After a long summer the phrase"Back to School" is music to a parent's ears, but to the kids it's akin to a funeral dirge. Cool high tech gadgets and gear will have your kids singing a new tune.
Get Your Day Started Right
iHome's iA100 iPad Dock—your kids can charge their iPad while using it as an FM radio alarm clock. Choose a ring tone or program "wakeup music" from iTunes. It also has a gradual wake and sleep mode perfect for teens, $199.99.
The New 3 Ring Binder
HP Pavillion G6T laptop—most students aren't taking notes on paper anymore. A laptop is essential for transporting back and forth to class and this laptop is very budget friendly, from $399.99.
When choosing a computer for your child based on their needs—graphic design definitely get a Mac, word processing go for a PC. Or if you buy a desktop you're probably going to buy your little scholar a tablet (like an iPad) to take to class for note taking.
Stay in Touch
HTC Wildfire S—this Android Smartphone with T-Mobile service will help your child stay in touch while surfing the web. It also has a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with flash, $79.99 (with rebates).
Term Paper Insurance
Verbatim's 4G Clip-It USB flash drive—this tiny device clips onto their shirt or backpack so they won't loose it in a blink like a 25 page term paper when the computer crashes, $11.25.
Math Requirement?
Texas Instruments Nspire CX N3/CLM/1L1 Graphing Calculator— this full color advanced calculator shows real images; it's thin and light and has a rechargeable battery, from $128.
Stealth Printer
Epson Stylus NX625—full color all-in-one printer (scanner, copier, fax) with built in WiFi is so quiet they won't wake up their dorm-mate, $99 (with the $30 instant rebate).
Just in Case
Cocoon's Grid-It Wraps—is configured for iPads, Tablets, MacBook Air and tons of other devices. The wrap holds all their digital devices, cords, and accessories and it's padded so the electronics will be safe in their backpack, $9.99 – $49.99.
Light Weight eReader
Kobo eReader Touch—has a touch screen and black & white eInk (so it's readable out in sunlight). It's like a Kindle had a baby with an iPad. It's smaller and lighter than the Kindle with a soft quilted back for comfortable reading. Check out their Kiosk at Grand Central Terminal in NYC or visit a Best Buy (nearby in Norwalk, Trumbull or Darien) to pick one up, $130.
Save Money and Reduce Back Pain
Kindle Textbook Rental—allows students to save up to 80% off the list price of their text books. Take the weight out of their backpacks and save money. Your kids don't need a Kindle to read the textbooks either. You can download the free Kindle reading app for your PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android device, Blackberry and more.