What are affordable laptop accessories and gadgets that you would recommend?

I like to use a mouse and external monitor when I use my laptop at home. I carry a mouse and use it when I have desk space on the road. A monitor isn’t inexpensive but if you already have one the necessary cable can be.

Cooling pad for laptop to sit on.

Wireless USB mouse. Thumb drives for backups and file transfer.

Cooling pad for laptop to sit on

I have been using a $7 cookie sheet for a laptop desk.

I have a friend who used a bowl of ice as a computer stand, to keep a certain laptop cool enough to not shut itself down from overheating.

Oh I just got an iQunix aluminum stand that I wish I’d gotten years ago (and super wish I’d had in the heat of this summer) – best $16 I’ve spent on an accessory.