31: Back to School Guide 2021

Erik and Kris discuss provide their "back to school" tech recommendations for the 2021 academic year. Listen for recommendations on laptops, tablets, computer accessories, essential apps, and some analog bonuses. This conversation included several digressions.

SHOW NOTES

Windows Laptops
*Dell XPS 13 (16 gigs ram)

*Microsoft surface laptop 4

*Also great: Framework - https://frame.work/products/laptop/configuration/edit 

Mac Laptop
*Macbook Air M1 (might update soon)

Tablet

*iPad (might update soon)

*iPad Air (might update soon)

For Apple product life cycles check https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#ios

Keyboard

*Logitech K780

*Logitech Ergonomic K860

*Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic (not available through Microsoft store. They now sell 'Surface' economic keyboard and mouse)

Mice

*Logitech MX Vertical https://www.logitech.com/en-ca/products/mice/mx-vertical-ergonomic-mouse.910-005447.html / MX Master / Logitech Triathlon

*Evoluent (for uber ergos out there)

Software
*Password Manager: 1Password, LastPass, BitWarden (open source)

Desk lamp
*Taotronics LED Desk Lamp 38 
*IKEA Forså

Water Bottle
*Hydro Flask

Backpack
*Tumbuk2 authority Laptop bag

Notebooks (analog alert!)
*Field Notes

Charging accessories and cables
*Check out Anker (PowerPort Series with USB A and C, cables, etc.)

Recommended Software

• Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud storage


• Notes: Apple Notes, Google Keep, Evernote, Notion, Microsoft OneNote, Standard Notes, Bear


• Apple Pencil notes apps: Good Notes, Notability, Explain Everything (diagraming), 


• Networked Notes (i.e. Zettlekasten): Notion, Mem, Roam Research


• Writing: Ulysses, Scrivener, Mars Edit (for the web - eg. WordPress).


• Writing (distraction-free): iA Writer, ByWord, Ulysses, Hemmingway


• Mind Mapping: Mind Node, Jamboard, Mural, Miro


• Automation: Apple Shortcuts, IFTTT


• Books: Blinkist (book summarizing service), Audible, Libby (for your local library)


• eLearning (supplemental): Khan Academy, Duolingo, Coursera, Udemy, TED


• Reference: Wolfram Alpha, Wikipedia, Terminology


• Scanning apps: Microsoft Lense, Adobe Scan, Scanner Pro/Light

EDTECH EXAMINED CONTACT:
Website: edtechexamined.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @EdTechExamined

TEAM INFORMATION

Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: erikchristiansen.net
Twitter: @egchristiansen
Blog: tech-bytes.net

Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host
Website: krishans.ca
Twitter:  @KrisHans
Market Grade: marketgrade.com

Christopher Hoang, Audio Producer & Sound Engineer
Website: chrishoang.ca