How to Buy Peripherals for a Laptop Computer

If you need to print documents in a car or hotel room, make presentations or give your laptop computer the functionality of a desktop computer, you can buy peripherals to fulfill your needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 Computer Speakers
• CD-RW Burners Portable
• PC Communication Card
• Zip Drives
• Computer Keyboards
• Computer Mice
• Computer Monitors
• Docking Station
• Modems PCMCIA
• Printers Portable
• Scanners
• Serial/parallel Cards
• Sound Cards
• Web Cameras
• Cellular Phone Accessories

1. Buy a docking station, if one is made for your laptop, and an external monitor, keyboard and mouse (or other input device of your choice) to use your computer as conveniently as a desktop computer. Find out if the manufacturer of your laptop offers a port-replicator, if not a docking station.

2. Buy any peripheral you would for a desktop computer, as long as your laptop meets the system requirements, and you have a way to connect it. PCMCIA cards (also called "PC cards") with connectors are available for many peripherals.

3. Read the eHow "How to Buy Peripherals for a Computer," for general information, as well as eHows on specific peripherals to learn the buying considerations for each.

4. Buy a portable ink-jet printer based on resolution, weight and size, included parts, versatility and paper-feeding method. Consider a Canon portable printer if you would also like to use it as a low-quality scanner (for an additional $100).

5. Buy a PC-card modem or an external modem, if your laptop didn't come with a modem or if you wish to upgrade from the existing modem.

6. Buy a backup storage device to use at home or work, or to take with you. Consider various Iomega drives and CD and CD-RW drives. Iomega Zip Drives can run on optional batteries.

7. Buy a Visioneer PaperPort scanner or one of its imitators if you need to use a scanner in the field.

8. Buy small, battery-powered speakers if you want to travel with speakers.

9. Check specialty retailers and manufacturers for business peripherals, such as barcode wands, projectors and PC cards with cellular phone connectors (which are proprietary for individual cell phone brands or model series).

10. Look for PC cards that can increase the functionality of your computer. These could include a sound card, a card with specialty in/out (I/O) ports and an Ethernet or other networking card.

Tips & Warnings

• Almost all name-brand laptops made since the mid-1990s have two PCMCIA Type II sockets, a PS/2 port, a serial port and a parallel port. Two USB ports have been standard on full-size laptops since the introduction of Windows 98.
• Manufacturers continually introduce new types of peripherals. Something not yet invented may increase the functionality or enjoyment of your computer.
• Be aware that laptop computers are slower than desktop computers. Your laptop may lack the capacity to run certain peripherals even if you meet the minimum system requirements. Adding RAM might help.
• Do not expect a PC card with USB ports to work with a laptop.