SALTZMAN: Back-to-school tech that makes the grade

Дата публикации: 15-08-2026 14:30:45

Ten recommended gadgets for students of all ages

Основное содержимое страницы с новостью.

Forget books, binders and backpacks – today’s students also need access to three other Bs: broadband, Bluetooth, and browsers.

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High school and post-secondary-bound students, in particular, can take advantage of the latest high-tech tools – be it for productivity, communication or entertainment – to ensure a smooth transition back into classroom this fall. This includes some ideal dorm room gadgets.

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And so, the following are 10 great picks worthy of an A+.

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Weight a minute

Despite the fact the ASUS Zenbook A16 (from $1399) boasts a massive 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen – offering more real estate for work or play – at just 1.2 kilograms, this laptop is lighter than most 14-inch models.

Under the hood is the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, Qualcomm’s fastest and most powerful laptop chip to date.

Other features include several AI features, up to 21 hours of battery, and a durable body that fuses aerospace-grade aluminum with ceramics.

The Epson EcoTank family of supertank printers include up to three years’ worth of ink (black and colour). Photo by Supplied /EpsonThink of the ink

The only thing worse than running out of ink right when you need it the most is when the replacement cartridges are super expensive – and they don’t last very long, to boot. Instead, the Epson EcoTank family of supertank printers (from $249) include up to three years’ worth of ink (black and colour).

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These wireless all-in-ones (printer, scanner, copier) are also packed with handy features for students of all ages. The ET-4975 model, for example, includes duplex (two-sided) printing, a large input tray and automatic document feeder.

The Amazon Echo Show 11 can help students manage their schedule, fly through their homework and remind them of important deadlines. Photo by Supplied /AmazonSpeak up

Now available in Canada and free for Amazon Prime members ($99/year), Alexa+ is a voice-enabled personal assistant that’s far more conversational, personalized and helpful than before. Compatible with many existing smart speakers and displays (like the popular Echo Show 11), this friendly AI can help students manage their schedule, fly through their homework and remind them of important deadlines.

Alexa+ now remembers your likes/dislikes and can even book services for you (like restaurant reservations).

Beats Solo 4 are on-ear wireless headphones. Photo by SuppliedSounding off

For walking to and from classes, and while studying in a library, headphones may just be a student’s favourite piece of tech. Usually $279 but on sale at Staples Canada for $169, Beats Solo 4 are on-ear wireless headphones that deliver powerful, balanced sound for your music, movies, games, audiobooks and podcasts.

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In fact, Beats Solo 4 supports high-resolution “lossless” audio only when connected via a physical cable (included).

Available in multiple colours, they’re also super comfortable and enjoy up to 50 hours of battery life between charges.

The TCL QM8L Series are stunning SQD Mini-LED TVs. Photo by SuppliedDorm display

With 4K televisions starting at just $289, TCL has several Google-powered Smart TVs for students – ideal for a bedroom or dorm room – or for the family to upgrade their home theatre. Budget permitting, the TCL QM8L Series (from $2499) are stunning SQD Mini-LED TVs that feature “Super Quantum Dots” to deliver an incredible 6,000 nits of peak brightness and with colour so vibrant they pop off the screen.

For gamers, a 144 Hertz native refresh rate means silky smooth action.

The Tab 8 NXTPAPER is an 8-inch Android slate. Photo by SuppliedDouble duty

Should you buy an eReader that’s conducive for reading outside, even in direct sunlight? Or maybe go with a colour tablet ideal for watching TV shows, playing games, and accessing social media? Well, you can have your cake and eat it, too, as the Tab 8 NXTPAPER ($289) is an 8-inch Android slate that’s just as ideal for swiping through electronic books on a glare-free display as it is a device for web browsing, shopping, Candy Crush-ing, and consuming video content.

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Simply press a button on the side to magically transform it between modes.

The ViewSonic VX1655 is a lightweight, ultra-portable 15.6-inch monitor. Photo by SuppliedPortable productivity

Perfect for work or play, the ViewSonic VX1655 ($198) is a lightweight, ultra-portable 15.6-inch monitor.

So, whether you’re in a library, at a coffee shop or in a dorm room, prop up this monitor on its kickstand and with the included cables (USB-C or mini HDMI), plug it into any number of devices – a smartphone, tablet/iPad, laptop, desktop or video game console – and within seconds the image will appear on the sharp monitor. And it has integrated speakers, too.

Even better, with most sources it’s plugged into, it gets its power from the device itself, so no need to plug it into the wall. A 4K OLED version sells for $629.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is great for staying on top of your notifications. Photo by Supplied /AppleFlick of the wrist

As for wearable tech, Apple Watch SE 3 (from $299 for students and educators) is great for staying on top of your notifications, such as feeling a tap on the wrist when it’s time to head to class or raising your wrist and asking Siri a math question.

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See and send texts and emails while leaving your phone in your pocket or purse, take hands-free calls, and view the latest photos you’re tagged in. Customize your watch face to suit your mood (and wardrobe), stream music and view health data thanks to heart rate sensors, temperature gauging, and sleep scores.

The Anker Prime 3-in-1 is a 25-watt Qi2.2-certified wireless charging stand. Photo by SuppliedPower play

Perfect as a bedside companion or desk mate, Anker Prime 3-in-1 ($169) is a 25-watt Qi2.2-certified wireless charging stand that’s ideal for simultaneously charging an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

This foldable stand can prop up your phone vertically or horizontally, to act as an alarm clock on a table/desk, or to make FaceTime video calls.

Anker also has wireless charging stands for Android devices, too.

Wise is an app that provides a smart way to move and manage your money abroad. Photo by SuppliedSpend wisely

While more of an app than a gadget, students heading overseas for an exchange semester or a full academic year should consider Wise, a smart way to move and manage your money abroad.

Whether it’s for groceries, textbooks, rent or everyday expenses, a Wise account lets parents/students send, spend and receive in over 160 countries (and in 40+ currencies) using the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying.

Free to open in Canada, Wise app users can also order a physical card to spend like a local.

While Wise has been around a few years, new to the service is an opt-in interest feature to earn a return on eligible balances (including USD, GBP and EUR).

– Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and is the author of the book, Apple Watch For Dummies (Wiley)

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