(Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas))
You've loaded up on notebooks, pens, pencils and index cards. But back-to-school shopping might also mean gearing up with some handy tech items. Whether a high-schooler or college-bound, consider these devices:
Chargepod 6-in-1 charger
_ What is it? This charger will simultaneously charge BlackBerrys, iPods/iPhones, Palm Treos, portable gaming devices and hundreds of other gadgets needing AC juice, all at the same time in one single device.
The device frees up desk space that would taken up by multiple individual charging devices by just attaching an adapter for a particular device to the Chargepod. Users can purchase additional adapters ($9.95) for each device needed.
A bundle pack is available that includes the base unit, AC wall plug, car charger, carrying case and six popular adapters: Apple, Motorola, BlackBerry, Nokia, Palm Treo and Sony PSP devices.
_ Information: Buy it at www.callpod.com, $39.99; bundle pack, $79.95
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Iomega eGo portable hard drive
_ What is it? Storage and backup: Everyone needs to do it. It doesn't matter whether it's music, video or homework _ students need to save it and back it up with an external drive like this new Iomega eGo. The pocket-size drive has 250GB of digital storage.
The eGo features something called Drop Guard, designed to make the hard drive more durable (this hard drive may actually have a chance of withstanding the abuse your student may give it).
The device comes in camouflage or in brown leather for both USB and FireWire/USB interfaces. No external power is needed.
What else you get: Free backup software, USB 2.0 cable, quick install guide, one-year warranty.
_ Information: www.iomega.com; $116.80. The device comes in other colors and with various capacity levels and interfaces (prices vary). Buy from the site directly, or go to the site's list of retailers, including places such as Amazon.com and Dell.com.
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Targus Travel Power Outlets with surge protection
_ What is it? A four-outlet power strip that is portable enough to even fit in your pocket. It packs down to about 6 inches in length but expands to 15 inches. It's handy for those requiring more AC power outlets and it features surge protection.
What else you get: Manual resettable button.
_ Information: Buy it at www.targus.com; $19.99
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SanDisk Cruzer Pattern USB flash drive
_ What is it? A portable USB Flash Drive that stores digital documents, music, pictures, video and MP3 files. The drive has a clip built onto the side of it so you can attach it to a belt, clothing or a computer bag.
Password protected.
