A while back I ran a short series on buying a new computer. It focused on how to buy the tower, the real guts of the machine. This was for a good reason, as there are many, many different options available and at different price points. Manufactures and stores really advertise processor speed and the amount of ram; the stats cover their advertisements. You’d think that if you bought the best tower available you’d be set with a perfect computer. I disagree. The internal workings of the computer sit below your desk, out of sight, (hopefully) out of mind. However, you constantly interact with your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers. If these items are cheap, uncomfortable, or don’t work right, they will detract from your experience. Skimping on cheap peripherals can reduce your productivity and even hurt your hands and wrists. Here are a few tips for choosing worthy accessories.

Mouse

First thing: go wireless. There is little that is more frustrating than having your mouse cord get stuck when you try to move the cursor. Then, it’s always a struggle to free the cord, which just inevitably gets stuck again. Second: go to a brick and mortar store and try out the mouses they offer. Find one your hand feels comfortable on. If you like the forward and back buttons, or horizontal scroll, or magnifying ability, choose one with those features. Even if it costs a little more, you won’t care when you have a mouse that works the same way you do.

You also have to choose whether or not to use a mouse pad. I prefer using one even with an optical or laser mouse. It provides a smooth surface that makes it easy for the mouse to detect movements. Mouse pads come in big or small, hard or soft, thick or thin, and round or rectangular. Choose one that fits your desk, style, and preference. There isn’t a mouse pad that is definitely “better” than any other.

Keyboard

Keyboards come in a huge range, from tiny like the new Apple keyboard to very involved like a Logitech model that has its own display to expensive like the Optimus keyboard. It’s not as important to go wireless here, although keyboards commonly come in a wireless set that includes the mouse. You have three major choices:

• ergonomic: these keyboards are split in the middle and the keys form an arc shape versus straight lines. They are better for avoiding wrist and finger injuries if you type a lot. Some people prefer this type of keyboard, and others find it harder to use. It’s up to you.
• laptop style: these keyboards are similar to those found in laptops. They have short, flatter keys.
• traditional: a normal keyboard with tall keys. These can have keys that are loud or quiet when pressed. If you prefer to have solid feedback that a key was pressed, be sure to look for a traditional keyboard.

Like the mouse, choose a keyboard that feels natural to you.

Monitor

The general rule is that the more screen space you have, the easier it is to get things done on a computer. Buy the largest screen that fits your budget and space. The best way to evaluate a monitor is to read the reviews. There are quite a few specifications that manufactures list, but nowadays most monitors will be fine for normal computer use. If you plan on gaming or working with photos, you will want to do more research to find a monitor with a fast response time or excellent color accuracy.

Also, monitor sizing can be tricky. For instance, a 19″ monitor displays exactly as much information as a 17″ monitor does. The individual pixels are just larger. You get the same resolution (number of pixels) so you effectively have the same amount of screen space. Everything just looks bigger to you. Here’s a list of screen size equivalents:

• 17″ and 19″
• 20″ and 22″
• 24″ and 26″

Keep in mind that every time you use your computer you are looking at your monitor. You could watch a video and not use your mouse and keyboard, but you are still looking at your screen. If you don’t like your monitor, you are going to be constantly reminded of it.

Speakers

Speakers are not essential, but online video and music on your computer requires them. If you buy a Logitech 2.1 setup (a right and left speaker, plus a sub woofer) you should be fine. Music is only encoded in stereo (left and right channels) so anything more won’t play any more of your music. If you plan on watching movies on your computer you may want to try a 5.1 surround sound system (left, right, center, rear right and rear left speakers, plus a sub woofer) with your computer. You will need a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card in your computer in order to use the other speakers.

Again, I suggest reading reviews, as people love to show off their knowledge of audio equipment. If you haven’t used high-end speakers and equipment, you probably won’t notice most of the problems that audiophiles have with any given speakers, but use your own discretion.

When I bought my own computer about four years ago I paid special attention to my peripherials. I still use and love my Logitech keyboard, my wireless Microsoft mouse, and my Logitech speakers. I still have my 19″ Dell monitor (which works great), but I have upgraded to a new Samsung. If I happen to be at an electronics store I’ll browse the keyboard and mouse section but usually I can’t find anything I would trade in my current setup for. A good set of peripherals can easily outlast even the best computer and pay for themselves when you don’t have to upgrade.