Whether you’re mooching on down to your local coffee shop to do some work, or jetting off on vacation for some much needed time out, you don’t need to leave your Chromebook behind.
A few well chosen and inexpensive accessories can help you get the most out your device when you’re out and about.
Sleeve, Case or Bag
A bag, case or sleeve is the essential must-have for your Chromebook. As well as protecting your device from any accidental bumps and scrapes, a sleeve or bag can double up as storage for other accessories on this list.
For those on a tight budget a basic neoprene sleeve can be picked up cheaply. In the UK, they can often be found in high-street pound shops!
Moulded cases are more expensive but do offer a more permanent form of protection. Cases are available for the Samsung and select Acer Chromebooks.
Messenger bags offer a lot of choice, with a wide selection of styles, shapes and sizes readily available online and off.
USB Mouse
For extended periods of use you may wish to invest in a mouse. External mice are fully supported in Chrome OS, with settings for adjusting pointer speed and configuring additional buttons.
Wireless mice may seem the ideal solution, but wired mice are just as versatile. With no need to clutter up ports with additional dongles, or have battery-sapping Bluetooth turned on, they’re well worth looking at.
Cheap, no-frills retractable USB mice can be bought online for as little as £4.
Microphone/Headphone Combo
Wherever we go we are often blanketed in background noise, be it revving cars, barking dogs or the inescapable witterings of over-opinionated, over-caffeinated cafe regulars.
To avoid drawing in the sonic soup, chuck a set of noise cancelling headphones or ear buds in your bag before you go. For holding hangouts in public places, hunt down a pair with a built-in microphone — but avoid those with controls, as many users have reported issues when using them on Chromebooks.
Want to geek out with sound? Check out Google’s ‘colourbang’ headphones.
Speakers
If you’re heading somewhere where you’re able to listen to sound free of wires (see above) then you’ll want to hook up some external speakers.
All Chromebooks feature an audio-out jack, though some speakers require a power point or spare USB slot for power.
Chromebooks can also connect to bluetooth speakers, so if you’re lucky enough to have one make sure you set it up!
Flexible LED Light
While we wait for a backlit keyboard to make an appearance, a flexible USB light will allow us to keep typing away with the lights off.
Lights can be bought cheaply from discount stores or online and, since they’re both lightweight and low-powered, make ideal travelling companions.
What are your must-have Chromebook accessories?