Technology
Back to school tech for the new normal Technology has always been an important tool for schoolchildren and students, but it’s even more important now: during lockdown it became clear that children and teenagers with access to appropriate technology were better placed for remote learning than those without. Lockdown may be over, but if infection rates rise again then we could go back to ‘blended learning’ where some or all of the school week has to take place at home – and older children are expected to use technology for homework even when things are normal. And of course, technology isn’t just for studying. It’s also for having fun: video chatting with friends, playing games, bingeing on TV box sets and taking advantage of apps. And that means buying tech can be a challenge: what should you buy if you want something that’s useful for school or college work as well as leisure time? We think these products should be in your tech shopping list. Apple’s iPad has no real rivals, so if a tablet is your preferred option that’s the one to go for: even the cheapest one is incredibly powerful and flexible; however, it’s also eminently breakable, so consider a protective case and gadget insurance too. Apple may seem like the go-to choice for laptops too, but its Mac laptops are much more expensive than equally powerful Windows PCs. There are lots of really great Windows laptops for very good prices, and Microsoft’s Surface range is stylish as well as powerful. We’ve also given some thought to getting online when there isn’t good broadband available, and to something that’s as important as any PC’s processor or tablet’s tech: the backpack it’s going to be carried around in.
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iPad Apple’s world-beating tablet is portable, powerful and has all the apps you need, and with the latest software update it’s also a real alternative to many laptops. It’s £379 from Apple.com.
Microsoft Surface Go 2 Many schools and colleges are based on Windows apps and require a Windows computer. Microsoft’s Surface Go runs the full version of Windows 10 and is desirable, portable and very affordable – it’s £399 from Microsoft.com.
Fjällräven Kånken Laptop Backpack A sturdy, padded backpack is important for carrying tablets or laptops around, and while the Fjällräven Kånken is one of the more expensive ones it’s beautifully made and very fashionable. Be careful, though: this brand is widely counterfeited so only buy from reputable retailers. It costs from £71 at Amazon.co.uk.
Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi dongle If your child can’t get a fast, reliable internet connection for studying this dongle connects to the 4G mobile phone network and creates a Wi-Fi network you can connect multiple devices to. It costs from £22 per month at three.co.uk. Logitech Crayon Logitech’s tablet stylus is as much fun as an Apple Pencil but it’s an awful lot cheaper. It’s great for drawing and note-taking, and it works on the current iPad and the iPad Pro. It’s £65 from Logitech.com.
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