Best Netbook Accessories
Netbooks have taken the portable computing world by storm since their release just a couple of years ago, as everyone from students to professionals enjoy the ultra-portable computer as a cheap and easy way to get online whilst out and about. Here are some of the best accessories for your netbook to make it the ultimate travel accessory (learn more about the Best Netbooks for Traveling).
1. Sleeves
The beauty of the smallest netbooks is that they can be slung into your purse, rucksack or briefcase. You might want a little extra protection before undertaking such slinging though, but luckily several companies make great sleeves and protective cases.
Belkin has some great neoprene cases that come in some fabulous bold and bright c colors, like Jetset Red and Techno Blue.
>> Buy Belkin 8.9-Inch Neoprene Sleeve (Black)
2. Netbook Cases
While many netbook owners opt for a thin protective case and just throw their laptop into their purse, briefcase or backpack, there are a few companies out there that make small netbook-specific bags and cases.
If you do want to go for a fully-fledged case for your little laptop, then Belkin also has you covered with a couple of options available sizes as small as 7-inches. With the same color choices, this protective case will fit your netbook snugly and comes with a detachable strap so it can be used as a simple tote too.
>>Buy Belkin 7″ Laptop Carrying Case (Plum Berry/Plum)
3. Portable Keyboard
Sure, that tiny netbook is great for traveling, but a good majority of netbook keyboards are also plain tiny. Especially for anyone with above-average sized hands, the tiny keyboard could make you struggle to type at any kind decent pace.
Many companies make portable keyboards, but for Windows-based netbooks the full sized and foldable Adesso keyboard is great for easy portability. It’s also waterproof and washable, so you don’t to stress about spilling your coffee all over your keyboard and breaking anything important.
>>Buy Foldable/flexible Full Blk Kyb Spill Resistant Great Key Response
4. Speakers
If you want to be able to make your netbook your portable stereo, television or movie-watching device when you are on the road, chances are the built-in speakers just aren’t going to cut it. Luckily, there are many companies that make small, portable computer speakers that you can pack up and take on the road with you.
>>Check out these green friendly, travel speakers
5. Portable Printer
While most netbook users probably use the little machine for internet browsing and picture uploading when on the road, some business travelers may find the need to have a small, equally portable printer with them.
Since you’ve opted for a teeny netbook, then chances are you want a teeny printing solution to go with it. This portable printer from Pentax, the PocketJet 3, works with virtually any OS you can throw at it, and measures 1.18-inches by 10.04-inches by 2.17-inches. It can print up to three A4 pages per minute on Pentax’s thermal paper, so ideal for those quick print jobs on the road (but it also costs almost $400, fyi).
>>Buy Pentax PocketJet 3 Plus 300-DPI Mobile Printer with Integrated USB/IrDA
6. USB Flash Drive or Portable External Hard Drive
Since Netbooks’ small size prevents them from having much memory on board, chances are you’ll need some kind of external storage device with you.
Toshiba’s portable external hard drive is available for around $75 and offers 250 GB of on-the-go storage in what’s arguably a slim, sleek and stylish design.
>>Buy Toshiba 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive – Liquid Blue (HDDR500E04XL)
If you don’t want to opt for an external hard disk drive or you need to transfer files easily as you use your netbook out and about while using another PC at home or in the office, then a USB drive is going to be your best bet for ultra-portable easy storage.
>>Buy Kingston DataTraveler 101 – 16 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive DT101C/16GB (Cyan)
7. Portable Mouse
You’ve got yourself a mini ‘puta, you’re going to want a mini-mouse to match. Microsoft offers one that fits the tiny criteria and gives you 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity so you’ll be lead-free. It charges up via USB for literally palm sized mouse action.
>>Buy Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse