Laptop Computer Accessory Guide
What is a laptop computer accessory? Essentially, it's any piece of hardware that is designed to work with, enhance, or change the function of a laptop computer. These days, almost any electronic device could be considered a laptop computer accessory!
Many first time as well as some long time laptop users know that a laptop can do all kinds of things, from balancing the checkbook to personal organizing to global navigation. What most don't know, however, is exactly what pieces of software and hardware are required in order to do those things.
Laptop Accessory ... or Not?
While the term laptop computer accessory is more or less just as I've described, things are not always so clear in the real world.
In recent years, many electronic devices have been created or adapted to work with laptops. As we move towards a more mobile computing oriented society, this is happening at an even faster rate.
In addition, a number of items that your laptop cannot or should not be without can be called accessories. So many, in fact, that just exactly what is or is not defined as an accessory can get a little fuzzy.
A good number of stand alone devices come with software that allows for advanced features that you just cannot take advantage of without connecting the item to a PC.
So, some devices become laptop accessories depending upon how they are used... such as using a cell phone to connect to the Internet. If we expand our concept to include anything that is or can be laptop related that is not the actual laptop itself, we end up with a more practical, if somewhat inaccurate definition.
Handheld Global Positioning Systems (GPS), for example, are very popular. A GPS is a navigation device that tells you where you are, or how to get where you want to go.
In conjunction with a laptop, however, it can do much more than that. Many come with mapping software that begs for you to use a laptop, and that's just what many people do.
Is a GPS a laptop accessory? No, not exactly. But for people who travel extensively, a GPS by itself may not be enough.
Hard core travelers can use software on their laptops, combined with a GPS, to plan out their trips, and even determine which rest stops on the Interstate are the best places to take a break.
This is a prime example of a stand-alone technology that has turned into a laptop computer accessory!
Are Essentials Accessories?
Well, kind of.
A cell phone has a distinct identity of its own, and as we've discussed, by usage could be considered a laptop computer accessory in some cases. Items like wireless network adapters, an external mouse or keyboard, or a usb broadband phone might be obvious accessory items because they lack their own identity or can't function without a computer.
But what about an item that the laptop can't live without, like the power adapter? Well, there are a number of items that you may deem essential to using your laptop that are still considered accessories.
Yep, network cables, phone cords, even the power adapter and cables could be classified this way. In some cases, CD ROM drives or floppy disk drives could be in this category as well.
In practice, then, items that are either called accessories by the industry at large, the community of computer users, or are just plain obviously accessories qualify.
The Flyfone USB is a free laptop computer accessory that allows you to make free long distance calls.
