<p>So... HURRAY. yes, i'm getting a nice, up-to-date 1k laptop. </p>
<p>So besides the laptop, what else should i get for it.</p>
<p>I was thinking:
extra battery (obviously)
carrying bag designed for laptops
A brand new thumbdrive/USB storage unit (u know, those small things that totally replaced CDs and floppy disks)
Keyboard cleaner compressed air blower</p>
<p>It should come with the external battery that is part of the cord that plugs into the wall. It takes a couple of years for an internal battery to die completely, but it will go faster if you insist on never plugging your laptop into the wall. Don;t waste $100 on a battery that you won't use for a long time, you'll be able to think of a million other uses for that money.</p>
<p>The carry case is a must</p>
<p>If you already have a thumb drive, I'm not sure why you'd want to spend $20-$30 on another one. If you don't, then, yes, you'll need one.</p>
<p>I don't have any kind of cleaner, but I probably should. Luckily I haven't had any problems yet <em>knocks on wood</em>. </p>
<p>Get Microsoft Office for Students 2007. It's about $150 and you get Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and maybe more. I have the '03 version and I'm really glad I went for it. It can be installed 3 times, so if my OS crashes or something, I can just reinstall the programs. Yes, all my work will still be gone, but at least I can bring the programs back. And if I never need to reinstall then I have the 2 installs there when I get a new laptop in 3 or 4 years. </p>
<p>Also, if you are to get an option between XP and Vista (not likely, but possible), get Vista. There will only be automatic updates for XP until the end of January '08, and after that XP will be prone to problems. If you wait until July or August to get you laptop, then most of the early kinks in Vista should be worked out.</p>
<p>frostburg: That whole "yay I can install 3 times" thing is not good. It's your software, you should have unlimited installs. Luckily MS doesn't pay attention.</p>
<p>The reason it's bad is for people like me, who reformat once every 6ish months, to keep up good computer cleanliness. I need to reinstall from the ground up, and if I was restricted by reinstalls (and I mean practically, not in a EULA sense which I just ignore) I wouldn't buy the software.</p>
<p>Also, that "external battery that is part of the cord" isn't an external battery at all, it's an adapter. Please, don't give computer advice when you don't know what you're talking about.</p>
<p>As for the OP's list:</p>
<p>Extra battery - You can if you want. I wouldn't because I'm cheap and don't need it, and it probably won't be required for several years at least for a new laptop. Also, it's not like you can realistically charge it and carry it with you, nor can you hotswap batteries.
Carrying Case - Definitely.
USB Key: Sure, if you'd like and don't have one already. I use my iPod because it's always on me anyways and works for file transfer. To nitpick again, they didn't replace CDs or floppies at all - they fit into the niche of personal small data storage, while CDs still dominate their niche (larger data storage, especially for mass production) and floppies are still used (for low-level computer tasks requiring native data access support, for example).
Keyboard cleaner: I don't really think it's that necessary unless you have tons of dandruff or something. I have like 5 cans, but I also use it for dusting the inside of my desktop, which accumulates tons of dust due to having big intake fans (not all of which are filtered).</p>
<p>As for other things:</p>
<p>A wireless, travel USB mouse (one of the ones that has its transmitter in a compartment inside it so it doesn't get lost and can be taken out to use).
Mousepad is optional - most mice don't really need them, and unless you really want one it's unnecessary.
Ethernet cable for when you need internet access and your wireless isn't working - and in your dorm room. Also, Ethernet cable is always useful to have.
For sound purposes, get either headphones or external speakers - I'd personally suggest headphones. Laptop speakers suck.
If you plan to literally use the laptop on your lap a lot, get a laptop desk to protect your genitals from overheating.
Any programs that didn't come with it - antivirus, etc.</p>
<p>Other than those generic things, it depends on what you're using the laptop for. Any further details?</p>
<p>If you like listening to music on the computer, I'd definitely recommend a cheap set of speakers... much better than the ones built into the laptop.</p>
<p>Also buy a decent USB mouse, it's a thousand times more convenient than the touchpad. Don't forget a mousepad.</p>
<p>I agree with frostburg and 1of 42 on the extra battery... I really don't think you'll need it (most people don't), especially for use in a college setting.</p>
<p>Most likely your dorm will require or have wired internet access, so buy an ethernet cable.</p>
<p>Compressed air: I think is a good idea. It can collect dust, it's always useful to be able to clean it (then again, the dust in my dorm room was crazy)</p>
<p>There's a free equivelent to just about any software you'd ever need to buy (not counting just downloading illegal versions of everything). For Microsoft Office, look up OpenOffice.org</p>
<p>I whole heartedly recommend OpenOffice. Fantastic Word Processor.</p>
<p>The only reason I can think of to have the use for an external bettery is if you take a lot of trips where you need you computer constantly, and you will be away from a power outlet for more than 8-9 hours. A college campus? No, you won't need one.</p>
<p>Also, if your the type to get homesick, it might be useful to buy a Webcam for yourself and your family! :D</p>
<p>Cheers,
Alex</p>
<p>I recommend an extra power cord.</p>
<p>Perhaps a laptop lock to somewhat deter theft?</p>
<p>I say ditch the carrying bag. It screams nerd. Unless your laptop is huge you can carry it in a backpack.</p>
<p>I don't use mine for taking it to classes; it has never left the room. I use the bag for transporting it to and from home in the car. Everyone has them, and something could fall on your laptop and damage it in your mode of transportation if it isn't in a case. Get a case.</p>
<p>one gun
one bullet</p>
<p>for when you just can't take it anymore.</p>
<p>umm...Printer perhaps?</p>
<p>Bassmaster, why do you need all that? I mean...</p>
<p>a) I always just dump my laptop into my backpack
b) I never clean the keyboard
c) You dont need a BRAND NEW one! just delete all ur old files</p>
<p>Also if u are buying a new one get one that's good. Price doesn't matter much, cuz u're gonna use it for a 4+ years. Cheap ones break easily.</p>
<p>Instead of a carrying case, get one of the backpack cases for computers. They are a little more expensive, but it's got the padding you need for the laptop, and you don't look like a nerd with a briefcase. Plus, since it's padded, you can "sling" it around like you do with your regular backpack and not worry about it. I don't mean sling literally....</p>
<p>Get a printer for your room for convenience, although it's probably not necessary. Have an extra power cord and keep one at your desk and one in your bag.</p>
<p>Check with your school which programs they might require. Often they sell bundles of programs that are needed for your area of study. And keep up with the spyware and virus sweeps.</p>
<p>This is like a monstrous orgy of computer ignorance (sorry for the harsh words, but the number of people here who don't know what they're talking about is actually unbelievable).</p>
<p>quitejaded: You're going to have a laptop with a short lifetime if you always just dump it into your backpack - assuming you have a backpack with no laptop slot. If it has one, that's ok. As for just deleting your old files? Are you aware that that essentially doesn't make your laptop like new at all? You'd need to go through and clean out all the old registry junk, uninstall programs, delete the files they leave behind, defrag, disk clean, and so forth before the computer would even bear a resemblance to what it was new. The closest way to get there is a complete reformat. However, why are you even asking why he needs it? You don't know if hehad a previous laptop. For the purposes of discussion, since he blatantly said he was getting it, just accept that and give some good advice.</p>
<p>sciencenerd: What qualifies as a cheap vs. an expensive laptop? Are you aware that a $1000 Dell laptop and a $2000 Dell laptop exhibit almost exactly the same workmanship and build quality? That the only difference between them is in their inner parts (processor etc.)? The major difference in build quality is between different manufacturers, and even then, more expensive doesn't always mean better.</p>
<p>OP: Some other things to look at. Depending on your budget, Booq (<a href="http://booqbags.com/%5B/url%5D">http://booqbags.com/</a>) has some excellent bags and laptop sleeves - the sleeves can make it great to put your laptop in a backpack and not need a laptop bag. Their stuff is a little pricy, but very well-built and solid.</p>
<p>1of42, you seem to have misunderstood what quitejaded was referring to; when he said to delete all the old files he was referring to the OP's plan of buying a new pen drive.</p>
<p>OP, You might find this useful: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-60702-Notebook-Expansion-Adjustable/dp/B000EIXX34%5B/url%5D">http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-60702-Notebook-Expansion-Adjustable/dp/B000EIXX34</a>
I definitely want to buy it.</p>
<p>LoJack for Laptops!</p>
<p>Its a must - it installs a hardcoded software piece that if activated(meaning laptop listed as stolen) lojack will be able to track down where the computer is and communicate that info with the proper authorities. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/</a></p>
<p>Or you could just be smart about where you take your laptop and locking your door and save your $49.99</p>
<p>I'd say don't get a Dell. Some people are very loyal to the brand, but they aren't very good quality durability-wise. That's why the company cab afford to sell them so cheaply. I've had 2 Dell laptops and I only had each for about a year each, because they just broke (one, the screen cracked in three places from very normal treatment; the other, the case broke open after I used it for about 4 hours from the heat), and the warantees sucked too. The price isn't worth it.</p>