Essential Accessories for Your Netbook

You are happy with your new netbook which can perform all the tasks you want to do on the go. Still, you wish it had just a little larger keyboard, more power, or more space, or an extra easy way to transfer files, make presentations, and more. Sure, even the best netbook will come up short in one aspect or another.

Luckily, you can solve all these problems with netbook accessories that are easy to add and don’t cost the price of the netbook itself. These netbook accessories can be internal or external. Netbooks can become quite powerful machines with a little extras. The following are essential netbook accessories which you may want to invest in.

1. Memory Upgrade

Microsoft’s licensing requirement that netbooks installed with Windows 7 Starter or Windows XP Home editions should not ship with more than 1 GB of RAM limits the overall performance of netbooks in a variety of different tasks. Upgrading the ram in your netbook can be one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective performance boost you can give, allowing you to run the operating system better along with more applications at once.

For less than $50 , you can buy a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM to replace the 1GB in your netbook – most have a single SODIMM slot, so you can’t just add another 1GB, and the basic Atom N270/N280/N450/N455 platform is limited to 2GB of RAM.

While it’s a relatively painless process to upgrade the RAM in most netbooks, it can be hard to figure out what type of RAM you need without first opening your netbook case and looking inside. Consult the netbook’s manual to find out how much RAM it can support, the type of RAM it takes, and the number of slots or banks it has.

As a guide new netbooks with the Atom N450 and N280 processors have a 667MHz front-side bus while the older netbooks with the N270 processor have a 533MHz FSB. Newer netbooks with Atom N455/475/550 processors have 1066MHz FSB if it is paired with DDR 3 memory.

Plugging a higher FSB memory module into a lower FSB machine will underclock it. For exampe, plugging a RAM with 667MHz FSB into an atom N270 netbook will underclock the RAM to 533MHz.

Lucky for you major memory module makers such as Crucial, Kingston, OCZ, Corsair, PNY Optima, Transcend and Patriot Signature make memory modules that will fit just fine in just about any brand or model out there.

Click Here to View Crucial Memory Modules

Click Here to View Kingston Memory Modules

Click Here to View PNY Optima Memory Modules

Click Here to View Corsair Memory Modules

Click Here to View Transcend Memory Modules

Click Here to View OCZ Memory Modules

Click Here to View KomputerBay Memory Modules

2. Wireless Mouse

Netbooks usually come with trackpads but they tend to be small, unwieldy, and awkward to use. Many people would rather use a separate mouse. For those wanting such a device, we recommend wireless notebook mice from Logitech or Microsoft.

Wireless mice use radio frequency (RF) technology to communicate information to your computer.The most common type of RF used is the 802.11b or 802.11g. These frequencies operate at 2.4 gigahertz and at these frequencies a mouse can transfer data at pretty quick speeds, usually either 11 Mbps or 56 Mbps. 2.4 gigahertz frequencies are very stable and usually have little or no interference in a work or home environment. They also have a decent range of about 100 to 150 feet which is more than enough for mouse operation.

Being radio-based, RF devices require two main components: a transmitter and a receiver. The RF receiver can be inserted into the computer’s USB port. It receives the RF signals from the transmitter, decodes them, and sends the information to the computer just like the wire on a regular mouse.

The popular mice technologies in use today are optical and laser. Optical technology improves accuracy and lets you use the wireless mouse on almost any surface. A new technology that is out is Laser Mice. Instead of optical light, they use laser light to precisely calculate movement and position. They are extremely precise, reliable and process information extremely quick. However they are much more expensive than optical mice.

Another technology that is emerging and now beginning to be used in large numbers for wireless mice is Bluetooth RF technology. Bluetooth technology wirelessly connects peripherals such as printers, headsets and mice to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Bluetooth is similar to 802.11b and 802.11g in that it uses 2.4 gigahertz frequencies, however, it also uses software called adaptive frequency hopping to choose frequencies that have no or little interference. Bluetooth also has decent range, usually about 33 feet.

Click Here to View Microsoft Notebook Mice

Click Here to View Logitech Notebook Mice

3. Portable Optical Drive

Netbooks tend to be cut down versions of notebooks in that they have a smaller screen and smaller keyboard. Because of their small size, there’s simply not enough space to put an optical drive unit inside. A netbook’s main focus is web browsing and e-mailing, and relies heavily on the Internet for remote access to Web-based applications. It is increasingly targeted at users of cloud computing which rely on servers and require less powerful client computers. In addition most programs that require installation medium such as a CD or DVD would most likely be too resource heavy for a netbook.

You need not worry that netbooks do not come with an integrated optical drive. There’s a solution: you can buy an optional external drive that you will connect to your netbook via USB, when needed. In most cases you won’t even need to install drivers as these optical drives are plug and play compatible. They are pretty slim and very light and are a lot cheaper than they used to be.

Click Here to View Popular Optical Drives

4. USB Flash Thumb Drive

As a netbook user you should carry a USB flash thumb drive with you to transfer files easily as you use your netbook out and about while using another PC at home or in the office.

The types of USB flash drives currently on the market are numerous and have fallen radically in price, even as capacity on them has risen smartly. You may think that all USB flash thumb drives are the same and therefore buy the cheapest one from Ebay or a stall at your local computer market. They are cheap for a reason – it’s because they’re made from low quality parts and are much more likely to fail.

USB flash thumb drives are available in capacities of of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. It is important to judge what capacity of the flash thumb drives you want. If you are going to use the flash drives for simple documents, spread sheets or PDF, then you can go for the 4 or 8 GB pen. However, if you want to save songs, pictures, videos etc, then you definitely require more capacity.

Due to the limitation of USB 2.0 transfer speed, capacities larger than 64GB won’t be useful in real life until the widespread implementation of USB 3.0 which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0 and can upload and download simultaneously (USB 2.0 can only do one or the other).

Click Here to View Kingston USB Flash Thumb Drives

Click Here to View Transcend USB Flash Thumb Drives

Click Here to View A-DATA USB Flash Thumb Drives

Click Here to View Corsair USB Flash Thumb Drives

Click Here to View PNY USB Flash Thumb Drives

Click Here to View Patriot Talent USB Flash Thumb Drives

5. SDHC Flash Memory Card

Almost every netbook on the market includes a SD card slot built-in. These slots allow SDHC (Secure Digital High-Capacity) card to be used to expand the storage capacity and can also be useful for providing a reliable means of transferring data from the netbook to a removable storage device or another Personal Computer. Before purchasing a SDHC flash memory card you must understand not all SDHC Flash Memory Cards are the same.

Although identical in size to today’s standard SD card, the SDHC cards are designed differently and are only recognized by SDHC host devices. To ensure compatibility, look for the SDHC logo on cards and host devices (netbooks, cameras, camcorders, etc).

SDHC cards are based on SDA (Secure Digital Association) 2.00 specification and the official unit of measurement is the Speed Class Rating.

• Class 2 : 16 Mbit/s (2 MB/s)
• Class 4 : 32 Mbit/s (4 MB/s)
• Class 6 : 48 Mbit/s (6 MB/s)
• Class 10: 80 Mbit/s (10 MB/s)

Even though the class ratings are defined by a governing body, class speed ratings are quoted by the manufacturers but unverified by any independent evaluation process. In applications that require sustained write throughput, such as video recording, the device may not perform satisfactorily if the SDHC card’s class rating falls below a particular speed. For example, a camcorder that is designed to record to class 6 media may suffer dropouts or corrupted video on slower media. Check your device for maximum compatibility for your intended usage patterns.

It is highly recommended that for a netbook you get a high speed SDHC card that is rated at Class 6 so that the memory reads and writes to the card will be as fast as possible. Class 4 maybe acceptable to some netbook users, but do not get anything below class 4.

Click Here to View Popular SDHC Flash Memory Cards

6. Portable External USB Hard Drive

Like many people, if you accumulate digital media such as photos, music or movies on your netbook hard drive than sooner or later your are bound to run out of storage space. Moreover, leaving your content on the netbook without backing it up is not a good idea for several important reasons. For one thing, it slows down your computer. And for another – and this is important – you run the risk of losing all your data in the event of a hard-drive crash.

The precious space on your netbook needs to be managed and files stored properly for easy access. Luckily these problems can be taken care by an external portable hard drive. They are also useful for expanding the total amount of storage space and as a means to transfer large amounts of data between a netbook and another primary computer such as a desktop or notebook.

Two factors to consider when getting a portable hard drive for a netbook;

a. Connection Type

A portable hard drive for a netbook must have a USB 2.0 interface and be entirely powered through the netbook’s USB port. Although USB 2.0 represents a bottleneck for almost every modern hard drive, the interface is widely used and almost independent of the operating system of your netbook.

USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB) ports are starting to show up on new netbooks and promises a dramatic throughput improvement – a theoretical 10X jump over existing USB 2.0 hardware. USB 2.0 maxed out at a theoretical 480Mbps, while USB 3.0 can theoretically handle up to 5Gbps. The beauty of USB 3.0 is its backward compatibility with USB 2.0

Storage makers have begun producing portable hard drives that take advantage of these blazing transfer rates. But before shelling out any money to upgrade your storage solution, ask yourself if USB 3.0 is necessary. Portable drives for mobile users don’t have to provide maximum performance, but they need to be light, small, and flexible.

b. Size

What size is good enough? Well, this will depend on what you store in your hard drive. If your data consists of word documents or excel spreadsheets, you won’t need the biggest available on the block. 250GB or 320GB should last a long time for an average user. 500GB should be more than sufficient for mobile users.

The top storage companies such as Western Digital, Seagate, Iomega, Samsung and Toshiba have many models suitable for netbooks. However, their style, features, bundled software, usability, and warranty differ a lot. My recommendation is to go for one or two sizes smaller than the largest size available because that’s usually the sweet spot in price.

Click Here to View Western Digital Portable Hard Drives

Click Here to View Seagate Portable Hard Drives

Click Here to View Buffalo Portable Hard Drives

Click Here to View Toshiba Portable Hard Drives

Click Here to View Iomega Portable Hard Drives

Click Here to View Lacie Portable Hard Drives

7. Mini USB Hub

Most of the peripheral devices that are used with a netbook require a USB port. The average netbook only comes with three USB ports. In addition to this, the USB ports are often placed so close together than some devices such as flash drives can’t be plugged in with other devices due to space conflicts. This is where a mini USB hub will come in handy. A small hub will be extremely useful for those requiring additional ports while on the go. These devices for a netbook are highly portable and does not require external power.

Click Here to View Mini USB Hubs

8. Wireless Headset

Many netbooks come with webcams and built-in mics to make voice and video calls using VoIP services like Skype, but the audio quality of the microphones and the speaker usually leaves little to be desired. If you want to be understood by the person on the end of the line, get a wireless headset. These wireless headsets have excellent sound quality and balanced audio, and captures your voice way better than your netbook’s built-in microphone will. Most are optimized for laptops and fordable for easy storage.

Click Here to View Wireless Headsets

9. Netbook Sleeve

The beauty of netbooks is that they can be slung into your purse, totes or briefcase. You might want a little extra protection before undertaking such slinging though. A netbook sleeve (also known as a netbook slipcases) is meant to be used as an additional layer of protection within a separate case. It offers protection without bulk and are easy to travel with, and the checkpoint friendly design lets you go through airport security with the netbook inside the sleeve.

A netbook sleeve may simply be designed like a pocket that the netbook is slipped into; the sleeve may have a clasp, snap, zipper or some other sort of securing mechanism to prevent the netbook from sliding out. Netbook sleeves that are designed to be carried alone, and not placed inside a separate netbook case or carrying bag, may also feature a handle. It may be a hand strap or shoulder strap.

Sleeves come in many different materials, colors, and patterns. You can get a sleeve with your favorite sports team logo, your favorite band’s logo, or a pattern you really like. You’ll find hearts, stars, kittens, teddy bears, skulls, basketballs… almost anything you can think of! Some companies will even customize a laptop sleeve for you, using a graphic or photo you provide.

You could get a picture of your kids, your girlfriend, or even your dog printed on the sleeve.

Many sleeves are custom made to fit a particular netbook model. They are cut to fit the exact dimensions of the netbook, which makes them fit perfectly. These sleeves can be hard to find, because there are so many netbook models out there. Only the most popular models typically have custom fit sleeves available.

You can also get general sleeves that can stretch to fit almost any netbook of a particular size, but they won’t fit perfectly. You may have your sleeve slip off occasionally, but it should fit pretty well for the most part if you choose the right size. They’re usually very stretchy, so they can stretch to fit most models relatively well.

How about checking out our list of sleeves to get you started? You are sure to find one that suits you needs in terms of the design and the look.

Click Here to View Best Selling Netbook Sleeves

10. Netbook Carrying Case

So you just got a new netbook? In horror, you realize that the tiny, nylon zippered netbook sleeve your brand new machine came with is woefully inadequate and so now you’re out to find the best case for your new netbook.

There are many reasons as to why you should invest in a good carrying case for your netbook. Firstly, being extremely small and portable netbooks are susceptible to dings and dents. Secondly it is also used to carrying your netbook around at ease without any wrist strain.

Most cases for netbooks include multiple compartments for ease of organization. Often zippered pockets are added to the case for small accessories such as pens and cell phone.

For those wishing to carry not only their netbook and accessories but also files or books may require a bag that is designed for that purpose. A netbook backpack with space for books are college student’s dream come true. Most ladies often lookout for a bag that can double as a purse so that they have the option to carry the netbook with them when necessary.

Netbook carrying cases come in a variety of styles, fabrics, and colors. These include nylon, vinyl and leather.

Nylon cases for netbooks are durable, yet lightweight. They can be washed or sprayed with a waterproofing product to protect them against environmental elements. Nylon cases for netbooks are affordable and easy to maintain; however, they generally only last for one to two years. Depending on how often they are used, you may need to replace this type of netbook case frequently.

Vinyl cases for netbooks are durable and convenient to maintain. Although they are heavier than nylon netbook cases, vinyl cases are relatively inexpensive and will last longer. Vinyl cases for netbooks cannot be cleaned in a washing machine; however, they can easily be cleaned with soap and water.

Leather cases for netbooks are a good choice if you are looking for a long-lasting, durable case. Leather cases are well-constructed and although they require more maintenance than vinyl or nylon, they generally last between 8 to 10 years.

Regardless of the material used, netbook cases are a good choice for people on the move. Their ergonomic design distributes weight evenly on the back, neck and shoulders.

Netbooks may be cheap, but cases are even cheaper and are certainly worth the money as they protect your investment. How about checking out our list of carrying cases to get you started? You are sure to find one that suits you needs in terms of the design, the pockets and the look.

Click Here to View Netbook Carrying Cases

Click Here to View Checkpoint-Friendly Netbook Cases

11. Netbook Skin Decal

Do you want to be different, stand out from the crowd? Get a netbook skin decal to instantly makeover your netbook to make it unique. If you tire of one you can easily remove it and replace it with another. Add bling, flowers or graphics to suit your mood.

Netbook skin decals are basically a vinyl sticker that you can add to your netbook. Skins not only change the looks of your netbook, they also protect it from scratches and fingerprints.

As a form of self expression it is just getting popular and customizing your netbook reflects your personality. Gamers, business people, girlie girls, moms and dads all have special personalities that can be brought out by adding a skin to their netbook.

Skins are purchased according to the size of the netbook, for example your netbook may be a 10.1″ while someone else may be 11.6″ or a 12.1″. Some skins are also sold according to what brand of netbook you have, for example a Toshiba versus an Asus.

As their popularity increases, the options for how to make your own skins will increase as well. In the meantime, most people are just going with the option of ordering existing netbook skin designs from the companies which produce them. You can be more individualistic than that by tapping in to your creative side and creating your own netbook skins.

Whether you do this through a company that lets you create your own designs or you actually go through the process of hunting down the right kind of vinyl and going the DIY route, you’ll be able to know at the end of the day that your netbook says something personal to the world.

Click Here to View Netbook Skin Decals

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