Back to School Tech Ideas

Back To School and College

Top Tech Must-Haves, Best Value

It’s that time of year again… College towns are starting to buzz as coeds are returning to campus. If you or yours is headed back to school, grab some of these great gadgets to stay connected. While you want to assume all of these devices will be put toward a higher education… a lot are just awesome to have in the room. Boost your college experiences with these hot tech items.

Computers

Apple’s sleekest notebook, MacBook Air, is a perfect fit for any student. It has all the functionality a college student needs and it’s easily the most attractive. The latest updates to the MacBook Air include the newest Intel processors and graphics, with faster storage. Models start at $999

A great machine for those preferring Windows is the Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook. Nice and thin with incredible speed, this is a notebook worthy of everything from online gaming and web performance down to simple note taking. You can fully customize your Ultrabook to increase speed and memory. The 14z starts at $649.

Tablets

By now, who isn’t familiar with Apple’s iPad? The third generation of this tablet is the company’s most impressive. With retina display, 5MP iSight camera, and available 4G LTE, everything in the palm of your hand looks phenomenal and lightning fast. Need apps for the classroom? Simply visit the App Store and grab what you need. Customize your iPad for a starting price of $499.

Followers of our blog know we’re fans of Google’s Nexus 7. This tablet is sure to be helpful in, and out of, the classroom. For just a 7-inch tablet, it’s perfect for students on the go. Also the Google functions are very helpful when taking and sharing of notes … or other sweet links, videos, songs, or whatever college kids are into these days. Put the Nexus 7 in your bag for only $199.

If textbooks ever move to a digital format, you might want one of these. Amazon’s Kindle Fire is the hottest e-reader on the market (no pun intended). Like the Nexus 7, the 7-inch tablet carries well and operates perfectly for the web, apps, games, and books. Download an endless stream of media and store all of your Amazon content with free cloud storage. It truly is great for reading and a host of other entertainment as well. Find yours for $199.

Gaming

Let’s face it, for most guys, college comes with a healthy dose of video games. OK, maybe not “healthy” but there’s no avoiding picking up a controller, pointing a finger a buddy down the hall, and issuing a challenge. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 4GB Console might be the perfect platform to do so. With wireless connectivity, HD graphics, countless games, and so much more, this is the perfect study break. Figure in the addition of Kinect

and get off the couch to put yourself in the game. The basic 360 console starts at $199.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 160GB System has stolen many of the 360’s fans with amazing graphics and no subscription needed for online play. Many games are available on both platforms, so really it comes down to personal preference. The addition of PS3 Move technology is similar to that of the 360’s Kinect, but still requires a controller. It’s hard to go wrong with the main question being, “Are we going to play or not?” The PS3 system starts at $249.

Gadgets

Get all the TV you want that the dorms are giving you. Apple TV uses a Wi-Fi connection to give you all you need: Netflix, sports, music, movies, HuluPlus, and more. Just sign in with your Apple ID and check it out. Even use other iOS devices to view media on your television. Maybe Apple TV’s best feature… the $99 price tag.

Perfect for a dorm room or apartment, the Epson Stylus NX430 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Copier, Scanner is everything it claims to be. It’s designed to be a simple device and meets all needs. With print, copy, and scan features, the biggest concern will be your roommate using up all your ink. Oh! and it’s only $80, so take advantage while they’re still on the shelves.

The ultimate point and shoot for the college kids. Try the Canon PowerShot SX150 IS and experience great photos with little effort. We know you got a camera on your phone, but it’s not like this. All your images will look great …until they get posted on Facebook. Share with caution. Estimated retail is $249 but Amazon has it for under $150.

 

 

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