By Gregg Ellman
Tribune News Service
When I was heading off to college, must-have tech gadgets included a really cool Sony Walkman and a small refrigerator. Times are much different now so here are some choices to round out your shopping list.
Hub makes charging easy
The Ventev USB charginghub 400 should be the first item on any back-to-school list.
It has everything you need for charging multiple devices, all at the same time.
With four easily accessible USB ports, it’s built with technology to charge a power hungry tablet and three other devices (smartphone, digital camera, Bluetooth headphones, etc.) at the same time.
A five-foot AC cable is attached, which gives you the length to keep it plugged in with easy access to the ports.
Details: www.Ventev.com, $39.99
Laptop stand ergonomic
Grovemade’s laptop stand is an ergonomically angled desk to keep your laptop, tablet or whatever you choose to work with in a comfortable angle.
A precision cut stainless steel stop is built-into the bottom of the surface, which prevents devices from sliding off the stand and into your lap. The size of your laptop or tablet will determine how many other accessories you can add to the surface.
It looks great with a wood veneer finish and it also helps keep the heat that laptops produce off your lap.
Details: www.Grovemade.com, $119, available in maple and walnut hardwoods
Smart keyboard works with Macs, PCs
Satechi’s BT wireless smart keyboard is a full-sized keyboard that works with both Mac and PC computers.
The keyboard also works with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, with specific models having keys designed for functions on those devices. The white model is designed specifically for Mac/iOS and the black version for the PC/Android.
Using the portable wireless Bluetooth keyboard (16.14-by-0.95-by-6.06-inches) leaves USB ports open for charging other devices or accessories.
Details: www.satechi.net, $54.99
Case provides extra power
With the Spyder PowerShadow Battery Case for the iPhone 6, you’ll add a whole lot of power without compromising the thin profile of the popular smartphone.
Inside the 12 mm thick case is a 2750 mAh battery, which can give you up to 120 percent more power to easily last a busy day.
The case is built with an impact-resistant polycarbonate casing, rubberized coating and a flexible docking design, which allows you to charge the system on a dock (sold separately), without having to remove the phone from the case or just charge the case with the included USB cable.
There’s an on/off button on the case to access the extra power only when needed. The phone’s LCD display and ports are accessible while in the case and when syncing.
Details: www.SpyderStyle.com, $99; available in black, champagne, titanium and white
Headphones gives 14 hours playtime
Urbanears Plattan ADV wireless headphones are available in a variety of colors.
A unique feature lets you snap-off the washable headband for cleaning. There’s an inline mic for talking on the phone and a swipe interface on the ear cup to choose your tunes and answer calls. The internal battery will give you about 14 hours of playtime.
Oh, and they sound great with 40 mm neodymium speaker drivers playing in each ear.
Details: www.UrbanEars.com, $99
Sing along with iShower2
Sing along with your favorite tunes while in the shower with the iShower2 from iDevices.
Obviously it’s water resistant and connects to your non-water resistant device via Bluetooth, which can be kept dry up to 200-feet away.
There’s also a built-in speakerphone, which lets you make use of every minute of the day and talk on the phone while getting clean. A front facing LED clock keeps you punctual for class and the controls for your music choices and volume are there as well.
You have your choice of multiple mounting options for your bathroom and it’s powered by 3 AA batteries.
Details: www.iDevicesinc.com, $99.99
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