We bid goodbye to summer’s fun, hello backpacks with smart pens and smart pens and dorm feng shui for dorms. Yes, the days are getting shorter, but it does not mean that you shouldn’t create a fun back-to-school arsenal of cool gadgets.
Here’s TIME’s list of recommended cameras, e-readers printers and handheld game systems and much more to make an academic year enjoyable. All prices listed are MSRP. (And take a look at our choices for the best laptops and tablets.)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
There’s nothing that is as hectic as in the initial week of class book-buying ritual, when you have to haul a ton of books from the bookstore on campus all the way to your dorm room. Take the burden off and grab a Kindle Paperwhite which is able to hold all the books you’ll need to complete your semester in a small 7-ish ounces. With highlighter and note-taking functions, the Paperwhite is an excellent study companion, also.
Apple AirPods
If you’re working out or on your way to classes, Apple’s AirPod wireless headphones are durable as well as comfortable. They provide high-quality audio for listening at home. You don’t have to look into your iPhone’s settings menu for a check on whether they’re linked with your phone because the AirPods automatically connect to your phone the moment you open the case.by link techieloops website They’re a breeze to use because they’ll be able to determine if they’re in your ear and adjust the volume accordingly.
Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Charger
Everyone needs an extra outlet, and surge protection can be an invaluable device in the event of flash brownouts (minor dips in power) or sudden spikes in electricity. Belkin’s cordless SurgePlus USB Swivel Charger can add at least a reasonable blend of both with USB extras in the bargain. It can provide 918 joules device security (you typically need at least 600) with two fully-powered USB charging ports (2.1 AMPs) for smartphones and tablets as well as a 360-degree rotating plug equipped with four lockable settings, plus it’s small enough to put in a bag for plug expansion on the go and safety features for devices.
Canon EOS M6
It was the norm that for DSLR-quality photos, you needed to carry around an enormous camera. This is no longer the case as a result of the increasing popularity of top-of-the-line “mirrorless” alternatives such as Canon’s Canon EOS M6. Equipped with a 24-megapixel sensor dual-pixel autofocus and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth it can deliver photos that’ll blow your Instagram followers off the wall, and comfortably disappear into a bag or backpack.
HP Printer Sprocket for Photo
Smartphones could be replacing point and shoot cameras, but printing images doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t as relevant. Photo printers such as the HP Sprocket turn your smartphone’s pictures into tangible glossies to use for decorating your dorm room or hanging up on a refrigerator. HP’s Sprocket can be light and lightweight enough to be able to throw into the bag of your belongings, and you can peel the back off to make your image stickers as well.
Logitech Slim Folio iPad Keyboard Case
If you’re using your iPad as a notepad it’s likely that you’ll need the best keyboard case. It’s the Logitech Slim Folio is a great option for those with a 2017-issue iPad and is equipped with rows of iOS keyboard shortcuts that can be used for features like Siri and Google, and the battery, which is replaceable, can last for up to four years. If you’re sporting the bigger iPad Pro, consider Logitech’s Create Backlit Keyboard Case. This case is less compact than Apple’s official accessories and can be used with the Apple iPad’s Smart Connector, so you aren’t required to complete the Bluetooth pairing process.
Mophie Powerstation Mini
It doesn’t matter if you’re using your phone to shoot video footage for projects or listen to Spotify in the library, it will never have enough power. Mophie’s Powerstation Mini offers an additional 3000 mAh of battery capacity, which is similar to the battery used in smartphones like and the Galaxy S8. This is more than enough power to last all day long, and it’s slim enough to discreetly put in a backpack or purse.
New Nintendo 2DS XL
The New Nintendo 2DS XL (see TIME’s review) provides everything that an New 3DS XL does for less–minus a dimension. If you’ve never tried experimenting with the 3DS then there’s no better time than now. New 2DS XL is arguably the device in its most optimal quality, without a feature that was never apparent the console required. If you’re looking at a games gadget to play with between classes , that’s smaller than Nintendo Switch, but isn’t as big Nintendo Switch, sports a huge library of highly acclaimed and deep games, and that has controls the envy of every smartphone The New Nintendo 2DS XL is the ultimate mobile gaming device.
Nintendo Switch
The only drawback with Nintendo’s hybrid TV-handheld game gadget (see this review from TIME) is that it’s impossible to find five months ‘ notice. If you’re able to overcome those challenges (or prepared to fork out for scalper costs) it’s impossible to find a better way for you to play a serious game on the go or engage in school-time smackdowns other friends. Throw the Switch in its cradle and turn it on to your TV. Take it out and it’s within your grasp. Snap the removable controllers off its sides, then remove the kickstand in the back, and then it’s sitting on a table. With its collection of top-quality available games, along with a new Sandbox Super Mario in October, this is the most thrilling console of the year without a doubt.
Nite Ize Flashflight LED Light-Up Flying Disk
The game of frisbees in your dorm space can be the quickest way to make new friends. But regular discs don’t work after sunset. It’s not so the case with Nite Ize’s Flashflight which utilizes LEDs and keeps the action alive into the night. Be on the lookout for ankle-destroying holes in the ground.
Roku Streaming Stick
From Apple, Amazon, Roku and Google There are a lot of options if you want to go without. Roku’s streaming sticks are cheap, simple to use , and has various channels. It plugs into the TV’s HDMI port and works with an remote control, so it won’t require your smartphone close to stream the content you would with the Chromecast.
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim
Working for weeks on an essay only to lose it to a computer glitch can be devastating. Avoid that bleak possibility by backing up your files promptly and regularly. Backup drives like these Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim 2TB (there’s an equally expensive 1TB version) are ideal for multimedia projects that have dimensions that are too huge to easily put in the cloud. Let us look at you, majors in video.
TaoTronics Desk Lamp LED
Plug expansions to wall outlets are convenient however, what happens if you want to charge your smartphone or tablet from an office desk? TaoTronics Desk lamp offers bright, flicker-free illumination as well as it has a USB port that allows you to keep your device charged without the hassle of high-level cables. Additionally, the lamp is controlled with a touch screen and five color modes (from the white-colored to warm to yellow) and dimming using seven levels of brightness.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom
After a week spent taking in the classroom It’s great to relax in the quad of the college to soak in the sun with the songs you love. The UE Wonderboom is a fantastic method get your music on while you’re in the field, complete with a clip to attach to your bag or backpack. It’s also perfect in outdoor pursuits due that it’s waterproof with a buoyant, shock-resistant, and waterproof design.
Victorinox Luggage Altmont 3.0 Slimline Laptop Backpack
It’s easy to find huge backpacks to transport books and school supplies. It’s more difficult to find slimline models that are as big. Victorinox’s chic Altmont 3.0 slimline laptop collection lets you fit up to an 15.6-inch laptop inside a discreet sleeves, and provides two compartments in the middle to hold books, cable bags and other miscellany. A third compartment that is nearly as big on the front can be quick-accessed with two full-length zippers–great to store painkillers, hand sanitizer, eye drops and anything else you’ll need to get through the routine of school.