Back to School Awards 2017: The Best Tech Products for College and High School
This year for our second annual Back to School Awards, we wanted to make sure you were totally covered — from head to toe, floor to ceiling, and just about everywhere in between. (And, oh yes, we mean everywhere…our Wellness list covers off on just about everything.) Looking for a backpack? We got you. Looking for a cheaper backpack? We got that, too. And what about dorm décor that will be as stylish as your latest ‘fit? We’ve got it all. Flip through to see the products our editors chose as the official winners of Teen Vogue’s 2017 Back to School Awards, and get a headstart on your shopping like a good student.
Courtesy of Dell1/18Best Value Laptop
When it comes down to it, function is the most important part of your laptop — after all, it's responsible for all those papers and research projects you'll be completing throughout the year. The Inspiron's long battery life and massive amount of storage space won't get you gaming, but it just might get you the grades, at a cost that doesn't feel like taking out another student loan.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Non-Touch, $249.99. dell.com
Courtesy of Apple2/18Best Splurge Laptop
Stylish, sleek, and super covetable, the Macbook Pro with touchbar is exactly what we want to be toting to class this fall. Plus, it syncs up perfectly with the rest of your Apple devices if you're an iOS devotee.
Apple Macbook Pro 13-Inch, $1,799. apple.com
Courtesy of Society 63/18Best Value Laptop Case
Protect your laptop and get your message across with this cute laptop sleeve from Society 6. It's available in a number of different sizes to suit everyone's needs.
Society 6 Nasty Woman Laptop Sleeve, $36. society6.com
Courtesy of Kate Spade4/18Best Splurge Laptop Case
The Kate Spade Rose Laptop Sleeve is the perfect way to protect your digital device while also adding a colorful pop of personality thanks to its vibrant hues.
Kate Spade 13" Rose Laptop Sleeve, $53. katespade.com
Courtesy of Amazon5/18Best Value Tablet
Amazon's tablets have evolved since the days of the OG Kindle, and the Fire version gives you full color, access to the best of Amazon — including Alexa —and comes in under $100.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, 8" HD Display, 16 GB, $89.99. amazon.com
Courtesy of Microsoft6/18Best Splurge Tablet
The Surface Pro can function as a tablet and a laptop (a perfect mashup). Plus, it runs Windows, so you can type up that last-minute assignment on the fly. Best of both worlds when you're heading from class to activities to home.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, starting at $799. microsoft.com
Courtesy of Canon7/18Best Printer/Scanner
This all-in-one not only connects wirelessly, but is a printer, scanner, and copier. You won't have to wait in line to use the bulky machines at the library ever again.
Canon MG5720 Wireless All-In-One Printer with Scanner and Copier, $93.06. amazon.com
Courtesy of HP8/18Best Monitor
With Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Go, all you need is a computer and a big screen to watch your shows on. Mount this monitor for an extra screen on movie nights with your dorm mates, or put it on your desk for all those tabs you have open from researching your latest paper. Either way, it works.
HP 23" IPS LED HD Monitor, $179.99. bestbuy.com
Courtesy of Apple9/18Best Smartphone
While we continue to speculate about what the iPhone 8 will entail, we're still in love with the 7 and 7 Plus. If you're looking to take BTS pics of your besties, choose the 7 Plus for access to Portrait Mode.
Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus, starting from $649-$769. apple.com
Courtesy of Sonix10/18Best Smartphone Case
Remember that The Future Is Female every time you send a text with this slogan phone case from Sonix. Equipped with an impact-resistant bumper, your phone will be protected from every scratch and ding. The best part, though: 100% of sales from this case will go to the Downtown Women's Center.
Sonix Future is Female iPhone Case, $35. shopsonix.com
Courtesy of Cora11/18Best Portable Charger
The floral Pick Me Up portable charger from Sonix is a powerful dose of energy for your phone. It has 16 hours of additional battery life as well as a built-in lightning cable and charging cord.
Sonix Cora Portable Charger, $45. shopsonix.com
Courtesy of Seagate12/18Best External Drive
For when you need a lot of storage space, and you're just too nervous about uploading everything to the cloud, an external drive is the way to go. This 4TB version will hold basically everything you need it to, and you can use it on both PCs and Macs without reformatting.
Seagate Backup Plus 4TB Desktop External Hard Drive, $104.49. amazon.com
Courtesy of Amazon13/18Best Film Streaming System
We love Amazon Prime for the mix of streaming options, plus the fact that it's bundled with Amazon's two-day shipping — an essential for ordering bulk snacks straight to your dorm mailroom.
Amazon Prime, $99/year. amazon.com
Courtesy of Google14/18Best Cloud Membership
Chances are, you already have a Gmail account — and if you don't, it's an easy and free thing to get. That already comes with 15 GB of free storage and gives you access to the always collaborative Google Drive, but if you need more space, you can easily (and affordably) buy more.
Google Drive, 15 GB free, 100 GB $1.99/month. google.com
Courtesy of Apple15/18Best Music Streaming Membership
Music streaming is a must — for studying, walking to class, and working out. And when it comes to your streaming options, Apple Music is our pick because it seamlessly melds the music we own and the music we want, always with the option to buy.
Apple Music, membership prices vary by plan but your first trial month is free. apple.com
Courtesy of Nintendo16/18Best Gaming System
The portability and collaborativity of the Nintendo Switch make it perfect to bring to your dorm. And since you can get Mario Kart for it, there's basically no reason to go with anything else.
Nintendo Switch, $299.99. nintendo.com
Courtesy of Jam17/18Best Smart Speakers
Pretty, pink, and portable, this bluetooth speaker can take you from studying in your dorm to lying out on the quad when the weather is nice. Buy more than one and you can sync them to use at the same time, but even just one gives you the sound you need.
Jam Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $39.99. bestbuy.com
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