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The high-tech gear you should get when heading back to school

 

Hear that? That’s the sound of students across Canada collectively groaning and dragging their feet back into the classroom for another year of schoolwork.

While it’s not much of a consolation for those still longing for carefree summer nights, take comfort in knowing there’s no shortage of amazing tech tools that can make it easier to transition back into academia.

Some of these gadgets help during class or while cranking out an assignment; others can add some fun while hanging out on campus or in a dorm room.

Whatever you’re looking for, these following products make the grade.

Best of both words

Lenovo Yoga 710
Lenovo Yoga 710

If you can’t decide between a laptop and a tablet, consider the Lenovo Yoga 710 (from $1,099), a clever “2-in-1” that can transform from a laptop to a tablet, or vice-versa. In fact, this versatile device has four modes: Laptop, for when you need the keyboard and trackpad; Tablet, by bending back the 14-inch HD touchscreen on a 360-degree hinge; Stand mode, when the screen is propped up, but the keyboard is tucked underneath (for video calling mom and dad); and Tent, which is ideal for small desks and tables. Specs include an Intel Core processor, up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of SSD storage.

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Tech for tots

LeapFrog Epic
LeapFrog Epic

Designed for kids age 3 to 9, the LeapFrog Epic ($169.99) is a kid-proof tablet that’s not only durable but centered around safe fun and learning. Along with the world’s first playable homescreen, this durable 7-inch Android tablet is preloaded with LeapFrog-exclusive content, such as games, activities and ebooks, and access to more than 1,000 educator-approved apps from the LeapFrog Store (none of which contains in-app purchases or third-party ads!). A LeapSearch Browser offers specially curated websites, games and videos for your child. Parents can also set time limits on play, as well as ease restrictions to content as the child gets older.

Mightier than the sword

Livescribe 3 smartpen
Livescribe 3 smartpen

Some students prefer to take handwritten notes during class, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the digital age. Need proof? The Livescribe 3 smartpen ($249.95) records everything you write or sketch on special dotted paper (100-page starter notebook included), and all your notes are then wirelessly synched to the Livescribe app installed on a nearby smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android). As an additional time saver, tap your handwritten words on the phone or tablet screen and they’ll be converted into digital text; the app can also record audio at the same time as your handwritten notes.

Think ink

HP DeskJet 3755 All-In-One
HP DeskJet 3755 All-In-One

New web-enabled HP printers tackle two common “pain points” among users: cost of replacing ink and running out of ink at inopportune times (like the night before an essay is due and stores are closed). At just $49.99, the HP DeskJet 3755 All-in-One is a wireless printer, scanner and copier, and it works with the HP Instant Ink program that automatically orders replacement ink whenever your printer detects it’s running low, and then delivers it to your door. Starting at $3.99 per month, HP says it can save students up to 50 per cent of ink costs compared to buying cartridges at retail – not to mention it comes to you instead of the other way around.

School of rock

Jam Rhythm WiFi Home Audio Speaker
Jam Rhythm WiFi Home Audio Speaker

Add some boom to your doom room with a pair of new Wi-Fi-enabled multi-room speakers – and without breaking the bank. The Jam Rhythm Wireless Multi-Room Speaker ($119.99) or louder Jam Symphony Wireless Multi-Room Speaker ($169.99) both let you effortlessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet via the free Jam app – whether it’s streaming services like Spotify or music stored on your device. In fact, you can wirelessly sync up to 8 of these speakers, perhaps spread out through a home, whether you want the same tunes in each room or something different; a built-in intercom feature also lets you talk through your speakers from anywhere in your home, too.

Power play

Morphie Powerstation Duo
Morphie Powerstation Duo

There’s nothing worse than your gadgets running out of juice before you do – especially when you’re running around campus and your phone is flashing that annoying “Low Battery” warning. Smart students carry a compact battery pack, such as the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo 6000mAh ($39.99), which can power up a typical smartphone about four times. Simply plug in one or two USB devices, such as a smartphone, iPads, tablet, Bluetooth headphones, or camera. Available in black or white, this Mophie Juice Pack’s LED indicator shows you when it’s time to power it up for another school day.