Best graduation gadgets for new college freshmen

By Phil Hornshaw

High school graduation is a time for celebration. But, if your graduate is headed to college, well, the there’s still loads of studying, paper-writing and note-taking on the horizon. Thankfully, there are a whole lot of gadgets out there that can seriously help students put a dent in those activities, and if you’re willing to keep an eye out for low prices, they won’t break Mom and Dad’s bank.

The right tech for the job

A reliable computer is usually the most important tool in a college student’s arsenal, and laptops are generally the item of choice. Handy and portable, they’re good options for long sessions in the library, taking notes in class and working in cafes. They’re also readily available just about anywhere – you can find new computers at Best Buy, Target and Walmart, for a start, each of which offers 2 percent Cash Back. Or, try building a desktop of your own with components from Newegg.

Tablets also make great tools for taking notes and portability, and sometimes are cheaper than full laptops. New iPads start around $499, but you can also nab 1 percent Cash Back from Apple.com. Or, get the best of both worlds and grab the new XPS 18 tablet from Dell – it can be placed on a stand with a keyboard to act as a traditional computer. The versatility makes it great for college students, and it comes in at $899, with 3 percent Cash Back from Dell.

Determining which tools will best help you learn will help you narrow your search for a computer or a tablet, and once you’ve decided what you want, finding great prices is just a matter of shopping around. Whether you opt for a Mac or PC, an Android compatible tablet or an iPad, be patient in your shopping. This way, you can get your college freshman what he or she needs for an affordable price.