Laptop Accessories: External Monitors, Docking Stations, and More

When it comes to laptop accessories, there are a variety of options available to enhance the laptop experience. With the right accessories, you can increase productivity, improve ergonomics, and even upgrade your gaming experience. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most popular laptop accessories, including external monitors, docking stations, and more. Read on to learn more about how these accessories can help you get the most out of your laptop.

You may also be interested in some laptop maintenance tips.

Why Do You Need Laptop Accessories?

Laptop accessories can be a great way to improve your laptop experience. Whether you’re looking to increase your productivity, improve ergonomics, or make gaming more enjoyable, there’s an accessory to help you do just that. Here are some of the benefits of laptop accessories:

Enhanced Productivity

One of the top benefits of laptop accessories is increased productivity. By adding an external monitor, you can get more screen space, allowing you to multitask more efficiently. With a laptop docking station, you can also add additional ports, such as USB and HDMI, to connect more peripherals to your laptop. This can also help you work more efficiently by having your keyboard, mouse, and other accessories all in one place.

Better Ergonomics

Another benefit of laptop accessories is improved ergonomics. By adding an external monitor, you can reduce the strain on your eyes and neck from looking down at the laptop screen, helping to make your work environment more comfortable. You can also get laptop stands and risers to make it easier to use your laptop in a variety of positions, such as standing or sitting.

Improved Gaming Experience

Finally, laptop accessories can also be used to upgrade your gaming experience. By adding an external monitor, you can get a larger screen with higher resolution and a faster refresh rate. With a laptop docking station, you can also add additional peripherals, such as a gaming mouse and keyboard, to enhance your gaming experience.

External Monitors

External monitors are one of the most popular laptop accessories, as they provide added screen space and can help improve productivity. There are a few things to consider when buying an external monitor, such as the type of panel, resolution and aspect ratio, and refresh rate.

Types of External Monitors

When it comes to types of external monitors, there are three main types: IPS (in-plane switching), TN (twisted nematic), and VA (vertical alignment). IPS panels have the best color accuracy and viewing angles, making them ideal for graphic design and photo editing. TN panels have the fastest response time, making them better for gaming. VA panels offer a good balance of image quality and response time, making them the best choice for general use.

IPS vs TN vs VA Panels

• IPS Panels – Best color accuracy and viewing angles, making them ideal for graphic design and photo editing
• TN Panels – Fastest response time, making them better for gaming
• VA Panels – Good balance of image quality and response time, making them the best choice for general use

Resolution and Aspect Ratio

When it comes to resolution and aspect ratio, the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. The most common aspect ratios for external monitors are 16:9 and 21:9. 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio for most monitors, while 21:9 is better for gaming and watching movies.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a monitor is measured in Hz and is an important factor to consider when buying a monitor. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion on the screen. For gaming, a higher refresh rate is recommended, as it will make the game look and feel more responsive.

Connecting an External Monitor to Your Laptop

Connecting an external monitor to your laptop can be an excellent way to increase your productivity, as it gives you the ability to work with multiple windows and applications at once. It can also be a great way to watch movies, play games, or work on creative projects. But before you can get started, you need to know the basics of connecting your laptop to an external monitor.

The most common way to connect a laptop to an external monitor is through the use of an HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort cable. HDMI is the most modern and versatile of the three, as it can carry both audio and video signals. VGA is a bit older and can only carry video signals, while DisplayPort is the newest and can carry both audio and video signals.

HDMI vs VGA vs DisplayPort

HDMI is the most modern and versatile of the three types of cables, as it can transfer both audio and video signals. It is also the most common connection type and can be found on most modern laptops, TVs, and monitors.

VGA is the oldest type of cable and can only transfer video signals. It is still widely used, but it is becoming less common as HDMI becomes more popular.

DisplayPort is the newest type of cable and can transfer both audio and video signals. It is becoming increasingly popular, as it is more versatile than HDMI and VGA.

Adapter Cables

If your laptop does not have a built-in HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort port, you may need to use an adapter cable. These cables allow you to connect your laptop to an external monitor using a different type of port, such as a USB port or an Ethernet port.

Top Picks for External Monitors

If you’re looking for a great external monitor for your laptop, here are some of our top picks:

• HP Pavilion 24-inch Full HD IPS Monitor.
• Dell UltraSharp U2419H 24-inch Monitor.
• Acer Nitro XV273K 27-inch 4K Monitor.
• LG 27UL500-W 27-inch 4K UHD Monitor.
• ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27-inch Monitor.

Docking Stations

Docking stations are an excellent way to increase your laptop’s productivity and expand its capabilities. They allow you to connect multiple external devices, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and more, to your laptop.

Types of Docking Stations

There are two main types of docking stations: USB-C and Thunderbolt. USB-C docking stations are the most common, as they are compatible with most modern laptops. Thunderbolt docking stations are more powerful and can provide faster data transfer speeds, but they are only compatible with certain laptops.

USB-C Docking Stations

USB-C docking stations are the most common type of docking station and are compatible with most modern laptops. They use USB-C ports to connect to your laptop and allow you to connect multiple external devices, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, and more.

Thunderbolt Docking Stations

Thunderbolt docking stations are more powerful than USB-C docking stations and can provide faster data transfer speeds. However, they are only compatible with certain laptops, so you’ll need to make sure your laptop is compatible before purchasing one.

Benefits of Docking Stations

Docking stations can provide a variety of benefits, including:

• Multiple Display Support: Docking stations allow you to connect multiple external monitors to your laptop, giving you the ability to work with multiple windows and applications at once.
• Increased Connectivity Options: Docking stations provide additional ports for connecting external devices, such as keyboards, mice, and other peripherals.
• Improved Charging Capability: Some docking stations can provide additional power to your laptop, allowing it to charge faster.

Top Picks for Docking Stations

If you’re looking for a great docking station for your laptop, here are some of our top picks:

• Dell D3100 Docking Station.
• Anker PowerExpand 7-in-1 USB-C Docking Station.
• Cable Matters USB-C Docking Station.
• CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station.
• StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station.

Keyboards and Mice

Laptop accessories can help you make the most of your laptop and its features. One of the most important laptop accessories is a keyboard and mouse. Whether you want a wireless or wired setup, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Wired vs Wireless Keyboards and Mice

When considering a keyboard and mouse for your laptop, you have two main options: wired or wireless. Wired keyboards and mice have the advantage of being reliable and responsive. They require no batteries or charging, and they’re usually quite affordable.

Wireless keyboards and mice offer the advantage of being able to be used without being tethered to your laptop. This is great for those who need to move around while working, or who want the flexibility of being able to work from any location. They do require batteries or charging, however, which can be an inconvenience.

Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice

Ergonomic keyboards and mice are designed to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists. They often feature curved designs and raised keys that fit the natural shape of your hands. This can help reduce fatigue and prevent injury from repetitive motions.

Top Picks for Keyboards and Mice

When it comes to keyboards and mice, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

• Microsoft Wireless Desktop 800: This is a great option for those who want a wireless keyboard and mouse. It comes with a full-sized keyboard and a comfortable mouse, and is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
• Logitech K800: This is an ergonomic keyboard with illuminated keys that make it easy to see in low light. It also comes with a wireless mouse.
• Razer Pro Type: This keyboard is designed with gamers in mind, but it’s also great for everyday use. It has an ergonomic design, and the keys are backlit for easy use in the dark.

External Hard Drives and SSDs

External hard drives and solid state drives (SSDs) are essential accessories for any laptop. They provide additional storage space for all your files, as well as a reliable data backup solution.

Types of External Storage

When it comes to external storage, there are two main types: hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). HDDs are the traditional type of external storage, and they’re usually more affordable than SSDs. They’re also slower and more prone to data loss due to mechanical failure.

SSDs are more expensive, but they’re much faster and more reliable. They’re also more energy efficient, which can help extend the battery life of your laptop.

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)

HDDs are the traditional type of external storage. They’re usually cheaper than SSDs, but they’re also slower and more prone to mechanical failure.

HDDs are best for storing large amounts of data, such as music and video files. They’re also great for backing up important files.

Solid State Drives (SSDs)

SSDs are the newer type of external storage. They’re much faster than HDDs, and they’re also more reliable. SSDs are best for storing files that you access frequently, such as applications and operating systems.

Benefits of External Storage

External storage can provide a number of benefits for your laptop. Here are some of the most important:

Additional Storage Space

External storage can provide additional storage space for your laptop. This is especially important for laptops with limited internal storage space.

Data Backup and Recovery

External storage can also be used for data backup and recovery. This is especially important for those who work with sensitive data, as an external hard drive can provide an extra layer of security.

Top Picks for External Hard Drives and SSDs

When it comes to external storage, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

• Seagate Expansion Portable Hard Drive: This is a great option for those who need lots of storage space. It comes in sizes up to 5TB, and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
• Samsung T5 Portable SSD: This is a great option for those who need fast storage. It’s available in sizes up to 2TB, and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
• WD My Passport Ultra: This is a great option for those who need an affordable external drive. It’s available in sizes up to 4TB, and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.

Headsets and Speakers

Headsets and speakers are essential accessories for laptops due to the fact that they help users to communicate and listen to music, movies, and other audio sources. When it comes to headsets and speakers, there are two main categories to consider: wired and wireless.

Wired vs Wireless Headsets and Speakers

Wired headsets and speakers are connected to the laptop via a cable. They are typically more affordable than wireless models and have better sound quality. The downside is that they are not as portable and can be more difficult to set up.

Wireless headsets and speakers use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to the laptop. They are more expensive than wired models but offer a greater degree of freedom and portability. They are also easier to set up and are more suitable for use in public places.

Surround Sound vs Stereo Sound

Surround sound headsets and speakers provide a more immersive audio experience than stereo sound. This is because they use multiple speakers to produce a 3D soundscape. However, they are usually more expensive and require more setup.

Stereo sound headsets and speakers are simpler and cheaper than surround sound models. They use two speakers to create a basic soundscape. While they may not offer the same immersive experience as surround sound models, they are still suitable for most applications.

Top Picks for Headsets and Speakers

• Logitech H800 Wireless Headset – This headset features noise-cancelling technology, a long battery life, and a comfortable design.
• Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers – This set of speakers is USB-powered, making it easy to connect to any laptop. It also has great sound quality and a bold design.
• JBL Pulse 3 Bluetooth Portable Speaker – This portable speaker is great for listening to music on the go. It has a powerful bass and an impressive battery life.

Laptop Stands and Cooling Pads

Laptop stands and cooling pads are designed to improve the performance of the laptop by elevating the laptop and providing additional cooling. They can also provide ergonomic benefits, such as reducing eye strain and neck pain.

Benefits of Laptop Stands and Cooling Pads

• Improved Performance – Laptop stands and cooling pads can help to reduce the temperature of the laptop, which can improve its overall performance.
• Increased Comfort – A laptop stand can provide an ergonomic position for the laptop, which can reduce eye strain and neck pain.
• Portability – Many laptop stands and cooling pads are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for use in a variety of locations.

Types of Laptop Stands

Adjustable Stands

Adjustable laptop stands are designed to provide a variety of positions for the laptop. They can be adjusted to provide different angles and heights, allowing them to be used in a variety of situations.

Elevated Stands

Elevated laptop stands are designed to provide an elevated position for the laptop. This can help to improve airflow and reduce the laptop’s temperature. They are typically more compact than adjustable stands and are ideal for use in smaller spaces.

Lap Desks

Lap desks are designed to be used on a lap. They typically have an angled surface to provide a comfortable typing position. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for use on the go.

Top Picks for Laptop Stands and Cooling Pads

• Rain Design iLevel 2 Laptop Stand – This adjustable stand is designed to provide a comfortable typing position. It has a slim design and is made from high-quality aluminum.
• Belkin Portable Laptop Stand – This stand is designed to provide a comfortable typing position while on the go. It has an adjustable height and a lightweight design.
• Kootek Laptop Cooling Pad – This cooling pad is designed to reduce the temperature of the laptop. It has five fans and is powered by USB.

Conclusion

Laptop accessories can help to improve the performance and usability of your laptop. Headsets and speakers provide a way to communicate and listen to audio sources, while laptop stands and cooling pads can help to reduce the laptop’s temperature and provide an ergonomic position. When choosing laptop accessories, it is important to consider the type of product, the features, and the price.