Back To School
A Byte of Advice: Back to School Tech Trends
By
Aug 20, 2005, 15:07

(ARA) - Pencils: Check. Ruler: Check. Loose-leaf paper: Check. Travel hard drive: Check. Back-to-school shopping: Done.
There was a time when calculators and crayons were the only “must-haves” for backpacks on the first day of class. Now, in the age of laptops and memory cards, students need more than a mechanical pencil to survive today’s wireless classrooms. Products that offer portability, save on space and come as bundles have become functional favorites.

According to a recent Office Depot survey conducted by Harris Interactive of more than 500 parents, 93 percent said that technology serves as a key element in their child’s success at school. However, many parents feel left in the dark when it comes to the ever-changing trends in technology.

“With technology constantly changing, it’s difficult for parents to keep track of the latest innovations geared to help their child in the classroom,” said Jamie Columbus, Office Depot’s Divisional Merchandising Manager for Tech Accessories.

Columbus offers a byte of advice for those parents looking for a better connection to the network of back-to-school technology:

* Focus Your Search: Most parents lack the time and money to get lost in the web of new products during hurried back-to-school shopping. Focus the search by evaluating your student’s capabilities and needs. There is sure to be something for everyone and every budget.

* Vital Essentials: The latest educational software, a good computer and memory drives can help any student get through the year. Microsoft Student contains all the programs that the student focused on education needs to keep organized and ahead of the curve, such as MS Office, Encarta and a graphic calculator, all in one for under $100.

* Refresh the Basics: Above everything else, a computer and appropriate software are the foundation of a successful workstation. According to the Office Depot survey, 60 percent of parents chose a computer as the top tool needed at home for their child’s school success. The HP Pavilion PC with 15” LCD Screen available is affordably priced at under $600 after rebates and perfect for students.

* Plug-and-Play: As today’s students struggle to juggle their own afternoon schedules, packed with sports practices and group projects, portability is the key to their success. Email attachments are no longer necessary if your student has the Memorex 1GB USB 2.0 Travel Drive. For those who need mass storage space or to expand computer storage, the Maxtor OneTouch 100GB External Hard Drive is a must.

* All-Inclusive: Both students and parents can find it confusing to figure out which monitor is best for a computer, or which printer works best with your family’s digital camera. Bundle offerings ensure compatibility and often a good deal on price. Office Depot offers many exclusive bundles including, the HP m407 Camera/Printer Bundle for under $200, while the Tungsten E2 Handheld by PalmOne ($250) comes with a leather case.

* Save Space: Shared family workstations and tiny dorm rooms call for space-saving essentials. Look for products that help best utilize a small space. The Samsung 710MP 17” Monitor with built-in TV tuner, speakers and power supply is a great way to save space and keep up with the latest technology. For the gadget guru who must have it all, the Media Center PC enables students and parents to have a computer and TV all in one spot. Watch and record TV, burn DVDs and surf the net with this media center.
For your back to school needs, visit www.school.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content

© Copyright by EveningsNews.com