The best back-to-school tech toys and gadgets for college students

Gone are the days of colored pencils and protractors topping your back-to-school supply list. By the time you get to college, back-to-school shopping is all about the latest techy toys and geeky gadgets.

The National Retail Federation forecasts the average college student will spend $899 on back-to-school shopping this year. Shoppers are savvy, too, according to the survey, as nine out of 10 online shoppers will take advantage of free shipping deals. Savings lesson 101: Earn Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com on your electronics purchases and get access to exlusive deals and free shipping offers.

Here are four tech toys to help you ace college and dorm-living!

2-in-1: 

A 2-in-1 is just like a laptop-tablet hybrid. We love it for college students because in its tablet form, it can be a convenient way to take notes in a cramped lecture hall. You can also stash your downloaded eBooks on it and turn any area into a “study hall” — coffee shop, campus lawn, local pizzeria, you name it! When you morph it into a laptop, you’ve got the ability to do research and write essays. Oh, and don’t forget its entertainment value. Take a study break and stream your fave Netflix shows or play games.

Lenovo is running a great back-to-school sale, with tablets, laptops and 2-in-1’s deeply discounted. We like this Yoga 3 11” model, which can be converted into a laptop, tablet, tent and stand. Yoga 3 11”, starting at $679 (plus 2% Cash Back), Lenovo.com

Go Pro:

Lights, camera … ACTION.

They say college will be the best four (or, ahem, five) years of your life. Record your best adventures with a Go Pro camera — whether that’s surfing in Mexico during Spring Break or slacklining on campus during a lazy Sunday afternoon. This GoPro Hero HD camera is an affordable option. It’s waterproof, features high-def recording and has a built-in microphone so you can narrate your adventures. As a bonus, you’ll get a free Shutterfly photo book. Post videos on Facebook or YouTube to catch your family up to speed on your adventures. GoPro Hero HD Waterproof Action Camera, $129.99 (plus 2% Cash Back), Bestbuy.com 

Headphones:

Consider these a must-have for college, especially if you’re dorm dwelling. Your roommate and you might have totally different tastes in music or television, so a good pair of headphones can serve as a diplomat. Beats by Dre offer superb quality, whether you’re streaming a movie or cranking your workout playlist at the gym. They’re noise cancelling and feature a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 20 hours. Beats Studio Over-Ear Headphones, $226 (plus 3% Cash Back), Walmart.com 

Roku

Prime time television might not fit into your study schedule. Fortunately, you can stream your favorite television shows and movies — plus music and news — on a Roku player 24/7. This Wi-fi enabled device is pre-loaded with Pandora, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and Netflix and VUDU. The tiny black Roku box is ideal for dorm-living, too, because it barely takes up any space. When you purchase at Target, you’ll get a free two-month subscription to Hulu and Pandora One. Roku 3 Streaming Media Player, $99.99 (plus 1% Cash Back), Target.com