Apple computer’s ongoing technology innovations and recent market-share gains have opened a much broader range of Mac compatible accessories and peripherals than in years past. Choosing the right Apple gizmos or add-on today isn’t nearly as much of a challenge as in the past. Macintosh owners had more problems finding gadgets back in the days of proprietary Apple connectors, limited driver availability, other incompatibility issues, and having to choose from a narrower list Mac supported devices.

In the past decade, Apple has made great strides in supporting and even pioneering open and industry standards. Now we’re faced with almost too many choices. The majority of computer peripherals today are far more likely to be cross-platform and fully Mac compatible. But there’s still differences. Apple owners tend to have a strong sense of function and aesthetic: We want gizmos and gadgets that adhere to the motto ‘It Just Works.’ But we also like add-ons that match and compliment our computer’s design and our own sense of style, whether it’s on the go with a MacBook laptop or at our desktop iMac or Mac mini.

If you’re shopping for an Apple compatible All-In-One printer, webcam, wired USB device, or wireless Bluetooth computer speaker system, digital camera, scanner, hard drive or memory upgrade; some choices stand out. An online trip to the Apple Store on the web is often a good indicator of products they know by and large work well with the Mac. But there, you’re likely to see and pay full list price for accessories that could be had for less nearly anywhere else.

Opt for quality peripherals over price and you’ll have a better Mac computing experience in the long run. By comparison shopping wisely, you can find great deals on highly rated, top Mac accessories that will be a joy to use for years to come. Cheap, import and knock-off accessories are usually just that. An ill-fitting laptop case, lousy speakers with poor frequency response, a blurry webcam with an empty sounding microphone, a temperamental inkjet printer that jams, clogs and costs a fortune to replace the ink on will all lead to regrets and frustration.

Trust major brands that have a history of supporting the Apple Macintosh platform. Look to companies that specialize in innovative Apple specific, Mac compatible products designed with your exact needs in mind. Look to midrange Mac-friendly products in the Good, Better, Best spectrum to find the optimal value for your money. Be skeptical of computer magazines and gadget-freak websites that tend to feature and review expensive, high-end gear for the well-heeled customer. They’re likely to feature headphones in the 0-300 range when there’s some awesome iPod, iPhone, and iPad headset solutions for a fraction of that with excellent audiophile sound quality.

Apple’s has built in OSX device drivers for literally hundreds of gizmos and gadgets to make installation as simple as merely plugging in many devices. Staying current with software updates to the operating system will insure smoother operation with less bugs. When supporting applications or 3rd-party drivers are needed, some vendors provide downright elegant OSX software, while others unfortunately fail to deliver a truly ‘Mac-like’ interface, which can negatively impact your buying experience.

Do a bit of homework before choosing the best Mac accessories for your home, business or travel needs. Hyped product announcements or press releases aren’t always the best source. Online computer product reviews, especially those tempered with customer reviews and feedback from other Apple owners can give you a better sense of design, function and usability in the real world – where it counts.