Back-to-School Electronic Must-Haves

The summer is flying by per usual.  It seems to get shorter each year.  And with the close of summer comes Back-to-School prep.  What used to involve picking up a few new pens, pencils, folders and maybe a new backpack, now involves fairly complex (and not inexpensive) electronics purchases.

And we know it's often hard to figure out which products are best.  So, to help us help you ease the pain of back-to-school electronics shopping, we're taking a poll.  What's on your list?
Post a comment here telling us the kinds of products you're looking for and we'll post back with our top recommendations.

Check back with us on Aug. 13 for our experts' favorite makes and models.

In the meantime, enjoy these last few weeks of summer -- at least the leaves on the trees here in Boston are still nice and green!

Comments

[Andrea]

What is the best laptop available for a student to take to college that won't break the bank?

[Daisy]

Here's a great list from an article from the Washington Post last year that still rings true.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/12/AR2006081200218.html

Another more recent list is by CNet-- breaking down a couple of different tech must haves.
http://www.cnet.com/back-to-school-gift-ideas/?tag=side

I still think iPods are terrific for the bus rides home and a laptop computer is a must have for any high-school or college student. They will get more use from that than a desktop in the long run. iPhones are on the list though I would probably wait for the next upgrade when they have ironed out the kinks and the price point comes down. The kids can wait for that one---clothes and tuition come first.

[Laura]

My daughter is living off campus at college this semester. She wants a wireless network. Is one router better than another?

[Alison]

I have a 8 and 10 year old and want to block certain sites when they are online. What are your recommendations for "parental" software?

[The Good Auntie]

I just bought my niece and nephew a new desktop system. They're migrating to broadband from dial up. What do you recommend for an antivirus system, as well as other security features that should be in place for a 12 and a 9 year old.

[Kim]

I want to buy my nephew a MP3 player for college. Which is better an iPod or a non-brand MP3?

[Kristy White]

I have a son entering 4th grade this year and one starting kindergarten. We need to purchase a computer for them. The school uses Macs. Do we need to buy a Mac or would it be ok to get a PC? Also, what would be most user-friendly for both ages?