Essential Laptop Accessories

Essential laptop accessories are a crucial factor in significantly enhancing the user experience. They not only increase productivity but also boost comfort and ease of use, contributing to a comfortable work environment and reducing strain. Although laptops offer a comprehensive experience, adding these carefully selected accessories can make a significant difference in your daily performance and interaction with your device.

Portable Displays

The advantages of multi-monitor setups are no longer limited to desktop computers. With the evolution of portable displays, you can now enjoy a second screen wherever you are, greatly enhancing productivity. These displays are ideal for travelers, professionals, and students looking to expand their workspace for an improved viewing experience. They feature easy, instant setup, drawing power directly from your laptop, without the need for complex software or additional connections.

Among the most recommended options in this field are: Plugable 15.6-inch Portable Monitor (an economical and practical choice with pass-through charging and a matte FHD screen), Uperfect True 4K Portable Monitor (an ultra-slim design measuring 15.6 inches and 0.5 inches thick, brightness up to 600 nits, and comes with a versatile smart cover that doubles as a stand, at a competitive price), in addition to ViewSonic VX1655 (a luxurious option offering a 4K OLED screen, built-in speakers, and a stand, praised for its superior visual quality that provides an immersive viewing experience).

External Storage Units

Obtaining a laptop with larger storage capacity often presents a financial challenge. Therefore, investing in external SSD storage units is an economical and flexible solution to expand data storage and perform important backups. These drives offer high speed and efficiency, making them essential for professionals and students alike to maintain data security.

Among the most prominent recommended drives are: Lexar SL500 (features a 1TB capacity, read speeds up to 2,000MB/s and write speeds of 1,800MB/s, all in a credit card size, making it extremely portable). For those seeking superior durability, WD My Passport Ultra is recommended (comes with a sturdy metal casing, offers AES 256-bit encryption, with the included WD Backup software for easy backups). However, if security is your highest priority, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of the most secure options on the market (provides hardware-level AES-XTS 256-bit encryption, is certified with the stringent FIPS 140-3 Level 3 standard, and features an alphanumeric keypad for password entry, ensuring maximum protection for your data).

Power Banks

Carrying traditional laptop chargers presents a challenge due to their large size and reliance on a power outlet, which limits portability and productivity while on the go. The optimal solution is to invest in high-performance power banks, which provide mobile power for your device. When choosing a suitable portable charger for your laptop, two essential features should be prioritized: battery capacity and wattage. It is preferable to choose a capacity of no less than 20,000 mAh to ensure efficient battery charging, and at least 100W for fast charging.

Among the excellent options available in the market are: Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh 130W (known for its superior power, features three ports allowing simultaneous charging of multiple devices, at an approximate price of $70), in addition to Cuktech P-Series 25,000mAh 210W (a premium option featuring a huge battery, elegant design, and a detailed information display about battery status and voltage, providing a comprehensive charging experience).

Docking Stations (Docks) and USB Hubs

With the continuous evolution of laptops towards thinner and lighter designs, this often comes at the expense of the number of available ports. This is where the utmost importance of docking stations (Docks) and USB hubs lies, as they offer an ideal solution for connecting multiple devices and enhancing connectivity to your device.

Among the notable recommendations in this area are: EZQuest 6-in-1 USB-C Slim Hub Adapter (features a pocket-friendly size and lightweight design, providing six USB-C ports: four for 10Gbps data transfer, one supporting 4K video signal at 60Hz, and another supporting 100W power delivery, with a detachable cable and a durable aluminum casing to ensure reliable performance). If you are looking for an option that offers greater power and flexibility, the Belkin Connect 11-in-1 Universal USB-C Pro Dock is recommended (supports HDMI video output, provides stable wired internet connections via Ethernet, in addition to SD card slots, and a wide range of Thunderbolt ports to meet all your needs).

Lightweight Laptop Mice

While the built-in trackpad on a laptop suffices for basic browsing, investing in a dedicated laptop mouse provides superior precision and speed and comfort, which are crucial advantages for increasing productivity during long working hours and for reducing eye and hand strain. A wireless mouse is an excellent choice for improving daily work performance.

Among the available options that offer better performance are: HP 280 (an economical option, quiet, with a long battery life of up to 18 months, with an ergonomic and compact design that makes it easy to carry), Logitech MX Anywhere 3 (a premium option combining lightweight design with a battery life of up to 70 hours, and a comfortable, durable design available in four attractive colors, in addition to the ability to connect to three different devices easily). However, if portability is your top priority, we recommend trying Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 M350s (features a flat and elegant design, making it ideal for use in small spaces, comfortable and easy to use, with a battery life of up to 24 months).