The convenience of using a computer or laptop doesn’t only depend on the hardware or peripherals. There are a lot of useful accessories that can save you nerves, time, and even expand the functionality.
Of course, you won’t be able to access a 22Bet mobile betting app on your PC with them, but these tools are definitely handy. Let’s consider what these gadgets are and who exactly needs them.
USB Hubs and Extension Cords
Despite the widespread development of cloud storage services and other Internet technologies, many of us are still using ordinary USB-flash drives.
We shouldn’t forget that office equipment is connected via the same interface. What to do if the USB ports aren’t enough or they are located inconveniently?
Explore the range of USB-units are small gadgets that have 2-7 additional ports built in. The units may also have separate switches for each port and a backlight. Most models have USB 2.0, but more expensive hubs boast USB 3.2 Gen1.
USB hubs will be relevant for several usage scenarios:
- Scarcity of ports. This is most often the case with laptops – some have only two USBs, one of which is often occupied by a mouse. Office workers and employees of copy centers, when several USB flash drives need to be connected simultaneously, will find the splitters useful.
- Simultaneous charging of several gadgets. This is more relevant for the active hub, which can connect directly to the socket. Passive splitters are powered from the source device and are not always able to provide enough current to charge multiple gadgets.
- The ports are inconveniently located. If the system unit is located somewhere under the table, and every time you reach for the ports is inconvenient, it will help just the hub. It can be comfortably placed right on the table.
Consider the power consumption. For example, if it’s planned to connect a mouse with 50mA, a keyboard with 300mA and headphones with 150mA to the splitter, the output power of the hub must be more than 500mA.
The only drawback may be the insufficient cable length. In this case, look at special extension cords. USB extenders are available on sale up to 10 meters. However, do not forget about signal attenuation – you may additionally need an active hub to connect power-consuming devices.
External Card Readers
A card reader is a special device for connecting mobile memory cards directly to a laptop or computer. Some system units already have a built-in card reader, but this is more rare. These accessories are connected via the same USB.
It would seem that why take out a memory card and directly connect it to your computer? Most often card-readers are useful for photographers – photos in many cameras are saved just on the memory card.
The same applies to video recorders. The gadget will also be an indispensable accessory for IT professionals who service or restore cards, for example, if formatting is needed.
Docking Stations for Drives
Most normal users don’t need to connect third-party HDDs on a regular basis. However, for various kinds of specialists and even some enthusiasts, docking stations will prove indispensable.
The gadget allows you to connect your HDD or SSD drive to your computer or laptop via regular USB. Depending on the docking station, you can connect up to four drives of different form factors.
Docking stations are useful for laptop owners if there is no possibility to install additional HDD or SSD. On separate disks, you can store backups, photos, videos and other information, with which you don’t have to constantly interact. Moreover, such a station is useful for specialists for maintenance and cloning of disks.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Adapters
Laptops have these wireless modules installed by default, but sometimes they are very often lacking in a desktop computer. Compact USB adapters are sold specifically for this purpose.
You can also buy a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi, but few people think about the need for the module and prefer not to overpay.
If you do need to connect to Wi-Fi, you can immediately buy the appropriate adapter. The need for it may appear in several cases:
- Problems with the included adapter in the laptop. If the module is out of order, or functions intermittently even when the drivers are updated, then the easiest and fastest way is to buy a Wi-Fi adapter.
- Increase the bandwidth. In older or relatively cheap laptops, built-in Wi-Fi doesn’t support MIMO – multi-channel data exchange.
- Connect to a 5 GHz network. If the built-in laptop module doesn’t support this frequency, an external adapter can help solve the problem
- There is no possibility to pull a cable to the PC.
Bluetooth adapters are also useful for laptops in cases where there are problems with the standard module. For stationary systems, it’s an opportunity to quickly and easily transfer files from mobile gadgets, if you don’t want to connect them wired. Besides, you can use wireless headphones, printers, and other gadgets with your computer by connecting them via Bluetooth.
USB Testers
This is a device for measuring the voltage and current coming from a USB port to any gadget. With such a tester, you can check the capacity of batteries, the proper operation of the USB port as well as the output currents of power supply units.
In the case of computers and laptops, it’s also an excellent chance to measure signal attenuation when using extension cords or passive USB hubs.
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