As the new academic year launches, it’s time to gear up with the latest tech gadgets that will make your university or college experience both productive and enjoyable. From smart backpacks to the best laptops on the market, we’ve got you covered with our top tech essentials for back-to-school 2024, complete with some recommendations to help you get started!
1. Smart Backpacks
Smart backpacks are your new best friend for school, blending style and practicality to keep your tech organized and charged! Look for impressive features like built-in USB ports, RFID blocking for data protection, anti-theft designs, and ample padding to safeguard your gear. Ensure your backpack is comfortable, spacious, and durable enough to handle your busy student life.
BOPAI Anti-Theft Backpacks
These slim and sleek backpacks feature hidden zippers and RFID-blocking compartments, and durable materials to protect your belongings and personal information from theft.
Price: $$$ Premium
Nordace Smart Backpacks
This range of backpacks offer a tech-friendly experience with built-in USB charging ports, multiple organizational pockets, and ergonomic features to keep your gear easily accessible and comfortable.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
Yalundisi Vintage Backpacks
With built-in USB charging ports, this collection blends retro charm with modern functionality, featuring high-quality materials, and ample storage space.
Price: $ Budget
2. Laptops
Having your own laptop for back-to-school is a must for university and college students! It gives you the freedom to tackle assignments and access resources anytime, anywhere. When laptop shopping, keep an eye out for a 1080p display, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a speedy solid-state drive (SSD). With these features, you’ll be all set to ace your classes and impress the future workforce.
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14
It has powerful performance, stunning 2.8K OLED touchscreen, and versatile design, making it perfect for both academic tasks and creative projects. Check out HP’s back-to-school guide here.
Price: $$$ Premium
Apple MacBook Air M3
Best for creative students, it has an exceptional battery life of up to 18 hours, powerful performance with the M3 chip, and lightweight design.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
Acer Aspire 5
This budget-friendly option provides solid performance for everyday tasks like writing papers and browsing the web.
Price: $ Budget
3. Smart Notebooks
Say goodbye to boring notebooks! Smart notebooks are here to save your trees and keep your notes organized. Look for features such as seamless cloud integration for easy access to notes, handwriting recognition for converting written text into digital format, and a comfortable writing experience that mimics traditional paper.
Rocketbook Reusable Smart Notebooks and Planners
This eco-friendly gem lets you write, scan, and erase—perfect for the environmentally conscious student!
Price: From $34.99
Boogie Board Blackboard Smart Scan Reusable Notebook
Comes with a stylus, this reusable writing tablet is great for taking notes, marking up documents, or sketching out ideas.
Price: From $35.99
Moleskine Smart Notebooks
This option blends traditional note-taking with digital features, enabling real-time transcription and easy note sharing through its app.
Price: From $18.00
4. Smartwatches
Smartwatches can help you stay organized, connected, and even a bit healthier while you tackle your studies. When shopping for one, look for features like easy notification management, fitness tracking to keep you active between classes, and integrated calendars or reminders to help you stay on top of your busy schedule!
Apple Watch Series 9
Its fast performance, health tracking capabilities, bright 2,000-nit display, and safety features like Crash Detection and on-device Siri, will keep you connected and secure throughout their busy days.
Price: $$$ Premium
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
A great companion for Android users, this option offers AI-powered wellness insights, personalized sleep coaching, advanced fitness tracking, and next-level processing power.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
Fitbit Versa 4 Smartwatch
This fitness smartwatch features Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, over 40 exercise modes, built-in GPS, and a 6-month Fitbit Premium subscription.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
5. Tablets and E-Readers
Tablets and e-readers make it super easy to manage coursework and reading materials without the weight of heavy textbooks! These lightweight gadgets let you carry all your favourite books and resources in one handy device, so you can say goodbye to sore shoulders. When shopping for your perfect study buddy, keep an eye out for a high-resolution display for comfy reading, long battery life for extended use, and plenty of storage to hold all your digital books and notes.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Its powerful performance, expansive AMOLED display, and included S Pen, which enhance note-taking, studying, and multitasking.
Price: $$$ Premium
Apple iPad Air (5th Generation)
It features a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a sleek and lightweight design, and is powered by the M1 chip, with Touch ID, support for Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Ideal for bookworms, this e-reader offers a glare-free display that reads like real paper and adjustable lighting, making it perfect for reading textbooks and novels comfortably anywhere.
Price: $ Budget
6. Portable Power Banks
Ensure your devices are charged and ready for action, whether in class, studying at the library, or on the go. When choosing a power bank, look for features such as high capacity for multiple charges, multiple USB ports for charging several devices at once, and lightweight design for easy portability.
Anker 733 Power Bank (GaNPrime PowerCore 65W)
This versatile power bank is perfect for charging multiple devices quickly, including laptops, thanks to its powerful output and compact design.
Price: $$$ Premium
Nitecore NB10000 Gen II
Known for its lightweight and durable build, this 10,000 mAh power bank is ideal for students who need quick and reliable charging on the go.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
Charmast Power Banks
A budget-friendly option, this power bank offers versatile charging configurations and is compact enough to carry in a backpack, making it a great choice for students.
Price: $ Budget
7. Wireless Printers
Print your assignments and photos wirelessly with these nifty printers!
HP Smart Tank 5101
This all-in-one printer offers excellent print quality and comes with two years’ worth of ink, making it a cost-effective choice for students needing to print frequently.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
This wireless printer for students, featuring cost-effective ink tank technology that can print up to 3,000 pages on a single fill, along with dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPrint compatibility, and an intuitive touchscreen for easy operation.
Price: $$$ Premium
Featuring high-capacity ink tanks that can last up to two years without refills, making it economical for heavy printing needs. It offers wireless printing and includes scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, all in a compact design.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
8. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Whether you’re trying to study in a bustling café or zone in during a lecture, these headphones help block out distractions so you can study in peace.
A top choice for music lovers and students alike, featuring industry-leading noise cancellation, exceptional sound quality, touch controls, and the convenient “Speak to Chat” function that pauses audio when you start talking, all wrapped in a sleek and comfortable design.
Price: $$$ Premium
Bose QuietComfort Headphones or Earbuds
Its acclaimed active noise cancellation, plush comfort for long wear, and features like adjustable EQ for personalized sound, ensuring an immersive listening experience while studying or commuting.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
This option has impressive features, including up to 70 hours of battery life, effective QuietMax hybrid noise cancellation, and high-resolution audio quality, all at an affordable price point.
Price: $ Budget
9. Keyboard and Mouse Combos
A quality keyboard and mouse combo can boost productivity and comfort. Choose options with ergonomic designs, responsive touch, and customizable features to enhance typing efficiency and reduce strain during long study sessions. This simple upgrade can make your schoolwork more enjoyable and manageable.
This combo features the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard with tactile switches and the MX Master 3S mouse, known for its ergonomic design and productivity-enhancing features, making it the best overall choice.
Price: $$$ Premium
Designed with comfort in mind, this combo includes an ergonomic keyboard and mouse that promote natural wrist posture, making it the best option for those seeking ergonomic support.
Price: $$ Mid-Range
This combo includes Cherry’s signature switches, offering a comfortable typing experience and excellent build quality at an affordable price.
Price: $ Budget
10. Cloud Storage Solutions
Keep your files safe and accessible with these cloud storage options!
Google One
Offers various storage plans with seamless Google integration.
Price: From $2.79/month
Dropbox
Great for easy file sharing and collaboration with classmates.
Price: From $12.99/month
Integrated with Microsoft Office, perfect for students who use Word and Excel.
Price: From $19/year (free for just Microsoft 365)
Student Discounts and Back to School Sales
Now, let’s talk about how to score some serious savings! Check out , and UNiDAYS for exclusive discounts on all your favourite brands. These platforms are like your personal treasure maps, leading you to awesome deals that help you save big on tech and more. Check out the below links for more student discounts and back to school sales happening right now.
- https://www.apple.com/ca-edu/store
- https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/deals/back-to-school-sale/?
- https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/event/back-to-school/blt7717c3964be4d221
- https://www.staples.ca/a/content/back-to-school
- https://www.dell.com/en-ca/lp/students
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/store/b/student
- https://www.walmart.ca/en/cp/gifts-holidays/back-to-school/6000197172389
With these discounts, you can stock up on everything you need for an epic school year without breaking the bank! So, gear up, get inspired, and let’s make this school year the best one yet! You’ve got this!