The PC Add-Ons That Today’s Students Need
In today's digital age, computers and technology play a crucial role in the lives of students. Whether you're attending virtual classes, conducting research, or collaborating on projects, having the right PC and associated tech accessories can greatly enhance your productivity and overall experience.
There are several broad categories of tech and PC accessories that students typically find useful. The list grows each year, but for our purposes today, here are some of the biggest-selling tech accessory categories:
- Displays & monitors
- Headsets & speakers
- Backpacks, cases & sleeves
- Keyboards & mice
- Docks & hubs
- Privacy & security
- Printers & peripherals
These add-ons can improve your productivity and make your digital learning journey more enjoyable. So, let's dig more deeply into some student tech accessories that can take your PC set-up to the next level.
Student PC Accessories: Displays & Monitors
A bright, high-resolution display or monitor can enhance your learning workflow (or gameplay) and deliver a more immersive computing experience. You'll like what you see--whether you're adding an external display to your laptop set-up or upgrading the monitor that came with your desktop PC.
A large display allows you to view multiple windows simultaneously, making multitasking a breeze. Personal preferences differ, but a dedicated monitor with a minimum size of 21 inches is often recommended for the most comfortable viewing experience.
As for visual clarity, a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is usually sufficient for most student tasks, but if you work with graphic design, video editing, or coding, consider opting for a higher resolution such as QHD (2560x1440) or even 4K (3840x2160), which can deliver greater detail. And consider looking for a monitor with an adjustable stand or VESA mount compatibility for ergonomic positioning.
Student PC Accessories: Headsets & Speakers
Headsets and speakers are essential for students who need quality audio for their multimedia activities. When it comes to headsets, look for ones that offer good sound quality and comfortable padding for long hours of wear. Noise cancellation features can help keep you focused in noisy environments, and a built-in microphone with clear voice capture is crucial for online instruction, meetings and presentations.
If you prefer external speakers, consider getting a set with clear and balanced audio output. Look for speakers with compact designs that won't take up much space on or near your desk. Wireless options can provide flexibility and freedom of movement, while wired speakers often offer a more stable connection.
Student PC Accessories: Backpacks, Cases & Sleeves
Laptop owners know that transporting your valuable device is an everyday chore. This makes accessories such as backpacks, cases, and sleeves essential. They offer convenient storage for your laptop, accessories, and study materials while also protecting your investment.
For backpacks, look for ones that are specifically designed for laptops, with padded compartments that can safely hold your device. Consider the size and capacity of the backpack to ensure it can accommodate your laptop and other essentials like battery chargers, notebooks, and so on. Look for backpacks with adjustable straps and back padding for optimal comfort, especially if you have to carry your tech items for extended periods.
If you prefer a more lightweight and compact option, laptop sleeves or cases are an excellent choice. These provide a snug fit for your laptop and offer protection against scratches and minor bumps. Look for models made from durable materials like neoprene or polyester, with soft interior lining to prevent any damage to the laptop's exterior surfaces. While smaller than backpacks, some sleeves and cases also feature additional pockets for storing cables, pens, and other small accessories.
And don't forget that backpacks, cases, and sleeves give you a chance to express your personal sense of style and design. Options range from sleek and professional designs to vibrant and trendy patterns. Find one that reflects your personality while providing the needed protection for your valuable tech gear.
Student PC Accessories: Keyboards & Mice
A comfortable and efficient typing and pointing experience is important for students who spend long hours working on school projects. As such, investing in a good keyboard and mouse—even if your device came with its own—can significantly improve your productivity and reduce the strain on your wrists and fingers.
For keyboards, consider the type of key switches or activators they use. Mechanical keyboards are popular among users for their tactile feedback and durability. But they can be slightly more expensive compared to membrane keyboards, which offer a quieter typing experience. Look for models with ergonomic designs that provide wrist support and the ability to adjust their heights to more comfortable typing positions. Backlit keyboards can be beneficial if you often work in low-light conditions.
For mice, consider the size and shape that best fits your hand. Look for mice with adjustable sensitivity (measured in “DPI”) so you can customize the cursor speed to fit to your preferences. Wireless mice offer more freedom of movement and a clutter-free desk, but they require batteries or recharging. On the other hand, wired mice provide a more reliable connection without the need for battery changes.
Student PC Accessories: Docks & Hubs
As a student, you may find yourself needing to connect multiple devices to your PC simultaneously—say, a display, a keyboard, a scroll ball, a printer, and a headset (gaming or otherwise). This is where docks and hubs come in handy by expanding your connectivity options and providing a centralized spot to connect for all your peripherals.
When shopping for a dock or hub, look for USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity, which offer extremely fast data transfer speeds and can connect to multiple kinds of peripherals. And consider the number and types of ports available on the device (such as USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card slots) to ensure it will meet your current and future needs.
Student PC Accessories: Privacy, Security & Safety
In an era where data security and privacy are paramount, it's important for students to safeguard their digital assets. Privacy and protection-related accessories help ensure your personal information remains secure. And they run the gamut in terms of the kinds of threats they can help you keep at bay.
Webcam covers, for example, are a simple yet effective accessory that can help prevent harm or embarrassment from unauthorized or unanticipated access to your PC camera. Similarly, privacy screens or filters can be applied to your monitor to limit the viewing angles and prevent prying eyes from seeing your screen.
To protect your PC from online threats, invest in reputable antivirus software and malware protection. There are lots of reliable software options—just do a quick Google search and you'll see some recognizable names. Most offer comprehensive features to keep your laptop or desktop safe from viruses, malware, phishing attempts, and more.
Another important aspect of privacy and protection is physical security. Cable locks are useful accessories that allow you to secure your laptop to a fixed object, preventing theft or unauthorized access. Likewise, surge protectors are important for protecting your PC and other devices from power surges and voltage fluctuations.
Student PC Accessories: Printers & Peripherals
While the world is increasingly digital, there are still situations where having a printer can be handy for students. Whether you need to print out important assignments, scan documents, or create physical copies of study materials, a printer can be a valuable addition to your PC set-up. So, consider getting an all-in-one printer that offers printing, scanning, and copying functionalities in a single device. And look for models with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for convenient printing from multiple devices without the hassle of cables.
In addition to printers, other peripheral devices that can enhance your productivity and expand your creative possibilities. An external hard drive provides extra storage space for your files and backups, ensuring you never run out of space. And a top-quality webcam—if one's not already built into your laptop or display—can improve your online video calls and presentations.
Conclusion
As a student, investing in the right tech accessories can significantly enhance your PC set-up and overall academic experience. Monitors or displays, headsets and speakers, printers, backpacks, keyboards, docks, virus protection—they're all easy to find, and each can improve your learning experience in different ways. Happy accessorizing!
