Recommend Notebook Accessories

[AtomicSpark]

I acquired a new notebook PC today. It's a HP Compaq 6820s. Specs and pictures below. This being my first notebook, I was curious what you guys would recommended as far as accessories for it. I'm looking for a good laptop mouse and maybe some headphones. It also came with integrated Bluetooth, so if you know of any neat Bluetooth devices, mention them too.

Quick Specs:

• Windows Vista® Business
• Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7250* (2.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache)
• 17.0 inch diagonal WXGA+ BrightView (1440 x 900)
• 2048MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2 DIMM)
• 160GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
• LightScribe DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive
• ATI Mobility Radeon X1350, 128MB dedicated graphics memory
• Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
• HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
• 6-cell (55 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery
• Limited 1 year standard parts and labor warranty

Pictures:

• http://www.halflife2.net/forums/photoplog/index.php?n=44
• http://www.halflife2.net/forums/photoplog/index.php?n=45

 

[Shakermaker]

A proper mouse would be a good idea. The other day I saw a guy playing a FPS on a laptop with just that touchy-feely square below the keyboard and it seemed to be playing torturous.

 

[MRG]

I second the advice on getting a "real" mouse. They come in both wired & wireless flavors. Both normal & mini sized.

Blue-Tooth Mouse:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010290065+1083414699&name=Bluetooth

A good set of headphones will do wonders for the sanity of those around you. Also depending on your "Listening Ear" don't waste your cash on an overpriced set of earphones. Unless you have a high quality sound card installed such as the Audigy 2 ZS or X-Fi, you are not going to notice all that much of a difference. Onboard audio, for the most part is simply junk. Even if you are not a gamer or only a casual one, a quality sound card is a must. You can also buy 5.1 headphones as well for not that much cash.

Laptop Sound Cards:
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=208&product=16642&bypass=1
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=205&product=10769&bypass=1

Headphones:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=headphones

5.1 Headphones: (scroll down)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...E&DEPA=0&Description=5.1+headphones&x=15&y=32

I would advise that you get a laptop cooler. A cool PC is a happy PC.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=laptop+cooling+pad

Just to start. Give us an idea as to what you are looking for or what the laptop is going to be used mostly for. Hope the above helped give you some ideas.

-MRG

 

[AtomicSpark]

Depending on how well it performs compared to my current desktop PC, will decide if I use it for gaming or not. Primarily, I just got the notebook to use at school and work. I needed something to take notes with (safely) and waste my time in-between classes.

My current desktop:

• AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (2.0 GHz, 300 MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache)
• 1 GB DDR RAM
• ATI Radion X800XT 512 MB DDR3

 

[MRG]

Your laptop will blow your desktop away, performance wise. I'm not a big fan of Windows Vista, but your Laptop is more powerful.

-MRG

 

[AtomicSpark]

I am giving Vista a chance, as it is the Operating System that came with it. No driver problems so far, just the new and annoying menu layouts. I've optimized it a little, so we'll see how it goes.

As far as running games, I tried running Team Fortress 2 on the default settings. I was only getting about 12 FPS. :\ It also kept minimizing to the desktop. Closing the Windows Side Bar seem to fix it that problem. Any suggestions on why I would get such low FPS? Is it the video card?

I also thought the Logitech VX Nano was a pretty cool mouse. Has a tiny-ass receiver.