Back To School: 3 Useful Accessories

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Students heading back to school need all the help they can get. We look at useful accessories that can make things easier in the day-to-day and work well with notebooks, tablets and other devices.

 Apple iPod Classic

The iPod Classic ($279) still has a lot going for it. With 160GB capacity you can fill it up (or at least try to) with music, podcasts, lectures and even use it as a handy USB drive. Synching with Windows or Mac computers is easy thanks to iTunes.

The iPod Classic's battery life offers 36 hours of audio playback and 6 hours of video playback on a 320-by-240-pixel resolution at 163 pixels per inch screen.

Pair the iPod Classic with a nice set of earphones on the go or with a desktop speaker system.

We're not sure how much longer Apple will be offering these in the market but its great to have a PMP that's media-focused and not heavy on apps or other functionality.

WikiReader

While it is widely used yet not considered to be an accurate source, there's not denying that Wikipedia can be useful specially when used as reference. The biggest problem Wikipedia has is that you need to be connected to the Internet to access it, well not anymore.

The WikiReader offers users all of Wikipedia in a small and portable device. This diminuitive reader can last for 12 months on two AA batteries and will get quarterly updates.

Available in 18 languages for $99, Wikireader is really like having an updated encyclopedia in your pocket which can surely come in handy provided you double-check your references and facts.

Olympus LS-20M Voice and Video Recorder

This may look like it comes right out of Star Trek but we've tested the Olympus PS-20M is great for recording high quality audio from lectures and it can also manager 1080p HD video on the same device.

The LS-20M makes it easy to capture high definition audio and video — and you can add creative flair to any recording with Magic Movie special effect filters. Whether you are recording a live recital, creating a home movie or video chatting with family and friends, you’ll be amazed by the linear PCM audio and high-definition video in the new Olympus LS-20M.

You can expand capacity through the use of SD cards as well as connect to your PC using a USB port.

Price is $330 but you're getting two awesome devices in one.