Best HP Accessories To Transform Your Laptop Into a Desktop Experience | HP® Tech Takes (2024)

The modern laptop has become a staple among British white-collar workers thanks to its potent performance and lightweight design. But while this portable computing solution streamlines on-the-go productivity, it can’t quite match a desktop's comfort.

Add a few handy HP accessories, however, and you can mimic the desktop experience with a standard laptop - even an ultra-portable model with a tiny screen. From docking stations to full-sized monitors and Bluetooth keyboards, a plethora of plug-in peripherals can bolster productivity during those long, gruelling work days.

Keen to make your laptop feel more like a proper desktop? We’re covering the best accessories from HP.

Who needs laptop accessories to mimic the desktop experience?

Before we examine our desktop-mimicking accessories, let’s look at who needs them the most. Many users can reap the productivity-boosting benefits of a work-optimised laptop.

Comfort-enhancing extras entice hybrid workers who whisk their laptops between the home and office several times weekly. With the right accessories in both locations, the worker can enjoy a desktop-like experience daily.

But carrying bulky add-ons like external monitors is impractical. Plus, plugging in peripherals becomes a chore. That’s why many hybrid workers buy one set of laptop accessories for the home and another for the office. This configuration lets them get straight into their morning duties without faffing about.

Work-from-home professionals often prefer a laptop to bring to meetings or remain productive on the road. Accessories like an external monitor and wireless keyboard greatly enhance productivity while at home.

Students also prefer lightweight laptops to bring to lectures and tutorials. Comfort-boosting accessories bolster productivity during those demanding pre-exam study crams.

Docking stations

A docking station takes the hassle out of switching workspaces. Rather than plugging in your mouse, monitor, and keyboard at the start of every workday, you need only connect your laptop to a single nifty device.

Think of the docking station as a port replicator. This subtle, slimline contraption powers your laptop and connects it to multiple accessories simultaneously. That saves you time and hassle each day (no more plugging in individual peripherals) and clears cord clutter from your desk.

Smaller laptops have limited ports. The docking station overcomes this issue by covering everything from HDMI to Thunderbolt and USB Type-C. The precise ports you’ll get depend on the model. Have a think about what you’ll need for your day-to-day tasks.

External monitors

An obvious drawback to the laptop is its smaller screen. To ensure optimal portability, manufacturers rarely produce laptops larger than 16 inches (most are 15 inches or smaller). This miniature display impacts ergonomics and makes it more challenging to read the screen.

While the difference isn’t significant during a short session, a sizeable external monitor is a huge boon during a standard eight-hour workday. Users find the enhanced on-screen real estate improves productivity. Meanwhile, the elevated, eye-level display makes a massive ergonomic impact.

Plus, many professionals, such as creatives, programmers, and business administrators, get a significant productivity boost from a dual monitor set-up. A simple HDMI splitter connects two external monitors to a single HDMI port on your laptop or a docking station. Alternatively, you can use your laptop screen and one external monitor simultaneously.

Keyboard & mouse combos

Though most modern laptops come with an in-built trackpad, many folks find it too clumsy for everyday use. That’s why the humble mouse is the best-selling laptop accessory on the market. Options range from cheap and cheerful cable-connected devices to stylish wireless mice with integrated wrist supports.

Bluetooth keyboards become essential when you hook up an external monitor. Using the laptop’s built-in keyboard proves tricky as you must divide your attention between the two screens. A wireless keyboard, however, lets you focus on the external monitor without distraction.

As a handy bonus, a typical external keyboard is larger and more comfortable than a compact laptop keyboard. This more spacious layout reduces repetitive strain injury and improves productivity.

Purchase a portable laptop stand for optimal ergonomics on the go. Laptop stands lift the screen to eye level to improve posture and ergonomics. HP doesn’t manufacture these accessories, but you’ll find numerous reputable third-party products. As your laptop keyboard will sit on a slant, you’ll also need an external keyboard.

On a budget? You could use a laptop stand instead of an external monitor at the office or home. An external monitor/keyboard is the preferred option, though, as it requires less setup time and offers more on-screen real estate, especially with dual monitors.

Users incorporating a keyboard and mouse into their setup should spring for a wireless combo. Why? Not only do these affordable, two-in-one deals work out a tad cheaper, but you can connect both devices via the same USB dongle. That functionality streamlines the setup process and frees up more ports.

Speakers & headsets

Let’s be frank: even the best in-built laptop speakers don’t offer optimal audio quality. Although fine for everyday use, stock speakers won’t give you the crisp clarity you crave for multi-media consumption or conference calls.

Adding a quality Bluetooth speaker will enhance the streaming experience for your favourite movies and TV shows. Likewise, a conference call speaker bar or headset facilitates clear, professional-level communications when working remotely.

Hardware upgrades

Due to size and weight constraints, a typical laptop can’t match the raw processing power of a similarly-priced desktop. Unfortunately, upgrade opportunities are limited as the CPU and GPU come soldered onto the motherboard.

Summary

From external monitors to wireless keyboards and Bluetooth speakers, a myriad of accessories can make your laptop feel more like a desktop. Some are light enough to lug with you, while others you’ll want to leave at the office or home.

Whether you’re a student or a hybrid employee, simulating the desktop experience enhances ergonomics and optimises workflows.