Tech it out: Cool tools for back to school

While students might be reluctantly heading back into the classroom this fall, they should at least take comfort in knowing there are a handful of gadgets and gear that could help make the transition a smoother one.

I recently traveled across Canada to chat on various TV shows and radio stations, sharing some of my favourite tech products for back-to-school time (check out video here, if you like).

The following are eight such products that make the grade.

Ultracool ultrabook

Ultrabooks are one of the hottest trends in the computer space: they're super slim and lightweight, boot up right away and last all day on a single charge. Most cost $999 and up, but the Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook, at $699, gives you a lot of bang for the buck. Along with the Intel Core i3 processor (or higher, if you like), this slender Windows computer includes both solid state (flash) memory and a hard drive as well as a DVD burner (unlike most ultrabooks). Students might also like the free Xbox 360 they can get with the purchase of this PC.

Lap it up

Those who prefer a laptop with more power, the Sony VAIO Premium 14-inch PC ($850) is a Core i5-powered computer with ample system memory (RAM), a huge hard drive, DVD burner, backlit keyboard and four USB ports -- two of which offer USB 3.0 speeds (about 10 times faster than USB 2.0) and the bill to charge up connected gadgets even when the laptop is turned off. This premium PC ships in one of five colours (such as silver with purple finish, gunmetal and gold, red and black, and so on).

You drive

Students know how important it is to back up important files -- just in case something goes wrong with the computer, be it hard drive crash, virus, power surge, fire or flood, or theft. The Seagate Backup Plus is a portable drive that, when plugged into a PC or Mac, let's you back up everything with one click or you can schedule an automated backup (Windows only), say, every 3 days or so. This 500GB hard drive ($99) also lets you download Facebook photo albums with one click and provides 4GB of free online ("cloud") storage, too. A 1-terabyte (1TB) drive is also available for $124.

To serve and protect

Another way students can protect their data -- and personal identity -- is with a strong, reliable and easy-to-use anti-malware (malicious software) program. Symantec's Norton 360 Everywhere not only protects PCs and Macs but smartphones and tablets, too, as they're also at risk from viruses, hackers, scammers and spammers. This $100 a year suite gives you five licenses to use on devices of your choice and can help you remotely lock, wipe and track missing gadgets, too.

Tablet time

Touchscreen tablets are great for taking nets during class, recording lectures, doing web research and staying organized -- but long-form typing on the screen won't likely be as comfortable as a physical keyboard. Enter the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio ($130), a three-in-one device: it's a wraparound case to protect the iPad 2 or new iPad; a stand that props it up at various angles; and a wireless Bluetooth keyboard powered entirely by the sun or artificial light. Solar panels on the back of the unit can keep it charged up for 2 years straight, says Logitech.

Smarter smartphone

The Sony Mobile Xperia ion ($50 on 3-year Rogers plan) is the latest Android smartphone, delivering the best and brightest screen on the market to date (seriously, this 4.6-inch, 720p display is ridiculously stunning). Speaking of HD, it also ships with a 12-megapixel and 1080p external camera and 720p front-facing camera for video calling. Sony's first LTE/4G smartphone -- with cellular speeds that rival or exceed your home's broadband connection -- also ships with 6 months of free Music Unlimited, a service that gives you unlimited access to more than 15 million tracks.

Power to go go

There's nothing worse than relying on your portable gadgets but seeing that flashing 5 percent battery warning -- and you're nowhere near an AC outlet. As the name suggests, the Duracell Instant USB Charger ($40) is a tiny device -- about the size of a pack of gum -- and it has two USB ports (mini and regular) to charge up a smartphone, ebook reader, tablet, camera or other device. Offering up to 35 hours of reserve power, this tiny charger (read: lifesaver) must first be charged up via computer's USB port (cable included).

Game on

Ok, so it's not technically a back-to-school gadget but something students can use to blow off steam after a lousy day of tests or exams. The Nintendo 3DS XL ($199.99) is an "extra large" successor to the best-selling Nintendo 3DS that lets you play games and watch movies in 3D, without requiring glasses. Now with screens that are 90 p recent larger, the 3DS XL supersizes your portable gaming, plus it boasts a redesigned body, better battery and 4GB SD card. On a related note, now major games -- like the New Super Mario Bros. 2 platformer -- can be downloaded digitally as an alternative to buying it on a cartridge.