MacBook For Dummies. Mark L. Chambers

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       A laptop sleeve or case: Most laptop owners eschew the traditional bulky laptop bag because a bag broadcasts the fact that you’re carrying a valuable MacBook (and adds yet another item to carry on your trip). On the other hand, if you pack your MacBook in a briefcase, book bag, or backpack, you need to provide protection from bumps and scratches. (Make sure that any sleeve or case you buy provides padding around the entire computer, not just on the top surface.) That’s where a laptop sleeve or thin case comes in. I use the very cool BookBook hardback leather case from Twelve South (https://www.twelvesouth.com), which looks — you guessed it — like an old-fashioned leather-bound book. (I think it makes me appear scholarly while disguising my MacBook.) The BookBook (shown in Figure 1-3) is available for all sizes of MacBooks, costs about $80, and provides long-lasting, cushioned protection for your expensive road warrior computer.

       An external camera: Your MacBook has a built-in FaceTime camera, but many folks prefer a stand-alone external camera that they can pan, tilt, and point where they like (especially moviemakers who need high-resolution video clips of whatever’s happening around them). Most of these gems can be clipped to your MacBook, or they may include a desktop stand for use on any flat surface. (Oh, and choose a well-lighted environment, so you don’t look like something out of a horror film.)

       Surge suppressor: Even an all-in-one computer like your laptop can fall prey to a power surge. I recommend using one of these:A basic surge suppressor with a fuse can help protect your MacBook from an overload.A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) costs a little more but does a better job of filtering your AC line voltage to prevent brownouts or line interference from reaching your computer.FIGURE 1-3: The BookBook case provides protection and camouflage for your MacBook. Your laptop’s battery immediately kicks in if you experience a blackout, of course, so a UPS is less important for your MacBook. But any computer tech will tell you that filtered AC current is far better for your laptop, and your UPS can also provide backup power for external devices that don’t have a battery.

       A laptop docking station: Will your MacBook often do double duty as both a desktop computer and a mobile powerhouse? If so, a laptop docking station will prevent you from disconnecting a bird’s nest of USB-C cables each time you hit the road. In essence, you need to unplug only one connection between your MacBook and the docking station. All your external desktop peripherals — monitor, backup hard drive, USB trackball, and such — remain blissfully in place. When your MacBook returns to the desktop, you simply reconnect that one USB-C cable, and you’re back in business. Most docking stations also sport a wired Ethernet port and at least one or two USB 3.0 ports, so you won’t need to use adapters to make these legacy connections.

       Screen wipes: Invest in a box of premoistened screen wipes to keep your screen pristine. Your MacBook’s screen can pick up dirt, fingerprints, and other unmentionables faster than you think. Make sure that your wipes are especially meant for LED, LCD, or laptop computer screens.

       Blank CDs and DVDs: If you’re using a MacBook with an external optical drive, you’ll want blank discs. Your choices areCD-R (record once) and CD-RW (record multiple times)DVD-R (record once) and DVD+RW (record multiple times)

       Cables: Depending on the external devices and wired network connectivity you’ll be using, these areA standard Ethernet cable (for wired networks or high-speed Internet)USB-C cables and adapters for devices you already have

       Wrist rest: You may have many reasons to buy a new Mac laptop, but I know that a bad case of carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t one of them. Take care of your wrists by carrying a keyboard wrist rest in your laptop bag.