9 Standout Gadgets for Back-to-School
Filed under: Technology, Back to School
Back-to-school sales are not limited to traditional items like clothing, shoes and stationery. According to a report issued by Ernst & Young, back-to-school shopping in Canada is expected to rise 2.5% over last year, and more money will be spent on electronic items and devices. Yet, it's not just kids who will be loaded with new loot. A back-to-school survey conducted by Walmart Canada found that 60% of Moms stop to pick up something for themselves while shopping for their children before the school year begins.
To help you discover the latest standout gadgets for back-to-school (for either your kids or for yourself), WalletPop did the legwork for you. Here's a selection of nine devices that are either fabulous because of their price, uniqueness or cuteness.
8 Tech Gadgets for Back to School
1. Griffin: The Binder Insert Case
Price: $24.99, griffintechnology.com
Why it stands out:
The Binder Insert Case is designed as a study aid, to assist students in accessing textbook material on their iPad while taking notes at the same time. The case comes with reinforced grommets that will secure an iPad into any standard 3-ring binder. You'll also find a loop that can hold either a stylus or a pen, and a few cutouts for docking the connector; adjusting the volume controls; inserting headphones into a jack, and camera ports. One striking feature is its open access to ports from either side; therefore, it accommodates both right- and left-handed note-takers. It's a small detail that lefties will come to appreciate.
2. G-Form: The Reverse Ballistic Edge and Extreme Hydro Sleeve
Price: $39.99 and $49.99 available at Best Buy, bestbuy.com and g-form.com
Why it stands out:
If your iPad takes an unexpected tumble chances are you won't find the instant crackle look to be charming. G-Form, a company globally recognized for its revolutionary extreme impact protection in sports and electronic gear, has now integrated its protective technology in some "stealth" iPad cases that are suitable for the boardroom or study hall. There are countless protective iPad cases on the market, however, what impresses me most about both the Reverse Ballistic Edge and Extreme Hydro Sleeve is how they've used molecular-changing reactive protection technology (RPT) to allow an iPad to sustain a drop from over 100,000 feet! Or more simply, a drop on parking lot concrete without any nicks or scratches.
3. DBEST Duo Bluetooth Rechargeable Mini-Speaker Set
Price: $69.99, amazon.com
Why it stands out:
Music lovers, travelers and anyone who has to give an audio presentation will love DBEST's Bluetooth portable speakers. Their beautifully designed wireless stereo speakers come with magnetic joining bases and a deluxe travel pouch, making it perfect for popping into a suitcase or packing into a box. The DBEST mini-speaker set offers impressive volume and clarity. You can hook it up to your Bluetooth enabled desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, and freely roam up to 45 feet while enjoying exceptional sound clarity. In addition, you will still be able to control your music or audio presentation from a distance. Its high-capacity lithium polymer batteries can last up to 20 continuous hours or 40 hours when wired playback is fully charged. Don't be discouraged if you're unfamiliar with Blutetooth technology. There are no messy cords to deal with and the easy set up will only take a couple of minutes.
4. Bling My Thing
Price: $29.99 - $69.99, amazon.com
Why it stands out:
Let's face it smartphones aren't just noticed for their utility. Today, smartphones cases have become a personality defining-accessory. The latest creations designed by Japanese designer Ayano Kimura are simply stunning. Well-known for her crystal customization designs, Bling My Thing cases are adorned with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and are available for the iPhone 4/4S, Samsung GALAXY S II, Samsung GALAXY S III, Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and Xperia ray, BlackBerry Bold 9900, cases for the iPad and Bag Hooks.
5. Griffin: Griffin WoodTones Earbuds
Price: $29.99, griffintechnology.com
Why it stands out:
When it comes to combining beauty, superior acoustics and environmental consciousness Griffin's new WoodTones earbuds deliver. The earbuds are made from reclaimed harvested wood polished to a smooth satin finish. As result, of this recycling process each pair is unique. The quality of sound is stellar because the earbuds reveal layers of nuances in found in your music that is often missed with ordinary earbuds. Lastly, the soft silicone ear cushions are comfortable and securely fit in the ears whether you're lying down, walking or having a moderate workout.
6. Electric Friends
Price: $69.99 at staples.com and other retailers
Why it stands out:
From the playroom to the classroom you won't find an iPhone or iPod portable docking station that is cuter, sweeter or better sounding than Electric Friends. Cooing aside, Electric Friends has a serious set of features like touch controls, multiple input options and room-filling sound, making it a delightful addition to your home or daily routine.
7. IRIScan Book 2
Price: $99, irislink.com
Why it stands out:
If you're looking for a lightweight portable scanner try the IRIScan Book 2. The cordless and battery-powered scanner enables on-the-go use to easily capture information from books and magazines without ripping the pages out. With no driver to install all you need to do is connect the scanner with the included USB cable or connect the MicroSD card into a computer tablet. Also included is the I.R.I.S Readiris Pro 12 (for PC and Mac) to process the scans and turn them into fully editable and searchable documents that can be imported into PDF, Word, Excel and more.
8. ARCHOS Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 Child Pad
Price: $129.99, Toys R US and archos.com
Why it stands out:
The ARCHOS Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 Child Pad is a fun 7" tablet made for kids and runs on latest version of Android, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Its lightweight compact design is suitable for young children. Each tablet comes pre-packaged with smart preloaded content for kids including "Alvin and the Chipmunks 3" themed video pictures and wallpaper. There are also parental controls for child safe web browsing powered by Editions Profil and a colored icon easy-to-use interface. The storage capacity is respectable as it includes 1GB of RAM, a 1GHz processor and 4GB of Flash memory, which is enough room to store five movies, 2,000 music tracks and more.
To help you discover the latest standout gadgets for back-to-school (for either your kids or for yourself), WalletPop did the legwork for you. Here's a selection of nine devices that are either fabulous because of their price, uniqueness or cuteness.
SLIDESHOW: 8 COOL BACK-TO-SCHOOL GADGETS
8 Tech Gadgets for Back to School
1. Griffin: The Binder Insert Case
Price: $24.99, griffintechnology.com
Why it stands out:
The Binder Insert Case is designed as a study aid, to assist students in accessing textbook material on their iPad while taking notes at the same time. The case comes with reinforced grommets that will secure an iPad into any standard 3-ring binder. You'll also find a loop that can hold either a stylus or a pen, and a few cutouts for docking the connector; adjusting the volume controls; inserting headphones into a jack, and camera ports. One striking feature is its open access to ports from either side; therefore, it accommodates both right- and left-handed note-takers. It's a small detail that lefties will come to appreciate.
2. G-Form: The Reverse Ballistic Edge and Extreme Hydro Sleeve
Price: $39.99 and $49.99 available at Best Buy, bestbuy.com and g-form.com
Why it stands out:
If your iPad takes an unexpected tumble chances are you won't find the instant crackle look to be charming. G-Form, a company globally recognized for its revolutionary extreme impact protection in sports and electronic gear, has now integrated its protective technology in some "stealth" iPad cases that are suitable for the boardroom or study hall. There are countless protective iPad cases on the market, however, what impresses me most about both the Reverse Ballistic Edge and Extreme Hydro Sleeve is how they've used molecular-changing reactive protection technology (RPT) to allow an iPad to sustain a drop from over 100,000 feet! Or more simply, a drop on parking lot concrete without any nicks or scratches.
3. DBEST Duo Bluetooth Rechargeable Mini-Speaker Set
Price: $69.99, amazon.com
Why it stands out:
Music lovers, travelers and anyone who has to give an audio presentation will love DBEST's Bluetooth portable speakers. Their beautifully designed wireless stereo speakers come with magnetic joining bases and a deluxe travel pouch, making it perfect for popping into a suitcase or packing into a box. The DBEST mini-speaker set offers impressive volume and clarity. You can hook it up to your Bluetooth enabled desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, and freely roam up to 45 feet while enjoying exceptional sound clarity. In addition, you will still be able to control your music or audio presentation from a distance. Its high-capacity lithium polymer batteries can last up to 20 continuous hours or 40 hours when wired playback is fully charged. Don't be discouraged if you're unfamiliar with Blutetooth technology. There are no messy cords to deal with and the easy set up will only take a couple of minutes.
4. Bling My Thing
Price: $29.99 - $69.99, amazon.com
Why it stands out:
Let's face it smartphones aren't just noticed for their utility. Today, smartphones cases have become a personality defining-accessory. The latest creations designed by Japanese designer Ayano Kimura are simply stunning. Well-known for her crystal customization designs, Bling My Thing cases are adorned with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and are available for the iPhone 4/4S, Samsung GALAXY S II, Samsung GALAXY S III, Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and Xperia ray, BlackBerry Bold 9900, cases for the iPad and Bag Hooks.
5. Griffin: Griffin WoodTones Earbuds
Price: $29.99, griffintechnology.com
Why it stands out:
When it comes to combining beauty, superior acoustics and environmental consciousness Griffin's new WoodTones earbuds deliver. The earbuds are made from reclaimed harvested wood polished to a smooth satin finish. As result, of this recycling process each pair is unique. The quality of sound is stellar because the earbuds reveal layers of nuances in found in your music that is often missed with ordinary earbuds. Lastly, the soft silicone ear cushions are comfortable and securely fit in the ears whether you're lying down, walking or having a moderate workout.
6. Electric Friends
Price: $69.99 at staples.com and other retailers
Why it stands out:
From the playroom to the classroom you won't find an iPhone or iPod portable docking station that is cuter, sweeter or better sounding than Electric Friends. Cooing aside, Electric Friends has a serious set of features like touch controls, multiple input options and room-filling sound, making it a delightful addition to your home or daily routine.
7. IRIScan Book 2
Price: $99, irislink.com
Why it stands out:
If you're looking for a lightweight portable scanner try the IRIScan Book 2. The cordless and battery-powered scanner enables on-the-go use to easily capture information from books and magazines without ripping the pages out. With no driver to install all you need to do is connect the scanner with the included USB cable or connect the MicroSD card into a computer tablet. Also included is the I.R.I.S Readiris Pro 12 (for PC and Mac) to process the scans and turn them into fully editable and searchable documents that can be imported into PDF, Word, Excel and more.
8. ARCHOS Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 Child Pad
Price: $129.99, Toys R US and archos.com
Why it stands out:
The ARCHOS Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 Child Pad is a fun 7" tablet made for kids and runs on latest version of Android, 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Its lightweight compact design is suitable for young children. Each tablet comes pre-packaged with smart preloaded content for kids including "Alvin and the Chipmunks 3" themed video pictures and wallpaper. There are also parental controls for child safe web browsing powered by Editions Profil and a colored icon easy-to-use interface. The storage capacity is respectable as it includes 1GB of RAM, a 1GHz processor and 4GB of Flash memory, which is enough room to store five movies, 2,000 music tracks and more.
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