Laptop cases

In order to protect your laptop and to keep all of your laptop computer accessories organized, you’ll need the most important laptop accessory of all—a laptop carrying case.

I recommend: Shop for a large variety of rolling laptop cases, briefcases and totes at Luggage.com. Women can find special designer laptops at AbbiNewYork.com or TheresaKathryn.com.

Laptop accessories keep you powered up

Long flights are the bane of laptop users. But with a good battery and a backup, you can ensure that you get work done in the air. Many airplanes are now equipped with DC power supplies that you can power your laptop while traveling, if you have the right adapter. If you travel internationally, you’ll also need an adapter for the proper country.

I recommend: If you travel a lot, a backup battery is well worth the investment. Find the right one for your laptop at LaptopBatteries.com or LaptopBattery.net. Walkabout Travel Gear offers an all-in-one surge protector that also adapts to European outlets. Power your laptop while in the air with a DC adapter from Lind Electronics.

Keep connected with laptop accessories

A wireless card is one of the most important laptop accessories as it enables you to stay connected to the office via the Internet and email. This eliminates the need for cumbersome Ethernet cables.

I recommend: Find the right wireless card for your computer, including Linksys, D-Link, Netgear and Proxim brands, at WirelessNetworkProducts.com. If you own an Apple computer, you’ll need an Airport Extreme Card.

Opt for functional laptop computer accessories

Consider what you absolutely need while you’re on the road. Printers are one of the most popular laptop accessories. As technology improves, they have become smaller, lighter and more efficient. Most portable laptop printers weigh one to three pounds.

I recommend: Try the Pentax PocketJet 3, that requires no ink or toner refills, but works with special thermal paper. It weighs one pound and fits in your laptop bag. Shop for Canon and HP bubble jet printers at Amazon.com.

Travel accessories

Make business travel more fun by equipping yourself with laptop accessories that will turn your laptop into an entertainment tool.

I recommend: Brookstone’s Laptop Essentials Kit includes a USB port numeric keypad, retractable optical mouse, gooseneck USB light, 4-port USB hub, 3.5” retractable high-speed Internet cable and earbuds with integrated microphone. SkyMall offers numerous laptop accessories to add options to your travel experience. If you travel by car, you’ll want to check out laptop computer accessories for cars including mobile desks at GoMobileNow.com. Bose noise canceling headphones cancel out airplane noise while allowing you to listen to music or DVDs.