Johannesburg, 19 Jun 2007
Accessories: no longer limited to the realm of matching earrings, belts and bags. There's a whole new world of them out there, essential for anyone working on the run - with a notebook.
Adele Oosthuizen, HP notebook product manager of Axiz, recommends you get yourself a notebook worth accessorising before going to a whole lot of endless trouble to kit your "dinosaur" version one out.
"Your notebook is an investment both in yourself and in your work. The fantastic world of accessories out there gives you the perfect excuse to get one able to support all the added extras now available."
Take the new HP 65055EA Pavilion, for example. With genuine Windows Vista Home Basic, an Intel Pentium dual core processor T2080, 1024MB (2x512MB), 120GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 5 400rpm, a mobile Intel 943GML express chipset, up to 128MB of shared video memory and 802.11b/g WLAN, it's the perfect platform from which to launch yourself into the world of notebook accessories.
And, in case you didn't understand a word of the above, this notebook is light, powerful and will become your best friend in no time.
And what a world it is. The need for mobility has created fantastic potential within the market for both notebooks and notebook accessories. With so many gadgets and gizmos already available, having a notebook has rapidly become the equivalent of having a desktop on the road. What hasn't changed in the realm of accessorising, however, is the concept of "so much to choose from, so little time". These are Oosthuizen's top five "must-haves".
1) A carry case - Whether it's a backpack or an over the shoulder number, the godfather of all notebook accessories is definitely the notebook bag. Make sure it's well-padded, especially around the base and sides to ensure maximum shock-absorption and stability. Don't be deceived by sales talk, like: "jam-packed full of compartments" - check that they really do make for easy storage and retrieval. For those who don't like carrying their notebooks or have a lot of documents to drag along too, the ideal alternative is a carry case on wheels.
2) A mini mouse - Whether you decide to go wireless or retractable, a mini mouse is a must for any notebook user. Smaller and lighter than a normal mouse, a mini mouse offers greater freedom and a much wider range of motion. Most also feature ergonomic design, meaning they're ambidextrous too - good news for all left-handers.
3) An Elan USB 3G card reader - A USB 3G card feature increases your mobility a hundredfold. Ideal for connecting notebooks without PC card slots, this enables you to connect to the Internet wherever you are.
4) A notebook light - Ever found yourself working late at a client's office or on an aeroplane and struggling to see your screen? Need more light to work, but don't want to disturb anyone? You're a perfect notebook light candidate. This innovative accessory is small and lightweight, with a long-lasting bulb-free design. It has a retractable USB cord for easy storage and transportation, and doesn't require batteries - making it the perfect notebook partner.
5) USB wireless presenter - Gone are the days of the laser pointer. A USB wireless presenter offers complete control of your presentation from a distance of up to 10 metres. With most of these being both an integrated laser pointer and a fully-functional mouse, they offer both maximum control and flexibility in a presentation. They're also true plug and play devices requiring no drivers, and they have a small USB-size receiver that takes up very little space.
So, what are you waiting for? With so many products to choose from, isn't it time for you to get your hands on the latest notebook and go out and accessorise?
Share