When you buy a new Notebook or Desktop PC, it's a good time to think about how you're going to use it and what sort of accessories might help you. You can increase your flexibility, productivity, comfort and security.

For example, a docking station and external keyboard can turn a notebook into a fully-fledged desktop computer. Or an extended life battery means you can get more done without recharging. Similarly, a large, wide screen monitor can help you get more done with your PC in your office.

There are plenty of options and many benefits. The following accessories could be right for you.

Flexibility

• Mouse. Most people find a regular mouse more productive than the trackpads or pointers built into notebooks. A compact travel mouse lets you take one with you.
• Car and plane power adaptor. Some airline seats have built-in laptop power supplies and most cars have a cigarette lighter. HP's car and plane power adaptor means you can keep your notebook fully charged while you're on the move.
• Smart power adaptors. HP Business Notebooks come with a power adaptor but if you regularly use yours in two different places, you could buy a second adaptor and save yourself the trouble of carrying one back and forth.
• Docking station. A docking station is the way to turn a notebook into a desktop computer. It sits on your desk and lets you connect an external monitor, a full-size keyboard, a mouse, your power supply and any other connections. When you get to your desk, you just slide your notebook into the docking station and everything is connected in an instant. When you're ready to leave, press a button and it's ready to go, back in notebook mode.

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Productivity

• Extended life batteries. With HP Extended Life Batteries and certain HP notebooks you can get up to 24 hours use from a single charge¹.Depending on how you use your computer, this means you could work all through a long-haul flight or go a whole day without recharging.
• HP Long Life Batteries. Using new technology, HP offers a new laptop battery that lasts up to three times longer than traditional batteries, retaining 80 percent of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles. They are compatible with select HP notebook computer models. The result is less landfill and lower long-term cost of ownership and replacement. It also contains no dangerous heavy metals or PVC, further reducing its environmental footprint.
• 3G Mobile Broadband. 3G Mobile Broadband lets you get online at high speed with your notebook. Because it uses the 3G mobile phone network, you connect virtually anywhere – not just when you're near a Wi-Fi connection point or in the office. The extra speed means that you can download files and emails much quicker. (Broadband connections require separately purchased wireless data service contracts.)
• Large, high-definition or multiple monitors. Optimise your PC experience with an HP business monitor. A bigger screen will help you get more done, for example by allowing you to display two documents side-by-side.

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Comfort

• Carry case. The majority of notebook accidents happen because people drop them. A well-padded notebook carry case can protect your PC from accidents.
• Washable keyboards and mice. These are ideal for environments which require keyboards to be immersed and cleaned in water with bleach, disinfectant, soap or other cleaning materials.

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Protection

• Online Backup. New commercial HP PCs come with Norton™ Online Backup software pre-installed. For a modest annual fee, this software will let you backup your data to a secure offsite location over the internet. It's ideal for small businesses because it doesn't require any hardware and, once you have set it up, it runs automatically.
• Protect against malware. To help you protect your business against viruses and spyware, HP includes a 60-day trial and a special subscription deal for McAfee Total Protection Service with new commercial PCs. This includes essential protection against viruses, spyware and other internet threats.
• Care Packs. HP's standard warranty runs for a year, but you'll probably keep your computer longer than that. Consider adding an HP Care Pack (an extended warranty). For example, you can buy three years' collect and return or a next day onsite repair service.
• Kensington Security Lock. Laptops are very attractive targets for thieves. Securing your computer (and the valuable data inside it) with a tough Kensington Security Lock whenever you leave it unattended in a hotel room or office can deter the bad guys.

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For more information

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