While students heading back to school typically check out the newest trends in fashion, they’re often just as obsessed with the latest technology, phones and gadgets. That fact is not lost on the big players in the field, so it’s no surprise both Apple and Samsung are rolling out promotions and offers in time for the start of class in September.
Apple
Last month Apple launched its annual back to school promotion, which this year includes the offer of a free pair of Beats Solo2 On-Ear headphones to qualifying students, parents of students and educators who purchase an eligible Mac, including the iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Pro. Refurbished Macs, as well as the Mac mini, iPhones and iPads are excluded from the promotion. When purchasing a qualifying product, Apple will automatically credit the amount of the Beats Solo2 On-Ear, $219, in glass black, white, red, blue, gray or pink. Those who want to upgrade to the Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones in space gray, silver or gold, must pay an extra $110. The offer runs until Sept. 18. Some restrictions apply.
Samsung
Samsung says students can take this school year to the next level with the re-designed GALAXY S6 series. Both the GALAXY S6 and S6Edge can be charged in three ways, including Fast Charging, which promises to power up the device to 50 per cent in 30 minutes; wirelessly, which is ideal for students on the go; or in Ultra Power Saving mode, through which students can receive up to 24 hours of time for a 10-cent charge. Available in eight- and nine-inch screens, the GALAXY Tab A promises a great viewing and reading experience.
Roku 3
This streaming video media player is ideal for the dorm room or even the house you share with 10 other people in Kits. With 1,400 channels and counting, Roku players offer a huge selection of streaming entertainment to your TV, including Netflix, Cineplex Store, VEVO, Crackle, NHL GameCenter and more. Visit roku.com.
Native Union Key Cable
The key cable is a keychain with concealed connectors, giving you access to any USB power outlet so you’re always prepared for those daily charging emergencies. It’s short and compact enough to fit in your pocket, but long enough to allow you to use your phone while charging and syncing. Visit nativeunion.ca.
PowerCube outlet adapter
This electrical adapter with five-foot extension cord includes four outlets, a dual USB port and re-settable fuse. Charge your smartphone, tablet and more with this adapter, which also offers four traditional power outlets. The cube solves the problem of overcrowding when you have two large plugs next to
each other. Available at most retailers that sell electronics.
Big Jambox
No cords. No docks. No plugs. This remote speaker gets a whopping 15 hours of playback from a single charge, so you’ll need a rest before it ever will. The Jawbone app gives you one-touch access to all your saved and streaming music. Visit jawbone.com.
Kensington ComboSaver notebook lock
“My laptop was stolen” has become the equivalent of “The dog ate my homework.” But now, there’s no excuse for not handing in that paper on time. Keep your laptop safe with this sturdy cable and combination-lock set. Designed to fit into your laptop’s security slot, the compact ComboSaver includes a 1.8-metre-long coiled cable and a four-wheel combination lock. Visit kensington.com.
Karma Go
The only problem with Karma Go is you won’t be able to use a lack of Wi-Fi as an excuse for not getting a paper in on time. The gadget means you have continuous access to a 4G mobile hotspot. Karma offers a pay-as-you-go model, but also has a social component that lets you earn free data every time someone new logs onto your connection. So, while the initial investment will cost about $150, if left on at the right places, you may never have to pay for mobile data again. So forget the coffee shop, with Karma Go you can stay in your room and finish that paper on time. Your parents will be so proud.
UE ROLL
This powerful pint-sized wireless Bluetooth speaker brings the music to hidden beaches, cliff jumps and mountain climbs. The UE ROLL is IPX7-rated waterproof, so it’s great for the beach, climbing a waterfall or even starting a dance party in the river. That’s assuming your homework is already done.
@sthomas10
