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Tech Gadgets to Help You with School

Published in The Aggie on January 25, 2006

Like many students, you might have scored some pretty cool tech gadgets over the holidays. Now, it's doubtful you can convince your parents that a set of iPod speakers or a new game for your Xbox 360 would boost your grades. However, here are some technology tools that could help you in school and not break the bank.

Portable Word Processors
If you're tired of lugging around a heavy laptop, these two-pound treasures will save your aching back. Portable word processors, like the AlphaSmart Neo ($249), come complete with a tiny screen and a full-sized keyboard. You can type to your heart's content for 750 hours on three AA batteries, meaning you probably won't have to recharge it for several quarters. These word processors interface with your desktop computer via USB-just plug it in and it will copy your text directly into Microsoft Word.

So, what can you do with these sleek little machines? You can type text. That's it. But the seeming lack of features is the strongest trait; there are no blinking instant messages or games to distract you. Take it to the park and write your English paper, or chill in a coffee shop and focus on your poetry.

Digital Pens
A lot of folks bring laptops to class these days and type like mad, but some students still prefer the feel of pen and paper. Luckily, with digital pens, students can enjoy the clarity of type written notes without giving up their cherished pad and paper. Digital pens (which run $50-$125) remember everything you write on your piece of paper and store the data inside the pen. When you get home, connect it to your computer via USB and download your handwritten notes as a graphic.

The more expensive models, such as the Logitech's io Pen ($195), can convert your handwritten notes directly into text when you use a special dotted "smart paper." The computer analyzes your chicken scratch and converts it into editable text that you can paste straight into Microsoft Word. Plus, the smart paper comes in various forms: notebooks, Post-it Notes, and more.

USB Mini Hard Drives
We've all seen the little USB Flash drives (AKA keychain drives); they are small, quick, and easy to use. But if you've been using these mini storage devices for a while, you may have found yourself running out of room, and mini USB hard drives might be perfect for you.

Most of these USB mini hard drives pack enough storage space to carry your PowerPoint presentations, video projects, photographs, scanned documents, MP3s, and anything else you'd need. Some various models to research further: EZ Bus Mini 20 GB (about the size of your palm, $159), the Archos ARCDisk Keychain 4 GB (the USB connector folds in to form a keychain, $139), and the Seagate Pocket Hard Drive 5 GB (which has a retractable cable, $99). Don't forget that your iPod-which is essentially a portable storage drive used mainly for music files-can also hold any other type of files.

Disclaimer: This article is meant to provide an overview of certain technology products. Neither IET nor UC Davis endorses these products.

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