Accessories can make or break the perfect outfit -- the right ones can really help you look your best. Computer accessories are similar -- certain accessories can help you get the most out of your computer. Devices such as a mouse help you to operate your system, and helpful tools such as thumb drives allow you to back up and share data between different computers or users. Some accessories can make you more efficient or productive, and others are just plain fun and stylish. The latest accessories can even help you update an older system without the expense and inconvenience of purchasing a new computer. Before you shop for new computer gadgets, take a look at this list of the top 10 computer accessories and learn how each can benefit you.
Would this office really look -- or be -- as productive without the computer accessories?
10: Flash Drives
Flash drives -- also called thumb drives or USB drives -- offer one of the easiest and most efficient methods of moving and sharing files between different computers or users. These devices plug into the USB port on your computer to upload or download data, and then store the information for up to 10 years without the need for batteries or other power sources [source:Maran]. Best of all, most USB drives are about the size of a stick of gum, allowing them to fit comfortably in your pocket or on a key ring. Early flash drives came with a high price tag and held relatively small amounts of data. Today, technology has improved so much that you can store any number of large files at very little cost. In fact, many companies give flash drives away for free as part of product promotions or marketing plans. Some contain sneak peaks of new games or software programs, and others simply serve as a business card for the company. Users can access the data on the drive, then simply delete any unwanted information and reuse the drive again and again.
Card-based Computing
With the convenience of the flash drive and the speed of modern computers, it's hard to believe how complex and difficult computing could be during its early days. Through the 1970s, users relied on a system of punch cards to store data and run programs. Each card represented a single line of programming, and the entire stack of cards had to be kept in careful order to ensure the system would operate as intended.
9: Laptop Bags
For the laptop computer user, selecting the perfect carrying case can be nearly as much fun as choosing the computer itself. These bags feature well-placed padding to protect your laptop during transit, and some even include built-in solar panels to charge your battery when you're on the move. Both bags and sleeve-style holders also allow you to showcase your unique style, with designs ranging from bold patterns and prints to the finest leather. Rolling bags can help you transport a heavy laptop and all of the associated work and plugs with ease, but may be too bulky or unwieldy for some users. If you simply want a case to protect and transport your laptop, look for special offers for a free bag with the purchase of your computer. Laptop users who travel frequently may want to spring for a "checkpoint friendly" case to speed up the airport security process. These bags feature butterfly, trifold or sleeve-style designs that allow scanners to inspect your computer without removing it from the case.
Have laptop, will travel. Frequent flyers can't do without specially designed laptop bags, especially the ones on wheels. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Getty Images/Thinkstock
8: Speakers
A surprisingly large number of consumers use their computers primarily as multimedia entertainment centers. Sure, they may send a few e-mails or browse the Web, but music, movies and games often take center stage. For these users, high-quality speakers are a vital accessory for everyday computing. Some may be satisfied with speakers built into the monitor or keyboard, but many multimedia fans spring for advanced sound systems that rival those found with top-of-the-line stereos. These speakers may plug into USB ports or connect to the computer wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. The right speakers provide much better sound quality than the tiny built-in units found in the average computer. You'll experience less interference and more realistic sounds that can boost your computing experience. Those interested in gaming, music or video will benefit most from after-market speaker options, as will fans of Web-based chat programs or phone systems. Of course, you can always use a pair of high-quality headphones to enjoy a similar level of quality without disturbing your roommate, family members, or the guy seated next to you on the commuter train.
Exercise While You Work -- or Play!
If your laptop computer has turned you into a couch potato, try combining computer time with exercise to get fit while enjoying your favorite movies and games. Several manufacturers now produce laptop trays that connect to a treadmill so you can compute while you walk or jog. Some even double as an office workspace, so employees can walk at a slow, steady pace throughout the day while they send e-mails and handle other tasks.
7: Gaming Gear
From Second Life to World of Warcraft, gaming and software manufacturers enjoy sales of more than $10 billion a year as of 2009 [source:Snider]. If you haven't played computer games recently, you'll be astounded to see how much gaming has evolved from the early days of Pong and Asteroid. As gaming has grown, so too has the number of accessories used to play these games, with each one offering a slightly different experience or edge to players. The basic joystick or gamepad plugs directly into your USB port for online play, and steering wheels and flight control systems offer a realistic driving or flying experience. One of the hottest features is "force feedback," which sends vibrations or other motions through the game controller to reflect the action on your computer screen. Serious players rely on special gaming mice or keyboards that store game data internally and allow users to customize settings. The most complex games may even require motion-activated gloves, headgear or mouthpieces to maximize play strategy. Wireless versions of your favorite game gear even allow you to play from the comfort of the couch or your bed.
Today's computer gaming accessories have moved beyond the joystick to make simulation fun.Image Credit: Hemera/Thinkstock
6: Compressed Air Can
When the keys of your keyboard start sticking, or you just can't seem to get the buttons to work correctly, it's time to break out the compressed air can. This simple tool clears crumbs, dust and other debris out from between your keys by directing air through a narrow tube, similar to a straw. You can even use compressed air to extend the life of your computer by cleaning fans, air intake grills or the power supply. Built-up dust in these areas cuts off ventilation to vital operating components, causing them to overheat. Routine cleaning keeps your computer running, and compressed air cans make this task easy. If you have an old track-ball style mouse that's acting up, try twisting off the base and using compressed air to blow dust out of the inner cavity. This allows the ball to roll freely within the casing, eliminating cursor skips and jumps. A few cautions about this handy tool: A few years back, kids discovered they could get a quick high by huffing compressed air. The cans now come with warnings and/or bitter taste added. And this isn't an aerosol can, so don't shake before using.
The Boss Screen
This tool may have kept many employees from the unemployment line over the years. Even the best worker has likely spent time surfing or completing the occasional personal task during work hours. A "boss screen" comes up when you click a button or on-screen icon; a faux spreadsheet or other screen quickly hides the Final Four rundown or other indiscretion. It was more widely used a decade ago but still protects privacy and saves jobs today.
5: Webcam
Computer Webcams allow you to enjoy video chat sessions with family and friends, or conduct business with people around the world. Some laptops feature built-in cameras, but many desktop computers require a separate Webcam that plugs into a USB port. Video quality varies, depending on camera speed and resolution, but even the most basic Webcams provide a face-to-face meeting for those separated by long distances. Wireless models even let you record or stream activity across the room or in other parts of your home using Bluetooth technology. You can program some Webcams to take digital pictures at specified intervals or to stream video for monitoring purposes. Some users worry that hijackers can take over your Webcam and spy on you and your family from a distance using computer viruses. This type of hijacking is rare, but you can protect your privacy with a firewall and strong anti-virus program [source:Johnson]. To make sure you're protected, add a strip of black tape over the camera lens, or direct the camera toward the wall when you're not using it.
We now rely on wireless technology for Internet access, cell phone connections and lots of other applications. Cut the cords and minimize clutter around your computer by using wireless accessories. Many of these devices rely on radio waves to send signals to a receiver plugged into your USB port, although some may rely on Bluetooth or other technologies. Many office workers and homeowners may find that wireless accessories with built-in device drivers make setup easier by eliminating the tangle of cords, but others like the familiarity of wired keyboards, printers and other devices. Try a wireless mouse for flexible computing, and to avoid wires that may limit your movement. Wireless printers can free up space around your computer, and a wireless keyboard allows you to work with your keyboard in your lap, or in the location of your choosing. For maximum portability, eliminate the wires and the keyboard in favor of laser-projected keypads. These devices produce a light-based keyboard on a tabletop or desk, and can read the movements of your fingers as you "type."
The Oldest Computer in the World
Many people are shocked to learn that the world's oldest computer isn't from a computer company or university. In fact, it wasn't invented in this century. Early in the 20th century, scientists discovered the Antikythera mechanism, which dates to 80 BC. The bronze object and its numerous dials, levers and gears baffled scientists for decades. Recently, experts determined it served as a computer of sorts, allowing sailors to map the moon and sun to guide their travels [source:Smith].
3: External Storage
It only takes one major computer crash to convince the average user how important it is to back up a computer's hard drive. The internal hard drive holds all the major data on your machine, and if it crashes, this information may be gone forever. External storage devices provide an effective method for backing up your important data and images, expanding the size of your hard drive or even transferring information from one computer to another. Early computer users relied on floppy disks for these tasks, although these disks were vulnerable to magnets and other potential disturbances. CDs and flash drives offer a long-term backup solution, but disks are relatively fragile and flash drives easily misplaced. For long-term storage and regular backup, an external disk drive is hard to beat. Many of these devices can store the entire contents of your computer, or simply hold excess songs and videos that won't fit on your hard drive. Best of all, your information remains protected in the event of a computer crash or accident.
A computer without a monitor is like a movie theater without a screen, a newspaper without print, a … you get the picture. Well, you get the picture if you have a monitor. Much like television buyers, computer monitor shoppers often seek out the biggest and best models on the market. Standard monitors range from 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm) on average, and some measure as large as 40 inches (102 cm), with larger units sure to follow. Larger monitors give you a clear picture of your work or multimedia and allow you to fit more information on the screen, but they also come with a high price tag that may put them out of some buyers' reach. If you're looking to maximize productivity, a dual-monitor system lets you view multiple programs at once across two side-by-side screens connected to a single computer. As with most technology, biggest isn't always better, at least not in every dimension. Traditional cathode tube technology has largely been replaced by liquid crystal display, or LCD, monitors. LCD technology has allowed manufacturers to produce the flat-screen units that are so popular with today's computer users. These devices consume less energy and provide a bright, clear picture in a much smaller space. The flat-screen monitors improve gaming and multimedia enjoyment, as well as photo editing resolution [source:Perenson]. And they just look cleaner and take up less space, leaving room for other cool computer or office supplies. Special privacy filters or anti-glare screens can help customize your monitor to your needs.
1: The Mouse
Scroll, drag and drop data on your computer screen at the click of a button using an optical or mechanical mouse. The early version of the mouse used a small trackball built into the base to move a cursor around the screen, but modern versions rely on laser lights to track movements. A similar device, the trackball, allows users to move the cursor by rolling a ball built into a stationary holder. The technology is similar to that of the mouse, but has failed to catch on with most computer fans. The traditional two-button mouse remains popular, although models with click wheels or special gaming features also are available. Today, the mouse comes in a virtually unlimited number of designs, including diamond-encrusted models or devices covered in fur to resemble a real mouse. You can have fun exploring different models and finding one that makes computing fun and that fits your personality. Laptop users can choose from a touchpad or mouse button, both of which can require some practice to master. On a touchpad, users drag their fingers across a flat surface to move a cursor, and mouse buttons allow the user to roll a single finger across a small button to move or select objects on the screen. Of course, there's always the option of plugging in a standard or wireless mouse via the laptop's USB port.
What's a mouse without its pad?
The traditional trackball-style mouse required a pad so the ball could roll smoothly across the surface. A bumpy desk could cause the cursor to jump around the screen, leading to endless frustration. Today, mouse pads mainly serve as decoration and do little to improve the operation of the optical or laser mouse, although serious gamers may notice a difference.
Would this office really look -- or be -- as productive without the computer accessories? 
