2015-08-29



With the summer holidays in full swing, students will be preparing to return to schools and universities in September – looking for the newest tech. Jade Burke picks out some essential school goodies...

APPROX LAPTOP CARRY CASE WITH METAL HANDLES

Distributor: Spire Technology

Metal handles have been incorporated into this laptop carry case, while the thick padding helps to protect devices inside. It features a range of compartments as well as an organiser inside for storing accessories.

Specs: Designed for 15.6-ich laptops, thick padding, organiser for accessories.

SRP: £16.24

FUZE

Distributors: Tech Data, Kondor

Powered by a Raspberry Pi, the Fuze provides students with a coding platform. The Fuze helps to shield the Pi, protecting it from electronic shorting, static and physical damage. Plus a range of ports are included to help pair the Fuze up to other devices.

Specs: Sheet aluminium casing, six USB ports, built-in analogue support.

SRP: £69.99

STM DUX IPAD CASE

Distributor: Computers Unlimited

With a patented magnetic closure, this case can help iPads withstand drops and knocks in the classroom. It features reinforced corners and a back panel to help protect the device. In addition, the durable and water resistant polyurethane cover helps to safeguard devices from spills.

Specs: Auto on/off cover, designed for iPads, durable and water resistant.

SRP: From £44.95

SANDISK ULTRA FIT USB 3.0 FLASH DRIVE (64GB)

Distributor: Peak Development

With performance speeds up to ten times faster than standard 2.0 devices, users can transfer media between devices quickly, for example, a movie can be transferred in less than 40 seconds. The low profile drive boasts SanDisk SecureAccess, which creates a password protected private folder.

Specs: Up to 130MB/s read speeds, capacities of up to 128GB, SecureAccess private folder.

SRP: £30.99

DYNAMODE EDUCATIONAL STEREO HEADPHONES

Distributor: Dynamode

Soft-padded ear cups help to block out external noise with these headphones, while the microphone can also be adjusted to the user’s preference. Enriched bass and treble help to provide surround sound, which can be altered with the in-line volume control.

Specs: Ambient noise blocking, rare-earth speaker drivers, in-line volume control, microphone.

SRP: £15



MODECOM FREE PC

Distributor: PXS Distribution

This mini PC stick is the size of a flash drive and comes equipped with a quad-core processor power Intel Atom Bay Trail-CR Z3735F. Up to 2GB RAM is also available along with integrated HD graphics. The Modecom FreePC also runs on Windows 8.1 and features two USB 2.0 ports.

Specs: Support for built-in microSD card, eco-friendly, internal 16GB flash disk, Intel Atom processor, Windows 8.1.

SRP: £129.99

P-LINK TL-WR802N-L1 NANO ROUTER

Distributors: Exertis, Tech Data, Spire Technology

This 300Mbps nano router provides users with video streaming, online gaming and calls for Skype. With its pocket size, the device can be taken with users on the go, plus it is powered via a micro USB port by an external adapter or by USB connection to a computer. The router also comes with multiple operation modes, including client and repeater.

Specs: Micro USB port, 300Mbps wireless data rates.

SRP: From £16.99

COREL PAINTSHOP PRO X7

Distributor: Exertis

Users can enhance images quickly with popular brushes using Pro X7, including Paint Brush, Airbrush and retouching brushes. Users can also instantly create a photo object by using text or a shape to clip a photo, plus a redesigned materials palette and colour picker are now available.

Specs: RAW editing, 64-bit power, compatible with Windows 8/8.1, 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP.

SRP: £56.99

BITDEFENDER TOTAL SECURITY 2015

Distributor: PXS Distribution

This software detects when you are working, playing or watching movies and prevents apps from popping up or slowing down a system. Bitdefender also offers file encryption by locking up confidential files in a secured vault. In addition, the Bitdefender Safebox securely stores photos and videos.

Specs: Parental control, file encryption, antiphishing, personal data filter.

SRP: £59.99

LMS DATA OPTICAL USB 3-BUTTON MOUSE

Distributor: Dynamode

This LED optical tracking mouse comes with a DPI range of up to 1,000 and features a three-button design with a scroll wheel. It is compatible with both Windows, Mac, Linux and Pi devices, and features Plug and Play connectivity.

Specs: LED mouse, 1,000 DPI range, Plug and Play compatible.

SRP: £3



BULLGUARD IDENTITY PROTECTION

Distributors: Spire Technology, Target Components, Exertis, Ingram Micro

Parental controls allow adults to keep an eye on their child’s Facebook profile, while any risky social activities can be flagged, including links to any inappropriate websites. Sensitive information, including bank accounts, passwords and credit card numbers, are also protected.

Specs: Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad, yearly subscription, three user protection.

SRP: £34.95

CYBERLINK POWERDVD 15 ULTRA

Distributor: Exertis

With support for all media types, including video, audio and photographic content, PowerDVD provides users with video on PCs, mobile devices and the cloud. TrueTheatre technology and smart buffering alogrithms provide a visual experience, while TrueTheater Colour analyses footage and optimises hues and vibrancy.

Specs: TrueTheatre Sound technology, 4K playback, DVD and Blu-ray playback.

SRP: £64.99

NUANCE DRAGON NATURALLY SPEAKING

Distributor: Exertis

By using their voice, users can surf the web and browse through etail stores. Dragon also allows users to speak out loud to Microsoft Word, as well as edit and format memos or to-do lists.

Specs: Compatible with Windows 7, 8/8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012.

SRP: £79.99

ZOTAC ZBOX BAREBONE PC

Distributor: Entatech

Powered by a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, the Zotac helps to deliver daily tasks such as web browsing, checking emails and productivity tasks. It comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics for smooth HD video playback as well as Intel Quick Sync Video technology. It also supports a range of memory cards, including SDHC cards and memory sticks.

Specs: Intel Celeron processor, 2MB cache memory, Intel HD Graphics.

SRP: £99.99

KURIO TAB 2

Distributor: KDUK

This kids tablet provides access to the Google Play store, while parents can also set age appropriate filters thanks to the KurioGenius Parental Controls. A quad-core processor powers the device, while 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage is also included. In addition, a range of apps come pre-installed.

Specs: Seven-inch screen, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity, Android 5.0, micro USB and micro HDMI ports.

SRP: £99.99

SANDISK 16GB CRUZER BLADE FLASH DRIVE

Distributor: Peak Development

This USB drive allows users to store photos, movies, music and personal data. The compact design allows the device to fit in pockets, plus it is also compatible with Windows, Vista, Windows 7 and 8 and Mac devices. SanDisk also creates the USB drive in capcities of up to 128GB.

Specs: Black and white colour option, small form factor.

SRP: £6.99

INCOMEDIA WEBSITE X5

Distributor: PXS Distribution

Students can build their own website with the Incomedia’s five step procedure. Available in either Compact or Evolution versions, both feature a gallery of ready-to-use graphics as well as options to import video content and additional images.

pecs: Graphic templates, ecommerce, web-hosting, video imports, compatible with Windows 7, 8, Vista and XP.

SRP: From £29.99

CANON LV-X300 DLP PROJECTOR

Distributor: Beta Distribution

Images can be projected with an aspect ratio of 4:3 and a XGA resolution. The projector delivers 3,000 lumens brightness and features a contrast ratio of 2300:1, while its range of ports, including HDMI and VGA, allow it to connect up to various devices. In addition, it features a 10W speaker and a RJ-45 network port.

Specs: 5000h lamp life, XGA resolution, 2.5kg, 1.1x zoom lens, HDMI input, 720p video footage.

SRP: £242.11

KURIO CHILD SAFE ANDROID TABLETS

Distributor: DirekTek

Kurio’s range of tablets includes the Pocket four-inch Trade, seven-inch Tab Trade and the 10-inch XL Tab Trade. Each comes with the ability to set up to eight different user profiles, which can all have different parental filters installed. Plus, adults can set time management controls as well as a list of approved apps.

Specs: Website filtering, educational games, Kurio Motion, different user profiles, parental filters.

SRP: From £59

BULLGUARD PREMIUM PROTECTION

Distributors: Spire Technology, Target Components, Exertis, Ingram Micro

BullGuard Premium Protection combines Internet Security and Identity Protection, as well as providing advanced parental controls to allow users to take complete control. Flexible social media protection is also included, which allows users to monitor Facebook profiles. Plus, an extended 25GB of secure online backup is also included.

Specs: Three PC license, yearly subscription, 25GB of extra online backup, parental controls.

SRP: £69.95

MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 PERSONAL

Distributor: VIP Computers

The latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher and Access are all available with Office 365 Personal, as well as 1TB of storage. 60 minutes of Skype calls are also included each month, with calls to over 40 countries.

Specs: Office for PC or Mac, plus on tablet and smartphone, 1TB of storage, one subscription with upgrades.

SRP: £59.99

CANON PIXMA INKJET PRINTER

Distributor: Beta Distribution

This printer comes with five individual inks, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone printing. Two fully integrated paper trays are also included, with Auto Duplex and Direct Disc Print features. It has a maximum photo print speed of up to 21 seconds and has a print resolution of 9600x2400 dpi.

Specs: Wireless connectivity, five individual inks, 6.60kg

SRP: £39.10

PHILIPS CLOUD MONITOR BASE

Distributors: Entatech, Midwich, Tech Data

Monitors can be attached to this Philips base, which also features a SmartErgoBase and Thin Client SmartConnect for expandability. Monitors can also be tilted, swiveled and rotated.

Specs: Eco-friendly, Citrix ready, mic and audio ports, 2.0 USB ports.

SRP: From £269

APPROX APPOMLITE OPTICAL MOUSE

Distributor: Spire Technology

Packed with three buttons, this mouse has a DPI resolution of up to 1,000. It is also Plug and Play compatible and has a frame rate of 3,000 FPS, plus it comes equipped with a long cable so users are not restricted in terms of space.

Specs: 1,000 DPI, USB connection, ambidextrous, Plug and Play compatible.

SRP: £2.32

INTEL NUC5I3RYK

Distributors: Hammer, Microtronica, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Avnet

Powered by an Intel Core i3-5010U processor, students can surf the web and download data quickly. Users can install their own operating system of choice, plus it also packs Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Specs: Barebone PC, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, Intel Core i3 processor, small form factor.

SRP: From £226

KURIO SMART

Distributor: KDUK

This two-in-one tablet boasts a detachable keyboard as well as 32GB internal memory. Users also have access to programmes including Word and Excel, along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Specs: Quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8.9-inch screen, micro USB and HDMI ports.

SRP: £199.99

MICROSOFT OFFICE HOME AND STUDENT

Distributor: Entatech

Ready-to-use templates in Word and PowerPoint provide students with visual effects and media-editing features. Plus, OneNote is available to help students keep organised with files and notes.

Specs: 15GB online storage with OneDrive, Excel, Word and PowerPoint templates, OneNote for note taking.

SRP: £72.50

INFOCUS JTOUCH LCD DISPLAY

Distributor: Beta Distribution

The JTouch combines precise touchscreen technology with an LCD display to show presentations and content in classrooms. At 65 inches wide, content is displayed with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Specs: HDMI, USB and VGA ports, VESA mount capable. LCD screen, touchscreen, built-in speakers.

SRP: £1,900

APPROX LAPTOP CARRY CASE

Distributor: Spire Technology

With tough and thick padding, laptops are well protected inside this carry case. The case has been designed for 15.6- inch sized laptops and comes with an organiser for accessories.

Specs: Durable material, thick padding, adjustable handle, for 15.6-inch laptops.

SRP: £6.79

LMS DATA TEMPERED SCREEN PROTECTOR

Distributor: Dynamode

This screen protector boasts fingerprint rejection technology, along with nanotechnology and touch sensitivity. It is also scratch resistant with ballistic protection from drops.

Specs: Nanotechnology glass, scratch resistant, compatible with Apple LG, Samsung and Google devices.

SRP: From £3.20

CONTACT

Avnet ........................... 01344 662 000

Beta Distribution ........ 020 7531 2828

Computers Unlimited020 82 00 82 82

DirekTek ....................... 01494 471100

Dynamode................... 0845 375 2023

Entatech ...................... 0333 101 1000

Exertis (Home) ............ 01279 822 822

Exertis (IT) ................... 01256 707070

Hammer ........................ 01256 841000

Ingram Micro............... 0871 973 3000

KDUK............................. 01727 827194

Kondor..........................01425 284000

Microtronica (Arrow) .. 020 7786 3400

Midwich ....................... 01379 649 200

Peak Development ...... 01489 796979

PXS Distribution ......... 0844 879 4199

Spire Technology........ 01202 828 444

Target Components.... 01977 739 300

Tech Data .................... 01256 788 000

VIP Computers ............ 0871 622 7500

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