What the Tech? Back-to-school laptop gadgets | WhatThe Tech?

Here’s the thing about today’s laptops. They’re so thin and light the manufacturers have to eliminate ports to connect hard drives. This Macbook Air, has just two USB C ports. So anyone with a newish laptop, particularly college students, will need accessories.

An external hub is essential. This one uses just one USB C port to add connections for three standard USB, SD and micro-SD cards, another USB C, and an HDMI port for connecting to an external monitor or projector. It also allows for smartphone fast charging.

One thing I miss in today’s laptops is a DVD-CD drive. A portable optical drive connects to one USB-C port for watching movies and viewing and saving files.

Your college student may be required to copy a project from their computer and pasting or uploading to another device. A flash drive is perfect for moving files from one computer to another.

Dorms and apartments rarely have enough outlets. They can use a power strip. I like the Anker power strip surge protectors. Six outlets, two standard USB, and one fast charging USB-C port.

Laptop stands will prevent back and neck pain by raising the laptop to eye-level. They’re portable but I find they’re best to just keep on a desk for long computer sessions.

They’ll need to use an external keyboard though. This bluetooth keyboard from Logitech connects to three devices which can be switched with the touch of a button. Add a Bluetooth mouse as well. You can find keyboards and mice bundles for under $30.

For students working at a small desk in a dorm or apartment, these gadgets are essential for adaptability and convenience and they’re all under $50.