Newswise — Smartphones are a great multi-tool so use them to their full potential. Not just for talk or text, these phones can also be handy for actual classroom use. By simply downloading apps on your phone you can minimize the number of other tools you need to buy and carry. For example, there are apps for graphic calculators, voice recorders, notepads and calendars that you can download, rather than buying separate devices. The Nokia Lumia 900 is a great phone with top notch build quality, a nice big screen and an operating system designed to save time if you are big into social networking, but is simple enough for anyone to use. And when it comes to Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is at the top of the food chain.
Notebooks give you much more storage space, allow you to operate multiple programs at the same time without slowing down other programs, and can also be found in a small, compact size. HP, Sony, and Samsung, offer great models that last. Although netbooks may be tempting because of their low price tag and portable size, they’re not worth it. Spend that extra money on something reliable and efficient that will get you through all those late-night, last-minute essays.
If you can’t afford a new laptop, upgrade your old one with a Solid State Drive (SSD). It will only cost you about $150 and will instantly make your computer faster.
Tablets are also becoming a popular tool for classrooms. They are lightweight, easily stored, and simple to use. To get the most for your money, the new Nexus 7 is a great one to start with, at $260 for 16GB. Another option is the Microsoft Surface, coming out later this fall. A printer is a student necessity. Although libraries and other campus labs offer printing services, having the ability to print from your dorm room is important for those all-nighters. But there are a number of things to keep in mind when purchasing a printer:
Printers that have multiple functions can actually be a bad purchase from a value standpoint. Consider: if one of those four functions breaks, the whole printer is useless.
- How are you going to use your printer? If you are in a general arts program, a wireless printer is probably sufficient. They are usually compact, offer standard quality and can be used almost anywhere.
- For stationary printers, go for laser printers, especially if you are in a visual art-related program. They offer clean and sharp quality that will be sure to get you a great mark on your assignments.
- Wireless printers are also a great purchase for student housing. Because of their flexibility, they are easily shared amongst a number of people, which can be really cost-effective
Digital Media Zone expert available for interviews:Adrian BulzackiCEO of ARB LabsContact Lauren Schneider to speak with Adrian
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