If you have more then one computer, get the Wireless router. The other could be your server or work computer while the netbook or laptop you carry around. You'll want the wireless while in your room. The only catch, you'll have to register the Router and Laptop on the network for the connections. Last, SECURE THE WIFI. Or you will have intruders.
Next, are classroom items. Professors will be traditional unless they are "trying" something new which you will need to listen. The e-book READER is OUT. you cannot take notes and you wouldn't want to transfer all that data from device to paper for the notes. recorders, unless you activelly use one, then get it, if this is the first time, you will not use one. I hope that note taking class in Highschool helped. Oh wait, you wanted to sleep in over learrning how to take better notes for college, your loss.
Finally. External storage. Yes a Mybook, or seagate device will be nice for backups ONLY. buy another HD for the Desktop and install it yourself. It's easy and the directions are simple. If you can load a dishwasher, you can install a new HD on Vista or Windows 7. The storage would be for copying those files you might lose from the USB pen drive or if your computer breaks. That device will save your ass.
There is a distinct problem with recommending ‘back to school’ technology and gadgets, especially to the Generation Y. By definition, young consumers are not always swayed by the most popular, and often retain a high level of free choice - even if it’s different, quirky or unconventional.
Every year, news networks and blog sites go crazy for back to school gadgets, software, hardware and the like - and for good reasoning. Even though a year has passed, a lot has changed. We didn’t have the iPad this time last year, and that’s changed the entire spectrum of mobile device productivity.
So instead of pontificating to the masses and stating what you should and shouldn’t buy for the upcoming academic year, I’ll give you a few ideas of where to focus and allow you to find the best deals (before the rush kicks in and the prices go up) and you can find the best based on consumer and site reviews, popularity, reliability, support, compatibility and of course - price.
Handy tip: Try and use Amazon in your locale as a good benchmark when buying tech products. You don’t need to buy from Amazon but the product reviews, data and information is most handy. Don’t necessarily focus on the good reviews; check out the bad ones too, because these can raise unspoken compatibility issues you wouldn’t find elsewhere and gives you a sense of balance and perspective from your peers.
Moving into halls of residence on campus?
You’re probably a first year if you’re living on campus. Not all tech works in campus accommodation, and be mindful of the fact you’ll probably only have a couple electrical plug socket!
- Netbook: they’re cheap, they are tough, they will last you all day on campus and perhaps more, and are good enough for the vast majority of things that you need it for. Plus, if you are one for open-source operating systems, netbooks are often sold without a Windows license so it cuts down the price dramatically.
- Games console: when you start university in a completely new setting, brand new people and no idea where to start, remember the iGeneration gaming culture. Consider which console is the most popular amongst your corridor, block or friendship group and go with that choice. Gaming is a big aspect of modern day socialising, and it’s important to wind down and have down-time too. This gives you the best of both worlds.
- Digital voice recorder: many lectures are recorded nowadays but some lecturers avoid it because of copyright and intellectual property - or rather, that’s the excuse they give. Not only is it useful to go over your recorded lecture notes at the end, it puts you back exactly where you were to refer to it later. Just don’t get a digital voice transcriber; write your notes up and commit it to memory, because come exam term you will need it.
- Wireless headphones: rocking out in your dorm doesn’t have to be restricted by wires which tether you to the table where your laptop is. Wireless headphones give you the freedom to bring out your air guitar and bop it out. Plus, it doesn’t distract your fellow flatmates and blocks out the noise that they will inevitably make.
And for those who want to splash out with extra cash, these are definitely far from necessary but still cool to have:
- E-reader: look at your reading lists and see where your books can be downloaded from in an e-reader format. This way you won’t be stuck with an expensive paperweight. Also consider getting one with wireless network capabilities, and don’t be too tempted by the all-singing, all-dancing iPad.
- Digital camera: consider a compact flash camera than a full DSLR, as compact flash cameras are point-and-click and compatible with more novice photographers than the latter. Plus, they’re much cheaper and sometimes aren’t covered under home insurance policies. (CNET has some good quality advice, though some of these are a little out of the student price range).
- Pocket projector: no student will actually need one, but the cool factor is beyond the scale. Just think of what pranks you can pull - perhaps during nighttime hours and with the side wall of the library…
Don’t get a wireless router or any device which relies on a wireless connection. The chances are in halls, you won’t get wireless signal and will have to rely on a single Ethernet port in your room. Sure, you could buy a wireless device but these are often restricted (and usually very securely) and don’t work from your study bedroom to prevent bandwidth abuse.
