Dorms & Students: Back to School Tech Deals 8.1.2010

It's almost time for school again. This year why not save money and study smarter with technology? In this article we take a look at some popular must have technology you should consider for your dorm room or study space. We aren't talking about pencils and paper - we're talking about the cool stuff.

Laptops Let You Study Anywhere
Students especially should consider laptops since they are likely to travel between class and home. Laptops are highly portable but it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Some laptops are made for gaming while others are made for basic operation. If you're not sure which one you need, consider something in between. This find from BestBuy (Toshiba C655-S5049) features a full sized laptop from Toshiba with Windows 7 ready to go for under $400.00. We recommend that students and parents NEVER spend over 400 dollars on a laptop unless your son or daughter must game and perform graphically intense operations. Shop for something that is in your price range and don't let a salesman change your mind! Some features you just might not need! Don't pay extra!

Software for Students: Discounts
Students may be eligible for discounted software if you attend a accredited high school or college. We found this MS Student Home & Office ($125 from Walmart) discounted software package for people that need the office suite. Those who will be writing papers, using PowerPoint, and Excel should consider this. The alternative is the free open source package called "Open Office." We reviewed it here. If you just need a free alternative to the costly Microsoft product get Open Office. Otherwise, consider student discounts for software.

All in One Printers Are Affordable
Want to print, fax, copy, scan, and more with the push of a button for well under $100.00? All-in-one printers are great for students because they can scan and copy without going to Kinkos. Since they are getting smaller they can also fit with ease into the small confined spaces of the average dorm room. Check out this Canon Pixma MP250 Photo All-In-One Inkjet Printer/Copier/Scanner from Walmart for $40.00!

Entertainment for Students
Every good parent wants their kids to have fun so don't stop with pencils and paper. We've identified some must have entertainment technology that is extremely affordable and sure to keep your student entertained! Check out the Coby MP707 series MP4 player available at most BigLots for under $35 dollars. It plays almost all movies, can view pictures, has a decent sized full color screen, is thin, easy to use, has an fm radio, and much more for a fraction of the cost of an Ipod or Zune.

Tax Free States: For School Supplies
Although it's not a huge discount, there are some tax free days that take place in specific states. Call the store ahead of time to confirm details. These states have what's called a "no-tax holiday" for people shopping for school supplies:

Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.

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