Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Guide to Shopping for Computer Accessories

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So, you've purchased a new desktop or laptop. You're done, right? Perhaps not. You may find that you need to purchase some accessories, like keyboards and external hard drives, to enhance your computer. Let's have a look at what you might need to buy.

Although a computer is a powerful tool, it doesn't work on its own. In order for it to function, you need to at least have a keyboard and a mouse, as well as a display. These are included in laptops, but even then you might want to buy extras if you feel the ones included in the laptop are too small.

Add to that a wide variety of useful extras, like external hard drives, webcams and speakers, and you have yourself a buffet of accessory options. Which ones do you really need? And what are the best in each category? Let's find out.

Keyboards

Keyboardsclick to enlarge

An essential part of every computer is the keyboard. Without it, you can't send emails to friends, write papers or even input your password for payment. Although bargain-priced keyboards are a dime a dozen (almost literally) some users might want to spend more on a keyboard with advanced features, such as mechanical key switches (which make typing more comfortable) or extra macro keys (which gamers can use for a competitive edge).

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The most expensive keyboards are over $100, which seems a bit much. But then again, the keyboard is the second most used accessory for most users, right behind the display.

The Best Gaming Keyboards The Best Wireless Keyboards Logitech Wave Keyboard Review How to Choose the Right Ergonomic Keyboard Keyboard Technology Explained Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Review Microsoft Wireless Desktop Elite Review How to Use an Apple Keyboard with Windows Mice

Touch screens may be cool, but 99.9% of computers still use the mouse as the primary means of moving a cursor about the display and navigating menus. A good mouse should be smooth and comfortable to use for long periods of time, and it should have a few extra functional options, such as a scroll wheel.

Some mice are targeted towards gamers or professionals and feature eight, seven, or even more buttons. Though rare, they can be handy if your situation calls for the extra inputs.

The Best Bluetooth Wireless Mice The Best Ergonomic Mice The Best Mouse for the MacBook Pro The Best Mice for Artists and Graphic Designers The Best Wireless Mice The Best Wireless Touchpads How to Choose the Best Mouse Displays

Computer monitors are essential, and they come in a wide range of sizes and models. Some are extremely basic but also inexpensive, while others offer cutting-edge image quality - at a high price.

The best monitor for you will be determined by your needs. If you are buying for a home office computer, a basic monitor should be fine. On the other hand, graphic designers need high-quality displays capable of accurate color reproduction. Users who enjoy games and movies fall somewhere in-between. The articles below should guide you in the right direction.

Displayclick to enlarge

The Best 30 Inch Monitors The Best Inexpensive Computer Monitors Choosing the Best Settings for a LCD Display The Complete Guide to Computer Monitors How to Pick the Best Computer Monitor for Digital Image Editing Top Rated 1080p Displays Top Rated Energy Star Monitors Using Your TV as a Computer Display External Hard Drives

For most users, buying an external hard drive is the easiest way to expand a computer's long-term memory. Internal hard drives are a bit cheaper, but much harder to install.

External drives are also one of the best ways to backup or move large amounts of data. If you are like me and you do a lot of work on your computer, you need to back up that work frequently. An external hard drive is usually the best way to do that.

The Best External Hard Drives for Sharing Digital Photos The Best External Hard Drives for Macs The Best Self-Powered External Hard Drives Configuring a Backup with an External Hard Drive The Complete External Hard Drive Guide Exploring External Hard Drive Solutions ioSafe Solo External Hard Drive Review How to Encrypt an External Hard Drive Western Digital vs Seagate Drives Webcams

Webcamsclick to enlargeOnline video is very common today, and services such as Skype make it easier than ever before to enjoy face-to-face communication with people thousands of miles away. Webcams vary significantly and price and quality. The cheapest are a good choice for those who only plan to use them on occasion, while those who frequently contact friends might want an HD capable webcam with high image quality. Check out these articles for some recommendations.

The Best Webcams for Skype FIve Reasons to Buy a Webcam Five Top Rated Cheap Webcams Five Ways to Use a Webcam Monitors with Built-in Webcams Webcam Installation 101 Conclusion

The above guides and articles can help you with specific types of equipment, but what if you're looking for more information about computer accessories in general? We have a few more articles that cover this, as well. When you're done with the above, check out these four must-read accessory guides.

Best Tablet Docks Computer Accessory Shopping for Kids Computer Accessories for Sports Fans Windows Gaming Accessories and More ReferencesBright Hub: The Complete Guide to Computer Monitors http://www.brighthub.com/guides/computer-monitors.aspxImage: Web Tech Point

Image: Geek Alerts

Image: Dell

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