Thanks to itssleek design, powerful performance, and user-friendly MacOS operating system,the MacBook is one of the most popular laptop choices for personal andprofessional use. However, with great laptops comes excellent responsibilityfor adequately caring for your investment.
Using someessential accessories can help extend the lifespan of your MacBook whileenhancing productivity and comfort.
This articlewill outline seven must-have add-ons that every new MacBook owner shouldconsider.
1. Protective Case or Sleeve
A protectivecase or sleeve is one of the most basic but essential accessories. Whether it'san inexpensive sleeve or an attractive leather case, portable protection is amust for transporting your MacBook.
The thin,lightweight design that makes MacBooks so portable also means they are morevulnerable to dents, scratches and cracks if dropped or banged around in a bag.
Therefore, MacBookcases provide impact resistance to help preventany potential physical damage. Look for ones made of durable, shock-absorbingmaterials like neoprene or high-quality leather.
Slim,form-fitting sleeves are ideal for simply tossing in a bag, while more complexcases with integrated stands can double as a desktop solution. Investing just$20-50 in a case or sleeve can significantly extend the life of an $800-3000laptop and prevent costly repair bills.
2. USB-C Hub
TheUSB-C/Thunderbolt ports on modern MacBooks are versatile but have few means ofjuggling devices and dongles. A USB hub solves this issue by expandingconnectivity. Hubs with multiple USB-A ports, HDMI output, card readers andeven Ethernet/power delivery allow seamless use of older peripherals andaccessories.
This isessential for MacBook users who need to charge devices, transfer photos andvideos, or connect to external monitors and networks on work trips or atclients' offices.
Look forwell-reviewed, durable hubs compact enough to travel easily. Considering thefunctional versatility it brings, a quality 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 USB-C hub startingaround $30-50 is a worthy investment.
3. External Hard Drive or SSD
Even thehighest-capacity MacBook only has a set amount of internal storage that canfill up quickly over time. An external solid-stateor hard disk drive provides affordable extra storage for files, documents,photos, videos and more.
Crucially, italso serves as an ideal backup solution. With automatic backup software, entiresystem volumes can be cloned to the external drive for easy data recovery incase of an internal drive failure or if the MacBook is lost or stolen. Look fordrives offering 1TB capacity or more and fast USB-C or Thunderbolt connectionspeeds.
4. Keyboard Cover
The MacBook'slow-profile keys may feel great while typing, but they also attract oilyfingerprints and smudges over time, making the keyboard look dirty. A slim,breathable keyboard cover protects those keys from everyday wear without addingbulk.
Covers areusually made from soft, water-resistant materials that feel nice to touch.Transparent designs let the Apple logo still shine through. Some covers haveintegrated essential separators to prevent the accidental pressing of multiplekeys at once, improving typing accuracy. Covers also pick up skin oils overtime, so you don't have to clean beneath the keys constantly.
5. Wireless Mouse
No matter howgreat MacBook trackpads have become, more is needed to replace the precision ofa dedicated pointing device for specific tasks like photo/video editing or 3Dmodelling work. A tiny, comfortable wireless mouse frees up the multitouchsurface for gestures while speeding up cursor navigation across multipledisplays.
Top brandslike Apple, Logitech, and Anthropic offer reliable mice that pair easily viaBluetooth or low-latency Bluetooth/2.4GHz receivers. Optical or laser sensorsprovide snappy tracking; rechargeable batteries mean less waste from AAreplacements over time. Premium ergonomic models from $50-100 are worth it forcomfort during extended work sessions. Entry-level basal options start around$15-30 as well.
6. Laptop Stand
Prolonged useof laptops while sitting can strain the neck and back muscles trying to lookdown at the screen. An adjustable laptop stand elevates the MacBook to a moreergonomic eye-level position and improves ventilation. This makes extended workand entertainment more comfortable.
Some standsfold for portability, while others have room for wired accessories. Choose lightweight aluminium, sturdy plastic, or premium wood/bamboo. Itstands from $15-40 and tilts or raises laptops to 1-2 feet high, so you don'tneed to hunch over. Integrated cooling fans quietly pull heat away fromunderside vents on some premium models, too.
7. Screen Protector
The glossyRetina display on MacBooks is a fingerprint magnet that is vulnerable toscratches from everyday use and travel. A thin, transparent screen protectorsafeguards that expensive investment for its lifetime. Unlike phone protectors,high-quality laptops are made of shatter-proof tempered glass, resembling thesmooth, clear factory display.
Properlyapplied, protectors do not interfere with touch response or image quality butprovide a lasting layer of scratch protection. Look for anti-glare coatedversions and wet application kits starting at $10-20 for peace of mind againstaccidental display damage. Film protectors offer less resistance for $5-10 aswell.
Final Thoughts
Investing afew hundred dollars in protective accessories ensures your beautiful newMacBook remains in top condition for years of productivity and enjoyment. Itemslike cases, hubs, external storage and ergonomic additions boost functionalitywhile shielding against routine wear and tear that comes with machine use overtime.
With theproper selection of must-have add-ons, MacBook owners can feel securemaximizing their laptop's potential daily.
