What you really need to succeed in school is an eagerness to learn, but having the right tech never hurts. Taking notes, writing papers, and prepping for an exam become exponentially more difficult without the help of a decent laptop or tablet at your disposal. All of the notebooks, highlighters, and flash cards in the world aren’t going to be nearly as helpful as something digital and awesome. If you’re looking to start off the school year strong, Best Buy has everything you need to do just that. With a wide variety of laptops, tablets, and headphones to choose from, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
HP 14-inch Touchscreen Chromebook
There are a lot of different laptops to choose from, but if you’re looking for something straightforward and affordable, this HP Chromebook is your best bet. With an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, it has plenty of power for everyday tasks such as note-taking, browsing the web, and writing papers. It also has a solid 10.75-hour battery life, so it will last most of the day without needing to be plugged in.
Beats Solo3 wireless headphones
The world is filled with a lot more distractions than it used to be. With so many different things vying for our attention, staying focused can be a real pain. Though you can’t force yourself to think only about studying or homework, a decent pair of headphones can definitely help you drown out the distractions. What better brand than Beats to get you where you need to go?
Google Chromecast
Though traditionally used for streaming Netflix, Hulu, and other entertainment apps to your TV, the Chromecast has many practical applications. You can cast your computer screen directly to your TV, which is great for study groups or projects. It’s also an easy and affordable solution for any student who can’t afford a smart TV.
Samsung 40-inch 4K Smart TV
A TV may not be an essential part of the learning process, but it definitely helps you maintain your sanity. After long days of studying, writing papers, and going to class, it’s nice to come home and relax with one of your favorite shows. This Samsung smart TV offers built-in Wi-Fi and 4K resolution, so you can stream content in high-definition.
Apple iPad 32GB
Though a laptop or Chromebook will likely do the bulk of the work in the classroom, an iPad is an excellent learning tool to have on your side. With a 9.7-inch multitouch Retina display and powerful processor, you can use this tablet as a computer, a streaming device, or for studying on the go.
WD Easystore 2TB External Hard Drive
If you’re someone who takes a lot of pictures and videos, you know you can never have too much storage space. This 2TB external hard drive provides all of the extra space you could ever need. Using one of these is also a great way to back up important files so they don’t just disappear if your computer decides to kick the bucket.
Insignia Compact Microwave
Whether you’re making instant ramen, mac and cheese, or just reheating a leftover burrito from the night before, your microwave is going to be your best friend. Between studying for exams and attempting to have a social life, there’s just not enough time to do any real cooking in the kitchen. Luckily, this affordable microwave can turn any room into a kitchen.
iRobot Roomba 690
A robot vacuum may seem like a luxury, but they can be a real lifesaver for anyone strapped for time. With this app-controlled device, you can set a vacuuming schedule so you can keep those floors clean without having to lift a finger. These little vacuums are great for small spaces such as dorm rooms, apartments, and living rooms.
Google Home Mini
There is a lot of hype about smart home technology these days, and for good reason. A smart assistant can help you study, answer questions, play music, provide you with recipes, and even control other smart devices. Though a smart home hub is most effective when paired with other devices, it can be a powerful tool in and of itself.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Bluetooth Speaker
Focusing on your studies is the most important part of going to school, but every once in a while fun is absolutely essential. A good Bluetooth speaker will allow you to bring your music with you wherever you go, but this particular model will do more than just that. The Wonderboom provides rich bass and enhanced sound, but most importantly, it floats!