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Technology In College

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If your teenager is heading off to college, the one thing you can be sure of is that their back-to-school list is packed with technology. So much of campus life has gone digital, a student without the most important devices will be at a disadvantage. But that doesn't mean you have to load up on every technical gadget that hits the shelves. Here are four must-have digital goodies plus four you can comfortably leave behind.

Technology Your College-Bound Teen Does Need

Laptop and Smartphone

These are as fundamental as pens and a notebook used to be. The bulk of your student's academic work, from taking notes to doing research and writing papers, happens on a laptop. (A tablet and keyboard are ok too, if they're good quality.) The smartphone …show more content…

But what if that drive is lost or stolen along with the laptop? That's when you turn to online backup. Services like Backblaze and Crashplan run automatically and maintain current backups in the cloud.

Unlimited Data Plan

Putting a limit on a college student's data means putting a limit on his or her learning. Every download, upload, and internet search uses data‚ not to mention video chatting with mom and dad. Spring for an unlimited data plan like T-MobileONE to guarantee your teen will always have access to the information and connection he or she needs.

Extra Power

Digital technology is everywhere on college campuses, but an available outlet can be surprisingly hard to find. When your college student is pulling an all-nighter with friends, the battery may not be enough. Fortunately, it's easy to pack a lot of backup power in a relatively small device.

Think about your teen's laptop battery, what kinds of recharging options are available on campus, and a generous estimate of how much power he or she is likely to need on busy days. Good external power can be pricey, but given the importance of staying connected, it's a worthwhile investment.

Technology Your College-Bound Teen Does Not Need

Bluetooth

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