If you’re looking for some back-to-school cool tech gadgets from kid-friendly headphones to laptop-friendly backpacks, here’s a good starting point.
—Belkin MIXIT Lightning to USB Tassels and Key chain
Your gadget needs a charge and you have a power source, but where do find a cable when you need one? MIXIT combines fashion with function, and keeps a cable discreetly with you at all times, whether it's hidden in your key chain or within the tassel attached to your purse. The lightning-to-USB key chains and tassels are compatible with iPhones, iPads and iPods. The key chain's flexible cable rotates 360 degrees for easy connection and bends up to 70 degrees. The leather tassel conceals the braided cable within its cords. Both are available in a variety of colors. $34.99, belkin.com
—Kenu Groovies Kids Headphones
Protect young ears, whether they're listening to lessons, music, games or movies. With its adjustable headband, ear pads made from hypoallergenic memory foam and sound pressure limited to 85 decibels, Groovies are as comfortable as they are safe. Friends can share sound without a splitter by plugging into one of the two auxiliary ports on either side of the headset. Up to four people can Sharelink together. Available in pink, blue and black. Recommended for ages 3 and older. $24.95, kenu.com
—MyPhonePocket
If your wallet is jam-packed with cash, student IDs and other assorted forms of plastic, MyPhonePocket may be the answer. The Lycra pocket with adhesive attaches to any smartphone case and can hold everything from lunch money to earbuds. The sleek design is lightweight and you can choose from more than 200 designs. For a more personal design, upload your own photos. $12.95, myphonepocket.com
—Trendnet TEW-822DRE Wi-Fi Extender
Want to make your Wi-Fi connection span wider? This extender, which plugs directly into an electrical outlet, can expand your connection to cover every inch of your dorm thanks to its external antennas and high-power amplifiers. $86.99, trendnet.com
—SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive
A child's iPhone and iPad is always filling up, but most especially during the school year as they snap photos, watch videos and listen to music in the course of their busy, busy daily lives. Sandisk's iXpand Flash Drive automatically backs up a device with up to 128GB of additional capacity by plugging directly into the photo or tablet. Starts at $49.99 according to capacity at bestbuy.com, amazon.com and sandisk.com
—1 Voice Mapmaker FYL Backpack
1 Voice has got students' backs with this backpack that comes with a built-in 11,000mAh lithium-ion charger that can keep your devices up and running. The pack, made of 100 percent cotton canvas, is available in navy blue, black, brown and cream, and features a padded laptop compartment and the main compartment. The side zipper allows quick access to your laptop. $159, 1voicenyc.com
—Satechi Multi-Port USB Charging Station
Students need not be sapped of strength by their multiple mobile devices. This station has four Type-A ports and two Type-C ports to handle up to six gadgets at once. Smartphones, tablets and laptops can be charged simultaneously and be ready to go. The station's compact size (less than 5-by-3 inches) and weight (7.5 ounces) mean it can be easily carried in a backpack or purse. Available in black or white. $29.99, satechi.net
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