Must-Have Gadgets For School
Whether students are bound for elementary school, high school or college, they want technology to help prepare for a successful year.
David Gregg, a technology reporter, has gathered some of the hottest products that today's students are hoping to buy for the coming academic year. He visits The Early Show on Wednesday to talk about them.
The following are the featured products:
Today, most colleges require students to own their own computers and a good number of primary and secondary students have become very tech friendly. So, for those parents looking to save money on a computer system, an inexpensive suggestion is the Gateway Student PC System.
Product: Gateway PC System
Price: $399
Go to: www.gateway.com
Although most college dorms are Internet-ready, they are not very spacious. The HP Media Center is a computer system that saves space by incorporating multiple devices (PC, TV, DVD, stereo tuner and CD burner, which all typically command lots of dorm desk space). It's a terrific package for a student's schoolwork, Internet and e-mailing needs.
Product: HP Media Center PC200
Price: $1299-$1999 (includes 15- or 17-inch flat-panel monitor)
Go to: www.hpshopping.com
Most computer packages do not include printers. For an affordable device that not only prints, but also scans and makes photocopies, check out the Lexmark all-in-one printer.
Product: Lexmark Model X1150 PrinTrio
Price: $99
Go to: www.lexmark.com
Organization seems to be a challenge for even the most studious youngster. Now there is a watch that doubles as a PDA (personal digital assistant).
Product: Fossil Wrist Watch PDA
Price: $275-$295
Go to: www.fossil.com/tech
Remember when cell phones used to be a luxury strictly reserved for business professionals? Today, no kid's wardrobe is complete without one. Recommended phone plans for cost-conscience parents include Nextel's Nationwide Direct Connect and AT&T's Wireless Go Phone.
Product: Nextel: Nationwide Direct Connect
This phone has a walkie-talkie feature that directly connects the user to another person within a 5,000-mile range. It's just like a digital "umbilical cord" to your kids.
Price: varies according to phone package/plan
Go to: www.nextel.com
Product: AT&T Wireless Go Phone
A no-contract, pay-as-you-go phone, so dad and mom control the spending limit
Price: $59.99 (with web exclusive rebate)
Go to: www.attws.com/gophone
Today's kids just can't get enough music, and Internet music downloads are the way most satisfy their appetites. So, what's new in the world of MP3 machines?
Product: Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox Zen 2 Mp3 Player
Price: $299
To help kids who have to walk to and from school, and college students who want to get from the student union to their next class faster than their feet can carry them, there's the EGO Electric Moped - a battery-powered scooter that travels up to 20 miles per charge and has a cool retro design. (Note: a safety helmet is advised when riding the scooter.)
Product: Ego Cycle
Price: $999 (back-to-school special -- regularly $1,399)
Go to: www.egovehicles.com