[A.Cole]

Okay, so I am really unsure what I need for my new Mac. I have never owned a laptop, much less a Mac, and I always had desktops that I built myself. That being said, I need some advice on accessories that I should get.

I have read many of the mouse topics, and it seems that the Razor Deathadder and G5 are the most popular (and seem to cause the most interesting fights), however I was wondering about the Logitech MX518. I don't need a pro gaming mouse since I only play games alone and they are never super intense, but I do want a good quality mouse that works with Mac. I also don't think I will need a separate keyboard for anything, so that's not a concern. Again, I am not gaming enough to justify it.

Next, bags and cases. I noticed Best Buy has Speck hardshell cases for the Unibody Macbook pro, which seem kinda nice. They might be a waste of money though, and I really don't know enough. I also wonder if they are bad for airflow and heat, since they are rubber and tin combined all the way around. They also have Incase carrying cases, but I don't know much about those. It seems any carrying case would be fine... right?

Also, are cooling pads worth the money? I notice that my macbook gets really hot during games, watching hulu, etc. It gets to around 60C from what I noticed, maybe a little more but not much. I don't want to fry my little soldiers while it sits on my lap, but I don't know what a good alternative would be.

I am also missing things i bet, so just feel free to give any and all advice. Thanks!!!

[Eric5h5]

A.Cole, on August 10th 2009, 06:55 PM, said:

I was wondering about the Logitech MX518.

I've been using it for years; it's fine. Though I do use SteerMouse because I don't like the mouse acceleration in OS X and there's no way to get it right without 3rd party software.

--Eric

[charmin]

As far as bags go, I've heard that 2 straps are better than 1 — that way the weight is distributed across both shoulders. If you're carrying it a lot, and we're talking about a 15" MacBook Pro or something, that's some noticeable weight always on one shoulder. I use a one strap bag though :-/

My main concern for a bag is that it has somewhere to put the power cord and/or other accessories. Especially with a UK plug which is huge and doesn't fold like a US plug

For a mouse, don't go for a G5 or DeathAdder. The G5 is more expensive than you need just to use a computer, try the MX510 or 518 which both have plenty of buttons and fill a hand nicely, but cost less. Plus, Razer mice are hardly ergonomic for using all day. Those outside buttons are more or less useless.

[teflon]

I wouldn't get a hardcase unless you're a) reckless or b) completely anal about even the most minute scratches. All it would really do is bulk up the laptop and stop some of the heat dissipating.

I would recommend getting a decent carry case, though. They're pretty much all made out of neoprene, which is fairly decent at cushioning any of the little bumps that it might get whilst on your travels. After that I just stuck it in my backpack, and made it as snug as possible based on what I was taking with me.
If you feel like getting a dedicated laptop bag, then do so, since it'll have extra padding, but so long as you're careful, it shouldn't be a problem really.

I'd also recommend a 2 strap backpack, because of the weight distribution. You'll thank us later when you've walked home for 40 minutes with a laptop on your back and whatever other crazy stuff you had (in my case a trombone... or two).

Finally, if you want to protect your nads, then get a cushion with a flat and hard back, maybe wooden. The notebook (its not a laptop for this exact reason) will get a lot hotter if you game for long periods of time, 80ºC or so, and that's going to make you infertile pretty quickly. Then again, why are you gaming on you lap?
Generally, don't do anything but web browsing or word processing with it on your lap without some sort of protection.

[charmin]

Man, when I have kids, it's going to take some explaining how games made me infertile.

...

[teflon]

[the Battle Cat]

teflon, on August 11th 2009, 02:47 AM, said:

Finally, if you want to protect your nads, then get a cushion with a flat and hard back, maybe wooden.

They are called lap desks. In general they consist of a soft or contoured portion for stabilization on your lap, and a hard flat portion as the desk top. This will not only insulate your nards, it will provide air circulation under your computer.