[Ryan]

I just ordered a refurb 12" Powerbook from Apple, and I'm wondering what accessories I need to get, mainly from an egornomics point of view. I'll be using it in an RV a bit, but plan on taking it around to school, library, etc. What should I get to save my wrists, as they already hurt a bit from using a desktop.

[NosferaDrew]

AppleCare - I just killed my PB. If you can afford it, do it. As an alternative to Apple you can try Safeware.
CoolPad - I never really found the need for this, but I have friends who are never without them.
iCurve - Again, I've never used something like this, but some find a PB stand like this necessary when using a portable all day long.
PocketMouse Pro - I love this thing. I'm really not into the trackpad at all and if you're doing anything like PhotoShop that's a bit mouse-intensive, you'll definitely need something like this.
Small, retractable cord and very portable.
Saddlebag Pro - I ride my bike to work, so this backpack-style it perfect for me. It doesn't scream "computer case" so I think it makes me blend in a bit more to those looking to steal your stuff. Plus there's this little secret drawer in the bottom that's perfect for holding the power supply, mouse, sunglasses, etc. Very handy.

[Mac+]

As NosferaDrew said:

1. AppleCare
2. Mouse
3. Bag

If you are using the PB on a desk with the attached mouse, then I highly recommend a gel-rest connceted to your mouse pad. Something like this should do the trick. It really is too cheap to not purchase!

If you are using the PB in the dark (and the 12" model does not have the illuminated keys), then you might also want to spring for a USB light. This one is from the Apple Store, but I'm sure you'll be able to find others. click here!

Some people also swear by a spare battery, but I have always managed to position myself near an outlet when I have to work for an extended period of time. Your needs may differ and a spare battery could be money well spent, though.

Happy shopping - and happy computing/creating!

[psmith2.0]

I simply can't stress enough a) a riser of some sort (plenty to choose from...I have a Griffin iCurve and like it very much) and b) an external keyboard.

You'll get the best of both worlds: desktop style ergonomics and comfort AND the ability to unplug the keyboard and take the PowerBook with you when you go. I love this set-up more than anything I've ever owned.

You'll thank me if you spend ANY amount of time typing!

Trust me...I damn near kinked my back, shoulders and neck to death (hunched up, leaning forward, looking down, etc.) before I wised up and got a clue.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by pscates2.0 I simply can't stress enough a) a riser of some sort (plenty to choose from...I have a Griffin iCurve and like it very much) and b) an external keyboard. You'll get the best of both worlds: desktop style ergonomics and comfort AND the ability to unplug the keyboard and take the PowerBook with you when you go. I love this set-up more than anything I've ever owned. You'll thank me if you spend ANY amount of time typing! Trust me...I damn near kinked my back, shoulders and neck to death (hunched up, leaning forward, looking down, etc.) before I wised up and got a clue.

When I first got my PB, I got horrible back/neck aches. But I adjusted my chair heighth and used the white plastic swivel cool-stand. I did go out and get an iCurve and an external keyboard, but never have taken them out of the box. I may need them later when I'm working on books, but for now the cool-stand is fine.

I have the back of the PB propped up about 2" with that stand, and the stand also fits into my super-duper, super-padded, extra high quality Brenthaven laptop backpack, manufactured specifically for apple. A little steep at $200; but if a PB is being transported much, well-worth the expense.

The guy who sold it to me said that as a demonstration, the backpack rep. put a PB inside and threw the backpack across the room. The PB belonged to an apple exec. I assume that it survived the demonstration with flying colors.

[SKMDC]

if you like to munch the cookies while posting your musings here at .org
you need the iSkin keyboard protector.

if you like to munch those cookies and are in a hotel room in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night you'll need a flylight so you don't wake the wife and kids.

if you like to watch the porn dvd's driving cross-country in your plymouth belvedere, don't get one of those cigarette lighter thingies, get a power converter.

i vote for applecare too.

[psmith2.0]

Originally Posted by Carol When I first got my PB, I got horrible back/neck aches. But I adjusted my chair heighth and used the white plastic swivel cool-stand. I did go out and get an iCurve and an external keyboard, but never have taken them out of the box. I may need them later when I'm working on books, but for now the cool-stand is fine.

Yeah, that's why I just said "a riser". Different heights, working styles, posture, etc. all factor in, for sure! One man's iCurve is another's Webster dictionary. Those Podium things are nice because they're small and compact and can go into a bag. This iCurve is only good for sitting on my desk.

[torifile]

I say wait on the AppleCare til the near the end of your first year. It's the same price, they may screw up on your ending date (I bought my rev. a 12" in January of 2003 and renewed my AppleCare in October of 2003 and somehow I'm covered until October of 2005 - I got an extra 9 months out of it) and you may decide to get a different computer or something.

As for what else you need, I've been able to get by with my external keyboard/mouse combo with a monitor. That won't work in your RV, though. You don't really need a riser or anything. Just make sure you don't slouch. If I'm working at a coffee table, I'm fine with kinks in the back. I only get those when I'm sitting on the couch.

Oh, and with today's recent announcement of the Airport Express, you've gotta get one of those. Just 'cause they're cool and you asked

[MCQ]

Originally Posted by torifile I say wait on the AppleCare til the near the end of your first year. It's the same price, they may screw up on your ending date (I bought my rev. a 12" in January of 2003 and renewed my AppleCare in October of 2003 and somehow I'm covered until October of 2005 - I got an extra 9 months out of it) and you may decide to get a different computer or something.

You mean 2006 right? Otherwise, they shorted you three months

[torifile]

Originally Posted by MCQ You mean 2006 right? Otherwise, they shorted you three months

Yeah, yeah. Everyone's a smartass.... Yes, October of 2006. And my wife's iBook got almost a full year extra.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by torifile Yeah, yeah. Everyone's a smartass.... Yes, October of 2006. And my wife's iBook got almost a full year extra.

"Your wife..."

[torifile]

Originally Posted by Carol "Your wife..."

Yeah, I feel OLD typing that.

[Windswept]

Originally Posted by torifile Yeah, I feel OLD typing that.

[Ryan]

My PB should be here later today.

The only problem is I'm throwing a party(LOTR marathon ) and I won't be able to open it till tommorow. I'll have it sitting in a box for hours.

[psmith2.0]

Hee...and I thought I was kinda a geek. Oh well, it could be worse: could be a "Star Trek" marathon.



[ducks from phaser fire and big styrofoam rocks thrown from resident Trekkies]

[Ryan]

Ok, now that I've been using my PB a bit, I've decide I'm definetly going to get an external mouse and iCurve. I already have a bag from one of my father's old jobs, and I'll use that.

[Xaqtly]

This may be because I'm a tech and always looking to impress my PC using friends, but I carry a decent complement of cables with me at all times. The bag of course is essential, and I make sure to keep a firewire cable, an Ethernet cable, modem cable, the power supply obviously, the video adapters, a stack of blank CDs, a small optical two button scroll wheel mouse with a retractable cord and that's mostly it. All that plus the built in bluetooth and wifi = connectivity to almost anything in any situation, and a way to get data to anybody on any platform.

[EDS66]

I am setting up a powerbook 12 tomorrow for a client. Moving data from the old Blue and White to the Powerbook, making sure everything works, giving a quick tutorial in OS X, etc.

I got them Apple Care, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse. That's it. They will be using the laptop in clamshell mode most of the time; that's all they need.

[Xaqtly]

You told them they have to have a monitor and a USB keyboard and mouse attached to the Powerbook before you can use it in closed lid mode, right? The wireless mouse and keyboard won't work.

[DMBand0026]

Bluetooth stuff will work. You just have to have "Allow Bluetooth device to wake this computer from sleep" enabled in Bluetooth Preferences.

[EDS66]

Originally Posted by DMBand0026 Bluetooth stuff will work. You just have to have "Allow Bluetooth device to wake this computer from sleep" enabled in Bluetooth Preferences.

Exactly right