My top five back-to-school tech picks (plus one just for me)

This is the third in a three-part series about helicopter parenting and back-to-school tech shopping that I’m writing as Best Buy Canada‘s parenting spokesperson. Here’s what looks good to me this year.

We all want to give our kids the best learning tools possible and to set them up for a successful school year. But kids and families really do have wildly different needs (and budgets.) You’re average kindergarten student doesn’t actually need any tech at all. He’s still getting max stimulation from crayons and building blocks. Your ultra-creative 16-year-old, though, might really benefit from platforms and software that support graphic design. And what you want or need to buy often depends on what you already own. So the smartest thing to do, by far, is to actually talk to the front-line staff at your local Best Buy. Those Blue Shirts are there to help you decide exactly what your kid does (and does not) need.

That said, here’s what I’m drooling over this year. My top-five tech tools that parents should consider (and one that I want just for me.)

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Tablets have been the biggest item on the learning tech front for a while. Mobility is their key virtue because what good is the tool that you don’t have with you? And they really are great for pulling up reading material, videos, pictures and online browsing. But they really don’t work as laptop replacements; they are awkward to type on and since they lack a full operating system, they often don’t support key software or work with other devices.

That’s why I don’t even think of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 as a tablet. It’s a full operating system within the body of a tablet. That means you can run any program you would have on your laptop (*cough cough* Word.) It has an adjustable kickstand so that it will stand up and you can buy a magnetic keyboard to work with it. But it’s also a kick-ass tablet with all the high-res, touch screen, and camera features you’d expect; plus it comes with a Surface Pen so you can take handwritten notes too.

If I had to buy one thing to do everything, this would be it.

Asus Zenbook 13.3

But if all you need, want or can afford is a basic laptop, you can still get an excellent model for half the price of a Surface Pro. This Asus Zenbook has a zippy processor speed with more than enough memory. It has a great display, eight hours worth of battery power per charge and (this is key) it only weighs 2.6 pounds.

Lifeproof fre power iPhone case

Of course, your high school and university students are going to have a phone, too. And if you’re paying for that phone, you probably don’t want to pay to replace it — over and over again. Lifeproof phone cases (for iPhone and Samsung) are waterproof, drop-proof, snow and dirt-proof. And the newest iPhone case shown above even holds a backup charge so now matter how exciting your child’s life, they can still keep in touch.

GoPro HERO

I happen to have a kid who is really into making movies and documentaries. The technology for getting a feel for how to execute those kinds of projects is now actually within reach which is awesome. The Go Pro is a tiny, high-res video camera that can be carried around or mounted to a helmet, handlebar, or just about anywhere. It has fancy technology that evens out shaking and jostling for a clear picture. Some models also boast built-in wifi and bluetooth, high-fidelity mics, time-lapse and various other camera modes, and are waterproof.

Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones

These are solid performing mid-priced headphones that are also Bluetooth-enabled and have a built-in microphone for taking phone calls. Headphones may seem like a frill when we’re talking about back-to-school needs, but supporting a love of music and drowning out background noise while studying are two pretty essential functions if you ask me.

Rebecca Minkoff leather wristlet for Galaxy S6 (plus it holds two cards)

I’m not going to lie. This one’s for me.

Big thanks again to Best Buy Canada for bringing me on board. The other week I gushed about my experience in an actual helicopter over Toronto. Last week I talked about why we really do want to hover over our kids when we’re buying tech.