Be the next Jobs
Start the year off tech-savvy
BAJ Visser
Staff Writer
The list of expenses for anyone starting a new year of university is always daunting. Among that litany of items that causes your bank account to swan dive faster than BlackBerry’s stock (too soon?) are the so-called “luxury” items. A new computer, the latest smartphone, and heck, maybe even a tablet to call your own!
Of course, you don’t “need” these gadgets and gizmos, and most degrees can be accomplished with nothing more than the computers and archaic devices known as “books” that they store down in the Library.
Well, maybe this guide can help you there.
1. Computers
The ultrabook class of PCs are ultraportable powerhouses, with their extra-long battery lives, should be able to do everything you need for classes. Check out machines like the Lenovo Yoga, Samsung ATIV, and the Apple Macbook Air for some of the best devices this genre of computer gets you.
If you need something a bit more powerful the Apple MacBook Pro leads in this area, but for those who prefer Windows, check out brands such as the Lenovo Ideapad, Toshiba Satellite, and Sony VAIO for solid performance and price.
MRU has an agreement with both Apple and Dell to provide student discounts on their devices. Check out the Book Store’s websites for links to the latest deals.
2. Tablets
A lot of students are turning to tablets as that sweet spot between portability and power. The fourth generation Apple iPad and its smaller sibling, the iPad Mini, are the go-to choices for most tablet users, and they provide what could be described as the “quintessential” tablet experience, with solid performance and the largest library of apps out there.
Not everybody is willing to join the Cult of Mac however, and over the past year, some great alternatives have been released. The Google Nexus 7, Tablet Z Sony, Xperia are small, powerful and most importantly cheap.
3. Smartphones
Try to hold off signing a new contract for the next four months if you can. The Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission, the government body that sets the standards for the telecom industry in Canada, is bringing in to force a new wireless code of conduct on Dec. 2. The new code will address a number of concerns that consumer groups have been pushing for, including two-year plans and capping roaming and additional data charges. While most of the telecom companies have moved to align their policies with the CRTC’s new code, it’s probably still best to play it safe until Dec 2.
Besides, the next generation of smartphones – including the iPhone 5S, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Sony Honami, BlackBerry Z30, and the next Google Nexus phone – are slated for release over the next few months. So just chill and stick with your clunky old phone for now. It’s not that bad. Really.
4. Other Gadgets
There are some other devices that you might want to consider picking up for the upcoming school year. While the Book Store’s selection of ebooks is limited, you might still find other occasions where getting an e-reader, like Kobo’s new Aura, would come in handy.