Guys and cool gadgets go together like peanut butter and jelly. While some gadgets guys love may actually be utterly impractical, (beer helmet, anyone?) that doesn’t mean there aren’t a wide range of gadgets that are actually every bit as functional as they are fun. College presents a great opportunity to load up on gadgets that are both fun to use and also meet a legitimate need.
Here are 7 cool gadgets that every guy in college needs.
1. eBook Reader
While these days almost everyone has a notebook computer, tablet and cell phone, a stand-alone eBook reader is particularly useful in college. Not only are eBook readers smaller, thinner and lighter than most tablets, but they also have special screens and settings that make them easier to read than the high intensity of an LED tablet screen.
In addition, with several models running at just around $100, you can leave your expensive tablet in your dorm and just take your e-Reader with you. If it gets lost, stolen or broken, it is far easier and less costly to replace.
2. Shower Speaker
The truth is, you’re probably going to want a portable speaker in college, so buying a shower speaker kills several birds with one stone. In addition to being able to use it in the shower, you can also use it in your apartment or dorm room, at a pool party or even at the beach. Like most things in college, you probably don’t want to opt for the most expensive model, but there are several economical options to choose from that provide all the kick you need to blast your favorite tunes.
Shower speakers are generally small, lightweight and portable, so you can throw it in your bag or backpack and be ready to get the party started wherever you may roam.
3. Smart Notebook
There is no doubt that a laptop or notebook computer is invaluable in college, thanks to a variety of apps and programs that can help you do everything from managing your schedule to keep track of your spending. That being said, there is also overwhelming research that shows that taking notes the old fashioned way by putting pen to paper can actually help you learn better.
Thankfully, in the digital age, there is an even better solution. the Evernote Smart Notebook comes with an app that can digitally transform written text into digital notes. Research aside, combining the old and new ways will provide the best of both worlds, so utilize apps to help you learn, schedule, help with monthly spending and know when you’ve had enough to drink.
4. Portable Charger
With the wide range of technology most students use for learning, a portable charger is indispensable. What size of charger you need, however, will depend largely on what you need to do with it. If you mostly just need a backup to keep your phone or tablet charged up, a 10,000 mAh charger with two ports should do just fine.
To keep a laptop or several devices charged up, however, you may want to invest in a larger 26800 PD charger with several USB ports and a 30W (USB-C) port.
5. Sensor Mirror
Whether you just need to shave or deal more seriously with annoying blackheads, a sensor mirror can provide all the tools you need. A sensor mirror not only lights up to help you see every tiny crack and crevice on your mug, but it also offers 1x, 5x and even 10x magnification.
This can help you shave your facial hair into a Picasso-esque masterpiece or even manscape your unibrow into two plumes of perfection. This can help your date look deep into your eyes rather than be distracted by the bush covering them.
6. USB Shaver
And while we are on the subject of shaving… A portable USB shaver is perfect for students on-the-go. Small, lightweight and portable, it can be charged anywhere and thrown into your bag to take with you wherever you go. College life is fairly notorious for being somewhat unpredictable.
Whether the girl of your dreams suddenly agrees to go out with you – that night – or you suddenly get called in for an important interview the morning you wake up on your buddy’s couch, a USB shaver will always be there for you.
7. External HDD
Most laptops these days will have Solid State Drives (SSD) that help significantly increase speed and performance while reducing the drain on the battery. The downside, however, is that they don’t generally have nearly the storage capacity of HDD’s. In addition, with as much work as you put into what is on your laptop, you’ll want to be sure and keep a full backup of your entire drive just in case it crashes.
HDD’s range from small, light portable units that can store up to 1TB of data to larger units that can automatically sync a full backup of your laptop each night. In fact, with a wide range of small, portable HDD’s that run less than $100, you can actually have both.
While not all gadgets are necessarily critical to your education, there is more to college than just classes. On the other hand, some gadgets can be absolute lifesavers to college students. In the digital world, you need access to your devices and a device with no power is basically just a paperweight.
Hard drives, notebooks, and eBook readers are also gadgets that can do double duty to help you learn better. A USB shaver and a sensor mirror? Well, those are just cool and what is life without a few cool toys?
Michelle Laurey produces stories on tech, entrepreneurship, and productivity. Always interested in ways which can help individuals reach full potential in life, she loves sharing her thoughts. She is a virtual assistant for a few small businesses. Outside her keyboard, she enjoys a good book, healthy food, and bike rides. Reach out to her on Twitter.
