A great laptop can be even better with the right accessories. Essential laptop accessories are both practical and, for the most part, affordable. With the right additions, your laptop can become an all-in-one work and networking center. In fact, you shouldn’t even consider using a laptop without some of these vital additions.

Bullet-proof Backup
Every laptop needs a backup plan. An external hard drive that is capable of backing up everything you do on your laptop will cost you around $150. Having complete peace of mind while working on your laptop is invaluable. There are a number of external hard drive options available.
Look for an external hard drive that makes it easy to create copies of your files. Hard drives that include plug and play technology are simple to use and effortless. Storage size is up to you, though it’s a good idea to purchase an external hard drive that has at least 20GB.

Portable Printers
Laptops were meant for travel. Unfortunately, travel makes printing important documents difficult. Purchasing a compact portable printer is the best way to ensure that you’ll always be able to print a document. Many newer portable printers are light enough to carry with you no matter where you go, but these printers also get the job done with ease.
Quality-wise, portable printers aren’t as smooth as desktop versions. Yet, you’ll get decent printing quality while on the go without relying on printing centers. Search for a portable printer that includes Bluetooth capabilities, and you won’t have to worry about carrying around bulky cables. Portable printers are priced at $200 and up.

A Mighty Mouse
Your laptop’s touchpad is practical, but your hands will thank you for purchasing a separate mouse. It is now possible to find a mini laptop mouse that weights no more than 2 ounces. These mice include everything that a regular desktop mouse has. Some laptop mice also include USB cords, which make life a whole lot easier. A great mouse can become your new best friend for no more than $30.

Camera Capabilities
Not all laptops include webcams. The good news is that this problem can be easily fixed. Webcams that have been exclusively fashioned for laptops are now available online and in almost every computer retailer shop. These webcams clip onto the top of a laptop screen effortlessly allowing you to connect to friends, family, and colleagues. This extra laptop addition can be yours for around $50.

Work Wirelessly
Happening upon a hotspot isn’t always easy. This is precisely why Wi-Fi finders exist. These key chain size gadgets will let you know when a hotspot is nearby ($50+). You can even use these finders when your laptop is off. Another wireless connection option is to purchase a portable router. Similar to regular routers, portable routers will provide you with wireless connectivity wherever you are ($70+).