First time laptop buyer, what accessories should i be getting to gear up?

Alright so my Asus G51j gaming laptop well be arriving this Tuesday and i have never owned a laptop before (always been a desktop user) and since I'll be using one a lot for college and travels while I'm on vacation this X-mas. I decided to get one but the problem is I don't know the necessary supplies in order to get to work or to get it online so i can surf while on the go, so if anyone can post the items they're using while traveling I would really appreciate it.

 

Considering the G51J is a gaming-oriented laptop, I assume you'll be playing games. I think you should definitely get a good mouse. If full-size is okay, check out the Razer DeathAdder, Logitech MX518, or Logitech G9x. If it's gotta be portable, give a thought to the Razer Orochi, a mobile-oriented gaming mouse.

As for getting it online, it has a built-in wireless card inside, so if there's an available wireless network you can just connect to it; no extra stuff is needed. Same thing with a wired network; you have an ethernet port on the side of the laptop to connect to a wired network.

So, the only thing I think you really need is a mouse, and maybe a good headset if you don't want to use the laptop's built in speakers. If you don't have a laptop backpack or case, that might be a good idea as well.

Congratulations; that's a good laptop.

 

Thanks for the reply, looks like i have everything, the laptop I'm buying comes with a backpack, and a razor mouse which is around 35.00, and if i don't like it, i can use the current mouse which is an MX518

 

Well then it looks like you're all set.

 

I'd say a cooling pad.. a good one

edit: just read the "while traveling" .. not sure if you want to carry a cooling pad while traveling haha
but it will help you reduce heat when gaming

 

Well its partially a daft question...

A latop is in itself a full computer and doesn't need anything apart from the power supply in terms of externals.

Anthing you add you add because you feel you need it.

I got a bluetooth mouse for my Vaio as I didn't wat to use one of 2 USB ports and if I use a trackpad for too long my finger hurts - but then on the train I only use my trackpad...

I've got a WD Passport drive - I borught back 80GB of Photographic data from my summer holiday...

I suggest you start off with your laptop "as is" and then slowly add external devices that you feel you need

 

Hardly, he needs an extra/backup battery (extended if you please...and if you don't please ). Really! This is one of the most important accessories that almost everyone forgets to buy--but is an item that everyone will eventually need. In my view, EVERY portable device should at least recommend you get one.

 

A USB hub maybe? For me I got really pissed after having to unplug 4 devices each time I wanted to move my laptop and replugging them all each time I came back, so the hub lets you use 1 USB port for it all. This is more of a desk thing though, doubt you'll bring it around with you. Get a powered hub. Also, you might wanna get a brush/scrubber to get dust off your screen/laptop because that seriously annoys me, and when I use a napkin/my hand it gets more on.

 

Prolly a cooler is all you'll need if you're buying a gaming laptop and it ships with a mouse + backpack.

 

I wouldn't say it's necessary at all. I bought my Studio 15 last year with a 6 cell and 9 cell battery, and have hardly ever used the 9 cell right up to the day the laptop died for good. A laptop like the G51J is meant to be primarily used on AC power anyway, and the battery it comes with will keep it running for at the very least one hour away from power if necessary.

I suppose it really depends on if LockdownX will be at an outlet most of the time, but with a laptop like his, I would assume as much.

 

That's because you're not thinking pragmatically. If it's a portable device by definition it will need a battery; and two batteries are better than one. AGAIN, this is a must have with ANY portable device!!!!

 

You know... the only device I have a spare battery for is my camera...

Saying that you must have a second battery for your laptop is pointless - you can, you don't have too.

In fact none of our so far 5 laptops have any spare batteries (4 still work, one is with my grandfather for him to use).
Also, consider all those MP3 players that oh wonder work with just their internal battery - oh and I don't carry a spare battery for my mobile either.

Why have I got one for my camera - well, my original intention was to maximie their life by not charging them too often...maybe it was a bad decision in retrospect.

If you can't say you need a second battery due to "this", "this" and "this" then you shouldn't blanky buy one.
Also, they can be rather expensive... (my laptop's battery would cost 200€) - and if you do not use them they'll degrade anyway unless you store them in a freezer where they'll degrade very slowly.

Its a loose loose situation, period.

Another aspect of the camera vs. laptop angle - you may use a camera spontaneously, you don't use your laptop spontaneously.

So I'm still on what I said originally - you don't need any accessories as there is no "Must have" - a laptop is a slef contained system, the only important periphal is the power brick.

Just see what you feel you need an add them step by step.


(PS: Whoever said USB Hubs, got some of those at home too good point, but depends on periphals whether you need them)

 

The laptop I'm getting runs for almost 1:30 hours before it dies on battery, so an extra battery isn't a bad idea(for college classes) but due to a budget limit, I'll wait until they have some on discount. I'm also going to buy a decent laptop cooler(waiting a few more days to see if i can get an zm nc2000 for cheaper on newegg.

 

I only changed a flat tire twice in my life. Does that mean I don't need to carry a spare? One question: has you ever had a device fail because the battery died on you? Just think how many people wouldn't be stranded if they had a second battery in their car.

Just because the industry's standards are set low, doesn't mean you have to adhere to that standard.

 

Car batteries and spare tires are quite different from laptop batteries. Laptop batteries tend to lose capacity over time rather than suddenly die. And in most cases, not being able to power your laptop isn't as huge a deal as getting stranded in a powerless car.

Personally, I tend to carry my AC adapter wherever I go anyway (it's quite slim, smaller than the 9 cell battery itself)

 

Maybe my old MP3 player, not my current one.

Its also about planning.

If you plan a journey you charge all your devices in advance - and i you are so disorganized that you cannot remember that then well, its not my problem.

On laptops - obviously if you plan to use it on journeys you buy another battery if you know you aren't around sockets.

If I were following your thought of thinking I should possibly carry a diesel driven generator - just to make sure I can charge my devices "on the go".

Car batteries - I use public transport.

 

Of course they are different, but I think you understand the analogy.

 

I think we know what you mena, but they are off in another way too.

You know how long your battery lasts - you don't know when and if your tyre fails - that's a "freak event".

 

Have you ever heard the old saying, that one about the best laid plans of mice and men...?

Yawh!

That logic doesn't follow at all.

 

Sorry,saying aren't my strong point.

That logic does follow, as your previous statements were "spare batteries is a must".
In a way it follows from that that 1 spare is good 2 is better etc.
But then you have all your different devices...

Thus a generator is best.

Be careful with blanket statements

 

There's really not many more accessories you'll need for the average gamer as the G51J already comes with a free bag and gaming mouse. However, like others have mentioned, depending on your usage, you may considering the following accessories (some have been mentioned before).

USB hub, TV tuner, car power adapter, extra battery, cooling pad, Kensington lock, neoprene laptop sleeve, screen protector/privacy filter, keyboard protector, laptop cleaning supplies (screen cleaner, compressed air, microfiber cloth), external HDD, external speakers, (gaming) headset.

 

get a bag that doesn't look like a laptop bag. - rucksacks ftw

this is so you don't get mugged and have your new laptop stolen!

 

* Docking station (if a proprietary one exists for your particular laptop).
* Bluetooth wireless mouse.
* Mouse Pad (for above)
* CompactFlash or SD adapter to read digital memory cards (if necessary).
* Bluetooth headset (for VoIP stuff and webcam chats)
* Ethernet patch cable.
* Canada Customs Temporary Export Declaration (if in Canada)

 

This reminds me of something

With current optical mice most people no longer need a mouse pad.
(Exception for glass desks and reflective desks)
Anyway... if you are a gamer... I don't know, they seem to be slightly, hmm, obsessed, with expensive mousee and dedicated mousepads...

(I call my 56/60€ Vaio Bluetooth mouse very expensive... I just wanted that fee USB port and somehow like it with the Vaio label )

 

don't buy the sony tax. you have much better options at a much cheaper price.

 

I would avoid Bluetooth mice (except the Orochi, but only because of its wired mode) and headsets; they're not really great for gaming.

 

You do when coming to visit me and/or my office, because I don't want your scratch marks on my nice wooden surfaces .

 

In that case I'm my own desk
(Optical mouses work on your leg as well at least on woolen trousers)

But speaking of scratches - a mouse shouldn't scratch a surface - I know it doesn't for me.