windows10Windows 10 starts rolling out this week, with all kinds of new (and returning) features for consumers and businesses alike. But before you start to enjoy the revamped Start menu, check out some great gear for your Windows 10 devices.

Keyboard

Getting a new keyboard can be like getting a new computer. Whether it’s a fully mechanical, clicky box with a built-in number pad or an ergonomic layout with gentle curves, a new keyboard can change your relationship with your machine.

Das Keyboard Model S Professional
Das Keyboard Model S Professional

Mechanical keyboards might be the hot new hipster trend. Like vinyl records and French press coffee, mechanical keyboards are a relic of the past that actually had some nice benefits. Choosing a mechanical keyboard can be daunting, but finding the right one for you mainly comes down to how you use your keyboard.

Das Keyboard makes a good range of keyboards for everything from gaming to coding. This $127 Model S Professional keyboard comes with Cherry MX Blue switches for a great typing experience. And unlike older mechanical keyboards, this one supports media keys.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop

If you’d rather feel like you’re controlling an alien space ship (or you just want to avoid repetitive stress injuries) you might want to look at an ergonomic model. Microsoft’s Wireless Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard is split down the middle and gently rises, allowing you to put your hands in a more natural typing position and reducing strain on your wrists. The $100 combo also includes a wireless mouse and number pad for optimum placement and comfort.

Screens

Dell Ultrasharp
The Dell Ultrasharp U2415

Speaking of comfort, staring at screens all day can get tiring for your eyes. While getting a computer monitor can be expensive, it beats looking down all day at the laptop on your desk and allows you to boost productivity by looking at more stuff at once.

Most people will be happy with a 1080p, 24-inch monitor. If your PC can handle it, there are 4K monitors available, but unless you’re editing movies or creating graphics, it’s probably overkill.

One of the best 24-inch monitors is the Dell Ultrasharp U2415. With a 16:10 aspect ratio instead of 16:9, you get a more usable real estate for spreadsheets or your text editor. The OLED display also has an audio jack and four USB 3.0 ports for high-speed charging and data transfer. The $275 monitor can be connected via HDMI or DisplayPort and mounted with a standard 100mm VESA mount.

Speaking of mounts, you might want to check out GeekWire’s previous pick for getting your screen in the right spot. The Mount-It! Articulating Single Arm Computer Monitor Desk Mount clamps to your desk and provides three points of articulation for moving the monitor. You do have to unscrew a clamp to raise or lower the screen, but at around $40 it’s well worth the price.

External Hard Drives

Backing up your computer is important. Having extra storage is nice, too. With today’s external hard drives, you can do both. Storage is now so cheap that you shouldn’t have to put anything in your recycle bin again.

my passport
WD My Passport Ultra Portable

There are two basic types of hard drives: portable and desktop. Portable hard drives are usually a little more expensive, but they’re great for moving files between computers or expanding storage for laptops. Desktop units need to be plugged into a wall, but provide more storage for less cost.

For portable use, WD My Passport Ultra Portable is a great drive. It comes in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB versions, but the $80 1TB model is probably the right amount for most people. It has a USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers and is completely powered by the computer you’re using for ultimate portability. It’s small, too, so throwing it in your bag won’t slow you down.

my book
WD My Book 4 TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive

If you want to add storage to your desktop computer or keep a backup at home for your laptop, a desktop external hard drive is a better option. You can splurge on a little more space with the WD My Book 4 TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive for just $129. That’s four times the storage for $50 more. The downside is you have to plug it into a power outlet to run it. But with USB 3.0 and built-in backup software, you’ll have plenty of room to speedily back up everything on your computer.

With thousands of peripherals out there for Windows 10 users, we obviously missed a few. Is there any gear you’re getting to upgrade your Windows 10 experience? Let us know in the comments. And if you’re wondering about upgrading, keep an eye out for our Windows 10 review later this week.

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