Have you been lucky enough to unwrap a new laptop this Christmas? If you have a laptop or are thinking about what to buy to replace the laptop you have, then this guide is for you. I collected list of required accessories that can quickly expand the capabilities of your new laptop – and all of them can be accessed by less than 70 dollars!
My first suggestion is great. Anchor 5-in-1 USB-C hub. Many laptops, especially thin and light ones, don't come with as many ports these days, so connecting a hub can quickly and easily allow you to use a variety of peripherals and devices. Anchor is a trustworthy brand, and this hub features two USB-C, two standard USB-A, and an HDMI port that can stream 4K video so you can easily connect your laptop to a monitor, TV or projector.
I also suggest buying a laptop stand, e.g. Urmus Adjustable Laptop Stand. They make working on a laptop much more comfortable if you lift it off the table. While there are cheaper stands that lock into place at a specific height and angle, I recommend purchasing an adjustable one, which means you can adjust it perfectly to your needs. Keeping your laptop elevated above a surface will also keep it cool. However, make sure you buy a stand that fits the size of your laptop, although most companies make laptop stands that fit a variety of popular laptop sizes.
My next choice is Power supply for Ugreen Nexode laptop with a capacity of 25,000 mAh. Even though laptop battery life is getting longer, it's still useful to have an external battery so you can charge your laptop battery when you're not near an outlet. The 25,000 mAh capacity is enough to charge the laptop more than once (from empty), so if your laptop's battery life is around a full day, this will give you another day without having to plug the laptop into the mains; it can be a real life saver! Of course, you can also connect other devices, such as smartphones, and charge them several times. There are many unknown brands that sell power supplies for laptops, but I recommend that you choose a trusted brand like Ugreen as you want the power supply to be as reliable as possible.
Obviously laptops come with a built-in keyboard and trackpad, but I personally find it much more convenient to use a larger physical keyboard and mouse when using the laptop at a desk, so I recommend Logitech Mk270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo. Logitech makes quality peripherals, and purchasing this bundle can save you money compared to purchasing two peripherals separately. This also means you only need to connect one wireless receiver (included). This works best with a USB-C hub, as you can leave the wireless receiver connected to the hub, making it quick and easy to turn your laptop into a desktop computer in seconds.
While a keyboard and mouse combo is great for desk work, one of the best features of laptops is their portability. If you plan to travel a lot with your new device, then buy a bag or case, for example Targus Slim Laptop Bag – this is an excellent investment. Not only will it protect your laptop while you carry it, but it also comes with pockets to store your peripherals, accessories, and charging cables. I suggested an affordable product from Targus, which has an excellent reputation for making durable and attractive bags for laptops and general luggage.
Finally, if you intend to use your laptop for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive tasks, it's worth considering a laptop cooling pad, such as Havit Hv-F2056.
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Simply place your laptop on the stand and the three built-in USB-powered fans will turn on, helping to keep your laptop cool while you work. This can improve performance because if the components inside the laptop become too hot, the laptop will temporarily limit (called throttling) its performance to prevent it from overheating.
A cooling fan keeps your laptop cooler for longer, meaning it can work longer without a significant loss in performance. While this isn't as important if you only use your laptop for web browsing and writing documents, it can make a big difference for intensive tasks, especially if you're using a thin and light laptop where airflow is particularly limited.
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Matt Hanson
I've been the head of TechRadar's laptop coverage for over 10 years, and have been writing about laptops and computers for nearly two decades. I know that getting the most out of your new laptop requires purchasing the right accessories, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. I chose these accessories based on their quality and availability.
