If you already own a Hewlett-Packard (HP) computer or HP camera, you probably already know the wide array of accessories that are available to complement your purchase. HP usually includes a printed catalog inside the package. When registering your product, you will also notice regular e-mails arriving, which inform you of various specials and new HP accessories for sale. The Hewlett-Packard website for HP accessories also offers many specials.

The choices seem to be endless. Outside of the obvious HP computer accessories, HP chargers and HP printer accessories that are available for sale after your purchase, there are a number of accessories for Hewlett-Packard products that you may feel tempted to buy. Which ones are worth the extra expense? Which ones should you look elsewhere to purchase? Which ones are not worth the extra expense? This guide will help you decide which HP accessories should complete your purchase.

Before purchasing your HP product:

1. Make sure it includes all the accessories required to operate the equipment out of the box. If not, the required accessories should be your first purchase.

2. Understand which HP accessories should be purchased with the HP brand, and which accessories are all right to buy from other suppliers.

3. Decide what accessories can wait until after you have familiarized yourself with the product, and acquainted yourself with all of the features.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate whether you need to make any additional HP accessories purchases at all

Most purchases will include all you need to get started using your product. Try to determine how much more efficiency you can achieve by purchasing additional Hewlett-Packard accessories.

I recommend: Check the outside of the product box for a list of included HP accessories. You can also check the HP Catalog for the accessories included. If there are accessories you need in order to operate the product, you will want to purchase these accessories with your HP product. If all of the essential accessories are included, you can take a little longer to evaluate any extra accessory purchases. If you purchased an HP Pavilion Notebook, for example, you will have all of the HP Pavilion Notebook accessories to use the system out of the box. However, you may want to consider an extra battery, a docking station or even a printer to add to your purchase.

Find HP computer accessories

HP computers usually include enough accessories to begin using your computer as soon as it is connected. However, there are several upgrades and additional accessories you may consider.

I recommend: Included in this category are the obvious extras such as an extra battery for an HP Pavilion computer, or extra memory to speed up your system. Carrying cases, software and external devices such as mice and keyboards are also available as HP accessories for sale. When considering which items to buy direct from HP or from sellers of Hewlett-Packard accessories, try to buy accessories that will be used inside your computer, such as memory and batteries, directly from HP or from authorized resellers. Other HP accessories, such as mice, keyboards and cases, can be purchased from other vendors, to take advantage of better pricing and special deals. These external accessories do not need to fit specific HP specifications as closely as do memory or batteries.

Find HP printer accessories

It is no longer standard to include printer to computer cables with a printer purchase, so buying a cable is a necessary purchase if you want to use your printer out of the box. You will also need to buy ink jet or laser cartridges, as these are not normally included with your purchase.

I recommend: If you are connecting your printer to the computer with a USB cable, shop around for the best price. You can buy a cable from HP, or from sellers of HP accessories, but USB cables are standard accessories, and you can buy with confidence from any major manufacturer offering the best price. Some HP printers use lower capacity cartridges as included HP printer accessories. Check the list of included HP printer accessories before buying extra cartridges. Other HP printer accessories that are essential include everyday printing paper, photo paper and specialty paper products such as brochures and post cards.

Find HP camera accessories

There are more products available for cameras than many other HP accessories.

I recommend: Your HP camera purchase should contain enough accessories to get you started taking pictures quickly. However, items such as extended capacity batteries and larger memory cards will make your camera purchase much more useful. Other non-essential HP camera accessories include carrying cases, straps, and card readers that allow the viewing of the digital photos stored on memory cards. You can also check large camera retailers such as Ritz Camera and J&R Photo for these accessories.

Check product reviews for choosing the best HP accessories

Reading product reviews of HP products you want to purchase will provide good suggestions for HP accessories you must have, and others you might like to have. CNET provides excellent reviews of hundreds of different technology products.

I recommend: CNET provides excellent reviews of hundreds of different technology products. Amazon also provides product reviews; however, reviews written on Amazon.com are written by users who have purchased the product being reviewed. Be sure you read a few different reviews to get an appropriate sampling of comments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to check eBay and Amazon for authorized HP resellers. You can often purchase HP accessories at significant discounts when using these venues, but check seller reviews closely before puchasing.