If you want a games gizmo to fiddle with between classes that’s smaller than the Nintendo Switch, sports a vast library of acclaimed and deep games, and that has controls the envy of any smartphone, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is mobile gaming’s gold standard.īuy now: New Nintendo 2DS XL, $150, Amazon If you’ve yet to tinker with a 3DS, the New 2DS XL is arguably the hardware in its best light, unencumbered by a feature it was never clear the handheld needed. The New Nintendo 2DS XL (see TIME’s review) offers everything the New 3DS XL does for less-minus a dimension. That should be more than enough power to get you through the day, and it’s slim enough to discreetly stash in a backpack or purse.īuy now: Mophie Powerstation Mini, $30, Amazon
Mophie’s Powerstation Mini packs an additional 3,000 mAh battery, which is the size of the battery found in smartphones like the Galaxy S8. Whether you’re using your phone to film video for a project or listen to Spotify at the library, you can never have enough power.
Seagate backup plus slim portable 2tb external hard drive Bluetooth#
If you’re rocking the much larger iPad Pro, consider Logitech’s Create Backlit Keyboard Case-it’s less cramped than Apple’s official accessory, and works with the iPad’s Smart Connector, so you don’t have to go through the Bluetooth pairing process.īuy now: Logitech Slim Folio iPad Keyboard Case, $100, Amazon Logitech’s Slim Folio is a great option for those who own a 2017-issue iPad, because it comes with a row of iOS keyboard shortcuts for features like Siri and search, and its replaceable coin cell battery should last up to four years. If you use your iPad to take notes, you’ll probably want a good keyboard case. HP’s Sprocket is light and portable enough to toss in your bag, and you can peel the back off to turn your photo into a sticker as well.īuy now: HP Sprocket Photo Printer, $130, Amazon Photo printers like the HP Sprocket turn your smartphone’s snaps into tangible glossies for decorating your dorm room or hanging on a fridge. Smartphones may be replacing point-and-shoot cameras, but that doesn’t mean printed images are obsolete. Sporting a 24-megapixel sensor, dual pixel autofocus and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the M6 can deliver photos that’ll blow your Instagram followers away, then comfortably disappear into a backpack or purse. That’s no longer the case, thanks to the rise of high-end “mirrorless” alternatives like the Canon EOS M6. It used to be that in order to take DSLR-quality photos, you needed to lug around a bulky camera. It offers 918 joules of device protection (you generally want above 600), two powered USB charge ports (2.1 AMP combined) for tablets or smartphones, a 360-degree rotatable plug with four lockable positions, plus it’s small enough to drop in a tote for on-the-go plug expansion and device safeguarding.īuy now: Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Charger, $30, Amazon Belkin’s cordless SurgePlus USB Swivel Charger adds up to a cost-sensible mix of both with USB perks in the bargain. They’re a breeze to use, too, since they can detect whether they’re in your ear and pause audio accordingly.Įveryone needs extra plugs, and surge protection can be a gadget-saver in case of split-second brownouts (minor dips in power) or unexpected electricity spikes. There’s no need to dig into your iPhone’s settings menu to check whether they’re connected, because the AirPods automatically sync with your phone as soon as you pop open their case. Whether at the gym or on your way to class, Apple’s AirPod wireless earbuds are reliable, comfortable and offer more than adequate audio fidelity for casual listening. With highlighting and note-taking features, the Paperwhite is a great study buddy, too.īuy now: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, $120, Amazon Forget the heavy lifting and pick up a Kindle Paperwhite, which can store all the books you’ll need for the semester at a mere 7-ish ounces. Write to Matt Peckham at to Matt Peckham at nothing as back-busting as the first week of class book-buying ritual, when you have to lug dozens of books from the campus store back to your dorm room. (And don’t miss our picks for the best back-to-school laptops and tablets.) Here’s TIME’s list of recommended e-readers, cameras, photo printers, handheld game systems and more to make any academic year complete. Yes, the days are getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun assembling a back-to-school arsenal of stylish gadgets. Farewell to summer hijinks, hello backpacks, smart pens, tablets and dorm life feng shui.