Got a new SZ, what are the must have accessories?

I just picked up a SZ220 yesterday and have been scanning the forums for various stuff but haven't found a consolidated list of cool accessories for these laptops. If a list like that exists, could someone point me to it?

If not, please post here any accessories you've got that you've been really happy with.

Thanks

 

ZeroShockIII sleeve from Shinza is a must have case.

 

hey IsLNdbOi i was wondering does this zeroshock III fit the sz series cuz it says 13 inch laptops not 13.3 might be a stupid question but just wanna make sure. and also do you really think it is better than all the other neoprene cases in shock absorption?
http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=96

 

Yeah, these ZeroShock cases from Shinza are very good at protecting notebooks from falls, bumps, etc.. Not sure about the size. Check out SonyStyle and get the SZ's dimensions, then compare with the internal dimensions of the ZeroShock listed on Shinza's site. These ZeroShock cases are made by a company called "Elecom". They don't officially sell stuff in the USA and Shinza is their only authorized reseller here I think. Don't buy the knockoffs on eBay.

 

The first two accessories I got for my SZ was a wireless mouse, and a keyboard protector. The mouse is from Creative - it was only 15$ and works great so far. If you have other uses for your 2 USB ports I would suggest getting a blue tooth mouse, if you have the money go for the one from Sony. As for the keyboard protector their about 15$ as well on eBay.

 

Both a mouse and a keyboard protector are good things to get as well. I'd recommend one of Logitech's wireless laser mice for notebooks. The VX Revolution is a good one. It's compact and the receiver for the mouse actually stores inside the mouse when not in use. There are a number of people on eBay selling the keyboard protectors.

 

i hade a keyboard protector for my acer ferrari i didnt like it much it was really annoying

 

Yeah, keyboard protectors aren't for everyone. It's just nice to protect the keys though and not have to buy a new keyboard for your notebook a couple of years after when the keys start to wear out.

Another nice thing about them is that they dampen the keyboards clicking sound which is useful when typing in class or in a meeting.

 

the only reason i had bought it was because i didnt want hairs and other stuff to fall inside.

 

Logitech V270 BT mouse.

 

From the discussions on this thread, I ended up buying a customized ShaggyMac keyboard/LCD protector ---- which is very, very nice.

I also bought a MS wireless mouse. Very handy! My Kensington laptop bag holds my SZ, and everything I need for it, quite nicely.

 

Logitech V270 Bluetooth Notebook mouse...best purchase I made for my SZ. Works flawlessly with Vista's BT stack.

 

get the dock for it, makes life easier when you're leaving your house.

 

Thanks for the suggestions so far. The ShaggyMac looks interesting and I'm definitely getting a BT mouse.

Is there anything cool for the express card slot?

 

For $50 I bought a 3M privacy filter from Best Buy (14"). This is supposed to block people from seeing your screen at an angle - for that purpose it is ok, I'm using it more for protecting the screen. It does make your screen a little bit harder to see as it darkens the screen a bit. I cut it down w/ a paper cutter to fit the smaller SZ screen and the extra actually was big enough to make a privacy screen for my cellphone - a Tmobile Dash.

Also if you live near one of the CompUSA stores that are closing they've got tons of stuff being discounted. I just bought for my laptop:
APC Universal Battery (reg. price $160, bought for $109)
Mini notebook Bluetooth mouse (has rechargeable batteries inside that charge off USB), works perfectly and small enough to be portable yet comfortable to use $18 , reg. $39, brand was Brooksomething
Allsop notebook/monitor stand $14, reg. $29 (it has holes on the surface for good flow beneath the laptop. I zip tied an Vantec combo cooler fan/USB hub to the underneath so it makes a neat little docking station.

I also bought one of those Kensington 120W ac/dc slim chargers from an ebay vendor for $35 shipped. It has been working great so far, I keep it in my bag since is is skinnier than the Sony AC which I use plugged in at home.

 

I also just got one of these to go into my pcmcia slot, its a little storage box that can hold things like memory cards and stuff.

Was going to get that Mogo Bluetooth mouse that hides and charges in your PCMCIA slot, but that thing doesn't have a scroll wheel, yet.

 

very cool revolve, do you have any pics of how far it sticks out of the slot? That is better than a blanking plate, I'm gonna pick one up.

FWIW the stashcard website has these on sale for $7.95 with free shipping:

http://wirelessgardenstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=312

 

thanks for the other link, my sister who just bought the same Vaio wants one too, so'll point her out to the other link. You know sometimes I scare myself, because I pick up my Vaio and I hear some loose metalic clunks inside - it takes me a couple seconds to remember that the stashcard is in there w/ some microsd & minisd adapters! I

 

Creative PCMCIA Sound Blaster® Audigy® 2 ZS Notebook

 

How could you compare this new one with SZ's original sound quality?

 

Laggy.
All of Creative's Audigy solutions for notebooks have been littered with bloated drivers and a lag which is more apparent compared to the slot in card for desktops.

If sound quality if really important to you, a notebook isn't the best choice to work with. The Audigy offers more sound streams at the cost of performance. And you must be willing to pay for this.

 

Although I use wifi and bluetooth connections for peripherals as much as possible, I still find useful Targus UltraMini USB Hub for the other gadgets which don't have wireless capability. Check it out. http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=ACH74US