Accessories are devices used with the host computer/ laptop apart from the main peripherals (Monitor, Mouse and Keyboard), Peripherals are mostly compulsory for desktops and can enhance the work of laptops; whereas accessories are not compulsory and are like value additions to your host device. Accessories like U.P.S, Printers, external speakers and scanners are becoming more popular and may be termed as common accessories while modems, networking tools, external DVD writers, external webcams and external portable Hard disks are termed as advanced accessories. In this blog post we shall explore some of the computer accessories that can really add a lot of value to your experience.
UPS- Uninterrupted Power Supply
Very critical for the developing nations where two way backup inverters are still not used widely. The UPS or the uninterrupted power supply assures with its small inbuilt rechargeable battery to supply power to the Desktop computers; for few minutes such that on sudden power cuts the user gets time to save the work. UPS are meant for only short time backups of around 10 to 20 minutes and can’t work for longer duration and with heavy loads. Laptops and other portable rechargeable devices do not need UPS. With the availability and popularity of the two way backup inverters the UPS are losing the popularity but are still widely used in certain areas.
External speakers
External speakers are extremely important for real multimedia use of the digital devices. Some computers and most laptops have inbuilt speakers that are limited in sound effects and output. The external speakers add real value to the quality and volume of sound outputs. There are different types of external speakers available in various sizes, designs and outputs. There are some which need to be supplied with electricity separately and they may work well with stationary laptops and desktops but are not meant for mobility. However, there are also those speakers which are supplied with power from the USB port of computers and are meant for mobility. The audio outputs – represented by sign of headphones in most devices can also be connected to woofers, amplifiers and sound mixers using appropriate banana multimedia pins.
External Hard disks
External hard disks are made by using special casings which may need external separate electricity and there are most which derive electricity from the USB port. The casing may encompass the hard disk of a desktop or laptop or may even have portable hard disks which are even smaller than laptop hard disks. In the computers and laptops where the hard disks cannot be upgraded, such external hard disks are very important tools for data backup, transfers and restoration.
For transfer of small files and for mobility, flash disks and memory cards can be used.
External DVD Writers
Net book or notebook laptops are mostly meant for portability, mobility and internet connectivity; they can do most of the work of bigger laptops and desktops but mostly do not carry DVD drives. External DVD writers aid the use of C.Ds and DVDs on such devices mostly for data backups, transfer, installations of critical software and for entertainment. External DVD writers also help the burning of multiple CDs from a single device; a feature much helpful to video librarians.
External Web cameras
In most desktops and some laptops which don’t have inbuilt web cameras, external web cameras help a lot to take pictures, capture videos, do online chatting and video conferencing. These accessories come in various designs and with various types of LED lights which are a good aid for indoor surroundings with poor lighting.
Bluetooth adaptors
These are flash disk sized USB accessories meant for providing Bluetooth functions in devices which do not have inbuilt Bluetooth and help in inter transfer of files between computers, mobile I.T devices and mobile phones and for sharing internet connections.
T.V cards
T.V cards are devices which help receive satellite T.V broadcasts on the computer. A T.V card may be internal or external. The internal ones are more bulky, cheaper and are meant for installing in desktops whereas external T.V cards are encased in small boxes and are USB port operated for use on desktops and even laptops which can’t accommodate the larger internal T.V cards. Different T.V cards have different functions; some can even receive F.M. radio broadcast and even record audio and video broadcasts. A T.V card can also be connected with DVD players and other electronic devices with video outputs like satellite decoders.
Sound cards
A sound card mostly helps those desktops and laptops which don’t have sound outputs and microphone ports or if they are spoilt or malfunctioning. All external sound cards can work on USB ports and most sound cards are two way: they work as sound output which is indicated by sign of headphones and they also work as sound input for the host device and is indicated by sign of microphones. Whereas the internal sound cards do the same functions and are meant to be used with desktops.
Wireless mouse
Considered as a hassle free device for eventful tables and busy desktops, though has recurring expense of changing the batteries but may be useful to some.
Printers
They are of various types and sizes and do the obvious work of printing; there are however some multipurpose printers which can also scan and photocopy documents while there are others which may also have telephones and fax inbuilt. Printers are one of the most important office devices. The small printers like “DeskJet” work on cartridges while the ones meant for professional use like “LaserJet” work on toners which reduce per page printing expenses.
Smart/ USB hubs
USB or the Universal Serial Bus is a type of flat slit like port allocated on the sides of most I.T devices and is one of the most convenient features ever invented for the utilization of I.T devices and accessories. Most gadgets, cameras, printers, scanners, modems, flash disks, phones, iPods, mp3 players, card readers, laptop coolers, including all the external connectable devices like; webcams, hard disks, sound cards, T.V cards and speakers and loads of other fun stuffs work on the USB; not to mention mouse and keyboard; making it practically universal. Smart hubs or USB hubs do a remarkable job of multiplying a single USB port into many; hence, are very critical for busy and professional work places. This simple device makes a lot of difference and adds real value to the host device.
Multiple SIM modems
Multiple SIM modems are mostly USB operated devices resembling a big flash disk, they can contain the mobile/ cellular SIM cards and helps in connecting with internet and sometimes even making phone calls from the host device. A multiple SIM modem gives you the freedom of utilizing the best networks available.
Multiple memory card readers
Another very important accessory operated on USB ports helping the user access different types of memory cards from one port. Such an accessory may be helpful even if the host device contains a built in card reader, as there are so many different kinds of memory cards including those ones of mobile phones. There are some card readers which can even work with mobile/ cellular SIM cards and help in exchange of data.
Audio output Banana pins
A simple wired banana pin which can supply audio output signals to woofers, mixers, amplifiers, etc from the host device. The pin entering the host device resembles that of the headphones of mp3 players and works from audio output ports represented by headphone sign on the host device. As simple as it is, it can work with loads of other gadgets like radios, iPods, iPhones, mp3, mp4-mp9 players, certain mobile phones, cameras and portable screen/DVD players; making it very important for a real “integrated” experience.
Head phones
Mostly considered a cool stuff, head phones can be trendy and useful too. Headphones are really important for online chatting, voice calls and even for sound editing jobs. They can get the user some good music and relaxation while having concern for others. Most computer headsets are two way and also contain microphones which are connected by separate wires into sound input sockets.
Locks
Locks are accessories mostly needed for security of laptops; they may not be compulsory for all the locations but may be critical for busy places with a lot of movement especially for outdoor use, project field sites or displays. They help secure the laptops by attaching them with stable and fixed nearby objects. The popular locks are inexpensive metal wire ringed locks operated by keys or scrolling numbers and are readily available.
Coolers
Coolers are mostly helpful to keep the bottom surface of laptops cool. One of the drawbacks of laptops is they generate heat during the use and may prove to be a discomfort as away from tables people mostly put them in laps. Coolers are mostly tray shaped and contain encased fan which derives power from USB ports and can instantly cool the laptops.
Multi-plugs
These are small accessories but very helpful to a professional who frequently travels with the laptop. Such Multi-plugs are adapter sockets which can work with different types of plugs and pins and mostly have an inbuilt fuse. This device may be small but can protect the batteries and chargers from high electric voltages which are much pain to replace. Such an accessory also increases your convince during international travel and removes hassle of square, round big and small wall sockets.
Laptop bags
Laptop bags are like any other bags with added cushions, straps and sometimes weather proofing. Some designs are the office bag cum suitcase type and more popular backpack types. A laptop bag is a compulsory tool for the safe mobility of laptops. It is advisable not to leave the laptops switched on for longer durations when they are carried in the laptop bags, as the heat released from the laptop will remain in the laptop bag. Leaving silica gel pouches in some corner of your laptop bag can help in keeping humidity and dampness away. Care should also be taken to put the chargers and adapters in separate pockets such that the metal plug pins do not harm or scratch the laptop.
Dust protectors
Dust protectors could be simple cover types protecting the desktops from unwanted and harmful dust and could also be in the form of keypad skins and laptop skins. The laptop skins can give unique identity and design to your laptop while protecting it from dust and scratches. Whereas keyboard skins not only protects the keyboard from dust but also from spilt over beverages and tiny food particles.
We have tried to sum up a few accessories in this post whereas a visit to a computer shop can introduce you to other valuable trendy stuffs which can add some value to your digital experience!