Accessorize me!

Okay. I've ordered my first notebook: a 15.4" Dell Inspiron for college. I'll be taking it on the train and to my classes, and also shlepping it around the house from room to room. There are a few hazards in my home environment: reckless 12 yr old; two curious and infinitely shedding cats; clumsy people who travel with beverages.

So obviously, the first thing I need is protection for my notebook. I figured a travel bag and a sleeve, ideally, no? I could make a sleeve (though suggestions here are welcome as well), but I'm having difficulty selecting a bag. There doesn't seem to be much for my target group. I'm petite and young, so I don't want a bag that's too heavy, bulky or for the manly professional. However, I don't care for most womens bags, as they tend to be pink or fluffy. I don't want it to scream "Get Your Laptop Here!", either, but still be a little sophisticated/clean. I have yet to decide whether to go messenger, backpack or tote. I could take two bags to class without a problem, but if I could fit some extra stuff in the bag that would be better. Budget for the bag is around $50. Suggestions?


Next point: keyboard/screen protection. How hyped up is this? Do I need this? And what kind? (I was looking at this , for example)

Third point: mouse. I'd like an optical mouse which is portable and small enough for my hand. Am having trouble deciding whether to go cordless or not, whether mini-mice are too small and what a reasonable price is for such a thing. I'm no gamer, by the way.

Finally: is there anything I'm forgetting? What's a must-have for a user like me? (I've already got a webcam and a headset.) Thanks for sharing!

 

I'd recommend putting your notebook into a sleeve and then into your backpack. Ogio bags are pretty good. They have many bags with a college type feel instead of a business "steal me I have stuff in here" look. Take a look at www.ogio.com and after you see a design you want, look up the price at a site like www.ebags.com - the prices are usually ~$50.

 

If theres beverages around then I'd suggest finding a keyboard cover that is clear and you always have on your laptop. I've spilt beverages on my E1505 and it lived through it, but I wouldn't suggest letting it happen to yours.

 

Get a Logitech VX Revolution mouse. It is a great mouse, would be a great size for you, and has plenty of features, plus it will work in most of the locations you list. You can see a full review of it in my signature (just click the link). Good luck with the rest of your notebook experience.

 

You could get a screen cleaner cloth (microfiber).

 

Thanks!

I checked out the oigo bags and saw a few that I liked and saw a few other ones on ebags as well. Any other suggested brands?

What are your experiences on keyboard covers? Are they bothersome during typing? I'm leaning towards one because crumbs and liquids scare the life out of me, but I don't really want to sacrifice typing comfort too much. I'll be doing a LOT of typing...

The Logitech mouse looked great, but a little on the pricey side. I have to admit, I'm using a 5-button Sweex mouse that cost a whopping $5. It works great but isn't exactly portable/compact. I won't be using the mouse for super precise/intense activities, just surfing and flash games and stuff.

I'll definitely get a screen cleaner cloth, thanks.