

Maybe you want a hardwired network connection, a DVD drive, or a card reader for your digital camera. Maybe you want to add on a high-quality external webcam and microphone for meetings, or connect a game controller or an external hard drive. Other peripherals: Here's where everything else goes.

Speakers: Again, the speakers in your laptop will remain functional while you work at a desk, but for bigger, bolder sound, get a set of dedicated speakers.

You can use your laptop's screen and an external monitor at the same time, or if your hardware supports it, multiple monitors for a full "battlestation." Monitor: a larger external screen to give your eyes a rest and make movies and games really pop. (Oh, and you'll also need a desk or a table, and a chair, obviously.) You can use as many or as few of these as you like, but here are the big ones: The big advantage to building this setup is that you get to use your laptop with awesome, easy-to-use desktop components.
