<p>which ones are you getting? I'm thinking of just going with a hardshell case and a laptop bag</p>
<p>I'm looking at a laptop lock, laptop bag, tracking software (in case it's stolen), cooling pad, and some other things.</p>
<p>cooling pad is really a good thing, your battery will last longer that way... i'm also getting or have:</p>
<p>-external monitor (for dual display)
-remote
-mouse
-messenger bag or something
-usb hub (mine's built into the monitor...)
-wireless printer
-external speakers
-tracking software
-laptop lock
-vmware</p>
<p>That's probably more than some people will want, I just happen to be studying comp sci and have enough space in my room to accomodate...</p>
<p>i got(read: my parents assumed i wanted and/or would use so got them for me) a laptop lock, case, and one of those sleave things.</p>
<p>i used the lock once, never saw a need for it.</p>
<p>case was never used. </p>
<p>used the sleave a few times, but after the first few weeks just threw it in the bottom of a drawer.</p>
<p>I have a bag and a mouse. That's it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
cooling pad is really a good thing, your battery will last longer that way... i'm also getting or have:</p>
<p>-external monitor (for dual display)
-remote
-mouse
-messenger bag or something
-usb hub (mine's built into the monitor...)
-wireless printer
-external speakers
-tracking software
-laptop lock
-vmware</p>
<p>That's probably more than some people will want, I just happen to be studying comp sci and have enough space in my room to accomodate...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You can just use VirtualBox for free, it's better than VMware anyway. Also, don't forget to get a lapdesk ;)</p>
<p>I'm just going with the bag and case. I don't really see the need for stuff like a mouse and external monitor (at least for most majors)</p>
<p>And as far as a lock, I just won't leave my laptop unattended</p>
<p>The accessories aren't a necessity, just a convenience. I dislike using a touchpad, so I use a mouse instead. I have a dual screen setup for my desktop because I can work much more efficiently that way.</p>
<p>I would get a mouse definitely. Using a touchpad for any extended amount of time can be very uncomfortable.</p>
<p>Here is what I got this year just for help incase others are in similar scenarios.</p>
<ul>
<li>For Dell Studio XPS 16 w/ bluetooth</li>
<li>Bluetooth wireless printer from HP</li>
<li>Bluetooth speakers from Parrot (DS 1120)</li>
<li>Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 7000 Keyboard</li>
<li>Microsoft Wireless Entertainment 8000 Mouse</li>
<li>Rocket fish bluetooth mouse (for travel)</li>
<li>Belkin neoprene 17’ enclosure sleeve</li>
<li>XPS mousepad</li>
<li>XPS backpack from dell</li>
<li>Sandisk 8 GB flash drive</li>
<li>NZXT 17’ cooling pad</li>
<li>Additional 9 cell battery</li>
<li>Additional AC adapter</li>
</ul>
<p>My friends at home are giving me a lot of crap for having two mouses/mice but the less I have to move around into my backpack for school, the longer this stuff will last. I also have two ac adapters which I feel I may need during class so I don’t want to take it off of my dorm setup each and every day.</p>
<p>Wireless mouse is a must and I plan on getting a 23" monitor and a printer some time during the semester as well. Already have a messenger bag, laptop lock (probably won’t use, was a gift), and 400 GB pocket-sized external HD. Some sort of external drive is definitely a must if you’re only working with a laptop.</p>
<p>This is what I have had for the past year:</p>
<p>Sleeve ( no longer use it. got tired of taking laptop in and out )
Hard case on laptop.
Drawing Tablet + mouse + pen.
Wireless Mouse.
External Harddrive.</p>
<p>Just a shell and a sleeve, all I really need.</p>
<p>I have a sleeve, a flash drive and a wireless mouse.</p>
<p>Carrying case and a mouse, that’s it. Nice and simple.</p>
<p>well, i dont know what everyone else uses, but i have a little cooling pad type of thing with a built in fan, because my laptop gets really hot… really fast. just a hint, never put a laptop in your lap… haha, anyways, i have a usb flashdrive for readyboost with vista or 7 and i have a tray type of thing that sits on your lap with vents in it so it doesnt overheat so quickly. </p>
<hr>
<p>[Laptop</a> Accessories](<a href=“http://simplylaptopaccessories.co.uk/]Laptop”>http://simplylaptopaccessories.co.uk/)</p>
<p>Make sure you get a flash drive. They are very handy and inexpensive nowadays. Heres a link to some other things you should look at getting for college [Should</a> I buy a case for my laptop?](<a href=“http://thecampusvault.com/?p=639]Should”>http://thecampusvault.com/?p=639), [Should</a> I buy a flash drive?](<a href=“http://thecampusvault.com/?p=529]Should”>http://thecampusvault.com/?p=529), [Should</a> I buy a printer?](<a href=“http://thecampusvault.com/?p=523]Should”>http://thecampusvault.com/?p=523)</p>
<p>Once you go dual monitors, you will never go back. Makes life so much easier, especially when you are doing papers. Put your online sources/notes on one monitor, word document on the other. Or if it’s just a persuasive essay, I keep my iTunes on one monitor for easy access.</p>
<p>well, i dont know what everyone else uses, but i have a little cooling pad type of thing with a built in fan, because my laptop gets really hot… really fast. just a hint, never put a laptop in your lap… haha, anyways, i have a usb flashdrive for readyboost with vista or 7 and i have a tray type of thing that sits on your lap with vents </p>
<hr>
<p>[Laptop</a> Accessories](<a href=“http://simplylaptopaccessories.co.uk/]Laptop”>http://simplylaptopaccessories.co.uk/)</p>
<p>^Yeah, laptops, despite their naming, are not designed to be put on your laps or on any other non-hard surface without a cooling pad or anything. They have really poor ventilation. If you are using them on a desk, they are meant to be used without a cooling pad even though it may feel quite hot.</p>
<p>Lol, yes, I lovee dual monitors</p>