I know we’re already a month into the fall semester, but it still feels like we just started school last week. On the other hand, I can’t believe how behind I already am with reading, studying, and other such aggravating, school-related things. Though the only reprieve I really desire is a vacation (summer, where did you go?), a bit of handy dandy back-to-school technology has already provided some much-needed stress relief.
Verizon Wireless was kind enough to send me two of their back-to-school favorites to test and review. I’ve been a loyal Verizon customer since my parents bought my first Razr phone in 7th grade, and I’m always excited to see all of their new products. Read on to see how I liked the two products they sent me, as well as some other items I’m currently lusting over!
1) Verizon MiFi Mobile Hotspot
This is my favorite product out of the two I was sent, just because it’s so incredibly useful. Vanderbilt WiFi is ALWAYS unpredictable, and God knows the service in Barnes & Noble and/or Starbucks is not any better. Just imagine how awesome it would be to roll into Starbucks with your little mobile hotspot and finally get to drink your pumpkin spice latté in peace, knowing that you won’t be plagued by spotty internet service during your study session. This product would also be fantastic during enrollment periods when Vandy WiFi goes haywire. I’ll definitely be purchasing this portable MiFi device after I send it back!
2) Apple iPad with Retina Display
I’ve always been a bit of an Apple groupie, so I have to put the iPad on this list. I regrettably purchased the Google Nexus a while back instead of the iPad, and while I definitely saved some money, I kind of wish I had the iPad now. It’s great for note-taking in class (the Nexus doesn’t have an attachable keyboard), and the sheer amount of apps you can use on the it makes the iPad an obvious winner. I know there have been tons of commercials advocating for the new Windows tablets, but the iPad is the most popular tablet for a reason. Plus, the new retina display is gorgeous! If I could go back and do it all over, I’d definitely purchase the iPad.
3) Samsung Galaxy Note II
Looking for something a little smaller than the iPad? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Note II, a cross between a smart phone and a tablet that can literally do it all. This is one of the products I got to test, and it’s definitely making me doubt my recent iPhone purchase. First of all, the camera is AWESOME. It takes pictures comparable to a small digital camera, so you would never have to worry about carrying both a camera and a phone when you go out at night. The size also makes it a great find, because you can take notes on it and even read books without having to squint. Though you might not be able to fit the phone in your cute Kate Spade wristlet, it’s still small enough to fit in your cross-body bag, which gives you room for other going-out-at-night essentials like chapstick and gum! This is definitely a must-have for all those looking to branch out from the Apple empire!
4) Withings Wireless Scale
It’s practically fate that when the weather gets colder, your pants get tighter. But if you want to keep your hot summer body all year long, consider investing in this wireless scale! It links to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using the free Withings Health Mate app. This might seem a little scary, especially if your friends are notorious for stealing your phone to snoop, but it can actually be really useful. The app tracks your weight over time, so you can spot trends (during stressful weeks, on weekends, etc) and work to remedy them. No one wants to be a yo-yo dieter, so tracking your weight with this app can help maintain stability and body peace all year long! You can also set goals, which might be useful during the depressing winter months when motivation suddenly disappears under your boyfriend’s XL hoodie.
Here’s to a great fall semester with the help of Verizon’s awesome new technology!