Best Back-to-School Gadgets
Check out our picks for high-tech back-to-school tools.
Aug. 16, 2008 — -- It's back-to-school season, and if you're scoping out the latest must-haves, you may notice it's tricky to tell which products make the grade and which are better left warming the bench.
Whether you're willing to spend a little or looking to save a lot, "Good Morning America" technology contributor Becky Worley reveals the best deals for your kids this school year.
Laptops
Steal: Dell's 1525 Laptop, $549. It comes in various colors and will give you the most bang for you computing buck.
Splurge: Apple's Macbook, $999. It's the coolest laptop on the market, and you get a free iPod with purchase.
Secret: Buy software separately. You can save as much as 70 percent by buying computer software separately, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, from the computer. Try AcademicSuperstore.com for big discounts on school software.
Printers
Steal: Canon's Pixma IP2600 printer, $49. It gives you all the basics at an unbeatable price. Try Amazon.com for more printer steals and deals.
Splurge: HP'S Officejet J4680 printer, $130. It comes with Wi-Fi, which means you can print without hooking up messy cords all over the dorm room.
Secret: Upgrade Wi-Fi speed. Multicomputer families and students need Wi-Fi at home. A new standard of Wi-Fi gives you twice the range and up to three times the speed for the same price.
Cell Phones
Steal: LG'S Aloha cell phone, free with $10 purchase of talk time. This gives you a basic phone at the cheapest price around.
Splurge: T-Mobile's Sidekick, $150. This sidekick has a faceplate you can customize. You can decorate it with pictures of your friends, the logo of your school or your favorite TV show. Visit Skinit.com for custom decorating ideas.
Secret: Buy prepaid minutes and data. Until your kids prove they understand the limits of texting and air time, purchase usage at the beginning of each and don't worry about huge bills.
Backpacks
Steal: CalPak's Rolling Backpack, $49. These backpacks are cool-looking, cheap, ergonomically sound and can be wheeled around. Check out Target.com for the full line.
Splurge: SkullCandy's audio pack, $130. SkullCandy's backpacks double as sound systems. You can hook your MP3 player into it, and control songs on the arm straps. If you don't want to use headphones, each strap also has built-in external speakers to turn your backpack into a stereo system.
Secret: Use Internet coupons. Web sites like eBags.com offer deep discounts on cool school backpacks for kindergarteners to college kids.