Dorm room living, overflowing backpacks, and that never-ending lecture grind – college life comes with a unique set of challenges. But hey, you're here to conquer them, right? Equipping yourself with the right tech can make all the difference. From acing note-taking to staying powered up all day, this guide will show you the best tech essentials to transform you into a college pro.

Let's find the perfect laptop, tablet, or other gadgets to boost your productivity and keep you connected!

  • Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

    Best for Notetaking $400 at Best Buy

  • Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

    Best AI Assistant $55 at Best Buy

  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

    Best for Small Shelf Space $150 at Best Buy

  • TRANYA T20 Wireless Earbuds

    Best for Quiet Study Sessions See at Amazon

  • Seagate Expansion 16TB External Hard Drive

    Best Digital Storage Solution See at Amazon
  • See More

  • Baseus Let's C Power Bank

    Best Wireless Charging Powerbank See at Amazon

Best Tech For College Students

Best for Notetaking

Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)

Supercharged Scribbles from a Palm-Sized Powerhouse

$400 $500 Save $100

The Apple iPad Mini (6th generation) packs the full iPad experience into a super-portable 8.3-inch display. It's powered by a speedy A15 Bionic chip for editing photos, note-taking, and multitasking. Plus, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage keeps you looking sharp on video calls.

Pros & Cons
  • Ultra-portable and lightweight design
  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip for seamless multitasking
  • Apple Pencil compatibility for natural note-taking
  • Split View for efficient juggling of multiple apps
See at Amazon $479 at Walmart $400 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

College life is all about juggling lectures, assignments, and that ever-growing mountain of notes. The iPad Mini 6 is a compact powerhouse that helps you take zippy notes—without all the ink stains! Unlike lugging around a bulky laptop, the Mini 6 easily slips into a backpack or even a large purse. This makes it perfect for switching between classes or dashing to the library for a last-minute cram session.

Plus, the gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is a joy to write on. It feels super responsive, keeping up with even the fastest note-takers.

Best AI Assistant

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

Your Dorm Room DJ and More

$55 $100 Save $45 Brand Amazon Display No Dimensions 8.50 x 6.30 x 6.30 Inches Weight 3.2 pounds

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is a voice-controlled speaker with rich sound that fills any room. Play music from your favorite services, control smart home devices, and get help from Alexa with just your voice.

Pros & Cons
  • Ask Alexa questions and get answers to homework problems
  • Set reminders and timers to stay on top of your workload
  • Control music, make calls, and access information ? all with your voice.
  • While the Echo is great for basic info, it can't replace in-depth research for complex topics
$55 at Best Buy See at Amazon Expand Collapse

The Amazon Echo can be a surprising weapon to have in your academic arsenal. Why? Well, it's a whiz at answering questions. Stuck on a history date or confused about a scientific concept? A simple "Alexa, what was the significance of the printing press?" or "Alexa, explain photosynthesis" gets you clear and concise answers in seconds. It's like having a mini-encyclopedia on call, perfect for clarifying concepts or fact-checking on the fly.

You can also use the Echo to create custom flashcard sets by voice. Quiz yourself on definitions, historical figures, or even foreign language vocabulary – all hands-free! This is a great way to test your knowledge while multitasking, like prepping dinner or folding laundry.

Best for Small Shelf Space

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

For Space-Starved Students!

Brand Amazon Resolution 300 ppi Storage 32GB Connectivity WiFi 2.4/5.0 GHz Front Light 17 LEDs

The Kindle Paperwhite (2021) boasts a sharp 6.8" display, adjustable warm light, and a battery that lasts for weeks. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can read anywhere, anytime – from the beach to the bathtub.

Pros & Cons
  • Store thousands of books without needing a single shelf
  • Glare-free display and adjustable warm light for comfortable reading
  • Read worry-free, without constant charger anxiety
  • While great for reading, the Paperwhite doesn't offer the same note-taking capabilities as a tablet
See at Amazon See at Amazon $150 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

College dorms are notorious for being short on square footage. And for book lovers (like myself), that can mean sacrificing our beloved novels for precious storage space. The Kindle Paperwhite is a lifesaver for students who crave a library in their pocket.

Thousands of titles can be stored on this device, replacing a whole bookshelf with a single gadget. No more agonizing decisions about which paperbacks to leave behind! Plus, downloading new books takes seconds, so you can instantly dive into your next read, wherever you are. The Paperwhite also goes above and beyond with its gorgeous display. Unlike phone or tablet screens, it's glare-free and easy on the eyes, even during marathon study sessions.

Best for Quiet Study Sessions

TRANYA T20 Wireless Earbuds

Wireless Earbuds for Focused Study Sessions

Enjoy powerful bass, clear calls, and long battery life with the TRANYA T20 Wireless Earbuds. These comfy buds feature noise-cancelling mics and a low-latency mode for gaming, making them perfect for music, calls, and entertainment on the go.

Pros & Cons
  • Drown out distractions and focus on your studies
  • Perfect for lectures and video tutorials without sound delays
  • Long battery life with a handy charging case keeps you powered up all day long
  • While good for listening, the microphone quality might not be ideal for lengthy phone calls
See at Amazon Expand Collapse

Anyone who's ever shared a dorm room knows the struggle of finding quiet study time. The TRANYA T20 Wireless Earbuds is your key to achieving study zen. Its noise isolation feature is fantastic. Thanks to the snug fit and clever design, these buds effectively block out distracting chatter and hallway noise. It's like having a personal silent bubble, perfect for diving deep into your textbooks or tackling that mountain of homework.

Plus, the sound quality is surprisingly good for the price. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the vocals come through crystal clear. Whether you're listening to classical music for focus or jamming out to some study beats, the T20 deliver a rich audio experience.

Best Digital Storage Solution

Seagate Expansion 16TB External Hard Drive

The Digital Packrat Savior

Need extra space to store all your stuff? The Seagate Expansion 16TB external hard drive is a massive, plug-and-play solution! Just connect it to your computer and enjoy tons of space for photos, videos, and more. It works on both Windows and Mac.

Pros & Cons
  • A whopping 16TB lets you store years' worth of digital content without breaking a sweat
  • Easy setup gets you up and running in seconds, no tech expertise required
  • Works seamlessly with Windows and Mac operating systems, so you're covered no matter what computer you use
  • The drive is physically larger than some portable options
See at Amazon Expand Collapse

The sheer storage capacity of the Seagate Expansion External Hard Drive is mind-blowing. With 16 terabytes, you can store a massive amount of data – think countless assignments, movie collections, and photo albums, all in one place. No more agonizing decisions about what to delete to free up space.

Another perk is that it's incredibly user-friendly. Unlike some external drives, the Seagate Expansion is a plug-and-play dream. Simply connect it to your computer's USB port, and you're good to go. No need for complicated software installations or messing around with settings. It's also compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. So, whether you're a PC or a Mac user, you can easily transfer and store your files on the drive.

Best Wireless Charging Powerbank

Baseus Let's C Power Bank

Power on the Move!

The Baseus Let's C Power Bank offers wireless magnetic charging for iPhones and a built-in USB-C cable for other devices. With 30W fast charging and a 10,000mAh capacity, it's your pocket-sized power companion on the go.

Pros & Cons
  • Magnetic charging for iPhones makes powering up a breeze
  • Compact size and 10,000mAh capacity keep your devices juiced all day
  • 30W power delivery gets your phone back to life quickly
  • Magnetic charging only works with iPhone 12 and later models
See at Amazon Expand Collapse

The last thing you need is your phone dying mid-lecture or your headphones giving out during a study session. A handy power bank with excellent wattage to power even a Steam Deck is just what you need.

This little guy is a lifesaver for students who are constantly on the go. It offers wireless magnetic charging for iPhones. No more scrambling for cables – simply snap the power bank onto the back of your phone, and you're good to go. The 30W power delivery ensures you won't wait ages for your phone to return to life. A quick charge during your lunch break or between classes can keep you powered up for the rest of the day!

FAQ

Do you need a laptop for college?

In most cases, yes, a laptop is practically essential for college. While some institutions might offer computer labs for basic tasks, a laptop provides the flexibility and portability needed for most college experiences. You'll likely use it for:

  • Taking notes in class
  • Completing assignments and projects
  • Researching online
  • Video conferencing for lectures or study groups
  • Accessing course materials and online textbooks

How much should you spend on tech for college?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but it depends on your needs and budget. Here's a breakdown:

  • Laptops: A good college laptop can range from $500 to $1,000 USD. If you're a creative student (graphic design, video editing), you might need a more powerful machine that costs more.
  • Tablets: Can be a note-taking alternative to a laptop, especially with a stylus. Prices vary depending on the brand and features, but budget options like Lenovo start around $200 USD.
  • Accessories: Consider essentials like a good backpack to carry your laptop, a portable charger, and headphones for online lectures. These can range from $50 to $200 USD depending on quality.
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