Updated School Essentials for 2023 from Gizmodo
School's almost back in session, and the tech landscape has shifted since pre-pandemic days. Hybrid learning and digital tools have become the norm, even for grade schoolers. So, what gear do you need to thrive in the modern classroom?
Get ready to dive into our top recommendations for your back-to-school shopping spree!
The Swiss Army Knife of Laptops for College Students
There's a reason Apple's MacBook Air remains a student favorite. Its sleek design, ease of use, and durability make it a reliable choice for traversing the college years. Offered in both 13-inch and 15-inch versions, expect to pay $1,099 for the 13-inch and $1,299 for the 15-inch versions.
Want more details? Check out Apple MacBook Air 15-inch Review: A Bigger Screen for a Better View and M2 MacBook Air Review: Appealing Inside and Out.
Affordable Hybrid Powerhouse for Students
Avoid sub-$500 doorbuster laptops that'll leave you disappointed and back in the market faster than you can say "study group." For a full, non-Chromebook laptop that doesn't break the bank, consider the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1, starting at $799. This 14-inch clamshell laptop sports a 360-degree hybrid hinge, making it ideal for research, writing, and other tablet tasks.
Read more in Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Review: Student-Friendly Budget Hybrid.
Budget-Friendly Smartphones
fancy folding phones cost a hefty $1,800, but alternatives can be found without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. The $429 iPhone SE offers access to iOS apps and Messages, while the Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A14 are decent alternatives on the Android side.
District's Best E Ink Screen for Reading Textbooks and Taking Notes
With a 10.2-inch screen, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is a large E Ink device that may seem like an unnecessary addition, but it offers an easy storage solution for textbooks and a natural writing and note-taking experience. Priced at $339, including a basic stylus, it's a worthwhile investment for some students.
The Most Sensible Printer That Won't Infuriate You
The Brother HL-L2370DW is a printer so reliable that you might just want to keep a backup in the ski cabin! While tons of toner refills are readily available, invest in third-party options for cost-effectiveness—just be sure to read some Amazon reviews first to ensure quality.
A Webcam to Boost Your Village Zoom Game
During the pandemic, we learned that most people's laptop cameras leave much to be desired. Fortunately, the Logitech C920S is back in stock, offering a substantial improvement over your computer's built-in camera. Think you can get even better results? Use your iPhone as a wireless webcam with MacOS Ventura and iOS 16's built-in Camera Connectivity feature!
PC Gaming on a Budget
The renaissance in PC gaming has left gamers spoiled for choice, but budget models still start at around $1,000. For a more affordable option, check out Valve's Steam Deck, which offers a custom SteamOS Linux overlay on AMD hardware and supports a wide range of games, new and old. Priced at about half the cost of a basic gaming laptop, the Steam Deck is a smart investment for both indie and big-budget games.
Just remember, the entry-level $400 model only comes with 64GB of storage—spring for the mid-range $530 model with a 256GB SSD. Additionally, plan on adding a microSD card for extra storage.
Struggling to juggle homework, social life, and tech shopping? Let Gizmodo's Back to School guide provide the guidance you need to succeed!
- The Apple MacBook Air, with its sleek design, easy use, and durability, remains a reliable choice for college students, available in two sizes priced at $1,099 for the 13-inch and $1,299 for the 15-inch versions.
- For a full, non-Chromebook laptop under $800, consider the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1, a 14-inch clamshell laptop with a hybrid hinge, suitable for research, writing, and tablet tasks.
- If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone without sacrificing quality, alternatives to expensive folding phones can be found in the iPhone SE priced at $429, or the Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A14 on the Android side.
- For a natural reading and note-taking experience, the Amazon Kindle Scribe, with its 10.2-inch E Ink screen, can be a worthwhile investment for some students at $339, including a basic stylus.