Chromebooks continue to be one of the most popular laptop choices for casual users. They’re affordable, easy to carry, and great for browsing the web and handling everyday tasks. Still, like most other devices they can benefit from a few upgrades.
With the right accessories, you can improve your productivity and make the time you spend on the device more enjoyable. Listed below are the top four Chromebook accessories that are worth getting.
Wireless Mouse
The trackpad on a Chromebook gets the job done when you need to send an email or skim through a few pages online. However, it may feel clunky and imprecise for more complex tasks. This problem can easily be solved by carrying a wireless mouse in your bag.
Most wireless models are lightweight and easy to connect when using the trackpad becomes difficult. While models like Asus ROG Keris II Ace and Logitech M720 Triathlon are something you can’t go wrong with, you have plenty of other options depending on your needs and preferences.
Any of these options will offer better precision, smoother scrolling, and a more natural grip. Some even come with extra buttons that suit gamers who need quick shortcuts for multitasking and navigating documents.
All these perks will make long sessions on your Chromebook way more enjoyable. This is especially the case when playing something online.
Sites like Coin Poker Australia offer a variety of games that require a lot of clicking and navigating between menus. Even for poker, having smoother control helps when adjusting bets and playing quick hands.
USB-C Hub
With most Chromebooks, you only get one or two ports. This may be enough when using your device on the go, but when handling more demanding tasks, it quickly becomes limiting.
Luckily, you can expand the connectivity by plugging in a USB-C hub. It’s a tiny device that can turn one of the USB-C ports on your Chromebook into several other types and let you plug in multiple devices at once.
These things come in all sorts of types, but the majority include USB-A ports, HDMI ports, or slots for SD and microSD cards. Some even include a port for wired ethernet connection which can come in handy when your Wi-Fi connection is weak.
Usually, they come with at least three additional ports while some have as many as nine. In most cases, at least one USB-A port is 3.0 while the rest are 2.0.
USB-C ports are usually plug-and-play, meaning that you don’t have to install any additional software to get them running.
There are a number of models available, with some of the most popular choices being:
- RSHTECH 9-in-1 USB-C Hub
- Baseus 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
- Anker PowerExpand Plus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
- UGREEN 6-in-1 USB-C Hub
External Monitor
Regardless of what you’re using your Chromebook for, one small screen may not always be enough. Adding an external monitor gives you more space to organize your windows, documents, and browser tabs.
For example, if you often attend work calls from your Chromebook, you can use the external monitor to keep your video call open while taking notes on the other. Even if you’re just using the device for entertainment, an extra screen lets you stream content while doing something else.
The quality of PC monitors has improved a lot over the years and it’s now possible to find affordable models that deliver sharp visuals and good color accuracy.
Setting up your additional monitor shouldn’t be difficult and the process is relatively the same as for desktop PCs. It’s just important to make sure your Chromebook has the right port. If you only have USB-C, you can use one of the above-listed USB-C hubs to connect an HDMI monitor without any issues.
Once your new monitor is plugged in, the only thing left to do is to adjust your display settings and extend your screen in the direction you want.
Protective Sleeve
While most Chromebooks are extremely portable, they’re vulnerable to bumps, scratches, and drops just like any other device. If you often carry yours with you, there’s plenty of opportunity for it to get damaged.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, you can get a protective sleeve. There are tons of options available and it’s important to pick something that fits your Chromebook well. If a sleeve is too loose, it means your device will still move around inside, which defeats the purpose of carrying it in a sleeve in the first place.
Some more expensive options come with inner padding and reinforced edges that can absorb damage in case of a drop or knock. Depending on how often you’re exposed to rain or water in general, you can consider getting a waterproof sleeve.
Wrap up
Any of these four accessories can make your Chromebook easier to use or more comfortable to carry around. Also, they all come in both affordable and expensive options, allowing you to easily find something that fits your budget.