1: Netbook: Samsung NF210-A02
The Samsung NF210 (A02) could well be considered the ultimate non-MacBook student netbook. Unlike the MacBook Air, which features later in this deck, it has a matte screen so you get little glare or reflection, it sports a decent dual-core Atom processor and a smooth feeling keyboard which is a pleasure to type on.
Not only this, but it’s relatively cheap compared to a fully-fledged laptop — and definitely for the more frugal student who cannot afford a MacBook. It’s light, runs for hours on the battery, and has a brilliant screen for viewing videos and text. Not only that, with wireless-n you can stream videos and download wirelessly at extremely fast speeds.
2: Online content: Netflix gift subscription
Netflix is, without doubt, one of the most comprehensive collection of online content, from films to television episodes, available legally on the web. Since colleges and universities are cracking down heavily on internet piracy, it is better to stay on the right side of the law.
While Hulu, it’s nearest competitor, is all about television, it’s better for finding the more quirky in television and films, rather than the popular content of the day. Netflix works off a subscription, so you can pay less than $10 a month, or pay around $100 for the full year. Either way, it’s a great compliment to the student study bedroom… for when you are not studying, of course.
3: Laptop: MacBook Air
If you have money to spend, then the MacBook Air (11″ or 13″) is without doubt the ideal student netbook. Slightly larger than a conventional netbook, it runs Mac OS X Lion — the most advanced Mac operating system to date, and will last for hours on battery. The thinnest netbook on the market, it is incredibly light — beyond belief, in fact — and will be the envy of others around your college kid.
In terms of specs, it’s incredibly fast with a dual-core Intel i5 processor, has 4GB RAM by standard, 128GB/256GB solid state drive, Thunderbolt technology, and an LED backlit keyboard so you can even work in the dark. It’s a fantastic machine, but at its price — it’s definitely an investment rather than a disposable piece of tech to last the year!
4: Desk organisation: CableDrop
With the tech in this deck alone, the wires will be pouring out of your college kids’ ears. From televisions to games consoles, PCs and portable tech, there has to be a better way of dealing with all those cables.
My personal favourite comes in form of the CableDrop — adhesive backed cable tidies which keep cables in line, and where they should be. You may need more than one pack, however, as they will be used up very quickly. Available in a number of different colours, you may wish to buy them once you’ve moved into your dorm so you can match the colour with your desk.
Check out the rest of the stuff from BlueLounge too — some of their products are so simple, but will amaze you.
5: Games console: Xbox 360/PlayStation 3
Games consoles are tricky ones. Get the right one, and you can be making friends within minutes. Get the wrong one, and you could be the social outcast because you cannot connect to the same network as your new dorm friends.
While the two contending (and by far the best) games consoles are the Xbox 360 Elite and the PlayStation 3, it’s best to wait until you get there. Sure, you could always buy the one you think is best, but it’s one of those cautious purchases that you may regret once you realise you cannot play with anyone you know. Gaming is a social thing, especially at college. Bide your time and wait it out — but a games console is a must in student halls.
6: Headphones: Grado SR80/i
Without doubt the best headphones I have ever used. My friend Beth has a pair which her sister bought, and I tried them for a few hours on my iPod and was truly reluctant to give them back. I immediately bought a pair, and have never gone back.
Sleek and sharp, the audio quality is beyond excellent. Compatible with MP3 players with a 3.5mm connector, these headphones block out ambient noise perfectly and the bass is just to die for. Light and stylish, these headphones will end up going everywhere with you.
7: Keyboard/mouse: Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 (V3)
Ergonomics are everything. Compatible with both Windows and Mac, this keyboard and mouse combination is ergonomically perfect and fits your writing style with precision. Incredibly comfortable to use, it also boasts a range of function keys to control your media and browsing habits.
For the price, you will not find a better keyboard and mouse combination. The keys are soft to press and gentle on the joints in your fingers — making typing out those long essays or lecture notes easier on the hands. The mouse is accurate to the pixel, making graphic design ideal for this set.
8: Camera: Canon Rebel XS
An entry level DSLR, this is the ideal complement to the creative student-to-be. It looks like a professional’s camera, without any of the added bluster of difficulty to use. Compact and light in weight, it’s easy to grip and extremely easy to use.
Shooting at 3 frames a second, you can make near-video like streams of photographs to capture the very essence of the moment. The LCD screen is sharp and bright, and really visualises photographs well, displaying full colour content to ensure you get the best view of your snaps possible.
9: Printer: Canon Pixma MG6120
For the cost, this is one of the cheapest printers for colour. An ideal inkjet printer for the new student, it prints colour images well but black text really prints out as “true black” — and none of this vague, grey-ish contrasts that so many printers provide. Though it doesn’t print out in photographic quality, it has an excellent balance of features for the cost.
It also offers Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to print from anywhere potentially, provided you have a WEP-encrypted network. It’s small and compact — so it’s ideal for the student dorm which offers often little space to manoeuvre..
10: Phone: iPhone 3GS
A controversial one, for sure. I put the 3GS over the iPhone 4 for one simple reason: though it is older, and lacks a high-resolution retina display — and doesn’t have video calling or a 5-megapixel camera, it’s cheaper on contract. Plus, it feels more like a phone than the iPhone 4 does. Smooth around the edges, it is far easier to hold and feels more natural in the hand.
It will also be compatible with iOS 5, which will be around in Autumn 2011, which will include iCloud functionality and a whole wealth of new features.