Best Tech Gadgets for College Students

Technology is as much a part of a college student's life as books, lectures and study groups. As a current college student, I find that technology plays a vital role for daily success. We judged our list based on the following categories usability, price, design and overall usefulness.

1. iPad $500-$830 (Link)

The iPad steps up the game for students looking for a lightweight portable computer away from their main desktop. I recently purchased a 64GB Wi-Fi iPad for the hopes that it would bring greater portability than a laptop and would be easier to use than a netbook. The iPad is best used for creating MS Word with use of the Pages app with MS Word compatibility transfer, surfing the internet and for email. Although the device does not boast the memory or speeds of most netbooks or laptops, it is very useful and portable. The large 9.7" screen makes it easy to review documents or presentations before class without the hassle of a laptop. The 10-hour battery is excellent for multiple uses between charges, whereas many affordable consumer laptops get a mere 4 to 5 hours of battery life between charges. Overall, the iPad is an excellent piece of technology that works very well in a college atmosphere.

2. HTC EVO Smartphone $199 with two-year plan (Link)

Smartphones have become necessary for most college students that manage a hectic daily schedule and vast social life. The HTV EVO made our list for best tech for college students because of its large 4.3" screen, 3G and 4G network compatibility, easy to use touch screen, and dual cameras. The best feature? The phone comes equipped with two cameras, an 8.0MP camera and a 1.3MP front-facing camera. The 8.0MP camera takes incredible photos while on the go, while the 1.3MP front-facing camera allows students to video chat with family and friends while away from their computer. Did we mention that with the AT&T Everything Plan, students only have to pay $69.99 plus taxes per month? To put this in perspective, I currently pay $89.99 for my BlackBerry Bold 9700 per month and it does not include unlimited minutes.

3. Asus Essentio CM5671-05 Desktop with 24" LCD Monitor $710 (Link)

From my experience, I recommend that all students have a desktop and a netbook or iPad. Laptops do not offer the same power, they are heavy to carry around and they are unnecessary. This computer comes well equipped with a 24" LCD monitor, 1TB hard drive, 4GB of memory and the full functionality of a desktop. Students are looking for something that is fast, easy to use, can multitask faster than a laptop and has a stylish design. This computer has all of those features and is one of the best desktops for the price.

4. Samsung 32" LCD HDTV $400 (Link)

The Samsung 32" LCD HDTV blends affordability and function, which are two features most college students look for. The 720p HDTV provides a large clear picture display and comes at a price of about half of what larger 42" LCD TVs are selling for. Concerned about the 720p HD? Although pricier competitors would tear the picture quality up on this TV, students need to take into consideration that the basic cable packages that schools offer do not receive HD channels. The quality is great for watching the game or for a weekend movie with friends.

5. iPod Classic 160GB $230 (Link)

The cooler looking iPod Touch may appeal to the college age group over the iPod classic, however, keep in mind that for a fraction of the price, the iPod classic can store all of your music. I have owned an iPod Touch throughout the entirety of my college career, but as my music library expanded, the device no longer could fit my music. Most smartphones offer the same level of usability as the iPod Touch, therefore, the iPod classic is the best purchase for your money for students with a smartphone.

Sources:

Personal experience

www.bestbuy.com

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+32%22+Class+/+720p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9773985.p?id=1218170915188&skuId=9773985

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+Essentio+CM5671-05+Desktp+%26+24%22+LCD+Monitor+Package/9999133000050035.p?id=pcmprd133000050035&skuId=9999133000050035

http://shop.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPhones?INTNAV=ATG:HE:Phones

http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/