14 affordable tech gadgets I wish I had in school

Certain rear purchases at school are obvious, such as a new laptop or Chromebook. But other useful products are not always so obvious. They may seem purely optional – requests to buy when you have money to burn.

But do not reduce technological gadgets and accessories, especially if you zigzagus on a university campus. Add part -time work and the requirements of a social life, and the right equipment can help you keep your mental health. Here are 14 affordable gadgets I want I Had at school – it would have made life much easier!

Laptop

Lululook

A laptop is both released from the desktop space and improves the ergonomics of your configuration. You want your laptop screen to be at a height that prevents pension or bad posture, especially if you often have long study and homework sessions. It also makes a double -screen configuration with a separate monitor less clumsy. Fortunately, laptop supports are not expensive, and you can even pick up an ultra compact that moves well. Take it to an elderly person – take care of your body now, or that will punish you for ill -treatment later.

Bluetooth keyboard

Michael Crider / IDG

A small room may feel even more cramped with a lot of cables. A Bluetooth or wireless keyboard with multi -apparently supporting support will ration your desktop configuration, allows you to quickly switch between a PC, a tablet and a telephone – and also allows you to take it on the road with you for better ergonomics and comfort. A good light option like Keychron K3 or Logitech MX Keys Mini moves well. If you are not on the move often, a higher mechanical keyboard will feel better during games and long strike sessions.

Noise creation headphones

Jonathan Takiff / Foundry

A pair of noise -free comining headphones can be worth their gold weight, because they drown distractions while you study (or when you need a break in noisy roommates). Exaggerated cans have the best battery life – top models like the Bose Quietcomfort Ultra and Sony Wh -1000xm5 get between 20 and 30 hours, which makes you ideal for long reading sessions and situations where you cannot invoice so often. Even the models that cost half as much, like the Anker Space Q45 Soundcore Q45, will work so long and will always sound well.

Meanwhile, the old headphones move extremely well, easily storing in a pocket for shorter trips out of the house. And you have no end of choice, with the Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Earbuds (the most affordable ANC option listed here), Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple Airpods Pro only a few excellent options at the top of the end.

Portable instructor

Arzopa

If you are often far from your dormitory or your apartment, a good travel configuration for your PC will make the past hours more comfortable. In addition to a laptop support and a light wireless keyboard, the additional real estate of a portable monitor allows you to juggle easily with different tabs or windows. And the good news is that they do not cost much these days – one of the most popular models costs only $ 100 and can sometimes be found on sale for less. For an even smoother configuration, also remember to pick up a good portable support for the monitor.

Compressed

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

A tablet can fill many roles, such as a second screen for your PC, a digital notepad to follow class conferences or a comfortable way to read textbooks. It is an excellent complement to a PC, especially if you have a desktop computer. The Apple iPad is a perennial favorite for such a multitasking, as is the rival line of Samsung Galaxy Tab, but you can also opt for an E-Tink Android tablet for less eye deformation if you mainly use it for reading.

IT speakers

Creative / Amazon

You can do much better than a portable Bluetooth speaker or integrated speakers from a laptop. Good dedicated computer speakers will not introduce audio latency when searching for videos or does not distort a moderate volume. They don’t take up much space on a desk either. Our first choice for budget speakers costs only $ 25 and has a tiny imprint, for example. (You can see all your options in our gathering of the best affordable computer speakers.)

Bluetooth tracker

Apple

Losing track of your keys or other vital items is pain – and too easy to do if you are often on the go. You can avoid this spell by attaching a Bluetooth tracker like an aerial apple or a tile companion to your high priority equipment. It avoids a lot of headache when you are too stressed to recall your movements with precision.

External hard drive

Technological advisor

Cloud storage is common today, but having a local backup can save your bacon, even as obsolete as technology may seem. If you accidentally delete a file without knowing your PC, in the cloud, or both, if they synchronize, you will always have a copy of the data. Although you can use a cloud service specifically intended for backups, an external hard drive is cheaper over time And Easily accessible, even when your internet has come out. Even a smaller collection of 5 TB is worth the investment.

Electricity bank

Lexon

Being far from an electrical outlet for long periods is a guarantee at the university. Even having a small Pochable electricity bank (like this 5000mAh model) can help keep your phone alive all day. Choose one and you are widely covered each time you are on the go.

Printer

Mark Pickavance

A printer may seem a relic, but you will always have to print documents from time to time. Of course, you can use a campus computer room, but they are not always open at all hours – and some schools invoice by page. A portable unit will not take up much space and allow you to print when you wish. Even if you get the cheapest printer available, you can usually put it in a drawer or in your closet.

HDMI switch

Fosmon / Amazon

An HDMI switch quickly solves two problems when connecting several devices to a single TV or monitor. To start, you are no longer limited by the number of integrated ports. It also eliminates tolerance to press several buttons on your remote control to change the devices. Everything rolls through the switch, which takes only one port on your screen and generally automatic switches between active devices. An HDMI 3 -port switch is generally sufficient, but you can switch to a 5 -port model for more equipment.

Ergonomic mouse and / or keyboard

Kensington / Amazon

Repetitive stress injuries are zero. If you are on your PC all the time, ergonomic devices can ward off suffering on the road. A simple wireless vertical mouse begins as low as $ 30, with alternatives such as the LIFTING Logitech available for those with smaller hands. The trick is to take breaks regularly and, if you can afford, exchange the type of mouse you use from time to time. The same goes for your keyboard – even a basic divided keyboard model should keep your hands and wrists in a more natural position.

Phone stand

Michael Soledad / Unsplash

A place dedicated to everything helps reduce footprint when you live in cramped areas. Removing things from the surface of your office can also considerably reduce visual noise. A telephone support helps these two objectives, while allowing you to easily see the incoming notifications at a glance. If you get a stand that also serves as a charger, you can also keep the battery completed.

electronic reader

Alaina Yee / Foundry

Library rats will want to bring a collection of favorite readings to dormitories, but physical copies can become royal pain at the end of the year. The easier option: Invest in an electronic player, such as a Kindle or Kobo. Your eyes will always receive a break in LCD screens and your room will not be as crowded. Will it feel as well as having paper in your hands? No, but being able to store hundreds of books in a thin and Pochable device is a decent compromise. In addition, if you register for the Libby service of your local library, you can throat for free on the written word.

Read more in -depth: 10 laptop accessories that change life for students