Trendy laptop accessories you can buy

If you own a laptop, you probably will have all the essential laptop accessories which include an external mouse, laptop bag, a hard drive and a case with it and more. While these laptop accessories are important and something you already have, there are a few others that will provide protection. You can totally get to accessorize your laptop in a way that will not only compliment your laptop but also make things convenient for you. Some of the laptop accessories are also trendy yet useful. Some of the laptop accessories are also unconventional and yet useful.

If you have just bought a MacBook, here are a few laptop accessories you can consider buying:

Covers and cases for MacBook

This might seem like something common, using a cover on your Mac is not something new or different. However, this is not about the normal colorful cases we find everywhere. There are heavy duty protective cases made of thermoplastic polyurethane material that protect your laptop from any external shock. Apart from protecting your MacBook, these types of laptop cases can give your Mac a distinct look. There are many laptop accessories available across online marketplaces at affordable prices. Ensure you do not compromise on the durability of the case for your laptop.

Headphone hook

You can now place a headphone hook on your MacBook and hang your headphone on it. The hook is usually placed on the frame of your laptop’s monitor with the main hook facing the back. This will keep your headphone close to you while you are working on your MacBook. This hook can be used on other laptops as well.

Stash card

Stash card is a card holder that you can stick or place under your laptop. You can keep your memory cards in this stash card holder, so it never gets misplaced and will be with you whenever you need it while you are using your laptop. One can also keep debit or credit cards temporarily.

Washable keyboard protector

While purchasing a laptop make sure you buy a washable keyboard protector as it will provide complete protection and usability of your laptop. Waterproof and spill-proof keyboard protectors are also available to keep your keyboards safe from any damages. Different laptops may feature slightly different key spacing or arrangement, leading to ill-fitting protectors. In this case, make sure you check your laptop’s key spacing and buy one that fits well.

Portable charger

ChargeTech has introduced a new charger for laptops, along with iPads, mobile phone and more. You can charge many gadgets using this all in one portable charger.

Laptop cover
One of the most useful laptop accessories is a laptop cover. It is a great way to protect your laptop from any damage. It takes care of any spillage, scratches, and also dust. Laptop covers are available for all types of laptop. If you own a MacBook, you will find varieties of covers.

USB port hub

This laptop accessory is essential as USB ports can help you multitask. USB port hubs can be useful for MacBook users as the number of USB ports in MacBooks are lesser than Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc..

Screen protectors

You can find laptop screen protectors on various ecommerce websites. They protect your screen from any scratches and fingerprints. It is easier to clean as well. Some screen protectors also provide anti-glare technology which will help reduce mirror reflections in bright lighting.

The above mentioned laptop accessories are some of the off-beat ones that up should consider buying to keep your laptops protected at all times. Make sure you don’t compromise on the quality and price value of the accessories.

5 useful tips to save money on printing

The cost of a printer is one of the most important considerations that anyone interested in buying printers and scanners must have. When it comes to printing devices, the total cost of a printer goes way beyond the mere price of the machine. The overall cost of a printer usually involves long term expenses like replacement of cartridges, papers, maintenance of the device, and more.

Often many low priced printers and scanners eventually incur massive functional costs. Since this cost can be a significant setback, it is essential that you know about the type of expense you may incur. While speculating or forecasting the price of your printers and scanners, it is essential you keep a tab on the amount you choose to spend for your printing needs. If you are looking to make a new purchase, it is necessary for you to ensure that you work out the running costs before selecting a particular printer. While most printers and scanners and ink cartridges come with an advertised capacity pointing to the number of pages a cartridge is expected to print, these estimates are often manipulated. It is, therefore, important that you predict these costs based on your observation and some discretion. Here are some of the expected expenses you need to watch out for:

• Be aware of the types of running costs involved
  The running costs of most printers and scanners include the cost of ink and toner. To estimate this cost, it is important that you determine your printing requirements and compare the printing costs of each model of popular printers and scanners. Additionally, you must also ensure to check the costs of the ink or toner. Since most manufacturers aim to make their profits on cartridges, it is important that you pick printers and scanners carefully. Cheaper printers tend to have expensive inks and toners. Therefore, you must consider the overall cost of the printer before buying.
• Aim to calculate the cost per page
  To have a rough estimate of the cost per page, you must divide the cost of the toner or ink cartridge by the total number of pages the printer can cover. This may not give you an absolutely accurate figure; however, you can fairly estimate the approximate cost per page.
• Estimate the accurate forecast of cost per page
  To accurately estimate the cost per page, it is essential that you know the format and layout of the pages you would be printing. Any page coverage software can help you predict the price per page. This estimate can help you get to the best printer that would suit your needs. Once you combine the running cost along with the initial price of the printer, you can get a clear picture of the amount you would need to pay.
• Remember to monitor the printing cost
  Even when you buy from the most trusted manufacturer, ensure your set of printers comes with a printer maintenance or page counting software. The software can help you keep a tab on the number of pages you are able to print, and the amount of ink or toner used. This process can help you to approximately predict the performance of the printer and the need for any replacement ink cartridges, and the like.
• Other useful tips
  Several other simple hacks can save you some printing cost. Things like printing a page weekly can keep your printers in a good condition. This would also avoid frequent printer repairs. Another simple way that can help you save some money is avoiding turning printers on and off. Additionally, buying compatible ink cartridges along with good quality paper can help save substantially on overall printing costs.

7 things to remember before buying printers and scanners

According to popular beliefs, and as technology advances, most features tend to get more sophisticated. While this holds true specifically for gadgets, in the printers and scanners industry, this is not the norm. In case of printers and scanners, most innovative features are usually either unimportant or redundant. It is, therefore, essential to find a relevant factor to make your purchase. It is for this very reason that buying printers and scanners is a tough decision that requires some brainstorming and ample amount of research. To help you buy better, here are some of the things you must consider while printers and scanners.

• Know your requirements
  While several feature loaded printers and scanners may tempt you, it is necessary that you fully understand your requirements and needs before looking for any printing devices. While all-in-one or multi-speciality printers are of great significance at offices that require you to scan, copy, fax, and print frequently, such a device may not primarily be of any utility if you have occasional printing needs at home. Similarly, considering your space is another critical parameter you must consider. If you have a space restraint, buying multi-speciality printers and scanners is the way to go.
• Size
  One of the easiest ways to find the best printers and scanners would be choosing the size of the printer. The size of a printer device primarily depends on your printing requirements, space availability, and personal preference. Based on your space conditions, you can decide to buy the type of printer that suits your condition best.
• Wi-fi and network connectivity
  Since most advanced all-in-one printers and scanners come with an inbuilt wireless connection, it is crucial that you have a reliable WiFi or USB connection to ensure uninterrupted printer access. If your office is home-based, it is imperative that you have a secure wi-fi connection to ensure you can connect to more than one systems.
• Pick the one with an excellent customer support
  Unlike smaller printers, large printers and scanners mostly have a great deal of upkeep and maintenance requirements. To make the maintenance process hassle-free, ensure you buy printers and scanners that have promising warranties and satisfying support services. It is always better to choose a device that has a helpful customer support system in place instead of the one that lacks it.
• Dual printing
  One of the most neglected features while buying most printers and scanners is considering duplex printing. Since most offices require printed reports on both the sides of the sheet, it is important you buy printers that come with a duplex printing compatibility. While most all-in-one devices lack this feature, it is essential you choose a model that suits your printing needs.
• Price
  Quite like most purchases, it is a good idea to consider the overall price of the printer to come to a buying decision. When it comes to printers and scanners, the price is not merely restricted to the device alone. Various functional costs including printing supplies like paper, cartridges, etc. and maintenance costs make up the overall cost of most printers and scanners. It is, therefore, essential to consider all potential expenses involved while buying a printer.
• Type of printer
  The sheer amount of options in printers is enough to make purchasing printers a tough job. However, if you know the type of printer you are looking for, you may swiftly be able to navigate through the sea of unnecessary feature-laden devices. The type of printer you choose directly depends on the type of printing you intend to do. It is, therefore, important that you ask yourself what and how much printing you are likely to do.

Finding printers and scanners is not very difficult. Whether you need these devices for business, printing photos, office work, or for class assignments, there are a variety of printers and scanners available suitable for every need. With the tips given here, you can simplify your buying decision and get the right model for your space. 

Check for available space
Printers and scanners vary in size, and this is why knowing the amount of space available on your desk at home or office is important. With limited space, you may consider choosing a small, compact printer and scanner or an all-in-one printer. But for large workplaces, you can buy a separate printer and scanner. 

Paper-handling capacity matters
If you need to scan multiple-page documents frequently, choose a scanner with an automatic document feeder that will help you save time and money. Also, you may want to check the pages the scanner can handle per minute. There are faster scanners available for those who need speed but are on the pricier side. For printing jobs, laser printers usually produce higher quality printouts faster. Inkjet printers produce printouts ranging anywhere between 5 and 25 pages per minute. 

Higher dpi is always better
The print and scan quality are typically measured in dots per inch (dpi). For best quality print, laser printers are a great option if budget is not an issue. The general resolution range is 600 to 1200 dpi. For the best print and scan quality, choose printers and scanners with a higher dpi. 

Consider the cost of consumables
While buying printers and scanners, you must always account for the cost of consumables. The purchase price is just not enough as the cost of consumables can go well above the purchase price. Calculate the total paper and ink or toner cartridge costs to determine whether the device is ideal for your budget. 

Connectivity options should be diverse
The modern printers offer multiple connectivity options including USB, Ethernet, Wi-fi, Wi-fi Direct, NFC, Cloud printing, and SD cards. For better mobility, choose a printer with wireless connectivity. Wi-fi Direct allows you to begin using the printer almost immediately as it connects directly to your Wi-fi connection without needing to plug in the router. Also, make sure the printer is compatible with whatever device you plan to use it.

These tips should be enough for you to go on to buy the printer and scanner that best suit your needs and budget. 

Popular types of printers and scanners that you must know about

With so many kinds of printers and scanners available, buying the one best for you can get slightly tricky. If you are a first-time buyer and do not have a fax or scanner machine, browsing through some multifunction printers may be a good idea. However, such a device may not be of utility to those who wish to buy printers and scanners only for occasional printing. For people with fewer printing needs, an inkjet printer may, therefore, be a more prudent choice. However, if you are part of an organization that requires regular prints in large quantities, you could look for laser printers and scanners. Since different types of printers are designed to fulfil different printing needs, it is essential that you only buy printers considering your requirements. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a list of some of the popular types of printers and scanners to watch out for:

• Multifunction printers
  As the name suggests, multifunction printers are devices that amalgamate various printing functions into a single all-in-one unit. Such a device is made to take care of all your printing, scanning, photocopying, and faxing needs. What makes these printers and scanners immensely popular is that they are available in such portable sizes that they can be accommodated onto even a small desk. Since they take up less room, these versatile and powerful machines are best for business owners who have space constraints. What’s more, multifunction printers and scanners are more economical than other printers in the long run. While these machines may seem more expensive than normal printers, these help lower running and functional costs.
• Inkjet printers and scanners
  Designed to print the document by spraying on the paper, inkjet printers are known to produce prints that have a resolution of 300 dots per inch. In some cases, inkjet printers and scanners can print with a resolution of 600 dots per inch. Inkjet printers, therefore, are best suited for printing reports and images. Inkjet printers and scanners are one of the most affordable devices that not only produce vivid colors but also deliver faster printing speeds. What’s more, these are one of the most user-friendly printers and scanners that make them an ideal device for business use.
• Laser printers
  Laser printers were designed in the 1960s by Xerox with the intent of utilizing a laser to print images into a copier. Since then, these printers are commonly used in large offices with heavy printing volumes. Laser printers and scanners are known to produce superior quality prints with a resolution of 600-1200 dots per inch. Since laser printers use toners in the form of black colored powder and not inks (that most printers use), these devices are extremely powerful in delivering better and brighter results. Some of the distinguishing features of laser printing include lighting-fast results, super-high resolution, smudge-free prints, massive volume printing, and the like. Apart from these, laser printers have better paper capacity, are more cost-efficient than Inkjets, and are highly reliable.
• Solid ink printers
  This unique, environment-friendly printing device uses an exclusive type of ink technology to increase overall printing quality. Such printers and scanners are made to reduce the expenses and save space on the packaging. By melting solid ink sticks during the process of printing, the printer delivers vibrant prints and high-quality tones.
• Dot-matrix (impact) printers
  These printers are usually the ones in which the printhead moves across the page that needs to be printed. These printers create characters or graphics with the use of a cluster of several pins. As the name suggests, such printers make utilize a series of dots to create characters or images. Since these printers have low-quality output, they are usually extremely cheap.

The various developments in the field of science and technology have enhanced our way of working. For instance, the time taken for us to look for some particular information has been reduced dramatically owing to one of the technological wonders—the computer. When the computer was invented, it brought in a wave of technological revolution that is here to stay. The modern-day computer has evolved from its initial days and has even manifested itself in the form of a laptop.

The computer and the Internet, when combined, have proven instrumental in aiding education, research, businesses, etc. Earlier, owning a computer was a big deal, however, since the computer has made itself indispensable to our lives, almost every household has a computer. Whenever we set out to buy a new computer, we are advised to buy computer accessories and peripherals. Some computer peripherals are integral to the functioning of the computer, while the others are optional.

If you are keen on buying computer accessories and peripherals, here are some amazing online stores to buy these from.

• Best Buy – Best Buy is the go-to store if electronic items are what you are about to buy. Everything, right from home appliances to computers and laptops are sold here. Best Buy is the home to all the best brands, and these are available at the right prices. Here, you will find a wide range of selection of popular computer accessories and peripherals to choose from. People are often hesitant to shop online for electronic things, but the quality is never an issue with Best Buy.
• Newegg – Newegg is amongst the most popular online site which caters especially to tech enthusiasts. Be it a computer or laptop you are looking for, or computer accessories and peripherals, Newegg is where you buy these from. If you are keen on building your own PC from scratch and are looking for authentic computer peripherals, you will find these at Newegg. Also, if you time your purchase during a sale, you are in for a treat. Everything will be available at amazing prices.
• NCIX – NCIX has risen to the level of its competitors in a short span of time. Shopping at NCIX is every techie’s delight since everything, right from the USB flash drive to the different computer accessories and peripherals required to build your own PC, is available at this online store. In a bid to stay on par with its competitors or excel in the field, the prices offered by NCIX are quite aptly priced, and if the price isn’t the issue here, all the products are of supreme quality.
• Amazon – Amazon is the ultimate shopping destination since it caters to almost every demands a consumer might ever have. You will find all the latest and amazing deals in Amazon’s electronics section. If computer accessories and peripherals are what you are looking for, you will find the best deals at Amazon. The prices and the quality assurance of these products are what makes Amazon a viable option.
• TigerDirect – In addition to having brick and mortar stores across different cities, TigerDirect also has a commendable presence online. There’s a wide range of selection of PC parts, ranging from memory devices to CPUs. Also, TigerDirect houses an extensive range of electronic items, which includes home appliances as well. If authentic products at the right price are what you wish to find, you can shop at this online store.
• Micro Center – Micro Center is synonymous with great products and great deals. Micro Center is also present in the form of brick and mortar stores and has an amazing online store as well. Both, the physical store and the online one is quite popular among tech enthusiasts since it stocks up the best gaming consoles, computer accessories and peripherals, and everything you need to make your own PC.

It is human tendency to scrutinize all aspects of the matter before we finally decide to buy it. Since we are spending a lot of money on such gadgets, it seems sensible to ensure that everything about it is fine. This tendency to double-check whether the product we are about to buy is exactly what it claims to be is necessary especially when you are shopping for the same online. Many times, what we order and what we get can be two different things entirely. So, one needs to exercise caution when they are buying something online.

If you are out to buy computer accessories and peripherals, you need to be assured that these are the ones perfect for your computer system. So, when you have decided to shop for computer accessories and peripherals online, here are some things you need to consider before adding these devices to your shopping cart.

• If you are planning on assembling your own PC, then the monitor is an important computer peripheral without which one cannot succeed in completing the task. So, when you decide to buy a monitor online, ensure that it is compatible with the computer’s video card. In case the video card isn’t compatible with the monitor, either upgrade the video card or opt for a different monitor.
• In case you are looking for a new keyboard for your computer, you will have a wide variety to choose from. And, the modern-day keyboards are more efficient than the older ones and are equipped with new features. The keyboard should have comfortable ergonomics, and if you wish to upgrade from the usual keyboard, you can opt for keyboards with features such as backlighting, wireless connectivity, touch functionality, programmable keys, etc.
• Printers are useful for students and adults alike, so one can think of it as a necessary computer peripheral. While choosing a printer for your computer, determine which type of printer would suffice your needs—whether it’s a laser printer or an inkjet one. With a laser printer, you can expect faster printing speed, lasting toner powder, and high color accuracy; however, an inkjet printer is cheaper than a laser printer and works just fine.
• If webcams are what you wish to buy, there are different types of webcams of different brands to choose from. While choosing a webcam for your computer, you need to check the megapixels. A webcam with more megapixels is a better option since it gives a clearer and more vivid image. HD webcams are also a viable choice since it facilitates enhanced viewing.
• One of the most important computer accessories and peripherals is scanners. Scanners are quite important since it saves documents and images digitally for viewing and editing. There are two types of scanners to choose from—flatbed and document-fed. If there’s not too much of scanning to be done, the document-fed scanner is the ideal choice; however, for scanning bigger reading material, like books or magazine, a flatbed scanner is a perfect choice.
• Projectors are computer accessories that have been considered quite functional. There are different projector technologies—LCD, DLP, and LCoS. The LCD projectors display high color accuracy and brightness, whereas DLPs are known to display higher contrasts ratios. LCos, on the other hand, have higher color accuracy but cost more than the other projectors. You can choose the projectors according to your demands.
• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) come in handy if you wish to protect your devices from electrical surges and spikes. Also, in case of power failure, a UPS is quite effective since it allows you to complete your work irrespective of the power supply. If you are planning on getting a UPS, ensure that it is compatible with your system.

One glance at our surroundings and we can conclude that the development of science and technology has definitely affected our lives. Of course, we think of the Internet as the greatest invention of all time, and it is true to some extent. However, the computer is what allows you to access this Internet. Yes, the mobile and your tabs do allow you to do the same, but the computer remains the first choice.

The computer might look like a simple device; you input something, and you get an output. The process looks quite simple, but there are thousands of functions that take place in a second to give you the desired output. What makes the computer a functional device is that various third-party devices could be attached to it for fulfilling different purposes. These are the different computer accessories and peripherals which, when attached to the computer, caters to the user’s different demands.

Though the term computer accessories and peripherals are used together, or rather interchangeably, but these are two entirely different concepts. Computer accessories are those devices that are attached to the computer and are simply additional devices. These aren’t imperative for the proper functioning of the computer. Whereas, computer peripherals are those devices that add to the computer’s functionality. These devices, when connected to the computer, serve a definite purpose.

So, here’s a list of computer accessories and peripherals that can be attached to the computer for different purposes.

Computer accessories

• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) – People will agree that this is one of the most useful computer accessory ever. Many times, we lose our important work when the power supply stops abruptly or if there are certain surges and spikes of electricity, it might damage the equipment. In such cases, a UPS saves the day since it provides a continuous electrical supply and prevents loss of data.
• Webcams – A webcam isn’t an integral part of the computer system but is a handy accessory. It allows you to view the other person who is at some other corner of the world. A webcam promotes instant messaging and PC video conferencing.
• Headsets – Headsets are another important accessory that allows the user to listen and talk while you are working. These headsets are accompanied with speakers and microphone that are an integral part of any call center or gaming systems.
• Joystick – The computer also doubles as a gaming system for people who are keen on playing online games. The joystick is an input device and allows the user to control the ongoings on the screen by controlling the joystick.

Computer peripherals

• Mouse – The mouse which is commonly known as an input device is a computer peripheral. It is used to allow the user to navigate things on the screen. It helps the user select items on the screen and uses the cursor to perform functions.
• Keyboard – A keyboard is another input device which is also a computer peripheral. The keyboard is a vital part of the computer system since it allows the user to type in commands and is instrumental in determining what the output will be.
• Printers – People are familiar with printers, and these are usually considered to be output devices. These are in fact a computer peripheral since it allows the user to print information he deems important.
• Flash drive – A flash drive or as we commonly refer to it as USB drive is one of the most important computer peripherals. It is a data storage device and includes a flash memory which possesses an integrated USB interface. These USB drives are removable and can be easily rewritten. Do not judge this device on its size, as it can store an extensive amount of data and allows transferring data from one device to another.