Laptop docking stations allow people to easily use their laptop as a desktop computer without sacrificing the mobility aspect. You can just plug your mouse, keyboard, monitor, and any other peripherals into the docking station and leave it alone. Then whenever you want to use your laptop as a desktop, just plug it into the docking station and you’re set.

However, before you go out and buy just anything, you need to make sure it is compatible with your laptop. Certain companies such as Dell and Lenovo make docking stations that are compatible only with their own laptops, although they can be rather expensive. If you have one of those laptops and don’t care about how much it costs, it may be worth considering getting one of those docking stations. However, if you don’t feel like spending a lot of money on one or a specific docking station doesn’t exist for your laptop, you can get a universal one. Here are a few of them.

Plugable USB 2.0 Universal Docking Station

This docking station can be connected to any laptop simply with a USB cable. You can then connect a monitor, speakers, ethernet cable, and up to 4 USB 2.0 devices which can include a separate keyboard and mouse. Since it is connected only by USB 2.0, it uses a virtual USB graphics card in order for anything to be displayed on the monitor. This is good for presentations and surfing the Internet, but if you want to play games or watch videos, you should stick with the laptop’s own monitor. It can however display a maximum resolution of 1920×1080. Note that when you are using this docking station, it does not provide power to your laptop or charge it, so you will need to still rely on your laptop’s power adapter or battery.

Kensington Universal Laptop Docking Station

Like the previous docking station, this one is also uses USB 2.0 to connect to your laptop. It allows you to connect a monitor, speakers, ethernet cable, and up to 4 USB 2.0 devices. This docking station also has the capability of displaying a maximum resolution of 2048×1152. It is also plug and play as there are no drivers that you need to install yourself and you can just plug it in without needing to turn your laptop off first. Another nice thing about this docking station is that you can also easily swap devices that are connected to it without needing to shut anything down. However, if your laptop is not Windows based, you will need to look for something else as this one doesn’t support anything else besides Windows.

Toshiba Dynadock V Universal Docking Station

Just like the others, this docking station connects to your laptop with a USB cable. You can connect a monitor, speakers, ethernet cable, and up to 4 USB 2.0 devices which can include a keyboard and mouse. It is capable of displaying a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 and you can view up to three displays simultaneously. In addition, you can just simply plug your laptop into the docking station without needing to shut it off first, then when you want to take it off you can just unplug it.

Laptop backpacks are a great way for you to carry your laptop around if you need to bring other things like books. If you are a student, having a laptop backpack is extremely convenient as you can carry your laptop and everything else with you without needing a separate case for your laptop. However, before you go out and just buy any backpack, make sure you know which one to get. Since laptops vary in size, so do the backpacks, which means you need to get one that’s at least the same size as the laptop. Keep in mind when shopping for a laptop backpack, you usually get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap one, there’s a good chance it may fall apart on you after a short period of use. However, if you are lucky enough, you may be able to find a really good one that’s on sale and save some money. Here are a few of the more popular ones available.

Belkin Core 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack

This grey backpack comes with padded adjustable straps and can carry any laptop that is up to 15.6-inches in size. In addition, it has another compartment for you to fit a couple books or binders inside as well as some holders for pens and other small items. The backpack itself is also rather stylish and slim, so it doesn’t look bulky when you fill it with stuff.

MobileEdge 17.3-inch Alienware Orion Backpack

If you have a bigger laptop, then you might want to check this one out. This black backpack can carry any laptop that is up to 17.3-inches in size. It also comes with a variety of compartments that allow you to carry a variety of things including books, writing utensils, mp3 players, and cell phones. Since it is able to hold such a large laptop, it also has a lot of space for all your other stuff so you don’t have to worry so much about space.

Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-inch Laptop Backpack

This black backpack is a great choice if you enjoy taking pictures. Not only can you carry a laptop up to 15.4-inches in size, you can also bring your SLR camera along. It is capable of holding most SLR camera bodies with an attached lens as well as space for 2-3 more lenses. The interior is also customizable with a set of dividers so that you can easily arrange your belongings.