All in 1 thread.

Ok, so I recently got an Alienware M15x, and it is awesome, but I am looking for a few extra things to go along with it, and I was hoping for some adivde to see what people would recommend.

I am really looking for three things;

1. Gaming Mouse
2. Keyboard
3. Backpack/carry case

I have a budget of around £100 (I could maybe push more for quality goods) but for that price I do need all three things.

I will be buying in the UK, so either UK sites, or places that ship overseas are needed if possible.

Thanks in advance for any help / advice you can give, and have a nice day!

 

I'm not sure what the prices are in the UK, but for a gaming mouse, I'd recommend the Razer Deathadder; for a keyboard, the Logitech G15 or the Razer Lycosa and for a backpack, Slappa has a few quality laptop bags that might be worth looking at.

 

1. Logitech MX518

 

I second the DeathAdder, particularly the new 3,500 DPI version.

 

When it comes to buying a new mouse/keyboard, a peripheral which you'll always be using when using your computer, I always recommend visiting a store and trying out various models.

Don't be afraid of trying items which are not the most expensive/latest releases - everyone has differently shaped hands/typing style, so making sure that what you're using your hands with suits them and you is very important.

For example, I use a keyboard I bought for about 8 euros (this one: http://www.labtec.com/index.cfm/gear/details/EUR/EN,crid=28,contentid=706); It's no-frills, doesn't have a LED screen showing me info I wouldn't look at because I look at my screen, not at my keyboard and it takes little room. And if I spill something on it, I won't have possibly destroyed something expensive or difficult to replace.

As for a bag, if you do a lot of walking with your laptop in your new backpack, make sure you try it out as well, with some weight in it, to be sure you won't end up with back/shoulder/neck pain in the long run. Comfort and being able to carry what you want to put in there come first.

If you're going for a shoulder-band messenger-bag style item, be sure the band has some padding where it rests on your shoulder, or you may find that, after a long day of trekking across college/work grounds, your shoulder doesn't feel all that great.

Good luck

 

I second the MX518.

 

I've never been a fan of the G15's most important attribute as a gaming keyboard - the keyboard itself.

Scan.co.uk is doing the OEM version of the Sidewinder X6 for just £34. Muggins here paid >£60 for the retail versions but I'm assuming you don't get anything less in terms of hardware (I'd check if I were you, and Scan do actually pick up the phone unlike some companies I could mention).

I prefer both Microsoft's efforts - the in-house X6 and the Razer-collab Reclusa - due to the superior key feel over the G15. The Reclusa feels like a regular desktop keyboard but not only is it built like a brick ****house, the key feel is much less clattery than the G15. The X6 feels halfway between a quality laptop keyboard and a decent desktop keyboard - you get the travel of a desktop, but the break (the key feel) of a laptop.

 

I totally agree, neenee. One of the two most important considerations when buying these items is how they work FOR YOU. Quality is important, yes, absolutely, but if the keyboard or mouse doesn't feel right in your hands, or the backpack doesn't protect your laptop -- or offer what you're looking for, they're not much good to YOU. Take some time and really check around --- And an additional suggestion is when you're looking for your computer bag, take your laptop to the store with you so that you can REALLY see how it fits and how the bag feels.

 

I agree and disagree in some points.
when it comes to buying a new mouse/keyboard I choose the best ones, usually expensive stuff. They are the interface that allow me to control the computer, that's what I will use to communicate. I give a great value to a mouse or a keyboard. so no cheap stuff for me. I prefer saving a few extra cash on some ram or disk space or something like that rather then a mouse or a keyboard.
I also recommend to try various models before you buy. But I don't recommend you to buy it in a store. Usually online you can find the same item much more cheaper.

For me a backpack is something to protect the notebook. Doesn't matter if it's ugly or whatever, it just has to protect very well my investment.
and like Imperfect1 said it's important that you take the laptop. for example I had some problems because I had a 17.4" notebook and it doesn't fit in most 17" backpacks. I bought a 17" one without trying that didn't worked for me.

 

In other words, use a degree of common sense...?

Unless you're very lucky, you may not find all the recommended stuff out on demo. e.g. I'm not the most prolific big-box shopper out there, but I can say I've *never* seen a Razer mouse on demo. Many on sale, but not on demo. You will have to do a little review-hunting, and work off your current preferences a little as well.

 

On the contrary, in every Best Buy I've ever been to they've had at least two Razer mice on display for people to handle and touch. In the four stores within an hour's drive of my home, I've seen the Lachesis, Mamba, and DeathAdder, as well as their Lycosa keyboard and Belkin co-project N52TE.

 

Yeah yeah, but the OP's over here.

 

Oh, do you Brits not have Best Buy?

 

No. We have PC World - aka Worst Buy.

(Actually they're not that bad, at least most of the time, but the irony is that to get the best price, you must order online. If I'm going to a shop I want instant gratification, dammit)

 

And that's where they get ya. You can get your instant gratification, but at a price. You can get your stuff cheaper online, but you have to wait longer. Lesser of two evils, right?