Five must-have gadget accessories for back to school
Back-to-school shopping wouldn’ t be complete without picking up a few new tech accessories.
While new clothes and books are likely still the top items on the seasonal shopping list, it may be high time to head to the tech department or your favourite online shop to add a little extra excitement to the endof-summer doldrums.
From cordless headphones that can also track your heart rate (yes, really), to smart pens that can scan your notes without even lifting a finger (yes, also really), there is a neat new tech gadget for virtually every school-bound student this fall.
And in addition to being helpful, these gadgets are seriously innovative.
See, who says going back to school isn’t cool?
Cool scan
Transcribing your handwritten notes is so 2012. Instead, skip the typing and scan your notes directly into your computer with the IRISPen Executive 7 Pen Scanner. The pen recognizes more than 130 languages and can even translate text into 55 languages. No online translator required. Best Buy; $136.98
Fold ’em
What’s better than a lightweight, foldable keyboard that is universally compatible? One that can also pair with two devices at once (including an iPad, iPhone, Android devices and Windows devices).
This keyboard can do that — and more — with the mere tap of a few buttons. Microsoft; $99.95
Cord less
Go cord-free with the Gear IconX. These ear buds include a fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, music player (the tiny device can hold up to 1,000 songs in the builtin media player) and more.
They’re the perfect tech toy for the student, athlete and pretty much anyone who hates getting wrapped up in their headphone cord. Samsung Experiences Stores; Samsung. com/ca; $279.99
Light power
Never miss a selfie or, more appropriately, the opportunity to record an hour-long lecture in class with the Enerplex Surfr Solar Battery Case for iPhone 6/6S.
The case can be charged via a wall charger or by its built-in solar panel, and then it’s ready to act as a battery charger for your cellphone once it’s out of juice.
Say goodbye to dead phone batteries. Chapters Indigo; $99.95
Smart pack
Searching for a simple backpack that has just enough bells and whistles to make it a better bag than the rest?
Say hello to the Senior Book Bag. While not exactly revolutionary in its features, this unisex style, which is available in a few colour combinations, features a few tech-friendly elements including an integrated laptop sleeve that keeps your pricey computer apart from the books, bags and snacks stuffed into the main compartment. mec.ca; $42