So what all do I need?

My HP nc8430 is shipping today...

So.. I wanna get one of dem dere heat dissapation pads to help extend the life of my laptop because I don't plan on doing ALOT of hardcore gaming on it.. but, I do plan on squeezing at least one game of F.E.A.R. out of it along with a good bit of oblivion... so that will get hot.. and if the heat dissapation pad helps.. then I'll get it..

So.. any idea where I can get a good one offline? would radioshack typically carry them?

Also.. any idea on good backpacks? I want the messenger style.. and I want a good one.. (i'm tired of my regular old back pack.. to me the messenger style looks alot better..less nerdy I guess)

Along with the back pack i need a mouse.. so.. will any ol mouse do? or should I aim for a specialized gaming mouse? I am asking because I have never used a gaming mouse.. and most mice I have used all work the same..

Final question.. anything I miss? backpack, mouse heat dissapation pad.. anything else I need... or that would be highly recommended?

 

It sounds like you've thought of everything, Snow_fox. And I've actually seen the heat dissapation pads at Wal-mart, but I can't speak to their quality.

 

well since I have everything down pat.. can ya give me any suggestions on mice? will a high quality mouse be that much different from a regular mouse? or is it one of those thing you don't really notice? I mean I do know some more expensive mice have nicer features but, it doesn't seem worth 50 dollars just to have "quick zoom" on a mouse... I do want a nice gaming mouse.. but, I am really not looking to shell out more then maybe 20 dollars... Buying a laptop is enough of a hassel.. now.. I just want a solid mouse.. wireless or not.. my laptop will come with bluetooth if that makes any difference... All I want is no lag and decent precision..

So should I just go with a regular mouse? or should I aim for a nice gaming mouse? or what?

 

Yes, a good mouse is definitely worth it. I like mice that are heavier. Check out the Logitech gaming mice. It's not so much the extra features as the better feel. Go to CompUSA/BestBuy/OfficeDepot and try some out to find what you like. I put $25 into my IOGear 1600 laser mouse, and I love it. I'd highly suggest getting a laser mouse instead of a standard optical if you want precision. Just keep in mind that the mouse and keyboard are what you spend ALL your time at the computer with. Isn't it worth having a good input interface?

 

I second the recommendation for a good gaming mouse--especially if you're going to be playing FPS like FEAR.

What you're looking for is a high-level of adjustable sensitivity--capable of 1600 dpi or so. And if you go wireless make sure you get one with a fast connection--like 2.4 GHz to reduce lag in FPS.

I have the G7--you could probably find good deals for them online as they're usually much more expensive in stores. To me it's worth the money--2000 dpi, fast wireless connection and two rechargeable batteries.

I didn't realize how much my gaming experience in FPS was lacking with standard wireless optical mice until I stepped up to the G7.

 

I guess I will have to go try them in person.. I don't mind splurging a little in a good mouse that will last a life time(there will always be something better out.. but, its hard to beat something your comfortable with). I want a good mouse thats easy on the wallet lol..

So let me ask.. what is a good place to draw the line? I don't mind going to 25 and adjusting sensativity sounds like a must.. but, also I don't want to get carried away with the details... With my computer I obsessed over details.. now.. I want to just be able to pick something decent and run with it.. if ya know what I mean.

 

Hah, you'll end up spending 10% of the notebooks cost in accessories, nice, join the club

As for mice, for gaming Logitech and Razer both are above the crowd, with their G series and the Copperheads respectively.

However, if you just want a no frills mouse, whether wired or not, I'd still look at Logitech, their mice are one of the best in terms of quality to price, and their customer support is above average.

 

Logitech mice are very nice. I have owend several, and the only reason is because they keep coming out with never, better mice. It you take some time to look around the logitech website, somethign with likely catech your attention. Just keep your eyes and mind open about it at this point.

 

I bought a $20 mini wired optical mouse by Logitech about three years ago. I've sent that thing through hell and back and its untouched other than a tiny scuff. They are extremely reliable and mine is comfortable for me. Just go to a store and get your hands on a few, to see what you like. As for a messenger bag, I have one made by targus. Its made to fit a 17" notebook, but they have plenty of 15.4" ones. Targus is a great brand for the money. I also have a Targus chill mat that has usb ports on it. Haven't had a problem with it, I do wish it had more fan power, but its silent, so I can't argue. Have fun picking everything out.

 

Logitech It is I suppose.

10% of the laptop cost?

my nc8430 was 2600 dollars with taxes and such!! so thats 260 dollars in a bag, mouse and cooling pad? 0.o

Oh well today is pay day.. plus I get my cred card soon.. so.. I guess if I get my laptop soon I will get to go shopping this weekend! (which can be fun).. especially since I get to go try out stuff!

I guess I will go to best buy or somewhere and check out the mice they have..

 

I'd go with logitech G5 personally. Its not wireless but it will last longer then the G7. Don't get me wrong the G7 is a great mouse, But I've always liked how the G5 felt to me(The textured holding areas).

 

Hey Snow_fox, I just got my laptop as well (e1505/6400) and am already shopping for accessories. So far I have:

Ipod Nano 1 gb - right after my 14 day warranty, the new designs came out. I had this before I got the laptop but I guess you could count this as a computer accessories.

Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T5 - compact and stylish camera with a nice big screen. Sadly no view finder.

Note - Same as the Ipod.

GameBrigde - Tv Tuner for video game system. The device is actually not bad as I thought it would be. I do not have any lag when playing games such as Devil May Cry 3 and Resident Evil 4 (GCN). The frame could of been better but you pay for what you get.

V270 Logitech Mouse - Function just like a regular Mouse but with bluetooth. The mouse does not lag or stop as others have claim.

Interlink Remote Controller - bluetooth remote controller with rechargeable battery when inserted into the express card slot. So far so good, only complain is the controller need to be manually be connected in order to work when rebooting or just getting started.

Targus Messenger Bag - fit the 15.4" laptop just fine.

Right now, I am thinking of getting one of those flash drive as I need to back up some music/movie/document file. I am thinking of getting the 2 gb sandisk cruzer but I don't know if its worth spending more for more speed.

^Just listing some of the accessories that may grab your attention. If I calculated the total amount of my computer's accessories. I spend more than 10% of what I pay for my laptop . Is there a 10%+ club I can join?

 

As for a messenger style bag... check out these sites
www.ebags.com <-- start here for general bag stuff
www.timbuk2.com <-- a lot of custom bag options
www.chromebags.com <-- i have one of these, theyre cool.

As usual, people will tell you to get a backpack and give you everything about messengers distributing the weight poorly, etc. etc. They're entitled to their opinions and you're entitled to yours. As long as you get a good bag that has a good strap and you don't load it up too much, you should be fine. If you plan on doing a lot of walking, i woud suggest a backpack, but once again, it's your call.

As far as any bags go, you can get a "laptop bag" but you don't have to. I'd say get whatever bag you like, make sure it's big enough to fit your laptop and get a nice sleeve. If you get a good sleeve that has handles, you don't even have to worry about the extra weight and you can carry the laptop at your side. This is what I usually do.

Anyway. good luck and as usual, feel free to ask questions or comment.

 

The gamebridge definitly caught my eye.

Already had a 30 gig ipod thou felt that if I was going to pay 100 dollars for 1 gig.. may as well pay an extra 100 and get 30x as much.. wasn't willing to go for a 60 gig thou.. thats.. wayyy overkill.

As to the messenger bag... unless there is another style thats cooler.. I'm going with the messenger. I'm a guy so I don't care about "weight distribution" its 6 pounds.. I carried over like 30 pounds of books in my back pack in 5th grade.. so a 6 pound "notebook" probably isn't going to hurt anymore me anymore then the educational system has.

 

i am using iDock product.
i am an IBM fans for four years.i suffer from aggravating neck and shoulder strain sustained from awkward typing positions while using the laptop. the iDock does help a lot to improve their bad posture.
you could re-direct to http://idock.com.cn
it is more than a cooler pad