New tech is coming out left and right, and for college students, it’s a real big decision when you decide to buy some new and pretty gadgets for yourself. Whether it’s an investment for the next four years and more, or just some cool stuff that will definitely make your life easier, I’m here for you. Resident tech nerd reporting for duty!
I’ve included photos from Jonathan Morrison’s TLD tech channel @tldtoday on Youtube - you MUST watch his videos for some awesome tech reviews on new stuff that comes out. His videos seriously make my perfectionist self so happy with such precise footage. He’s reviewed the RAVPower Swiss Army Battery, the Jaybirds, and the Grid-It organizer mentioned in this article.
I’m on #TeamCrispy, and you should be too. (This isn’t an ad for him or anything, he’s just really great)
1. RAVPower Swiss Army Battery / $33.99
If you’re a photographer, filmer, etc. you’ll LOVE this. Everything on the go, including Wi-Fi hotspot to transfer photos/videos as needed over your network, built-in 3000 mAh power bank, SD/USB inserts and more. Its name truly fits, and it’s a pretty sick tool to have when you’re out and about. What I love the most about this Swiss Army Battery from RAVPower is that it’s so portable and slim. It’s crazy how easy to carry it is, and how much power it has. Since I love taking photos, it’s really amazing to have with me as an all-around gadget, instead of having to carry around multiple devices all the time.
2. Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless / $139.98
Although these earphones are on the pricey side, I’d definitely recommend them for quality. I believe that it’s better to invest in a good pair of earphones especially because in college, you have a lot of time to yourself to get in your zone when studying or just walking to class. Sweat-proof, eight hours of music and call time. Really great, especially if you’re active, they fit nicely, stay in your ear and look gorgeous, too. Not completely noise-cancelling, but if you’re active, I think that hearing a bit of your surroundings would be safe, just in case. These earbuds go around your neck and are just all-around pretty hassle-free. The Jaybirds offer really nice sound, and since they’re wireless, also watch out for your battery on both devices (phone & earbuds). This is when charging comes in handy, eh?
I find it hard to lose a good pair of earphones, but if you’re the type to forget, then I’d say get some good headphones instead - wireless Beats or Sony headphones would be a good investment, too.
3. RAVPower’s External Battery Pack Deluxe Series / $17.99
Here I have my precious battery pack from the great RAVPower. This one in the photo has 10400mAh capacity. It comes in black or white, and includes a case bag and two micro USB cables in the box. This is definitely something you can buy on that college budget - for under $20, this is a beast. It’s bigger than the RAVPower Swiss Army Battery, but it’s only because this external battery pack’s main function is providing you fast charge in a larger capacity. Also, I love that it has the little signal status lights to let you know the remaining charge. Really safe to use.
4. Grid-It Organizer / $14.99
If you’re like me, and you have loose materials that are probably really important to your life all “somewhere” in your bag, this beautiful invention will be your lifesaver. Cocoon’s Grid-It Organizer helps you insert your small electronics and devices in its flat organizer, with a zipper in the back to put in other materials. If you have such great tech, why not take care of it? Your stuff can easily be knocked around in a backpack and deteriorate over time if it isn’t packed or covered properly. It also helps you leave your folded cords or earphones in their right place without them tangling on their own in the bottom of your bag. Pretty great to have in your backpack, especially if you’re an organization enthusiast like I am!
5. SanDisk Extreme 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive / $33.85
Every college student is going to need a USB flash drive sooner or later. What is really fantastic about this little thing is that it stores all those files you need on the go. I’m sure you’re familiar with what a USB drive is, so I’ll go on about the extra cool functions. It might be on the pricey side for a flash drive, but it offers tons of storage. I have the 64 GB, which is honestly enough (I just have a lot of .png and .swf files that need the extra space). It also includes a secure file encryption and password protection (with the SanDisk software) that really helps just in case you might forget it in class etc. No one but you (or whoever has the password of course) would be able to view your files. USB 3.0 enabled and capless design makes it super portable.
6. ZUS Smart Car Charger / $35.99
Alright. If you love going to the city and exploring new places, this might be for you. Not only does this amazing little thing have two USB inserts to charge your devices, but it’s also a smart car locator. That’s right. No more having to take photos of the street where you parked, no more having to awkwardly walk around the entire parking garage to find your car. When you turn on your bluetooth using your smartphone, it automatically syncs up with the charger, and back to your phone. It saves your location when you’re parked and your engine is turned off. The ZUS charger would have to be plugged into your cigarette lighter port. With the downloaded ZUS app (incredibly easy user interface), it has a map and even says how far away you are from your car on the main display. Boasting military grade quality, double the charging speed, I’m still using it and it definitely works. Keep in mind though, it only saves your last location and takes a second or two to calibrate itself. If you’re in a place with absolutely no service (multi-level garage parking, airport parking) it most likely will not work without GPS signal/data.
Update: It’s also added a “parking time alert”, as well, which should definitely come in handy.
7. Google Chrome Extension: AdBlock / free!
Last but not least, Adblock. It’s pretty surprising to me how some people don’t know about this, actually. If you love using Google Chrome like I do in comparison to Safari or Firefox, you should already know about the plethora of Chrome Extensions you can install. These are easy-to-click mini portals that can offer you lots of functions like adding something into your Pocket, Amazon Wish List, and more.
Adblock is pretty self-explanatory, it basically just blocks all of your ads and pop-ups that might occur on your webpages. Works perfect for the average Youtube binger, film geek, etc. No need to wait that 1-2 minutes! Better use of your time when you’re watching a video, TV show or movie online and you can skip all of the ads. Especially as a college student, sometimes you just don’t have that time. I get you. Get Adblock.
