Ah, the world of fashion. How does one accessorize for the Dress to Kilt fashion show? Why, with an iPad of course! The hat makes the woman's fashion work too, which means accessories really can make or break an outfit -- or a computer.
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When we shop for a computer and accessories, we're more likely to head to the Internet or a mall than to the runway. At this Microsoft Store grand opening in San Diego in June, an employee helps a young shopper with his gaming "needs."
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Remember the joystick? It's still around, but better than ever and with more features, especially for simulation. Just be mindful that some are custom-made for particular gaming brands. You can even get a lefty version!
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Today's computer gaming accessories have moved beyond the joystick to make simulation fun. Unless this young gamer's crashing into mailboxes and pedestrians intentionally. Not so fun.
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Serious gamer? Then you must accessorize well. This visitor to the Tokyo Game Show 2010 is hooked up -- literally. Are those 3-D glasses? And check out the size of that monitor!
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Those new monitors use LCD technology, but the old chubby ones had cathode ray tubes. Most are piled up like this now. You can take them to computer recycling centers where you might have to pay five bucks apiece to drop them off; seriously, these are toxic waste.
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Named for Gregor Mendel, the father of modern genetics, the Mendel RepRap printer can generate most of the parts needed for another printer on its own. It might look a little rough, but it's sure to impress all your super-techy friends.
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While we're on the old, let's go back even further to gain true appreciation for today's accessories. Meet Maddida, which was a "new magic brain" in 1952. On the left is the graph follower and analyzer. Can you say "software inside a tiny laptop or notebook with a laser printer"?
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Whew, back to new. And unlike with monitor screens, smaller usually is better in the world of computers and accessories. This little instant, portable printer lets you print snapshots right from your camera. Yes, it's the new Polaroid!
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This storage device is so small that it's called a thumb drive. It's fast, too, and it plugs right into your computer's USB port to transfer, share and store files. New ones can back up a lot of your data, pictures or music.
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The flash drive is so small that it can only store so much. It's a good idea to back up a computer hard drive with an external hard drive, especially if you take your laptop on the road. If the laptop gets lost or stolen, your files wait safely at home.
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Want to cut down on office clutter and help the environment at the same time? This wireless, solar-powered keyboard from Logitech adds an eco-friendly approach to computing. Just make sure it gets enough light!
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Taking the laptop on the road means keeping it safe from theft and damage. Laptop cases are fun to buy; they vary from simple, light sleeves to elaborate rolling bags that make that annoying noise on airport moving sidewalks -- but save your shoulder.
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Computer accessories can be fun, functional and meet your needs. Speakers and headphones help people work, enjoy music and communicate. Internal sound has improved over the years, but you can add all sorts of speakers and amps for a quality sound boost.
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You can even add exercise with a few accessories. New laptop trays help you work or play games while you walk or jog on a treadmill. If this guy's going to play video games most of the day, at least he can do it while exercising.
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Adults sit too long at computers too, even if working instead of playing -- or in this case, shopping. Many accessories can ease the strain on their bodies, like this ergonomic keyboard.
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You multitask, so why shouldn't your accessories? This multifunction mouse pad appears to include a calculator, maybe a beverage pad and the all-important ejection button for the guest chair in your office.
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This fun accessory might look like it came right out of a spaceship, but it can only help you on virtual journeys. The G13 Advanced Gameboard from Logitech features an LCD screen and programmable keys. Game on!
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Another space-age gaming accessory! The SpacePilot Pro from 3DConnexion lets you navigate virtual environments with precision. Its design gives you excellent control while keeping you comfortable enough to play for hours.
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Most computer mice today don't require mouse pads; it's part of their new technology. But mouse pads are still fun for expressing yourself, and you can even get ergonomic pads to help ease wrist strain. The mouse reigns as the accessory we use most, after all.
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Look at the power of the mouse! This may be a group effort -- everyone can see the monitor, but only one of them controls the mouse. That guy rules.
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Whether it's a wireless mouse, keyboard and printer to keep your office neat, cool gaming accessories to make life more fun, or ergonomic tools to keep you comfortable and healthy, you can really get personal with computer accessories.
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The IMO EYE9 USB monitor and touchscreen from Mimo can be used in more than one way. Leave it on its base to use at home, or take it with you to use as a tablet -- an included stylus doubles as an easel stand for easy, hands-free playing on the go.
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Like a virtual computer pet, the Minoru 3D Webcam has eyes that light up and look right at you when you plug it into your computer. The friendly device can take 3-D photos and videos to send to the Web, but your viewers will need anaglyph glasses to see the info in 3-D.
Can you guess which computer accessories are most popular? Check our list of the top 10 computer accessories of all time!
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