As the summer breaks end, it is time to shop for back to school for books and tech but to fully prepare, we came up with a list of tech deals you should look out for!
You may be wondering what technology could be great as you settle into your new dorm, useful for your education, or simply looking to upgrade your gadgets in time for back to school. Although this could be challenging to think about as there are a lot of options, you may want something that is right for you and fits your needs without too much of a hassle.
To help make it easier for you during your back-to-school shopping, we at CGM think that the tech below could be useful, ranging from computer accessories to gaming consoles for your dorm to relax during your off time.
PC and Laptop Accessories:
If you are someone who does the majority of their work on their laptop or computer, you may have thought about getting accessories to make things a bit easier during your intensive hours of working. To help out, here are two accessories we at CGM recommend that could be helpful as you prepare for back to school!
When working on your assignment on your laptop, it may be best to try to avoid straining your neck with the Kensington: Universal Tabletop Laptop Riser as it helps to elevate the laptop to your eyesight with ease, yet it is very durable to support laptop weighing 8kg. But if you are looking to use a monitor to display your work from your laptop, the Plugable 12-in-1 Dual 4K USB C Docking Station is great as you can broadcast up to 4K and 60 Hz, but also connect your Ethernet and peripherals thanks to the six USB slots.
- Kensington: Universal Tabletop Laptop Riser – Buy it here for $52.04!
- Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station – Buy it here for $159.95!
- Solid Construction: made with strong steel and aluminum
- Designed for Ergonomic Comfort, allowing users to elevate the screen to eye level for the optimum viewing angle
- Certified Chromebook Docking Station – Designed for reliable, high-performance use in business and education settings, this Works With Chromebook Certified 12-port docking station supports dual 4K 60Hz displays via 2x HDMI or 2x DisplayPort ports – perfect for classrooms, labs, and teacher workstations. Ideal for standardized Chromebook deployments across school districts or enterprise environments.
- Dual 4K – Windows and Chromebook docking station dual monitor is supported through 2x HDMI and 2x DisplayPort connections. Users can standardize on one or use a mix of either HDMI or DP to add two screens, each with up to 4K 60Hz resolution
Tablets for Back to School:
Are you looking to grab a tablet or looking to upgrade in time for back to school? If so, we at CGM would recommend these tablets. Here are some advantages for the OnePlus Pad 2 and the iPad Pro M4.
Suppose you are more in the creative field. In that case, the iPad Pro M4 is great. It has the new M4 chip to provide top performance for production and gaming, an Ultra Retina XDR display for extreme brightness with precise contrast, and is great to pair with the new Apple Pencil Pro and a redesigned Magic Keyboard.
But if you are someone who is in the OnePlus ecosystem, or uses Android in general, the OnePlus Pad 2 could be useful with its 12GB RAM and 256GB storage to take your efficiency to the next level as you can multitask freely, a 3K 12.1” display to showcase the brightness and detail of the content, and a One-Touch transmission to transfer files from your OnePlus phones to the tablet.
- OnePlus Pad 2 – Buy it here for $550!
- iPad Pro M4 – Buy it here for $999.00!
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad experience in an impossibly thin and light design. Featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, outrageous performance from the M4 chip, superfast wireless connectivity,* and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
E-Ink Tablets For Back to School!
For those who like to jot down notes the old-fashioned way, how about upgrading to an e-Ink tablet? Not only can you jot down notes on a tablet, but it can sync with other devices and convert your handwriting into plain text. But to choose the right e-ink tablet, here are some we recommend!
If you are looking for an e-ink tablet that gets the job done without anything extra, the Supernote Nomad e-ink is perfect as you pay what you get and it is very sleek in design. But if you are looking to upgrade your e-ink tablet, the reMarkable 2 tablet is great as it feels like paper as you write on PDF. However, with the BOOX Note Air3, you can multitask using two apps at the same time.
- Supernote Nomad e-Ink – Buy it here for $299.00!
- reMarkable 2 Tablet – Buy it here for $423.70.00!
- BOOX Note Air3 – Buy it here for $499.00!
- 【Tablet Likes Paper】The reMarkable 2 paper tablet is the world’s thinnest tablet. At just 4.7 mm / 0.19 in, it’s comfortable to write on and exceptionally portable. Designed to work exclusively with the groundbreaking color display to deliver realistic friction and natural writing feel, the included Marker Plus offers precise control, incredible responsiveness, and all-day comfort.
- 【Notes Organized and Accesible】Keep all your handwritten notes, to-do lists, PDFs, ebooks, and reMarkable pen sketches organized and in one place. reMarkable bridges the gap between handwritten pages and your digital devices. This reMarkable tablet will be Easily access your notes from your laptop or phone, where they’re always readily available to review and reuse.
- Convenient Split Screen: Use two apps at once or read books while taking notes. The flexible split screen feature takes Note Air3 C to a higher level and gives you more possibilities to think, create and get things done.
- Easy File Transfer: Send files from your computer and mobile device, or download files from the Note Air3 C – you can do both easily using the built-in BOOXDrop³. Enjoy limitless transfer.
Get Dorm Ready for Back to School:
If you plan on living in a dorm or somewhere closer to your college and university, having something to entertain you is also important to help you relax and pass some time during your education. For smooth back to school shopping, here is some gaming tech we recommend!
If you are planning on playing modern games in a compact form, the Xbox Series S would be your best bet as it is powerful and small, but for those who are planning to game on the go, the PlayStation Portable is perfect as it connects from the Wi-Fi to let you play anywhere with eas. But if you are just looking to bring your PC games on the go, the ROG Ally X would be great as you can play your games from Steam, Epic Games, GOG, Microsoft Store, and many more on one device altogether.
CGM recommends these consoles during your time off:
- Xbox Series S – Buy it here for $299.99 – $414.99!
- PlayStation Portable – Buy it here for $199.00!
- ROG Ally X – Buy it here for $799.99!
- Go all digital with Xbox Series S and experience next-gen speed and performance at a great price.
- Bundle includes: Xbox Series S console, one Xbox Wireless Controller, a high-speed HDMI cable, power cable, and 2 AA batteries.
- XBOX SERIES S 1TB: Go all digital and experience next-gen speed and performance. Double the fun with double the storage.
- FASTER LOAD TIMES: Make the most of every gaming minute with Quick Resume, lightning-fast load times, and gameplay of up to 120 FPS – all powered by Xbox Velocity Architecture.
- Put Your PS5 in the Palm of Your Hand – PlayStation Portal Remote Player gives you access to the games on your PS5 over your home Wi-Fi*, letting you jump right into gaming without needing to play on a TV.
- Play Your Game Collection – PlayStation Portal Remote Player can play compatible games you have installed on your PS5 console, including your favorite games for PS5 and PS4.**
Gaming Gift Cards:
If you are planning on playing online or accessing subscription perks to play games, it may be worth picking up a monthly subscription for Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo, depending on your main consoles. But if you are planning on playing from your laptop or portable gaming PC such as Steam Deck or ROG Ally X, it may be worth picking up a Steam gift card as you can get many games during big sales. To find the right subscription for you, here are the perks for each console!
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is great as not only will you get to play online, but you have access to many games on console and PC, especially for day one releases for selected games and first party. If you are a PlayStation player, the PlayStation Plus Premium is great for access to online, exclusive content and deals, massive libraries of modern and classic games, Sony Pictures catalogue, and many more. Lastly, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion is the best subscription for Nintendo players as not only do you receive the base subscription, but access to Nintendo 64 and GameBoy Advance libraries, Sega Genesis libraries, and access to DLC for Mario Kart 8, Splatoon 2, and Animal Crossing: New Horizon.
CGM recommended subscriptions and gift cards:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – Buy it here for $19.99/month!
- PlayStation Plus Premium – Buy it here for $21.99/month!
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack – Buy it here for $63.99/year!
- Steam Gift Cards – Buy it here for $5 – $100!
Smartphones for Back to School:
Before heading back to school, upgrading to the latest phone for your daily driver may be the best choice. To help select the right phone to fit your needs and budget, CGM recommends these phones in time for back to school!
To find which phone is right for you, here are some advantages to each phone recommended. The Samsung Z Flip6 is a very interesting phone reminiscent of flip phones but features high-end specs and integrates AI to improve your photos and translate 16 languages fluently. Moving onto the budget-friendly phones, if you just want something that gets the job done but is up to date, the Google Pixel 8a offers great specs. It has a Google AI to enhance your photos and day-to-day tasks, while the Xiaomi Poco f6 has an AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and has Dual SIM support.
If you are looking into joining the OnePlus ecosystem, the OnePlus 12 could be your best bet if you purchase the phone from their website. You will have the option to trade in any of your devices for a C$150 Bonus, receive an extra 10% student discount, and a free OnePlus Buds Pro 2 or Backpack when purchasing the OnePlus 12.
CGM recommends these smartphones in time for back to school:
- Samsung Z Flip6 – Buy it here for $1,049.00!
- OnePlus 12 – Buy it here for $799.99!
- Xiaomi Poco f6 – Buy it here for $392.62!
- Google Pixel 8a – Buy it here for $499.00!
- DON’T STOP TO CROP: Capture stunning hands-free photos using FlexCam with Galaxy AI to frame up your shot automatically; Whether you’re posing in front of a famous landmark or want to get the whole group in, keep everything you want in frame¹
- TAKE PICS FROM GOOD TO GREAT WITH GALAXY AI: Galaxy Z Flip6 takes great photos and easily fixes imperfections, moves objects and enhances colors using Photo Assist with Galaxy AI²
- Comes with 6 months of Google One and 3 months of Youtube Premium with purchase of OnePlus 12. (New accounts only for each service to qualify)
- Pure Performance: The OnePlus 12 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with up to 16GB of RAM. The improved processing power & graphics performance is supported by the latest Dual Cryo-velocity VC cooling chamber, which improves thermal efficiency & heat dissipation.
- USA MARKET: Only Works on Tmobile – Mint – Tello – Lyca Mobile or any under Tmobile Network. GLOBAL Unlocked Dual Sim. 5G + 4G VoLTE Worldwide Unlocked Dual Nano sim . FCC ID: 2AFZZRKC6G
- Dual SIM: 5G+5G / 5G + 4G 5G: SNetwork bands:Supports 5G* / 4G / 3G/ 2G5G Sub6G: /3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78 4G LTE FDD: /2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28/66(NarrowBand) 4G LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42/48 3G WCDMA: B1/2/4/5/8 2G Quad Band
- Meet Google Pixel 8a, the Google AI phone; with the incredible Pixel Camera and top-rated security features help protect your data[1]
- Unlocked Android 5G smartphone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
Laptops for Back to School
Looking to get a new laptop or upgrade in time for back to school? Whether it is for basic use or more intensive tasks requiring software, for coding, and otherwise, here are some laptops we at CGM recommend that could fit your needs!
For those who will be doing intensive tasks, the ASUS Zenbook S 16 could be useful as it has an OLED touchscreen, the latest Ryzen 9 CPU with AI, and 32GB RAM. If you are more in the creative field, the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i is perfect as it looks like an ordinary productivity laptop, but packs a punch under the hood, allowing for light gaming and content creation.
Lastly, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is great for those who are just looking to get their task done but are assisted by the Copilot AI with real-time translation for video calls and streaming, generate art from text, and enhance calls on Microsoft Studio Effects.
Sets of laptop CGM recommend for back to school:
- ASUS Zenbook S 16 – Buy it here for $1,699.99!
- Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i – Buy it here for $1,949.95!
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 – Buy it here for $1,299.99!
- Processor – Intel 14th Gen Ultra 9 185H Processor (E-cores up to 3.80 GHz P-cores up to 5.10 GHz)
- Operating System – Windows 11 Pro 64
- [This is a Copilot+ PC] — A new AI era begins. Experience enhanced performance and AI capabilities with Copilot+ PC, boosting productivity with security and privacy in mind
- [Introducing Surface Laptop] — Power, speed, and touchscreen versatility with AI features. Transform your work, play, and creativity with a razor-thin display and best-in-class specs.
Keyboards & Mice:
If you are someone hoping to grab a keyboard and mouse for your PC or Mac at home or your laptop on the go, here is some set we at CGM recommend in time for back to school!
The Logitech MX Keys S Combo is quite interesting as it has laptop-like typing with fast and precise mouse scrolling, perfect for those who are more comfortable using a laptop keyboard for their computer or Mac. But if you are looking for something that is budget-friendly, the Cherry Stream Desktop is great as it is quiet yet comfortable to use, and the mouse has three DPI settings going up to 2500 DPI.
If you are just hoping to grab a new mouse for gaming, the Turtle Beach Burst II Air is perfect as it is very lightweight, up to 26K DPI, and can last for 120 hours wirelessly before being charged.
Keyboard and Mouse CGM recommend for back to school:
- Logitech MX Keys S Combo (Mac) – Buy it here for $269.99!
- Logitech MX Keys S Combo (PC) – Buy it here for $269.99!
- Turtle Beach Burst II Air – Buy it here for $99.99!
- Cherry Stream Desktop – Buy it here for $58.00!
- Engineered for Speed and Precision: MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard features fast fluid laptop-like typing combined with the fast, precise scrolling of MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Ultra-lightweight, ergonomic design at best-in-class 47g
- Dynamic accuracy with 26k DPI/650 IPS (16.5m/s) optical sensor
- Maximum productivity: -> Extremely quiet keystrokes -> CHERRY SX scissor mechanism -> Quiet mouse buttons -> 3-level adjustable mouse sensor with up to 2400 dpi
- Highest quality: -> Rubberized feet for perfect slip resistance -> Integrated metal plate for maximum torsional rigidity -> „Blauer Engel“ ecolabel -> Durable key lettering -> Keyboard with AES-128 encryption
Headphones for Back to School:
Do you love listening to music while you work or playing video games in your spare time? I mean, who doesn’t? To help make a smooth transition, here are some headphones we at CGM recommend!
If you are looking for an all-around headphone for music and calling with friends or peers during an assignment, the Edifier WH950NB Wireless is great as it features 55 hours of playtime with ANC and dual connection. Another great pair is the Earfun Wave Pro Wireless, having 55 hours of playtime with ANC on or 80 hours of playtime with the ANC disabled and has five mics enhanced with AI for a clear call. But if you are interested in getting a headphone just for gaming, the Turtle Beach Atlas Air is great as it has an open-back design with floating earcups, a 40mm driver with high fidelity, is lightweight and lasts up to 50 hours.
Edifier WH950NB Wireless – Buy it here for $149.99!
- Earfun Wave Pro Wireless – Buy it here for $159.98!
- Turtle Beach Atlas Air – Buy it here for $179.99!
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless: The WH950NB headphone supports both Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification, which gives you a wide range of details, and clarity for the ultimate listening experience.
- Active Noise Cancellation with Ambient Sound: There are 2 active noise cancellation modes, so that users could choose ambient sound or wind reduction in different scenarios to create an ideal environment.
- [Snapdragon Sound & Hi-Res Sound & aptX Adaptive Audio] The EarFun Free Pro 3 wireless earbuds adopt the latest advanced Qualcomm QCC3072 chip, new Snapdragon Sound Technology, and aptX adaptive audio to deliver a dynamic yet balanced audio experience. Our true wireless earbuds are compatible with Hi-Res audio decoding, providing a transfer rate of up to 24bit/96kHz, achieving lossless transfer while delivering high fidelity. 📌iOS devices are not compatible with aptX Adaptive.
- [Active Noise Canceling up to 43dB] Experience active noise cancellation with EarFun’s QuietSmart 2.0 ANC technology that reduces noise by up to 43 dB. Freely switching between three modes (ANC / Ambient Sound / Normal) with one button allows you to immerse yourself in your own world no matter your environment. 📌Upgrade the latest firmware in the App to experience the Ear-Adaptive ANC modes for better ANC effect.
- Open Back Design with World’s First Floating Earcup
- 40mm Drivers with High-Fidelity 24-bit Audio Quality
Jazwares Assorted Clip-Ons Backpack Clips:
Have you been wondering how you could make your backpack stand out and more adorable? Luckily, you won’t have to think too hard as Jazwares has released sets of new clip-ons for backpacks ranging from many beloved cartoon and anime characters, just in time for back to school!
The Jazwares assorted clip-ons have released sets at Gamestop, featuring characters from Hello Kitty, Pokemon, and Squishmellows. For each of the sets, you will have a wide selection of adorable clips you can purchase to make your backpack stand out from the others!
CGM recommend these backpack clips in time for back to school:
- Jazwares Assorted Clip-Ons backpack clips – Buy it here for $9.99!
That about wraps up everything we at CGM recommend grabbing in time for back to school! Is there anything that catches your eye?
Don’t forget to check out our back to school giveaway from Kensington, where you could win an H3000 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headset, Pro Fit USB Washable Keyboard, Collapsible Aluminum Laptop Riser and Universal 3-in-1 Combination Laptop Lock. Contest closes August 23, 2024, with shipping available in Canada and the US.
Samsung PRO Ultimate Micro SD Card
As students return to class, capturing high-quality photos and videos for projects or personal use is more important than ever, and what better way to do so than with a modern microSD card? The Samsung PRO Ultimate microSD card is a top choice for those seeking a reliable and speedy storage solution, and we wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone doing creative work without worrying about file safety. This high-performance card boasts read speeds of up to 200MB/s and write speeds of up to 130MB/s, making it ideal for recording 4K video and high-resolution images.
Designed with professionals in mind, the Samsung PRO Ultimate microSD card is built with advanced V-NAND flash memory. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty, along with six-proof protection against water, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Whether you’re using an action camera like the GoPro Hero12 Black or a drone like the Insta360 X4, this microSD card is built to handle demanding camera settings. With capacities ranging from 128GB to 512GB, there’s a Samsung PRO Ultimate microSD card to suit every need. For students seeking a reliable, high-performance storage solution, this card is definitely worth considering.
- READ/WRITE SPEEDS UP TO 200/130 MB/S: The PRO Ultimate MicroSD makes it easy to complete each task; Spend more time creating and less time saving with read & write speeds up to 200/130 MB/s—bringing you faster loading and 4K UHD video capture*
- EXTENSIVE COMPATIBILITY: Whether you’re using a phone or a gaming console*, count on the PRO Ultimate microSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving**
Seagate Game Drive External SSD
The Seagate Game Drive external SSD for PlayStation is a fantastic choice for students looking to expand their console storage. If you’re like me and make sure not to forget your gaming gear when leaving home, heading to college is the perfect time to upgrade your setup. This officially licensed drive comes in 1TB and 2TB options—perfect for storing your ever-growing game library. With a USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 interface, you’ll enjoy speedy transfers, making it easy to move games between your PS5 and the drive.
While it can’t play PS5 games directly, it’s great for archiving them, playing PS4 titles, and storing saves and other files you may need in your daily gaming activities. The sleek design, featuring PlayStation branding and blue LED lighting, adds a cool factor to your setup. At $129.99 for 1TB and $219.99 for 2TB, it’s a bit pricier than some alternatives, but the PlayStation optimization and reliable Seagate build quality make it worth considering. Plus, it comes with a two-week free trial of PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe, giving you a taste of Sony’s game streaming service. What’s not to love about that?
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED Built with matching firmware to seamlessly work with all models of PS5 and PS4.
- PS5 READY Store your PS5 games and transfer them to the console when it’s time to play.
BlackZero Toolset
As students gear up for the new school year, having the right tools can make all the difference. Enter the BlackZero toolset, a versatile and compact solution for dorm room DIY and tech maintenance—perfect for students heading off to college for the first time. This three-in-one toolbox is ideal for unexpected repairs or assembly projects that arise during college life. With its modular design, you can easily carry just the tools you need without lugging around a bulky kit. Everything is designed to be modular, and a range of options, including a cordless drill, make it perfect for those who want everything ready when needed, without the bulk.
Whether you’re hanging posters, assembling furniture, or tinkering with your gaming rig, the BlackZero has you covered. The accessory box is particularly handy, stocked with various screws and small parts that always seem to go missing. While it might seem like an unconventional back-to-school item, the BlackZero toolset could be the unsung hero of your dorm room, ready to tackle any impromptu fix-it jobs that come your way.
- 2-in-1 PORTABLE DESIGN: The toolbox is categorized by manual and electric, compact, easy to carry and fully functional. There is Tough ABS material outer case, wear-resistant. Two tiers of tools can be used at the same time or carried separately for space-saving use,Compact structure is ideal for storage and on-the-go.The toolbox is equipped with all the tools needed for the family, just one set can handle all
- INTELLIGENT DISPLAY & 5 WORKING MODES: The Brushless drill is equipped with a high-resolution display, a new interactive experience, the intelligent display can show the current operating mode, dual mode and forward and backward prompts. One key to switch between 5 modes, just touch the button at the bottom of the display, you can switch between the 5 operating modes at any time
