bike lock, but very stylish looking. (Well... I like it in black anyways...) Stick it in the security slot wind the cable around something immobile, like a post or something, turn the key and you're set. If someone pulls it out or cuts the cable it will VERY noisy... Bike Lock with a car alarm... -LOL-

    just check out www.kensington.com

    Or you can buy a nice backpack and lug it everywhere you go....
     
  10. Cassandra022

    Cassandra022 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    57
    Messages:
    264
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Gah, I didn't realize there were so many kinds of locks 0__o
     
  11. SaferSephiroth

    SaferSephiroth The calamity from within

    Reputations:
    178
    Messages:
    889
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Im not sure what your budget is, but you should look at these Sony earbuds: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...-1176278-7665643?_encoding=UTF8&s=electronics

    Typically i don't recommend Sony products but this is a rare exception. I've had them for years and they are a great bang for your buck.