Top 10 Netbook Accessories
Netbook are really small and are meant to be ultra-portable, so there’s usually no frills attached to ‘em. Because they’re so small, there are some limitations that they come with. But that doesn’t mean you have there’s no way around it. Let’s look at some things that will make you forget that you’re only using “a netbook.”
1. Belkin’s USB 2.0 4 Port Hub
Do you ever remember finding yourself stuck in a annoying cycle of disconnecting and reconnecting USBs because you didn’t have enough ports. Or have a data card so bulky, the USB port next to it is rendered virtually useless. Enter Belkin. Their USB 2.0 hub has 4 slots, one of each side of the tiny square device. Its plug and play which means there’s no software installation. It doesn’t need any power and is slim enough to slide into your netbook sleeve. It’s also inexpensive. This super functional netbook accessory costs only about 7$ on amazon.
2. Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive
A netbook doesn’t have that much space. It’s 160GB if you’re lucky. Put in all your pre-loaded software and you can kiss 60 gigs goodbye. And 100 gig? Between movies, pictures and music, you’ve run out a long time ago. So the external hard drive. And why the Western Digital? Well for starters, it’s a damn good looking hard drive. It looks like part of the batmobile, with a smooth black finish and industrial grills on either end. There’s no installation, no power switch, no annoying LED lights and no sound. And it stays cool even after hours. The Western Digital Elements Hard Drive is all about pure, clean functionality. The price is quite reasonable at under a $100 at amazon.
3. Sennheiser HD 202 Headphones
I’ve been a proud and satisfied owner of Sennheiser headphones for a while now. I personally can’t stand earphones – they’re annoying, constantly fall out of my ear and just don’t cut it when it comes to sound quality. When you own a netbook, you know the speakers aren’t enough. And the Sennheiser HD 202 are a perfect balance for the average user. They give out a great thumping sound and go really loud. The 202s are very comfortable as well, and I’ve worn them for hours on end on planes, trains and just generally walking around. And they are very reasonably prices at $19 on amazon.
4. Samsung USB 2.0 8x External DVD Writer
We all love plug and play. It appeals to the inner geek in us; or we’re just lazy and impatient. Either ways, this is a great little add-on to your netbook and doesn’t need any installation. When I say little, I mean little. It’s hardly larger in dimensions than a DVD. It’s also fast and efficiently silent. The Samsung 8x External DVD Writer has no power cord barring the USB. (Keep in mind that it comes with an installer program. Don’t install it!) This is a cheaper option than ASUS’s slightly chunkier drive. Available at $49.99 on amazon.
5. Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker
With the poor quality of speakers across the netbook universe, it’s almost a necessity to have either a pair of headphones or a set of speakers on hand. While a lot of speakers don’t really fall into the portable category, most portable speakers don’t fall into the loud sound category. The new version of Altec Lansing’s Orbit speakers are a good balance between portability and sound. They emit a deep, rich sound with evidence of bass. They run on 3 AAA batteries, which last for upto 18 hours. The iM-237s are a bit of a treat and good to have with you when traveling. They cost $25.99 on amazon.
6. Case Logic LNEO-10 Neoprene Sleeve
The Neoprene Sleeve from Case Logic looks unassuming, but it’s actually a perfect little match for your netbook. Most 10″ netbooks fit into this compactly, and there is a separate compartment for adapter and mouse. The result may look a little bulky, but it works. The handles fold out of the way when not being utilized. This is a very cost friendly accessory and comes in at $14.11 on amazon.
7. Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 3000
This is a no-nonsense mouse that gets down to business. What with how uncomfortable and small some netbook touchpads are, a mouse it pretty much a necessity for extensive usage. The Optical 3000 is a nice looking medium sized mouse that’s easy to grip. It doesn’t require any installation and is very responsive. Also the unifier is a tiny USB drive, that conserves battery by shutting off the mouse automatically. This mouse runs on a single AAA battery which juices it for upto 6 months. And it costs only $18.90 at amazon. We’re very impressed.
8. Kingston 1GB DDR2 SDRAM Memory
Most netbooks these days come with 1GB of RAM which can be souped up to 2GB. A 2GB RAM card is more cost-effective but you’re limited to the Kingston 1GB, except for a handful of netbooks. We’d strongly advise this upgrade, as it can be the difference between a cursing, ranting netbook owner and a super satisfied one. Installation in some netbooks is extremely easy, and involves unscrewing a compartment, inserting the RAM and re-screwing. Available at amazon for $25.49
9. Kingston 19-in-1 Card Reader
This Kingston reader is compatible with multiple formats – CF, SHDC, CompactFlash, MicroSD, and fifteen others! Just like anything else, you just pop it in and it works. Interfaces well with all brands. The Kingston USB 2.0 reader is available at amazon for $12.49
10. Belkin Gel-filled Wrist Rest Pad
Here at netbookreview.com, we’re concerned about your health. Get this wrist pad, so you don’t develop carpal tunnel syndrome while typing on that tiny little netbook. Available at amazon for under $10.
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So those were the Top 10 netbook accessories. We’ve tried to keep in mind that these are accessories and that they should NOT cost as much as your netbook! And also the most functional ones that we could think of. But coming up next is a Top 10 list for the coolest netbook accessories, a chance for us to dream a bit. (And for me to go check out some cool gear!)
Filed under: netbook accessories