The must-have item for students this fall is a tiny little laptop, a portable computer that will set you back just a few hundred dollars. While a netbook might appear to be all you need to kick off class this September, here are a few great gadgets that will take your netbook to the next computing level.
USB keys to success
I remember how excited I was when I rushed into my favourite electronics store in 2003 to snap up a snazzy purple 128MB USB key. I wore that thing like a geek metal on my everyday keychain. The device, which I fondly named Grimace, came with a $60 price tag, which was more than reasonable at the time. Fast forward to 2009, there are hundreds of USB storage devices that start at a mere $10 a pop. One of the best deals I’ve seen this season is the Lexar JumpDrive Firefly 4GB USB Drive. For the school year, this is more than enough space to carry around all of your important documents as you travel from computer to computer. Not only can you use the JumpDrive to transfer essays and reports, you can also load it up with your favourite photos, music, and more.
Pimp out your ports
If you’re a gadget guy or gal, you need plenty of options to attach your tech toys to your computer. Unfortunately, most laptops offer up a minimal number of USB ports. For approximately $10, you can change all that. Snap up the LaCie Core4 USB 2.0 Hub in one of three different colours. With four Web 2.0 ports, this accessory will make it easy to keep your collection of gadgets charged and ready to go.
Hear ye better
Staying in touch with friends and family has never been easier, thanks to an abundance of new technology. Also, staying in touch has never been cheaper. With a laptop and free VOIP software, such as Skype, you can save your cellphone minutes. If you want great quality on your Internet calls, a headset is a must. The Logitech - Premium Notebook Headset costs $60, which might seem a little steep, but with a foldable design, noise-cancelling mic, and dual connections (USB and analog), it’s a pretty sweet deal. This gadget is small enough to toss in your backpack so when you’re online, you’re always one click away from dialing up your favourite phone friend.
USB keys to success
I remember how excited I was when I rushed into my favourite electronics store in 2003 to snap up a snazzy purple 128MB USB key. I wore that thing like a geek metal on my everyday keychain. The device, which I fondly named Grimace, came with a $60 price tag, which was more than reasonable at the time. Fast forward to 2009, there are hundreds of USB storage devices that start at a mere $10 a pop. One of the best deals I’ve seen this season is the Lexar JumpDrive Firefly 4GB USB Drive. For the school year, this is more than enough space to carry around all of your important documents as you travel from computer to computer. Not only can you use the JumpDrive to transfer essays and reports, you can also load it up with your favourite photos, music, and more.
Pimp out your ports
If you’re a gadget guy or gal, you need plenty of options to attach your tech toys to your computer. Unfortunately, most laptops offer up a minimal number of USB ports. For approximately $10, you can change all that. Snap up the LaCie Core4 USB 2.0 Hub in one of three different colours. With four Web 2.0 ports, this accessory will make it easy to keep your collection of gadgets charged and ready to go.
Hear ye better
Staying in touch with friends and family has never been easier, thanks to an abundance of new technology. Also, staying in touch has never been cheaper. With a laptop and free VOIP software, such as Skype, you can save your cellphone minutes. If you want great quality on your Internet calls, a headset is a must. The Logitech - Premium Notebook Headset costs $60, which might seem a little steep, but with a foldable design, noise-cancelling mic, and dual connections (USB and analog), it’s a pretty sweet deal. This gadget is small enough to toss in your backpack so when you’re online, you’re always one click away from dialing up your favourite phone friend.