Laptop Storage/Transport

If you decide to purchase a laptop computer instead of a desktop, then you probably made that choice because you are going to need to use that computer in a lot of places. Whether that means the library, class or a lab, portability is a hugely important part of owning a laptop computer. But it’s also an expensive, fragile machine that needs to be protected while you carry it around. Laptop cases, such as the one below, are a great choice for 15 inch laptops. I like cases like this because they aren’t too bulky, they are stylish, and they are affordable. It also has a lot of pockets and room for your laptop’s power adapter. Click here to learn more about the Case Logic DLC-115.   If you don’t like shoulder bags, though, you might prefer a laptop backpack instead. The Swiss gear one below will fit most 15 inch laptops, and won’t cost an arm and a leg. It also has the added bonus of additional sections and pockets, so it can fit a lot of your other accessories as well. Plus the bag features an attractive unisex design that will appeal to both guys and girls, making it a good backpack, too, even if you don’t need it to carry your laptop.  

Data Storage and Transportation

You are going to be working on projects for your classes in a lot of different locations, so it’s important that you are able to move large files around between different computers and locations. And while cloud storage services like Dropbox have made it easier than ever to share large files, some teachers may not know how to use it effectively. Email is often out of the question as well, due to file attachment size limitations. This means that you are going to need a physical option for transporting your files, such as a USB flash drive or a portable external hard drive. Luckily the prices on these items have come down a lot over the past year or so, and you can typically pick them up for a lot less than you think. Here is a 32 GB USB flash drive that has some great reviews and a low price. If you also have a lot of video and music files that you need to move around, however, then a 32 GB flash drive may not be sufficient. In that case, a portable external hard drive is a better choice. This 1 TB option is one that I have been using for a while without any problems, and it will provide enough space for even very large file collections.  

Cheap Entertainment

  While you will be very busy during your semester back at school, it’s important to leave some leisure time on the weekends so that you don’t get burned out before your finals. But money is tight while you are at school, and frequent trips to the movies, mall and other entertainment venues might be out of the question. This is going to mean that you will be spending a lot of time at home and, if your school doesn’t offer cable, or you can’t afford it, then your selection might be slim. Click here to learn more about the Roku LT.   After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites. His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well. Read his full bio here.

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Affordable  But Important  Computer Accessories for Back to School - 30