News about computer peripherals and accessories

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The universe of peripherals and accessories The computer screen keeps moving: every so often new things appear new mice, keyboards, monitors, headphones, or storage systems These changes completely transform how we use our PCs. Whether you're someone who just browses and works or a hardcore gamer, it's worth staying up-to-date because the improvements in comfort, performance, and security are becoming increasingly significant.

Furthermore, behind what we see on the outside there is a lot of technical stuff: from increasingly faster and more reliable storage, biometric identificationvirtual reality and multichannel audioFrom small details like a better-designed mousepad or the type of monitor panel, everything adds up to a smooth, immersive, and, why not say it, much more fun experience.

The evolution of peripherals: from basic to ultra-specialized

In just a few decades we have gone from having very simple peripherals to having mice, keyboards, monitors and speakers packed with technology that we previously only saw in professional settings. The curious thing is that many of these accessories have ended up being almost indispensable, even though at first they seemed like mere luxuries.

Looking back, traditional peripherals focused on Four main pillars: mouse, keyboard, screen, and audioToday we still use that same combo, but with a huge difference: now almost everything connects through the same type of port, usually USB or USB-CThis has simplified installation and eliminated those strange connectors for mice, keyboards, or printers.

Another major leap has been in how these devices communicate with the PC. Mice have abandoned the old mechanical balls and adopted high-precision optical and laser systems, with high-resolution sensors and ergonomic designs Designed for hours of use without hand fatigue. Even their firmware has been improved, with features that help draw straighter lines or better interpret rapid movements.

Keyboards have also been completely transformed: they have gone from being mere tools for typing text on a console to becoming control centers with multimedia keys, customizable macros, and advanced lightingThe popularization of mechanical keyboards has brought back the classic keystroke feel, while analog keyboards have opened the door to recording the force or depth of the keystroke for much finer control.

As for monitors, the difference compared to the first models is enormous. The old low-resolution monochrome screens have been replaced by Panels capable of displaying extremely high pixel densities and dynamic ranges that make colors much more vibrantHDR content is displayed with a level of detail and contrast that was unthinkable on a home computer a few years ago.

The sound is also noteworthy. The legendary beep of the internal speaker has been replaced by... external speakers and systems capable of reproducing high-quality audio in multiple channelsThe improvement may seem subtle in numbers, but in everyday life it makes a huge difference when watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.

The popularization of multimedia content at home has meant that it is no longer unusual to see 5.1 or 7.1 sound systems at reasonable prices, plus high-quality 2.1 systemsThese latter ones offer more powerful bass and a more balanced experience without breaking the bank, which has made them a very popular choice.

What is a computer peripheral and how are they classified?

When we talk about peripherals, we are essentially referring to External devices that connect to the PC's motherboard to allow input, output, storage, or exchange of informationThey are independent hardware components that can be changed or expanded without touching the inside of the computer beyond the ports.

These devices are usually divided into input, output, storage, and communication peripheralsEach group fulfills a specific function, although some equipment can fit into more than one category depending on how we use it.

Los input peripherals They are used to input data or instructions into the system. This group includes the keyboard and mouse, but also the scanner, webcam, and microphone, which allow you to digitize documents, capture images in real time, or record sound.

Meanwhile, the output peripherals They are responsible for displaying the information that the PC has processed, in a way that is understandable to us. This includes the monitor, speakers, headphones, and printer, all designed so that we can see, hear, or print out what the computer is doing.

Another relevant group is that of the storage peripheralswhose purpose is to store data more or less permanently. This category includes hard drives (HDD or SSD), USB flash drives, CD-ROMs, and other similar formats, which allow you to store files, backups, or software.

Finally, there are the communication peripheralsThese devices allow two or more computers to exchange information remotely. They include network cards, routers, and modems, which are essential for connecting to the internet or local networks.

Storage: HDDs, SSDs, optical drives and their actual reliability

Although they are often overlooked, storage devices are one of the pillars of the system, since they are where data is stored. all the information we want to keep: documents, games, photos, videos, or backupsAmong the most common are mechanical hard drives (HDDs), the solid state drives (SSDs), optical media and tape systems.

HDDs and SSDs allow you to store large volumes of data with relative ease, but it's important to understand that No support is eternal and all suffer wear and tear over timeHard drives with mechanical parts are subject to physical wear and tear and possible impacts; SSDs, although they have no moving parts, also have a limited number of write cycles.

Something similar happens with the optical drives and traditional tape systemsThese storage media have been very popular for archiving and backups, but they don't guarantee that data will remain intact forever. Degradation of the physical material or storage conditions can render information unreadable over time.

The practical conclusion is clear: however modern the storage units may be, It is advisable to maintain redundant backups and periodically review important dataBy combining HDD, SSD and external backups (e.g., in the cloud), the risk of irreversible file loss is minimized.

Security and biometrics: peripherals to protect your data

Security has also fully permeated the world of peripherals, especially with the popularization of biometric identification using fingerprint readers or retina scannersThese systems allow for quick verification of the user's identity and are generally much more difficult to falsify than a simple password.

Biometric authentication is considered today one of the More secure ways to validate access to devices, accounts, and servicesbecause it is based on each person's unique physical traits. However, this does not mean they are infallible: like any technology, vulnerabilities or attack methods that exploit design or implementation flaws can appear.

For this reason, in addition to using these types of peripherals, it is essential Keep security systems, firmware, and associated software up to dateDoing so minimizes the chances of exploiting known vulnerabilities and better protects the data managed by the device.

Monitors: panel types and keys to choosing the right one

The monitor is arguably the peripheral that most influences the daily user experience, because everything that happens on the PC passes through it. Today we can choose between different panel technologies such as OLED, IPS, VA and TN, each with its advantages and disadvantagesas well as different resolutions, refresh rates, and formats.

In general terms, a monitor is the main output device that displays the information processed by the Graphic cardWhether it's a dedicated GPU or one integrated into the processor, its quality determines the sharpness, color, and smoothness with which we see games, videos, or professional applications.

Los IPS monitors They have gained enormous popularity thanks to their wide viewing angles and fairly faithful color representationThey are especially recommended for photo editing, graphic design, video, and generally for anyone looking for good image quality. Furthermore, they typically offer competitive response times, so they can also work very well for gaming.

Panels VA panels, on the other hand, stand out for offering superior contrast, with deeper blacks and colors that appear more intense.This makes them especially pleasant for watching movies and TV series, particularly in low-light environments. On the other hand, viewing angles are usually somewhat more limited than with IPS displays, and depending on the model, there may be more ghosting in very fast-moving scenes.

In the case of OLED monitorsImage quality takes a remarkable leap: by being able to turn off each pixel independently, you get near-perfect contrast, very low response times, and very thin and light designsThe main problem remains the price, which is usually higher, and the need for certain precautions to reduce the risk of image retention or burn-in with static images.

Panels TN For years they have been the quintessential budget option. They generally offer a lower cost and acceptable image quality for basic usesHowever, they offer narrower viewing angles and lower contrast compared to IPS or VA panels. They can be suitable for tight budgets, but they are increasingly competing with other technologies that have also become more affordable.

When choosing a gaming monitor, it's worth considering the resolution, refresh rate, panel type, and, if possible, technologies such as adaptive syncA good balance between these elements can make a huge difference in fluidity and the feeling of immersion.

Keyboards, mice and mousepads: precision and comfort at the service of the user

The keyboard remains one of the most important PC peripherals, since it is used to... We constantly introduce commands, text, and shortcutsThe current selection is enormous, with models designed for writing, gaming, or mixed use, each with its own unique character.

Today we can find mechanical, membrane, hybrid and ergonomic keyboardsAmong other things, mechanical keyboards are known for their crisp keystrokes, durability, and variety of switches (linear, tactile, audible, etc.), while membrane keyboards are generally quieter and more affordable. Hybrid keyboards combine features of both, and ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain on wrists and hands during long gaming sessions.

In the case of the mouse, we are dealing with a manual input device that allows to precisely control the cursor on the screenThere are wired and wireless models, with optical or laser technology and Solutions for controlling multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse, geared towards office, gaming or design, and with shapes that seek to adapt to different types of grip to improve ergonomics.

Modern mice typically include high-resolution sensors, programmable additional buttons, and software for adjusting profilesThe great advantage over older models is that it no longer depends on a physical ball that gets dirty, but on a beam of light that captures the movement on the support surface.

For the sensor to work properly, it's recommended to use the mouse on an opaque, even surface. Therefore, Mouse pads have become an essential accessory for gaining precision and stability in movementsIn the gaming field, they have also evolved in size, thickness and texture, and some even include integrated RGB lighting to complement the rest of the peripherals.

Headphones, microphones and surround sound

Audio has become central with the rise of multimedia content, video calls, and online gaming. Today's headphones offer a huge variety in brands, connection types, and physical formatsso there is practically a model for every type of user.

Among the well-known brands are names like Acer, Apple, ASUS or Corsairwhich compete with many other specialized manufacturers. Regarding connectivity, we can opt for wireless models, BluetoothUSB or with analog jack, each with its own combination of convenience, latency and sound quality.

The design also greatly influences comfort and isolation. There are headphones available. supra-aural, intra-aural, circumaural and buttonThis allows you to choose between something very lightweight, something that provides excellent noise isolation, or something in between. Beyond appearance, it's worth considering the frequency response, the integrated microphone, and whether they feature multi-channel virtual surround sound for gaming and movies.

Furthermore, the External microphones have become almost indispensable for those who play online games, make work video calls, or create content.They offer a much higher capture quality than the microphones integrated into laptops or basic headphones, and facilitate the use of voice recognition systems and clear communication with other users.

In speaker systems, the trend has been to move from basic stereo sound to 2.1 systems with subwoofer or 5.1 and 7.1 configurationswhich provide much more precise positioning in games and movies. This leap has been made possible by cheaper hardware and the increasing prevalence of multichannel content.

Virtual, augmented and mixed reality: new forms of interaction

Among the most striking new developments of recent years are the virtual, augmented and mixed reality headsetsThese devices, which have gone from being experimental to relatively affordable peripherals, can completely immerse us in virtual worlds or overlay digital information onto our real environment.

The basis of its operation is in Use a screen for each eye along with special lenses that allow the images to be viewed correctly.so that the brain perceives depth and volume. This is complemented by a tracking system that monitors the position of the head and, in many cases, the position of the hands using additional controllers or sensors.

Thanks to this tracking, the system can importing and reflecting our movements within the virtual environment greatly increases the feeling of presenceIn the case of video games, this translates into a much greater level of immersion than that offered by a traditional screen, but it is also finding its place in fields such as training, design, and project visualization.

In augmented and mixed reality, the approach is slightly different: instead of isolating ourselves completely, The real world is blended with interactive digital elementsThis opens the door to a wide variety of applications, from real-time repair manuals to educational and collaborative experiences.

Other key peripherals: webcams, printers, scanners, and more

Beyond the classics, the PC accessory ecosystem includes a good collection of devices that make life easier at home and in the office. Among them are: webcams, printers, scanners, joysticks and video capture and editing equipment, among others.

The webcams They've gone from being an extra to becoming almost essential if you frequently make video calls. Higher resolutions, better low-light performance, and quality built-in microphones have made it much easier to project a professional image without too much hassle.

The printers and scanners They remain essential in many work and study environments. Color printing, multifunction models, and network or Wi-Fi connectivity have simplified their integration into daily life, while scanners allow for quick and high-quality digitization of documents and photographs.

In the field of leisure and games, the joysticks, steering wheels and gamepads They expand the possibilities beyond the keyboard and mouse. These peripherals offer much more natural control in driving, flight, or sports simulators, and allow you to get the most out of titles designed specifically for a controller.

Also very useful are video capture and editing devicesThese tools facilitate recording gameplay, creating streaming content, or digitizing external sources. Along with a good camera and microphone, they form the foundation of any creator's setup.

Gaming peripherals: performance, customization and immersion

The gaming keyboard is a prime example. Beyond its aesthetics, it offers higher performance, additional programmable keys, deep customization options, and spectacular lighting effectsThe idea is that each user can adapt the layout and behavior of the keys to their playing style, reducing reaction times and preventing errors.

In the case of a gaming mouse, the most important thing is that it is precise, configurable and ergonomicMany models allow you to adjust sensitivity on the fly, configure macros on side buttons, and save profiles for different games. The goal is for every movement to be accurately translated on screen and for the grip to be comfortable during long gaming sessions.

Mouse pads take center stage here: it's not just about resting the mouse on it, but about offering a surface with just the right amount of friction to control speed and precisionThere are rigid models, textile models, XL models for keyboard and mouse, and even variants with RGB lighting that integrate with the rest of the setup.

Gaming monitors typically focus on larger sizes, higher resolutions, and higher refresh ratesso that the on-screen movements are as fluid as possible. The combination of a good screen with surround sound through suitable speakers or headphones completes the experience.

Among the essential accessories for many gamers are also the gamepads, joysticks and steering wheels with pedalsThese provide much more intuitive control in certain genres. Along with specific chairs, stands, and other extras, they complete setups that rival those of professional esports.

The current landscape of peripherals and accessories demonstrates that there is a device for almost every need and budget: from those who just need a simple keyboard to those looking for more secure storage equipment, monitors with better color, multi-channel audio, and even virtual realityKeeping up to date with these new developments allows you to get much more out of your PC and adapt your work or gaming environment to the way you actually use technology.