You’re getting ready to go back to school, but is your computer as ready as it could be with all the right computer accessories? A computer without the right accessories means you’re not working as efficiently as possible. So that’s why you should review what tasks you need your computer to do, and pick the accessories that will meet those needs. You can make sure you’ll have peak productivity during the upcoming school year if you have the right back to school accessories. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the gear that will make your school year more successful.
Computer accessories for students on the go
You won’t spend all your time at your desk at home. If you’re in class, at the library for a study session, or at the local coffee shop working on an essay, this gear will help you be productive.
Laptop bag
You need a good laptop bag to safely get your gear from point A to point B. Look for a bag that fits your computer, but also fits your body. I like a backpack-style laptop bag, while others find a single strap messenger laptop bag more comfortable. And make sure the bag has some weatherproofing to it. We’ve all had the nightmare of being caught in a torrential downpour threatening our delicate electronics.
Laptop lock
I know the stress of coffee shop computing. You’re working away, being very productive, but you need to go to the bathroom. Do you pack up all your stuff, or do you risk your computer disappearing? With a laptop lock, you can secure your laptop and safely go for the bathroom break you desperately need. It’s a small investment that will give you peace of mind.
USB flash drive
Do you have a file to transfer that’s too big for an e-mail? Are you in too much of a hurry to spend an hour or more uploading the file to the cloud? A USB flash drive is the answer. You’ll be able to quickly pass files between your classmates as you work on your group projects. And by having a few extra flash drives, you can make a backup of all your important files to keep your data safe.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Noise is a distraction. And in crowded spaces with other students, noise is unavoidable. That’s why you need noise-cancelling headphones. I used to resist the idea of noise-cancelling headphones, but working in the same room with my son as he did remote learning convinced me that these are absolutely necessary.
Computer accessories to improve your workspace at home
When you get back home, your laptop becomes a workstation. And your workstation will be much more productive with the right accessories.
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for ergonomics
Your laptop keyboard and touchpad are useful and they make good use of the space available. But it’s still cramped. And they’re fixed in position. A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo will give you a full keyboard to use, but also the flexibility that comes from being wireless. And that means you can arrange your keyboard and mouse in the optimal configuration for your comfort. Your wrists will thank you.
USB hub
Your laptop is great, but there are some limitations that most laptops come with. A shortage of USB ports is one of them. You can only have so many ports built in to a laptop’s motherboard, and you’ll have more USB devices than ports in short order. So that’s why a USB hub is a good idea for your workspace. It gives you space for your external keyboard and mouse, printer, USb drive, and anything else you might need.
Power bar
You can’t find a more exciting back to school gift than a power bar! Okay, you can easily find a more exciting computer accessory than a power bar. But if you’ve ever run out of outlets while your battery starts to run out, you know how valuable a power bar can be. A project work session with classmates can come to a premature end if everyone can’t plug in. And by choosing a power bar with surge protection, you protect yourself from any power spikes. This is something several post-secondary students have told us they can’t live without.
Webcam and microphone
Your laptop will likely have both a webcam and microphone built-in, and they will fulfill the basic requirements for a video conference. But if you’re going to be giving presentations or recording content for your courses, you’ll see better results with better hardware. I have a lot of difficulty paying attention to presenters with tinny audio and blurry video, and I would not want to inflict that on anyone else. So I made sure to upgrade to a dependable microphone and a good external webcam.
Essential back-to-school computer accessories
You’ll do your best school work when you have the right tools. And you’ll be able to handle the long hours and late nights of studying and work if you make physical comfort a priority. Trust me, your body will thank you. So, look for the computer accessories that will make your school life easier and more comfortable. Check out all of the other great back to school blog posts for even more helpful advice.
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