If you’ve recently made a desktop PC or laptop purchase, you might want to consider adding peripherals to enhance your home office setup, your gaming rig, or your business workspace. Peripherals, also known as auxiliary devices, boost your computer’s abilities with expanded functions.
For example, maybe your computer doesn’t have quite the sound system you were hoping for but by adding an external speaker, you can amplify your favorite playlist and get the sound quality you want. But it doesn’t end there.
There are so many peripherals you can choose from to connect to other devices, enhance your vision, create better sound, and make tons of other improvements to a standard PC setup. So how do you know which ones are the best way to spend your hard-earned dollars?
Below we’ll delve into the world of peripherals to learn how to take your existing PC from basic to amazing so you can prioritize your budget for the perfect setup for you.
What are computer peripherals?
The basic definition of a computer peripheral is a hardware input or output device that expands the functionality of your PC. They’re known as “peripherals” because they’re not integral to the main functions of the PC, they simply add on features.
What are some common computer peripherals?
There are three kinds of peripherals: input, input/output, and output devices. Some
common computer peripheralsinclude keyboards, mice, tablet pens, joysticks, scanners, monitors, speakers, printers, external hard drives, and media card readers. While these are the more common peripherals you’ll see on the market, this isn’t an exhaustive list.
The main takeaway here is that a device is considered a peripheral when it inputs information to the computer, receives output from the computer, or does both. There are also internal peripherals such as a CD-ROM drive or an internal modem.
What are the most useful computer peripherals for computing at home?
As you plan out your home office, you may end up realizing that your PC setup could be improved with a few strategic computer accessories. Whether you have a desktop computer or a laptop, these are some peripherals you may want to incorporate to upgrade your next Netflix binge session or work-from-home day.
1. Speakers
Speakers are one of the most useful peripherals to add to your home office to create a more immersive auditory experience as you work or watch movies on your computer.
Enhance your sound system by adding speakers like the
Bose Companion 2 Series III multimedia speaker systemto your home workspace. You can enjoy crystal-clear sound for video conferences with remote colleagues or stream your favorite show. It’s the perfect addition to elevate your computing experience whether you’re listening to music, enjoying the dramatic score of a cinematic classic, or editing a video.
Great sound isn’t always the first feature you look for when you’re shopping for PCs, but with an external device like a fine-tuned speaker, you can indulge your audiophile pursuits.
2. Webcam
If you regularly Skype with your loved ones or work team, you may want to consider adding a webcam like the HP 325 FHD Webcam for business to your home office. With features like auto-focus and a video resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, you’ll see your friends and family in perfect detail. Say goodbye to screen lag and stuttering with an impressive frame rate of 30 frames per second. Plus, you’ll enjoy total peace of mind with a 3-year warranty should anything go wrong.
Texting and calling aren’t the same as speaking with someone face-to-face, it helps create a personal connection even if you’re worlds away. So, if you want to add an extra element to your home PC, this webcam model is compatible with laptops, CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors, and LCD screens.
3. Wireless keyboard and mouse set
If you use a laptop as your main computing device at home, you are already familiar with the multitude of benefits they offer to the modern user. These machines are incredibly portable and ready to go anywhere you go. Their low-profile design means they slip easily into a backpack or purse for easy travel.
Laptops are also lightweight and make great tools for those who prefer to do their work at their local coffee shop, library, or other places outside of home. Laptops make any place with a WiFi connection a more entertaining or productive experience.
However, one major drawback to laptops is that they often lack a full-sized keyboard and you’re limited to a trackpad for cursor navigation. While that might work for some users, a mouse and regular keyboard might help you
without feeling cramped and slowed down using the trackpad alone.
Enter the HP 235 Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Combo. These two devices boast a three-year battery life so you can expect uninterrupted performance whether you’re typing up a document or gearing up for the emotions of a final season of your favorite show.
The set-up is easy and convenient. The only installation required is putting in the small unifying, wireless receiver in your USB port.
If you’re worried about comfort, you can put those fears to bed. The Logitech keyboard features Incurve keys and a cushioned palm rest for ergonomic, natural computing that helps keep your wrist and arms in a neutral position, an essential part of avoiding repetitive strain injuries at work or home.
Have a need for speed? Lightning fast scrolling means you get to where you’re going fast. You can zoom through long documents or use the precise click-to-click scrolling feature to navigate lists, images, and slides.
2.4 GHz wireless connectivity delivers encrypted, secure cordless technology for a dependable connection with almost no lag time. An LCD dashboard tells you the status of your battery so you’ll never be caught unprepared. This keyboard allows you to be an efficient typist, ready for whatever gets thrown your way.
The comforts of home? They can always be improved by tech that keeps you and yours engaged, entertained, and productive.
What are the best pc peripherals for gaming?
If you’re looking to level up your gaming rig, there are tons of auxiliary devices you can add on to your main gaming PC so you can get the most out of your gameplay. Let’s explore a couple of the ways you can add layers of additional fun, quality, and speed to your PC battle station with the right computer peripherals.
4. Gaming keyboard
A gamer is as only as good as his or her skills, but your equipment matters, too. If you’re ready for your precision and accuracy to be matched and complemented by some helpful peripherals, stand by.
are essential to your success and if your current keyboard just isn’t up to snuff, it may result in inaccurate shooting and less precise targeting. Up the ante with the
HP OMEN Sequencer keyboard, it’s the perfect addition for any serious gamer.
Optical-mechanical
Blue switchesdeliver an insanely fast response time: 0.2 milliseconds. That’s ten times faster than traditional mechanical switches. But besides being fast, it also won’t fizzle out any time soon. This device has a seventy million click lifetime so you know it’ll be reliable and help you stand up to fighting any enemy you take on in your virtual world.
In addition, each individually backlit key can be customized with up to 16.8 million RGB colors in the
HP OMEN Command Center. After all, your gaming rig should reflect your personal aesthetic, not a factory-preset.
When you’re gaming, every fraction of a second counts. This keyboard will help you take advantage of those small slices of time so you can rescue the princess, defeat the dragon, or accomplish that side mission with ease.
5. Headphones
As a gamer, superior sound counts for a lot. You need to hear enemies tiptoeing up behind you for a sneak attack or a slight change in the atmospheric music signaling a new challenge or task. OMEN Blast Headset is a great choice if you want headphones that boast a multi-dimensional sound with a design that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
If you regularly engage in long gaming sessions, you know that comfort becomes a huge priority. With these headphones, you’ll enjoy a lightweight feel so you can power through your game without being distracted or constantly readjusting.
What are the most helpful computer peripherals for business?
As a busy professional, you need the best technology to get you through your workday. You’re only as good as the tools you have to accomplish your task. The best PC peripherals for you depend on the requirements of your job.
For example, if you work in the graphic design industry, you’ll want to focus on accessories that enhance your ability to fine-tune your creative projects. And if you’re an entrepreneur, you may want to add external devices that help keep you focused and productive during your 9 to 5.
Whether you’re an artist, engineer, or another kind of industry professional, there are peripherals available to take your PC beyond its basic constraints so you can enjoy a streamlined workflow.
6. External monitor
If you normally rely on just a business laptop to get through your day, you may want to consider adding an auxiliary device like a second monitor to your work setup. With the HP P22h G4 FHD Monitor, you’ll expand your potential for what you can accomplish whether you’re closing deals or pitching to prospects.
With helpful features like an anti-glare screen, you can work confidently, even in brightly-lit offices. Plus, you have all the management controls you could want to customize your screen to your exact preferences. On-screen controls include brightness, contrast, color control, input control, image control, power, menu, management, language, information, exit, and ok. Plus, you can tilt your display -5 degrees to +22 degrees, swivel ± 45 degrees, and enjoy a pivot rotation of 90 degrees. This means you always get the best view possible without straining your neck or arms to get your work done.
7. Graphics tablet
If you work in the graphic design industry, you can’t underestimate your need for great graphic design tools. The HP Tablet 11-be0097nr,11" is your new right-hand (or left-hand) man. It comes with a Wacom grip pen, a pen stand with 10 replacement nibs, and nib removal tool. Plus it includes a 6.6-foot cable, so you’ll have total freedom to work how you like to work without being constrained.
Designed from the bottom to top to help you breathe life into all of your creative projects, this tablet is the perfect solution to sketching ideas or fine-tuning a detailed project. This innovative device combines Wacom’s pen capabilities with multi-touch tablet gestures for an intuitive feel. You’ll enjoy total precision and accuracy so your workflow will never be impeded by inaccurate lines or movements.
8. Presenter mouse
If you need to impress clients or colleagues, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Need to work the room during a presentation? Invest in the HP Z3700 Black Wireless Mouse. This device allows you to run presentations and guide onscreen content with a virtual laser or you can navigate your PC’s apps right from your desk.
Whether you are in the front or the back of the room, you can control your presentation with ease. Never scramble back to your computer to change slides ever again. A range of 30 feet from your Bluetooth-paired PC frees you up to move and speak naturally to engage your audience.
Computer peripherals for home, work, and play
Computer peripherals can help elevate any computing experience. Find yourself distracted by ambient noises in your house during a work-from-home day? Purchase noise-canceling headphones. Need a way to naturally sketch your ideas for a project without the hassle of scanning? Grab a graphics tablet. Want to increase your productivity at work? Maybe it’s time to
add a second widescreen monitorto your office so you can multi-task more efficiently.
The right computer accessories allow every kind of computer user from professional to casual to gamer to make the most of their PC setup.
About the Author
Michelle Wilson is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Michelle is a content creation specialist writing for a variety of industries, including tech trends and media news.
FAQs
What are the 5 peripheral devices? ›
Examples of peripheral devices include terminals, printers, external floppy disk drives and other data storage devices, video monitors, keyboards, interface boards, external memory expansion cards, and other input/output devices that may or may not contain digital circuitry.
What are peripherals in tech? ›A peripheral is a piece of computer hardware that is added to a computer in order to expand its abilities. The term peripheral is used to describe those devices that are optional in nature, as opposed to hardware that is either demanded or always required in principle.
What are the two 2 types of peripheral devices? ›Peripherals are commonly divided into three kinds: input devices, output devices, and storage devices (which partake of the characteristics of the first two).
What are peripheral devices important to the computer system? ›A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a computer or other digital device but does not contribute to the computer's primary function, such as computing. It helps end users access and use the functionalities of a computer.
What is the most widely used computer system? ›Microsoft's Windows is the most widely used computer operating system in the world, accounting for 70.39 percent share of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market in January 2023.
Is a CPU a peripheral device? ›Examples of input/output peripheral devices are computer data storage devices such as disk drive, USB flash drive, memory card, and tape drive. CPU stands for the central processing unit. CPU is not a peripheral device.
What are the four basic computer peripherals of a desktop? ›The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
What are 3 different types of PCS? ›- Workstation.
- Desktop computer.
- Laptop.
- Tablet.
- Smartphone.
- Ultra-mobile PC.
- Pocket PC.
- Palmtop and handheld computers.
The Major Differences are:- 1. . Peripherals are electromechnical and electromagnetic devices and CPU and memory are electronic devices. Therefore, a conversion of signal values may be needed.
How do I find peripheral devices? ›Click the Start button, open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, and then select Troubleshooting. This will automatically check your computer for any problems with hardware and other devices.
What is example of computer peripheral? ›
For example, a mouse, monitor, and keyboard are peripherals, but they are crucial for communicating with the computer.
Is Ram a peripheral device? ›Internal device
The term 'internal' describes a device installed inside the computer, unlike the external peripheral devices. For example, RAM is an internal device, whereas a keyboard is an external device.
A peripheral device or peripheral is an auxiliary hardware device used to transfer information into and out of a computer. The term peripheral device refers to all hardware components that are attached to a computer and are controlled by the computer system, but they are not the core components of the computer.
What are the four types of peripheral? ›Types of peripheral devices
These types are input devices, output devices, and input/output devices. An input device inserts data or commands into the computer system. A keyboard, mouse, scanner, barcode reader, digital pen, webcam, microphone are some examples of input devices.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which peripheral devices require special software or drives to function? | Cameras, motion sensors, biometric devices, etc. |
| What is the difference between an input device? | Input devices send information to a computer an |
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) - commonly referred to as the processor - is the 'brain' of your computer. The CPU solves all the sophisticated algorithms and programming your computer does while running programs or applications.
The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on.
Which of the following computer peripheral is used both as input and output device? ›The correct answer is Network Cards. Network Card is the hardware device used for networking. It is a circuit board located near the USB port at the back. Network cards work as both input as well and output devices.
What are the advantages of maintaining computers and its peripherals give at least 3 reasons? ›- Detect issues early, before they become problems. ...
- Prevent against viruses and malware. ...
- Speed up Your Computer. ...
- Keep Antivirus Software Up-to-date. ...
- Maximize Software Efficiency.
The correct answer is Super Computer. A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance as compared to a general-purpose computer.
Which of the following is most powerful computer system? ›
The correct answer is Super Computer. Supercomputers were introduced in the 1960s as the world's most advanced computer. A supercomputer is a powerful computer that can process a large amount of data and computation very quickly. Supercomputers perform immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
Which is the single most popular computer system ever sold? ›The Commodore 64 is the single most popular computer system ever sold. Released in 1982, the Commodore 64 had a 1MHz with 64KB RAM CPU and two big draws: a powerful, programmable sound chip and powerful graphics for a 1982 computer.
Is hard drive a peripheral device? ›Common external peripheral devices include devices like a mouse, keyboard, pen tablet, external hard drive, printer, projector, speakers, webcam, flash drive, media card readers, and microphone.
Is hardware a peripheral? ›Computer Hardware is physical parts that make your computer. Peripherals are pieces of hardware that are added to a computer to expand its abilities and to work more efficiently.
What are the 4 major types of computer system components? ›There are four main computer hardware components that this blog post will cover: input devices, processing devices, output devices and memory (storage) devices. Collectively, these hardware components make up the computer system.
What are devices or computer peripherals which can be connected to a computer port? ›Devices that can be connected to the USB port include the mouse, keyboard, digital camera, USB flash drive, scanner etc. There are several versions of the USB port. You can also charge various devices by connecting them to the computer through the USB port.
What are the 4 main types of computers? ›- Microcomputers (personal computers)
- Minicomputers (mid-range computers)
- Mainframe computers.
- Supercomputers.
- 1 Supercomputer.
- 2 Quantum computer.
- 3 Mainframe.
- 4 Server Computer.
- 5 Workstation Computer.
- 6 Personal Computer or PC.
- 7 Microcontroller.
- 8 Smartphone.
- Desktop Computers.
- Workstations.
- Laptop Computers.
- Notebook Computers.
- Tablet Computers.
- Handheld Computers.
- Smartphone Computers.
Keyboards, mouse, scanners, etc are some of the input devices while printers, monitors, headphones, etc are some of the output devices.
What are the three types of computer devices? ›
- Analog computers.
- Digital computers.
- Hybrid computers.
The three types of peripheral devices are input devices, output devices and I/O devices.
Which is the most important peripheral device of computer in classroom for teachers? ›Headsets: With staff and students often working and learning in less-than-ideal locations — such as crowded houses or acoustically flawed classrooms — the right headsets are critical.