What are some accessories you can take anywhere to make working on a laptop more comfortable?

Posted by DullInflation6@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 36 comments

Hi all, I find myself now working out of a hotel and, although it's not bad, I am looking for some good accessories that I could take with me to make things more comfortable, especially as I am likely to be moving from place to place. So far, I quite like the fairly cheap IKEA laptop stand, Bjorkasen, as it lightweight and adjustable and a nice height.

Any tips welcome. Thanks

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

I quite like the IKEA Ojulf laptop bean bag thing. It's very light but I would recommend buying some more beans to fill it with as it's a little low/floppy without.

[-]

OrdoRidiculous@reddit

I take an apple magic trackpad 2 and a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 with me. Decent noise cancelling headphones that also double up as a half decent conference call device and a trackpad that doesn't give me RSI are both extremely good if you're away a lot.

[-]

TyrelUK@reddit

I've got the XM3 but add an in line book mic, makes a massive difference to the mic quality and doesn't pick up on background noise.

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

I can see what an inline mic is but not sure from googling about "book mic" - could you clarify? Cheers!

[-]

TyrelUK@reddit

To, should have been boom mic. Means it's on an adjustable arm

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

Nice one, thanks 👍🏻👍🏻

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

nice, thanks - I use my work Windows laptop but I will definitely have a look for a Windows alternative to that Trackpad (probably not as good, though!). I've got noise cancelling headphones but never found them good on calls but I will certainly have a look into those. Cheers!

[-]

OrdoRidiculous@reddit

I don't own any Apple devices beyond that trackpad, works fine on Windows and Chromebooks.

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

Oh wow, good to know! I thought such compatibility was nonexistent! Cheers

[-]

ButItIsMyNothing@reddit

Ditto. Amazing headphones.

[-]

gogginsbulldog1979@reddit

The only thing I NEED to have with a laptop is a mouse with a pad. Using the trackpad on a laptop is awful, as is using a mouse without a pad.

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

Agreed. Hate trackpads!

[-]

powpow198@reddit

Portable monitor as second screen, laptop stand, mouse, keyboard, lap desk

[-]

selkwerm@reddit

I bought a retractable lap desk (a bit retracts out for using a mouse) and a small gel mouse pad. It makes using a laptop and wireless mouse so much better when sitting on a bed/pillow.

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

That sounds great, thanks

[-]

WanderWomble@reddit

Memory foam wedge cushion - hotel chairs are often a bit crap!

Mechanical keyboard. I'm an author and it's so much nicer to type on than my laptop keyboard.

Extension lead, because there's never enough plugs in the right spot!

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

Just got one of these, definitely very helpful!

[-]

MahatmaAndhi@reddit

I use trackball mice now. Less surface area needed.

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

Good shout! I'll have a look into those

[-]

Madyakker@reddit

An HDMI cable to connect it to the TV in the room to use as a monitor. Or better still a cheap, lightweight monitor you can take. Also a wireless keyboard & mouse so you don't have to use the laptop with the screen open.

[-]

DullInflation6@reddit (OP)

Actually brought my hdmi cable for the TV at the hotel and they have smart TVs, so can do wireless connect, which is great. Massive TV, too, so I've got my big wedge pillow, wireless keyboard and mouse, coding from the bed for a while, pretty nice 🙂

[-]

Qrbrrbl@reddit

If you're on calls a lot, decent portable wireless headset. I stumped up for the Jabra Evolve 65s because I was sick of wires getting wrapped around and they are a gamechanger. Decent enough sound to use for media as well and slot neatly into my laptop bag

[-]

PigHillJimster@reddit

I travel with my smaller 3Dconnexion space navigator and a Logitech Anywhere 2S, mousepad.

HDMI cable as others have mentioned, Ethernet cable, a decent powered but not too large USB hub, and a roll up large size mousepad.

[-]

landwomble@reddit

The cheap USB-C powered external monitors are good. Get a nice wireless mouse, some nice noise cancelling headphones for Teams/Zoom and music.

[-]

ASY_Freddy@reddit

A mouse is a minimum for working on a laptop, I personally also take a good wireless keyboard (cherry blue is my preferred). Good headset or headphones

[-]

Illustrious-Divide95@reddit

Foldable laptop stand with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

[-]

tmstms@reddit

I take a gangbox (or whatever you want to call a mains extension gubbins just in case the place where I plug in is inconvenient with respect to the working surface. That can be useful also where the kettle needs plugging and interferes with the laptop socket...

[-]

pencilrain99@reddit

A Phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range

[-]

AvaStarlightt@reddit

You’re on the right track with that laptop stand! Here are a few more accessories that could make your hotel workspace feel a bit more homey:
Portable mouse
Bluetooth keyboard
Noise-canceling headphones
Travel pillow
Safe travels and happy working!

[-]

Round-Spite-8119@reddit

Another bot. Christ, these threads bring them out

[-]

Round-Spite-8119@reddit

A decent mouse, and a USB C powered second monitor.

That was it for me, personally - worked everywhere with that setup. Actually, mostly just the mouse. Written entire pieces of software in hotel bars and restaurants!

[-]

Think_Western2633@reddit

You might want to consider a portable laptop stand, wireless mouse, Bluetooth keyboard, protective sleeve, noise-canceling headphones, power bank, cable organizer, portable footrest, and a portable monitor to make working on your laptop more comfortable while traveling.

[-]

Top-level comments to the OP must contain genuine efforts to answer the question. No jokes, judgements, etc.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!

Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.