Back-To-School Tech Tools
These days, back-to-school supplies go far beyond rulers and pencils.
Once considered a luxury, tech tools are more the norm than not in today's classrooms.
On The Early Show Tuesday, David Gregg, senior editor of BestStuff.com, shared his picks for the best values in tech gear for the new school year.
His suggestions, along with descriptions provided by him and the manufacturers, included:
eMachines T3506 Desktop PC
The eMachines T3506 was introduced for the back-to-school buying season. It starts at $529.98, which means even students and families on the strictest budgets can get a new PC. This system features mainstream technology that will speed up everyday computing tasks such as online research, e-mail and writing class papers. Even at this price, the eMachines T3506 provides abundant features, such as 512MB of memory, a 120GB hard drive and CD burner/DVD combo drive. The entire package, including a sleek, 15-inch LCD monitor, is $529.98, after two $50 mail in rebates; www.emachines.com
Apple iMac with New Intel Core Duo Processor
Apple's iMac featuring Mac OS X runs on the new Intel Core Duo processor, delivering performance that is up to twice that of its predecessor. The iMac now features dual-core processors, a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box, and the breakthrough media experience of Front Row with the Apple Remote for a simple, intuitive and powerful way for consumers to enjoy their content from across the room.
Every new iMac comes with iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring new versions of iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, an iLife application that makes it easy to create amazing Web sites with photos, blogs and podcasts and publish them on iMac for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click. Packages begin at: $1,299; www.apple.com
Lenovo Laptop 3000 N Series with Finger Print Security Feature
These full-featured, widescreen (14- to 15-inch) notebooks provide the functionality and mobility to work in class, the bedroom and the dorm room. The Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology system processor delivers new levels of mobile performance, reliability and manageability. In an environment full of complexity and increasing security risks, students are looking for easy and secure ways to log on to personal computers and networks. The Integrated Fingerprint Reader, available on select Lenovo notebooks, requests a simple finger swipe so the user can access the system and the sensitive data stored within. Prices start at $699, after a $100 mail-in-rebate; www.lenovo.com
Epson Stylus CX3810-All-In-One Printer (Printer/Scanner/Copier)
The Epson Stylus CX3810 is good for all academic projects. This all-in-one space-saver makes quick color copies, or even black and white, without ever turning on your computer. You get great results every time, whether you're copying the team newsletter or directions to the game. And, the copies are ready when you are, with quick-drying, smudge proof inks.
But what about the photos you've been wanting to print and display? Print your favorite snapshots in popular, borderless sizes. It's fast, and easy. Just print, and they're ready to frame. There's even a great way to handle those old, faded color photos already in your album. Scan them and use Epson Easy Photo Fix color restoration and with just one click, make the color as good as new. Then, share the memories all over again with fade-resistant prints that stand up to water and smudging!
Whether you're scanning in photos, or creating a project for school, the Epson Stylus CX3810 offers an easy, affordable and space-saving solution for academic needs. Price: $59.99, after $30 mail in rebate; www.epson.comSmartGlobe 2.0 by Oregon Scientific
Travel around the world without leaving your home and learn about world history, geography, government and culture with the 3D interactive bilingual SmartGlobe. A distinctly unique product, the SmartGlobe can be easily updated using a standard USB port and Internet connection. Information is customizable by age group: Parents can select simplified or complex facts depending on the age and sensitivity of their children. With a simple point-and-touch of the SmartPen, globe trotters are given a digital audio tour of the world. It's bilingual: Activities are available in both English and Spanish. For ages five and up. Price: $129.99; www.oregonscientific.com
The Brain Age (for Nintendo DS Handheld Game)
This video game is like a treadmill for the mind. Children can sharpen their brain in minutes a day by taking on this game's brain-busting challenges. Designed for the portable Nintendo DS game system, Brain Age has sold more than 4 million units worldwide, and redefines how people will now think about video gaming.
Brain Age first took Japan by storm with its edition that includes a series of math and memory puzzles designed to keep the mind agile. Even after selling 3 million copies in the 15 months since launch, sales there aren't showing any signs of slowing. The title was launched in the Americas and Europe in 2006 and maintains a similar sales trend.
Brain Age is easy to pick up and play, regardless of your experience level. It works on honing your child's cognitive learning skills by constantly stimulating the brain to use logic and problem-solving skills in a timed environment, skills that are paramount to good results on standardized tests. Brain Age is a cornerstone of Nintendo's new Touch Generations brand, which helps gaming newcomers identify the titles that might be appropriate for them. Price: $19.99; www.nintendo.com
The FLY Pentop Computer, by Leapfrog
The FLY Pentop Computer's power comes from an optical scanner that sees everything you scan and write on special dot-matrix FLY paper. It's got a brain (a built-in computer processor) and it's got a voice. It's even got its own language. If you've got a math problem, the FLY Pentop Computer can solve it. You can schedule anything and FLY Pentop Computer will remind you. You can draw drums and keyboards and record your own tunes. It plays games with your friends, anywhere, any time! Plus, you can load FLY Pentop Computer with FLYware cartridges to add lessons in math, science, reading and language. For ages five and up. Price: $99.99; www.flypentop.com