Accessorize this: Deck out your PC with these 12 hot add-ons

Do your computer speakers sound like tin cans? Are your video calls dark and grainy? Is your mouse becoming a pain in the wrist?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, read on.

Upgrading your accessories is a great way to add some spice and longevity to your desktop or laptop computer – especially for those who rely on their PC or Mac for entertainment.

Not only can you put off buying a new computer, but even when you succumb to the inevitable upgrade these peripherals can still be used with your new machine.

The following are a dozen recommendations to suit varying tastes and budgets.

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 ($50)

Accessory maker Logitech has just unveiled the first desktop keyboard that can be used wirelessly with up to three different devices, regardless of platform. The aptly named Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 can be your main computer keyboard – be it a PC, Mac or Chrome OS – but give the Easy-Switch dial a flick and now the keyboard works with any iOS or Android-based smartphone or tablet. Benefits include a full-size keyboard with a familiar layout (and all the shortcut keys); a durable, integrated stand to firmly hold your phone or tablet at an angle; and a couple of different colors to choose from.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse ($60)

Designed for Windows 8 but supported by older versions of the OS, too, Microsoft’s Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse was designed to promote more natural hand, wrist and forearm posture – so it’ll be more comfortable to use compared to other mice but also help prevent issues such as repetitive stress injuries. Easily access Windows 8’s Start screen – you know, the one with all the colorful tiles on it – by simply clicking the blue and white Windows button. This curved mouse benefits from four-way scrolling (right, left, front and back) and a convenient back button.

Eggtronic HUB IT ($80)

While it’s expensive for what it is – the Eggtronic HUB IT is a desktop hub that lets you connect up to seven devices at the same time.

The small, all-black device offers integrated connectors for all your favorite gadgets: Apple 8-pin (Lightning) and legacy 30-pin, and mini USB and micro USB, as well as three female USB 3.0 ports (backward compatible for older USB devices, too). Because it's a powered hub, it can also be used to charge up your devices – even if you don’t sync them with a computer. It’s also a customizable hub as you can pop off the top and move around the retractable cords or even add more.

Acer XBO 4K2K Monitor ($800)

PC gamers, listen up. Acer America has just announced its XBO-branded 28-inch 4K2K Ultra HD gaming display – capable of resolutions topping 3,840 x 2,160 pixels – which offers four times the clarity of 1080p HD. Available in time for the 2014 holiday season, this monitor will also feature NVIDIA G-SYNC, a new display technology that synchronized with the PC’s GeForce GTX-based graphics processor, for smooth, fast and flicker-free gameplay. Reducing eye strain, this XBO monitor helps extend play time with three different technologies, plus the flexible “ErgoStand” offers a wide range of viewing options.

Seagate Backup Plus Slim (Current price: $113)

Every computer user has experienced it at some point: losing an important file due to a nasty virus, hard drive malfunction or accidental deletion. To prevent that from happening, the 2-terabyte Seagate Backup Plus Slim can be programmed to automatically back up important PC or Mac files on a regular basis. As one of the world’s thinnest external hard drives, this USB 3.0 storage solution can also back up your phone and tablet’s important files, via Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, through the free Seagate Dashboard software and app. It’s also possible to make an offline copy of your photos and videos from numerous social media sites.

Insignia 2-Outlet Surge Protector ($20)

Ideal for a home office, the Insignia NS-PWS528U

is a 2-outlet surge protector with a 500-joule rating to protect your computer and accessories from a surge in electricity -- perhaps when power returns after a storm. Plus, it also houses two USB ports, with a 2.1-amp charge current, to charge up two smartphones at the same time or one tablet. An integrated LED indicator lets you know when your equipment is protected. Easy to install, simply plug this doohickey into your existing wall socket and then connect your gear as if you would with a regular AC plug.

SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive ($50)

When is a flash drive more than a flash drive? When it’s also a media streamer, of course. If you haven’t heard of SanDisk’s Connect Wireless Flash Drive, it can do anything other USB flash drives can – such as help you backup your important files or easily transfer them from one computer to another – but on top of that it emits a Wi-Fi signal to allow multiple devices to stream content at the same time. Imagine you’re on a road trip and everyone wants to watch something different on their smartphone, tablet or laptop? Up to 8 people can stream content from this 32GB flash drive at the same time.

Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System ($399.95)

Whether you're into music, video games or movies, treat yourself — more specifically, your ears — to a great-sounding computer set-up. The Bose Companion 5 Series Speakers is a high-end 2.1 solution (including booming subwoofer) that sounds like a 5.1 system thanks to the hideaway Acoustimass module to deliver a surround sound experience. Included with these clear-sounding and well-balanced computer speakers are desktop stands, cables and a wired control pod that puts volume and mute functionality at an arm's reach (and includes a port to easily connect a portable MP3 player).

D-Link SharePort Mobile Companion ($20)

The hotel you just checked into only has a wired Internet connection but you brought your iPad tablet, Android smartphone or skinny laptop without an Ethernet port. No worries, as you can create a wireless network with the D-Link SharePoint Mobile Companion router (model # DIR-505; $20).

This tiny gadget lets you wirelessly access the Internet, on multiple devices, when plugged into a modem or wired router. Plus, it also has a USB port so you can insert a flash drive and stream to nearby devices. This product also acts as a repeater so you can extend the signal from an existing wireless router to cover a dead zone within your home.

SteelSeries Free Mobile Wireless Game Controller

(Current price: $52.56)

If you’re into PC games but want to lay your hands on more than just the mouse and keyboard, the SteelSeries Free Mobile Wireless Game Controller offers 12 programmable buttons so you can tailor it to specific games you love. And you won’t need to be tethered to your laptop or desktop as it’s a wireless gamepad that can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled machine. The ambidextrous design makes it comfortable for left- or right-handed use, while the lightweight construction won’t tire your hands out during lengthy gaming sessions. An integrated rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours of continuous wireless play between charges, plus there’s also a wired connection option. Compatible with PC, Mac and Android.

Turtle Beach Ear Force XP Seven (Current price: $279)

Also for gamers, while you can find headsets for under $10, those who want -- and can afford -- a top-of-the-line model should consider Turtle Beach’s Ear Force XP Seven, a premium headset with microphone for Xbox 360/One, PlayStation 3/4, PC and Mac, and mobile devices. As the official headset of Major League Gaming (MLG), the XP Seven features Dolby Surround Sound and a fully programmable digital signal processor (DSP) for clear, loud and well-balanced audio. If you’re not in the mood to chat, you can remove the mic boom or change up the speaker plates for different look, if desired.

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 (From $79.95)

While all laptops have an integrated webcam, most desktop computer monitors do not. Keep in touch with friends and family – for free, and with video – with a high-quality web camera. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 lets you chat at high-definition 720p quality -- or even up to 1080p for shooting YouTube rants or video blogs. Want to hit Chatroulette.com while in a dimly-lit room [cough]? No worries, as the C910 also includes RightLight technology for use in dark environments. This webcam, with stereo mics, is ideal for both laptops and desktops -- but Windows only.