David Gregg, Senior Editor of BehindtheBuy.com is here with some practical and affordably priced products to help get Kindergarteners through college students ready to go Back-to-School.
Upromise
Upromise by Sallie Mae is a FREE rewards program where shoppers can receive cash back for college. By simply starting your online shopping at Upromise.com at hundreds of online retail partners such as Target, Best Buy, Macy’s or Old Navy, families can receive five percent back for college while shopping for things needed for the school year. And, if you use the Upromise credit card, you can get 10 percent or more cash back! Money earned through Upromise can be put in a 529 college savings plan, put towards student loans, deposited in a Sallie Mae savings account – you can even get a check! If you want to make it easier to save, download their RewardU is toolbar that reminds you of every opportunity to save with Upromise!
PRICE:FREE; www.upromise.com
Dell XPS 18 Portable All-in-One
An A plus student can’t use a C minus computer. The XPS 18 all-in-one computer – the world’s thinnest, lightest and most portable all-in-one is the perfect companion for bookworms and overachievers looking to go above and beyond. This portable powerhouse can easily transport from home to the classroom, doing double-duty as a desktop and entertainment center. The XPS 18 features an 18.4” full HD touch screen (nearly three times the screen size of an iPad) and weighs in around 5lbs. Also, for a limited time only, buy a Dell ($699 and up) and get a $200 Dell promo e-gift card to use towards a TV, Xbox or thousands of other items!
PRICE: Starts at $899.99; www.dell.com
Kyocera Hydro Edge
The Kyocera Hydro Edge is an affordable, waterproof smartphone that has built-in protection from life’s aquatic accidents, like getting caught in a rainstorm or the sprinklers, or dropping it into a puddle, lake, pool, sink, tub or the dreaded toilet! It is IP57 certified for protection from sprayed water (like sprinklers or rainstorms) and full immersion in up to a meter (3.28 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. The Kyocera Hydro Edge is available for just $19.99 at Sprint with a 2-year contract OR for $149.99 at Boost Mobile without a contract. Compare that to expensive protective cases or other high-end waterproof devices costing anywhere from $200 to $600. At those affordable price points, on-the-go tweens and teens can get an attractive, full-featured Android smartphone that can handle their hectic, accident-prone lives as they go back to school this Fall. In addition, Hydro Edge features Kyocera’s proprietary Smart Sonic Receiver technology to help hear more clearly in loud places, so you know your teen is hearing you when you tell him to come home and study (that is, if he actually answers a phone call).
PRICE: $19.99 at Sprint with a 2-year contract OR $149.99 at Boost Mobile without a contract; www.kyocerasmartphones.com/hydro-edge
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Handheld
Much more than just a calculator, the TI-Nspire CX is a handheld learning tool that helps students explore real-world math and science concepts. These days, a graphing calculator is a necessity for students. In fact, most teachers recommend parents purchase graphing calculators for student use in the classroom and at home to boost student performance. And Texas Instruments is the most recommended brand by teachers. The good news for parents is that the TI-Nspire CX is going to last from middle school into college – that’s at least six years of use, including on the SAT, ACT and other high stakes exams. Its durable, its upgradeable and it is going to help your students get excited while developing a deeper understanding of math and science. This year, TI has expanded its TI-Nspire CX Graphing Handheld into a family of products, including stand-alone computer software and the all new TI-Nspire Apps for iPad. And if you purchase a handheld, the computer software is included, allowing students to have all the benefits of a TI graphing calculator on a home computer too.
WEBSITE: www.education.ti.com