Top 7 Essential Laptop Accessories For College Students

However, there is always a workaround, and with the right accessory by your side, you can make your college life a bit bearable. OK, I might be exaggerating, but yes, you get the drift. In this list today, we are showcasing a list of top seven essential laptop accessories to help you on the go.

1. Laptop Screen Privacy Filter

If you want to keep your work away from prying eyes, the best investment would be on a screen privacy filter. These filters restrict the viewing angle and hence, the screen is only visible to the one who sits directly in front of it i.e. you and you alone.

Buy

3M Gold Privacy Filter

The Gold Privacy Filter from the house of 3M is considered by many as one of the best privacy filters by many. It offers a 60°viewing angle and gives off a golden sheen when viewed from the other angles. We recommend the glossy surface since this gives increased increased clarity. The 3M Privacy Filter is available in multiple sizes depending on the you’re. It also comes with a few clear plastic tabs to hold the filter in place. However, this system seems to work seamlessly if there’s a slight raised perimeter around your laptop’s screen. For laptops with edge to edge screens, you may want to double check on the screen size before you hit the buy button.

You Can Also Check Out

If you’re looking for a privacy filter on a budget, you can check the Akamai Privacy Screen Filters.

2. External Hard Drive

If your laptop’s onboard storage isn’t much to boast about, the most viable option is a good budget-friendly external hard drive. Unlike the heydays, thankfully, external hard disks are now small and easy to carry around.

Buy

Buffalo MiniStation Extreme with NFC and USB 3.0

The product that jumps to the mind is the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme with NFC and USB 3.0. Priced at $84.99, this 1TB hard drive boasts of a unique NFC security feature, USB 3.0 for faster transfers, IPX3 water resistance, and a rugged chassis to complete the look. The Buffalo MiniStation comes preformatted with the NTFS file system, however, it can be made to work on macOS just by reformating it into HFS+, thanks to the ModeChanger feature. On a brighter side, it also allows HFS+ formatting, on the rare occasion where you’d want it to work on both a Windows or a Mac system. Other than that, the highlight of this device is the NFC security feature where you can unlock the drive using an NFC key card. What’s more, it comes with a pair of USB 3.0 connectors. However, it lacks a USB-C port thus, not future-proof.

You Can Also Check Out

Mac users can check out the Seagate Backup Plus External Hard Drive with USB 3.0.

3. Wireless Portable Printer

Alas, a few of us still have to submit our homework and assignments in the physical form. If you’re caught in the same mess, the most obvious choice is a handy compact printer.

Buy

Canon Pixma iP110 Wireless Mobile Printer

If you are looking for a quality printer, the most handy solution would be the Canon Pixma iP110. Priced at $149.95, this printer weighs just about five pounds and is amazingly tiny. What’s more, the iP110 boasts of high-quality results and comes with a nifty Wi-Fi connection feature. Getting the printer up and running isn’t rocket science, All you’d need to do is follow Canon’s setup wizard.

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If you are on a budget, check out the Canon PIXMA iP2820 Inkjet Printer. Priced at $34.43, this printer is compatible with both Windows and MAC OS, however, it doesn’t have support for Wi-Fi.

4. Laptop Locks and Security Cables

Laptops are expensive devices and nobody would want their device or data to fall into the wrong hands. However, if you’re new to a place, it’s impractical to carry the laptop along with you every time you have to hit the loo. That’s when laptop locks and security cables come into play.

Buy

Kensington ClickSafe Portable Laptop Lock

The Kensington ClickSafe Portable Laptop Lock is among the best laptop locks. The good thing about it is that it comes with a retractable steel cable which not only makes it compact but also helps you keep things organized Other than that, using the Kensington laptop lock in day-to-day life isn’t laborious. The small stub can be kept connected to the computer throughout while attaching the tumbler to it only when required. However, the steel wire of the Kensington ClickSafe Portable Laptop Lock’s wire isn’t that durable. However, as user Stephanie Wolf observes, it would at least stop crimes of opportunity during that small time you’d leave it alone.

You Can Also Check Out

The above lock is priced at around $79. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Ruban Notebook Lock and Security Cable is the answer.

5. Keyboard Cover

If you have a brand-new MacBook Pro, it would be a good idea to invest in a quality keyboard cover to protect it from cosmetic and functional damage.

Buy

Mosiso Keyboard Cover

The Mosiso Keyboard Cover for the for MacBook Pro is one of the popular choices for keyboard covers. Boasting of only 0.3mm thickness, this cover protects the device from dust and liquid spills. What’s more, it retails at just $6.90. Another advantage of using a keyboard cover is that instead of hitting hard plastic, your finger touch soft silicon thus giving making it a comfortable experience. The only issue with this cover is that it hinders the keyboard backlight.

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Desktop users may check out the Bonayuanda Keyboard Skin Protector.

6. USB Keyboard Lamp

If you don’t like your keyboard to light up a Christmas tree, the best bet would be to invest in a USB keyboard lamp. These are super compact and all you need to do is plug it into the USB port and it lights up your keyboard.

Buy

i2 Gear USB Reading Lamp

The i2 Gear USB Reading Lamp comes with two LED light. What makes it different from other LED lamps is that it has an on/off switch, unlike the other lamps which light up as soon as you plug it in. The lamp is stable and flexible at the same time. However, if your laptop doesn’t have too many USB ports, and instead rely on USB hubs, the length of around 10-12 inches may pose a bit of an issue.

7. Lap Desk

Last but not the least we have a Lap Desk. Especially useful in the absence of a study desk, these mini desks can easily fit a laptop, smartphone and a couple of other stationeries.

Buy

LapGear MyDesk

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If you’re looking for a no-frills lap desk, you can give the Honey-Can-Do Portable Lap Desk a try.

Learning With a Tech Angle

So, these were some of the essential laptop accessories that you must certainly have to push your learning experience. So, how many of these did you have already? Do let us know in the comments below

Buy

3M Gold Privacy Filter

Buy

Buffalo MiniStation Extreme with NFC and USB 3.0

Buy

Canon Pixma iP110 Wireless Mobile Printer

Buy

Kensington ClickSafe Portable Laptop Lock

Buy

Mosiso Keyboard Cover

Buy

i2 Gear USB Reading Lamp

The i2 Gear USB Reading Lamp comes with two LED light. What makes it different from other LED lamps is that it has an on/off switch, unlike the other lamps which light up as soon as you plug it in.

Buy

LapGear MyDesk

The LapGear MyDesk is lightweight and is cleverly designed to fit well into your lap. Plus, it’s big enough to hold a laptop and a mouse. Plus, the bottom of the desk has two cushions to make you feel more comfortable. This raises the height of the desk a little, so that you don’t have to bend all the way, especially if you’re sitting on a couch. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

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