A back-to-school accessory shopping list for iPad & iPhone owners
The iPad -- and to a lesser extent, the iPhone -- can be very useful at school, but you may want a few accessories to maximize the experience. We're rounding up a list of the best accessories for your iOS device to make returning to school a bit easier.
This one is almost obvious. While typing is probably the fastest way to take notes, the Pencil (on sale for $94.88) can be a handy way of sketching, highlighting, or adding quick comments on a compatible iPad. If you're in art, design, or engineering, you practically need to have one.
If you've got a fifth- or sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad, the Slim Folio ($76.99) is a handy way of killing two birds with one stone: getting a protective case and adding a Bluetooth keyboard to type on. It includes a dedicated row of iOS shortcut keys, and while it does run on non-rechargeable batteries, a single coin battery should last four years.
Speaking of Logitech, the Wonderboom ($68.00) is a cheap yet reasonably powerful Bluetooth speaker that should sound worlds better than an iPhone or iPad's built-in speakers. It has about 10 hours of battery life, and as bonus, it's even waterproof and floats.
Recording a lecture can be a handy way of making sure you got your notes right. If you've been disappointed with the performance of built-in mics, one option is the VideoMic Me ($59.00), a directional microphone that connects to an iPad or iPhone's 3.5mm jack (you may need a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter). It has an adjustable bracket, as well a windsock for minimizing ambient noise.
Lucky enough to have an iPhone 8 or X? This Samsung dock (on sale for $44.99) will both charge a phone and prop it up, so you can actually see and use it. It's one of the faster Qi-compatible chargers on the market, and ideal for sitting next to your bed or computer.
If you need all-purpose earbuds, the BeatsX (on sale for as low as $95.47) is probably one of the better options. Unlike AirPods, the buds are tethered together so you won't lose them, and will even clip together magnetically so they don't slip off when they're hanging around your neck. Apple's W1 chip allows them to pair quickly with any iOS device, and that pairing will even sync automatically across products on the same Apple ID. While their battery life is just 8 hours, a 5-minute charge can restore up to 2 hours of listening.
A small but nevertheless annoying problem with Apple products is that the company never, ever ships a Lightning cable that's long enough. This Anker cable ($11.99) is not only long enough to reach around desks and nightstands, but braided to prevent tangling, and even somewhat stylish.
On longer school days, you might need a portable battery pack. The Powerstation ($54.95) is rated at 10,000 milliamp-hours, and has twin USB ports, as well as a Bluetooth connection for checking remaining life. In theory it holds enough energy to charge an iPhone and iPad simultaneously and still have juice left over.
Science majors expecting to spend a lot of time out in the field -- or simply people worried about dropping an expensive tablet -- might want to try the Survivor All-Terrain ($42.00) for Apple's 2017 and 2018 9.7-inch iPads. It's protected against drops up to 8 feet, and also sealed against elements like rain and sand. An attachable stand can be used to set an iPad up for typing or watching video.
People with an arsenal of devices should take a look at the Logitech K480 (on sale for $27.21 for Amazon Prime members). Its main feature is a switch which lets you flip between three different Bluetooth devices at will. A shallow nook lets you prop up an iPhone or iPad, though you'll probably have to take it out of any case.
It's not going to provide a keyboard or serious protection, but a Smart Cover (starting at $39.00) will provide basic coverage for your screen and a way of propping up an iPad for typing or video. If you want to protect the back or add a keyboard, some vendors offer products designed to make room for the accessory.
Apple's AirPods (on sale for $144.99) offer most of the same benefits as the BeatsX, but of course are completely wireless, and have some auto-play/stop features. Some drawbacks: no in-line remote, and battery life is just 5 hours without the accompanying charging case. There's also a chance you'll lose a bud, and they may or may not fit your ears.
Apple Pencil
This one is almost obvious. While typing is probably the fastest way to take notes, the Pencil (on sale for $94.88) can be a handy way of sketching, highlighting, or adding quick comments on a compatible iPad. If you're in art, design, or engineering, you practically need to have one.
Logitech iPad Slim Folio with Wireless Keyboard
If you've got a fifth- or sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad, the Slim Folio ($76.99) is a handy way of killing two birds with one stone: getting a protective case and adding a Bluetooth keyboard to type on. It includes a dedicated row of iOS shortcut keys, and while it does run on non-rechargeable batteries, a single coin battery should last four years.
Logitech Wonderboom
Speaking of Logitech, the Wonderboom ($68.00) is a cheap yet reasonably powerful Bluetooth speaker that should sound worlds better than an iPhone or iPad's built-in speakers. It has about 10 hours of battery life, and as bonus, it's even waterproof and floats.
Rode VideoMic Me
Recording a lecture can be a handy way of making sure you got your notes right. If you've been disappointed with the performance of built-in mics, one option is the VideoMic Me ($59.00), a directional microphone that connects to an iPad or iPhone's 3.5mm jack (you may need a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter). It has an adjustable bracket, as well a windsock for minimizing ambient noise.
Samsung Fast Charge Wireless Charger Stand
Lucky enough to have an iPhone 8 or X? This Samsung dock (on sale for $44.99) will both charge a phone and prop it up, so you can actually see and use it. It's one of the faster Qi-compatible chargers on the market, and ideal for sitting next to your bed or computer.
BeatsX
If you need all-purpose earbuds, the BeatsX (on sale for as low as $95.47) is probably one of the better options. Unlike AirPods, the buds are tethered together so you won't lose them, and will even clip together magnetically so they don't slip off when they're hanging around your neck. Apple's W1 chip allows them to pair quickly with any iOS device, and that pairing will even sync automatically across products on the same Apple ID. While their battery life is just 8 hours, a 5-minute charge can restore up to 2 hours of listening.
Anker 6-Foot Braided Lightning Cable
A small but nevertheless annoying problem with Apple products is that the company never, ever ships a Lightning cable that's long enough. This Anker cable ($11.99) is not only long enough to reach around desks and nightstands, but braided to prevent tangling, and even somewhat stylish.
Mophie Powerstation
On longer school days, you might need a portable battery pack. The Powerstation ($54.95) is rated at 10,000 milliamp-hours, and has twin USB ports, as well as a Bluetooth connection for checking remaining life. In theory it holds enough energy to charge an iPhone and iPad simultaneously and still have juice left over.
Griffin Survivor All-Terrain
Science majors expecting to spend a lot of time out in the field -- or simply people worried about dropping an expensive tablet -- might want to try the Survivor All-Terrain ($42.00) for Apple's 2017 and 2018 9.7-inch iPads. It's protected against drops up to 8 feet, and also sealed against elements like rain and sand. An attachable stand can be used to set an iPad up for typing or watching video.
Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard
People with an arsenal of devices should take a look at the Logitech K480 (on sale for $27.21 for Amazon Prime members). Its main feature is a switch which lets you flip between three different Bluetooth devices at will. A shallow nook lets you prop up an iPhone or iPad, though you'll probably have to take it out of any case.
Apple Smart Cover
It's not going to provide a keyboard or serious protection, but a Smart Cover (starting at $39.00) will provide basic coverage for your screen and a way of propping up an iPad for typing or video. If you want to protect the back or add a keyboard, some vendors offer products designed to make room for the accessory.
AirPods
Apple's AirPods (on sale for $144.99) offer most of the same benefits as the BeatsX, but of course are completely wireless, and have some auto-play/stop features. Some drawbacks: no in-line remote, and battery life is just 5 hours without the accompanying charging case. There's also a chance you'll lose a bud, and they may or may not fit your ears.
Comments
My daughter made it thru university (Molecular Biology) and Med School with my original, white, !ntel MacBook and the original iPhone. Hard to believe it when the MacBook had only 3-4 hr battery life! :
If she was doing it today, it would be the iPhone, a MacBook (Rose gold) and iPad. And a $50 wireless Brother printer.
On a budget, a refurbished Se, a refurbished MacBook Air and a refurbished iPad. And a $50 wireless Brother printer.
But once she graduated, I'd give her an iPadPro to transition completely to iOS.
But, that's also it's only drawback: unlike the smart keyboard for the iPad Pro, this one adds considerable weight and bulk to the iPad. I will wish Apple would add bluetooth their smart keyboard so it could work with the regular iPad.
I have to admit (or confess) that I take Amazon reviews to heart. I don't know how other folks interpret Amazon reviews, but my general rule of thumb is that if a product has a lot of reviews and the percentage of 1-star reviews gets above 10% I get a bit nervous about buying the product. As a secondary measure I look at the most recent reviews and if it's also a catch basin for a disproportionate number of 1-star reviews I generally stay away from the product. To be fair, when I purchase a product I try to review it - regardless of my rating. I assume that a lot of people who are generally satisfied with their purchases aren't going to take the time to write a review. However, if they are unhappy with the product they most assuredly will scorch it with a negative review. I also look to see if the seller submits a response to negative reviews and what the tone of the response is. My 10% and defensive buying practices aren't scientific, but they have generally worked out okay for me. Your experience may be different.