One of the proudest moments in any tech hound’s life is when he considers his gadget “completed.” There’s nothing wrong with simply unboxing your latest purchase and calling it a day, but this is just not enough for accessory addicts. For some, the true thrill lies in finding accessories to snap on, download, or plug in.
For others, the journey is more about the functionality of the device, tailor-fitting the product to meet your specifications and particular needs. High-tech retail accessories fill every store shelf, and they’re often placed beside colorful phone cases or laptop pads. How do you sift through the pile and select the accessories you really want? Read on for a few considerations in your accessorizing adventure.
Aesthetics Mean Something
There’s an undeniable allure to the look of some products. In the same way that you might look at a tablet and wonder why your laptop can’t shed a few inches, the aesthetically-minded tech hound will always look at a new gadget and wonder how to increase its beauty. Sleek, elegant, and bold are the main styles in today’s market for gadget accessory designs, and the industry has no shortage of these elements.
For phones, try to focus on a case that’s both visually appealing but also functional. You may love that Batman-themed case with protruding ears today, but when it sticks out of your pocket, you’ll beg for a refund. In the case of tablets, laptops, and MP3 players, try to search out accessories that won’t impair the device’s ability to function. Some accessories, particularly for the iPhone, have a habit of blocking audio jack openings or making the screen more difficult to use.
For laptops, you can find a wide array of beautifully-designed cooling pads, but not all of them will play well with others. Some fan-powered cooling pads, like other laptop accessories, require USB connections to function well, and can add to the mess of wires on your desktop. Browse with your eyes, but decide with your brain. Sacrificing the device’s capabilities for aesthetics won’t work out in the long run. Browse Amazon or a similar retailer to find some deals in this category.
Know Your Aims
Everybody has a gadget for their own purposes. In this day and age, most gadgets you purchase can fulfill a variety of roles, and they’re further classified by their ability to perform specific tasks proficiently. For example, a laptop or tablet will generally be better for telecommuting work than a phone, which might better serve you as a personal data assistant or platform for mobile games. Knowing your goals and desired functions is a huge step in selecting gadgets for your given device.
Tablets can benefit from covers and folding stands if you intend to use it on a tabletop or near a stationary surface. If you happen to be using an iPad for purposes such as retail operations, you’re in luck: there are a wealth of iPad accessories hitting the market for business and ordering purposes. Some companies, like Shopify, have even started to produce iPad stands and Apple-compatible card-reading technology for their Point-of-Sale retail systems. These advances are keeping the iPad and similar tablets afloat as viable options for retail and other industries.
If your goal is gaming or general entertainment, consider investing in a good pair of headphones. Any film or game can be enhanced with quality sound, and in today’s market, the range of prices and functions is better than ever. A pair of in-ear headphones are perfect for mobile settings, including subway travel or bus usage. High-quality, surround-sound headsets can rival the sound in a home theater. If you’re a gamer or avid film viewer, you may also want to consider the stand option, as it will give you a better angle and stabilization when at home or seated. Retailers such as Amazon offer great variety and pricing for audio accessories.
Keep an Eye on Updates
One of the things that you may have noticed is how fast technology is shifting and evolving. Even in the past few years, the explosion of the technology sector has led to dramatic increases in the variety of gadgets, as well as the rate of updates and replacement models. With every blink, the iPhone seems to have a new OS update or model. Believe it or not, there is a method to this madness.
The incentive to keep producing new models is huge, and the profits back it up. Tech powerhouses such as Blackberry and Apple are constantly in shoving matches over their rates of development, and the term “outdated” is practically a curse to R&D teams at these companies. Be sure that you consider a company’s average rate of change for their products before investing in pricey accessories. If you’re interested in buying a case for the iPhone or other smartphone, you should first verify the compatibility of the model and case specifications. Aim for accessories that have longevity, such as headphones and stands.
The world of accessories is tremendous, and the possibilities for customizing your gadget are nearly endless. Keep your budget, purpose, and endgame in mind when you shop for your next accessory, and you’ll end up with a personalized masterpiece.