Back to school with gadgets galore
Back-to-school shopping used to be pretty low-tech. You'd get pencils, a notebook with blue-lined paper, some clothes, and maybe a new backpack.
No doubt these items still dominate back-to-school lists, but there's plenty of tech dropping into shopping carts, too. According to a recent survey by the NPD Group, a market research firm, about 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase electronics, including cellphones, calculators, and, of course, computers, for their students this season. (Tech was fifth on the list, behind school supplies, clothing, footwear, and book bags.)
Another firm, InsightExpress, surveyed 312 teens, who said that while they decide which brands of gadgets to buy, most of them are paid for by the parents. Well, except for basic MP3 players, which the kids tend to pay for because some can be had for a song.
"Kids are convincing parents that they need consumer electronics and the Internet to get through school, to be better educated, more productive, and better informed," says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for NPD.
Maybe. While you could certainly classify a computer, a PDA, and possibly a cellphone as back-to-school gear, digital cameras, camcorders, and iPods might be a stretch.
Let's say you've given in to your kids' pleas for the latest gizmo, whether it will boost their GPA or not, or you need to send a freshman off to college with a new computer. Here's a look at some of the top-ranked and hottest back-to-school gear.
ComputersDesktop or laptop? Generally the rule has been that younger kids who primarily do homework at home need a desktop. For more mobile high school and college kids, think laptop. Get the most memory, the biggest hard drive, and the fastest processor that your pocketbook can handle.
Look for features such as DVD drives, CD burners, and wireless and network adapters. And don't forget to purchase items like a surge protector and extra ink for the printer.
In the desktop category, the eMachines T3092, Dell Dimension 4600C, and Apple eMac have drawn kudos for budget pricing and good performance. Expect to pay $600 to $1,500. Most companies are currently offering back-to-school rebates.
Laptops worth a look: For around $1,000, Apple iBook G4 (12-inch), Dell Inspiron 600m, HP zd7000; for $1,300 and up, Apple PowerBook G4, Toshiba Satellite A55, Dell Inspiron 700M.
Even though kids ranked a computer at the top of their must-have school gear list in the InsightExpress survey, when asked what they would do with it, "communicate with friends" came in at number one and "playing games" was number two.
If your student is headed to college, don't overlook the educational discounts many companies offer, and check with the school's IT department for recommendations.
PrintersIt's unlikely you would buy a computer without a printer for a student. Your scholar needs some way to churn out homework and book reports. If he's also a fan of digital photography, spend a few bucks more and get him something that will handle both academic and photo chores with ease. Good bets: the HP 1315, $129 (also scans, faxes, copies), and Epson Stylus Photo R300, $179 (prints to CDs and DVDs); both include built-in memory card slots. For studious types who don't need color and print lots of documents, the Brother HL5140 laser printer, for $200, should fit the bill.
CellphonesTwo phones showing up on must-have lists: the LG VX4600 (inset) and the Sony Ericsson T637. The stylish, compact T637 includes a built-in camera, Bluetooth, and an IR port. Kids can design their own wallpaper and ring tones, send instant messages, and play games.
The VX4600 sports a cool glowing LCD display on the cover of the flip phone, but not many fancy extras (no camera, for instance). But it's lightweight, has a color screen, can be used to go online, and includes standards such as personalized themes and wallpaper, calendar, and voice dial.
Price varies by carrier. A recent online check showed the T637 going for free (Cingular rebate with new service contract) to $269. The VX4600 ranged from $69 to $149.
PDAsPalm's Zire 21 ($99) and 31 ($149) can help students keep up with class schedules and their buds' contact info. The 21 is strictly entry-level, with a monochrome screen, but it has the basic organizer functions and is easy to use. The Zire 31 ups the ante with a color screen, MP3 player, and photo viewer (but no camera).
On the Pocket PC side, the HP iPAQ rz1715 Mobile Media Companion ($279) organizes and stores music, photos, and video. Dell's Axim X30 ($199) is worth a look as well.
Michelle Johnson is a freelance writer. She can be reached at mijohn@mail-me.com.
