Laptop on the way... what else to buy?

Soon (Though Ive learned this term is relative) I will be the owner of an IFL90. I'll be a frosh in college this fall so I want to prepare for having the notebook in the dorm and also the usual stuff. This will be my first notebook.
I was just hoping you could give your preference/advice on some acessories and perhaps give some ideas for others items that are usefull.

-Printer
Just something cheap that will print papers and diagrams in color. I'll go somewhere else if I want to print a photo.

-Lock?
I am worried about laptop theft on a college campus, and some people have recommended a lock such as kensignton. Any experience here?

-Security software?
Whatever that program is that will track a stolen computer. Is it worth buying?

-Surge protector
I think I'm required to have one... Any best bets here?

-Mouse
Im sure there are alot of options here. Looking for a good mix of daily use and also occasional gaming.

-Anything else?
Again, this will be my first notebook so I really dont have a great idea of usefull things to have, although the above should cover most of it.

Thanks for any input

 

Congratulations on the notebook & college. The IFL90 is a fine machine.

Locks - I like the Targus DEFCON locks:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsid=3361
They are a bit on the expensive side but a four figure investment is worth protecting.

Surge protector - I'd go for a portable surge protector so you can take it everywhere with you. I don't have any specific recommendations though.

Mouse - A personal favorite of mine is the Microsoft Wireless Optical Notebook Mouse 3000:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105042
Inexpensive, portable, feels great.
If you want to go all out then there is the Logitech VX. It's $79.99 retail, although I have seen it on sale for less than $50. Keep an eye out.

Anything else - how about a bag/sleeve/both? I personally recommend WaterField Designs, they'll custom fit you a sleeve:
http://www.sfbags.com/index.htm
Excellent service, and awesome products. I have yet to see better made bags/sleeves. I reviewed some here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2688
They are expensive. You could just pick up a sleeve (not that much $) and then get a bag somewhere else if you want to save money.

 

For printers, I recommend either Canon or HP. I have used both regular printers and all-in-ones by both companies. Canon printers usually require 5 cartridges whereas HP requires 2. However, the total money spent on the cartridges come to about the same price.

I have never used a lock, but am considering getting one for college also!

As for security, I recommend Kaspersky or I believe there are free versions of NOD32, which is almost as good as Kaspersky.

For surge protectors, I use either Belkin or APC. I usually use APC for all my backup power though, but it functions as both a surge protector and backup battery.

For my mouse, I am using a keyboard/mouse combination: Logitech MX3200 I believe it is called. The laser mouse is great for surfing the web or gaming and the keyboard I use for typing up long papers.

You might also want to consider a case for your laptop, a USB Hub, and speakers if you aren't satisfied with the one built in your laptop.

Hope this helps!

 

Depending on the specs, you might want to look into a cooling pad as well.

 

1.) I really recommend a laser printer if you will be mostly printing B&W. Hallmates/roommates will have a color printer for you to borrow if you need it occasionally. I have a HP 1020 laserjet and love it. I did not need to print a single color page for school work the whole year. Of course, the type of printing depends on your field and classes. Make sure that you take into account the cost of cartridges when you shop for inkjets: often the cheaper printers have more expensive/shorter-lasting cartridges.

2.) A lock would be a good idea. I used a kensington notebook lock with good result. I kept my compute locked around the bedframe while I was in the dorm. They are easy to attach/remove and will keep your computer in your possesion. (in my experience) people keep their doors open pretty much all of the time, and you want to drive the thief onto the next *easier* target.

3.) This may be over-kill; I'll let others chime in on this issue.

4.) Get a reliable brand-some offer monetary compensation if a surge fries your equipment. Also remember that some devices will use large adapters which may require more than one socket. Some surges offer better placement of plugs than others.

5.) I use a Logitech V270 Bluetooth mouse and love it--I too ocasionally game and it suffices. It's a somewhat smaller mouse with excellent battery life and is very affordable. I have changed the batteries once since buying it last August.

6.) You may want an external hard drive/USB thumb drive; blank DVDs and CDs will come in handy as will certain cables (Cat 5 for example)

Good luck!

 

LoJack is what you're looking for. Might be worth it in a dorm.

I ordered a Belkin 2-Outlet travel surge protector, but you may want an in-line surge protector for easier portability at school.

I got the Logitech VX Revolution. It's highly rated & only $29.99 after rebate from TigerDirect.com.

A good case or notebook backpack would be a neccessity if you plan on carrying your notebook to class.

Other optionals are external monitor/speakers/keyboard if you want a desktop experience when in your dorm room. But these may be overkill in a dorm.

 

Thanks for the replies,
as far as a case goes I have a Targus backpack I got with a gift card that will likely be where I keep it and move it around in.
A question about the locks... taking the DEFCON lock for example, does the lock come off with the cable, or when on the go is there a little nub sticking out of the side of the laptop? Are there any compatability issues or sould one lock work with most?

 

There is a small hole on the side or at the back of a laptop, forget what its called but you stick your lock in there when you need to lock it and comes off when you don't. Some nubs open up when locked so you can;t remove the lock from the laptop. The hole should be made of metal.

 

Ok cool, I'll be ordering a lock sometime.
What is the price range of a BW laser printer? I have one now but it is falling apart (dinasour), so I need a new one anyway.

 

Probably $75-$100 for a cheap one, maybe even less.

 

I bought the HP 1018 Laser Printer for $80. Toner cartridge costs about $50, but the printer comes with one.