6 Ways to Use Tech Gadgets For Success In Your Studies
BY SCOTT BAY
The days of studying in dark library corners, making notes in the margins of expensive textbooks—that you’ll sell back for pennies on the dollar later—are coming to an end. Whether you’re in a dorm or off-campus housing, you can use the latest tech to turn your living area into a study sanctuary—or even take your study sanctuary on the go. Choosing the right devices can help you stay better organized, make the most of your time, and make studying more pleasant and more efficient.
The following are six gadgets to help you gain maximum study success.
- Moleskine Evernote Ruled Smart Notebook
If you still like the feel of writing in a notebook but want to store your notes digitally, the Moleskine Evernote Ruled Smart Notebook gives you that old school feel with new school storage possibilities. Simply write in the notebook, then use the Evernote app’s camera feature to turn your analog notes digital. Not sure how to do all that? Not a problem, as the notebook comes with a comprehensive guide for using the notebook and app. - Kindle Voyage E-reader
If you’re tired of lugging every textbook with you until “backpack” becomes synonymous with “back pain,” the Kindle Voyage E-reader makes portable studying easy. Its high-resolution 300 ppi display reads like the printed page, and the adaptive front light provides ideal brightness day or night, allowing you to catch up on your reading in the quad between classes or in bed at night—without disturbing your roommate. The added bonus of using this or any other e-reader? Electronic versions of most textbooks and literary classics are cheaper than the physical versions. - Amazon Echo + Vivint Smart Home
If you live off-campus, equipping your home with smart home technology can help you create the ideal study environment—and one that changes with your mood. The Amazon Echo connects easily with Vivint Smart Home systems, allowing you to change lighting and temperature in your study environment with a simple voice command, so you won’t break out of your study groove. Dim the lights as it gets later, cool down if differential equations are making you sweat, or turn on the jams that keep you motivated for an all-nighter. - Quirky + GE Nimbus Smart Dashboard
Addicted to checking your phone even when deep in your studies? The Quirky + GE Nimbus Smart Dashboard turns the old desktop or nightstand clock on its ear and lets you keep your phone in your pocket, providing customizable information at a glance. With its four faces there is a wide variety of display options—you can see not only the time and weather, but estimated commute time, step and calorie counts, and social media updates, without picking up your phone. Look up at your dashboard and back down at your books. - Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard
Faster typing than writing by hand? Take those quick fingers on the go with the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device keyboard, compatible with your computer, tablet, and smartphone. Lighter than a laptop, but easier to type on than a tablet, this portable keyboard is a must when you’re on the move. - Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
When you’ve worked all night, all week, all month on a paper and a computer crash causes it to go bye-bye, you’ll be glad you invested in the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive. Easily connected by USB and compatible with Windows, Mac, or Android, this backup drive is a lifesaver. With 2TB of storage, it’s also ideal for keeping your photos and videos—not just your homework—safe.
Staying up to date on the latest tech might deserve a class of its own, but you don’t have to be a gadget major to take advantage of the aforementioned six study gadgets. Now you’re ready to hit the books—whether pixels or paper—and go from A to A+.
Scott Bay is a digital journalist who covers technology, travel, and wellness — catch his latest clips on Twitter.
