We hate to harsh your summer mellow, but a short month from now, you’ll be sitting in a classroom staring at an overhead projection screen and scribbling notes about the Louisiana Purchase or serotonin reuptake inhibitors. But if you browse through the back-to-school gear guide we’ve assembled here, you won’t have to scribble a thing. That’s because you’ll be outfitted with the hottest gadgets, from low-priced notebooks and cell phones to MP3 players and feature-packed digital cameras--not to mention a plethora of handy accessories--that’ll make your academic life (and social life) this coming school year less stressful and more fun. 

 

In the notebook department, you’ll find the Apple MacBook--a collegiate must-have, just for iLife alone--along with a gaming powerhouse from Alienware and a multimedia innovator from HP. When it comes to phones, we’ve got clamshells and smart phones, including the absurdly affordable Wafer and the slick Helio Ocean. Next, we’ll introduce you to MP3 players that’ll keep you entertained and, believe it or not, focused on your studies. We’ve also got the best digital cameras, notebook bags and accessories, and iPod docks on the market. Plus, you won’t want to miss our expert advice on what you should know before buying a notebook, how to determine whether you should invest in a Tablet, and which Web sites will help make your semester easier.

 

So take 20 minutes out of your summer vacation, read this comprehensive guide (or point your parents to it), and save yourself bundles of time and money before the school bells ring.