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Best Back-to-School Gear for $100 or Less in 2023 – CNET
July 18, 2023
Best Back-to-School Gear for $100 or Less in 2023 - CNET
$58 at Walmart
Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack
Great budget laptop bag
$40 at Amazon
MyCharge Superhero MagLock
Wireless battery charger
$41 at Amazon
Anker 735 3-Port GaNPrime 65W USB-C charger
Compact and versatile USB-C charger
$100 at Best Buy
Hyperice Hypersphere Mini vibrating massage ball
Roll out those muscles
$63 at Amazon
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Best value micro Bluetooth speaker
$66 at Amazon
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
Budget noise-canceling headphone pick
$100 at Amazon
Splurge pick #2: Anker Soundcore Motion Plus
Best-sounding Bluetooth speaker under $110
There’s quite a bit of time before the end of summer, but it’s never too early to focus on back-to-school shopping. And we’re not just talking about notebooks, pens, and the usual school supples. We’re talking about the essential tech gadgets that’ll help make the school year a lot easier. We’re here to help by providing a list of some of the best gear for tight budgets — and these gadgets are all punching above their price tag. These are the back-to-school essentials under $100 that we heartily recommend.
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Trying to decide between a shoulder laptop bag and backpack? Hybrids like this Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack have both options, with detachable backpack straps that stow in a pocket on the back when you want to ditch the shoulder strap and wear it like a backpack. The dedicated laptop compartment has room for up to a 15.6-inch laptop and there’s plenty of room for all your other stuff. Available in multiple color options (price varies slightly by color), it’s a great laptop bag with a budget-friendly price that’s on our list of the best laptop backpacks for 2023.
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Laid flat.
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The JBL Go 3’s durable design, coupled with surprisingly decent sound for its tiny size, make it one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there.
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You don’t want your phone to go dead — ever — so it’s always good to pack a battery pack.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="4" edition="us" superlative="Compact and versatile USB-C charger" type="Best list" imagegroup="{"alt":"The Anker 735-3-port 65w-charger is compact and versatile","caption":"
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Anker’s upgraded compact 735 65W charger can charge a MacBook Pro 13 at full speed. Not only is it quite small for how much power it can deliver (it has foldable prongs), but it also has three ports (2 USB-C and one USB-A) that allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time (though that 65 watts of power is split between the ports if you charge more than one device). It uses the next-generation GaN 3 technology.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="5" edition="us" superlative="Insulated bottle with agitator" imagegroup="{"alt":"Ice Shaker shaker bottle in blue","caption":"
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Created by former NFL fullback Chris Gronkowski (brother of Rob), the Ice Shaker not only keeps your drinks cool — or hot — for hours — but comes with a removable twist-in agitator to help mix your protein shakes (or anything else that needs mixing). Available in a few different sizes and many color options, they have a built-in handle for easy carrying and start at around $35. It’s one of the better insulated bottles I’ve used and a great way to make sure your student stays hydrated.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="6" edition="us" superlative="Roll out those muscles" imagegroup="{"alt":"hyperice-hypersphere-mini","caption":"
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The Hyperice Hypersphere Mini is a social-distance-friendly alternative to a massage at the end of a stressful school day. About the size of a softball (3-inch diameter), it charges with a Micro-USB cable (a full charge offers more than two hours of battery life) and does a great job of rolling out your muscles, with three speeds to choose from. It also travels well and makes a great dorm-room gift for a college student.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="7" edition="us" superlative="Superb everyday keyboard" imagegroup="{"alt":"51-logitech-mx-keys-2","caption":"
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” overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” linktext=”Read our Logitech MX Keys first take” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/news/logitechs-new-mx-master-3-mouse-is-driven-by-electromagnets/” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__6a36552d-8f68-4263-b8e9-c269dcab558f” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Logitech’s MX Keys is one of our favorite everyday Bluetooth keyboards and now it comes in two smaller versions that leave off the number pad and some other keys: MX Keys Mini and MX Keys Mini for Mac. Both cost $100, the same price as the standard MX Keys. Colors include rose, pale gray and graphite.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="8" edition="us" superlative="Top budget earbuds pick" imagegroup="{"alt":"earfun-air-pro-sv","caption":"
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” overridecredit=”David Carnoy/CNET” linktext=”Read our Earfun Air Pro SV first take” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/get-30-off-the-excellent-sounding-earfun-air-pro-sv-earbuds/” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__12eadbe2-aa61-459c-a744-416df953a84b” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
The Earfun Air Pro SV have a few things going for them. First and foremost, they sound shockingly good for a set of earbuds in this price range. They feature big, open sound with well-defined bass and good clarity. They’re also lightweight and comfortable to wear, their noise canceling is effective and they have a fairly natural-sounding transparency mode that allows ambient sound in if you want to hear the outside world around you for safety reasons.
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There’s nothing like a little blending on the go to create those healthy smoothies and protein shakes. That’s where the BlendJet 2 comes in. Available in multiple color options and equipped with a rechargeable battery, it’s more powerful than you might expect and it can whip up smoothies without having to plug in anywhere. It charges via USB-C (you get about 15 blends per charge) and is fully waterproof.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="10" edition="us" superlative="Best value micro Bluetooth speaker" imagegroup="{"alt":"tribit-stormbox-micro-2","caption":"
Value micro speaker|With very good sound for its tiny size, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a nice deal at less than $60.
","credits":"David Carnoy/CNET","imageData":{"id":"65a9c4dd-6d80-476e-b69a-e3c49904f8f2","title":"tribit-stormbox-micro-2","filename":"tribit-stormbox-micro-2.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/e004fa439ce9ce3156517cecd3c1e9493bc3feba/2022/03/07/65a9c4dd-6d80-476e-b69a-e3c49904f8f2/tribit-stormbox-micro-2.jpg?auto=webp","caption":"
","size":2522283,"width":4032,"height":2268,"dateCreated":{"date":"2022-03-07 16:49:13","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-03-07 16:49:19","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"David Carnoy/CNET","alt":"tribit-stormbox-micro-2","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":true,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"65a9c4dd-6d80-476e-b69a-e3c49904f8f2","imageAltText":"tribit-stormbox-micro-2","imageCaption":"
Value micro speaker|With very good sound for its tiny size, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a nice deal at less than $60.
","imageCredit":"David Carnoy/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":true,"imageFilename":"tribit-stormbox-micro-2.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2022/03/07","imageWidth":4032,"imageHeight":2268,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
Value micro speaker|With very good sound for its tiny size, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a nice deal at less than $60.
” overridecredit=”David Carnoy/CNET” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__8dc3a7d0-e0fe-4540-9e5f-d22c5b790fcc” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Back in 2020, Tribit released the StormBox Micro, a budget version of Bose’s excellent SoundLink Micro speaker that delivered surprisingly good sound for its size and modest price. Now we get the StormBox Micro 2, which offers improved sound and battery life, along with a charge-out feature that turns the speaker into a power bank for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. An integrated strap allows you to clip it to your backpack or your bike’s handlebars.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="11" edition="us" superlative="Compact 12V drill" imagegroup="{"alt":"Black+Decker BDCDD12C","caption":"
The Black+Decker BDCDD12C is the most compact of the drills we’ve tested
","credits":"Steve Conaway/CNET","imageData":{"id":"6a50c935-52fb-4b65-ba0a-4188f9197a66","title":"Black+Decker BDCDD12C","filename":"steve-brushless-drills-1.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2020/10/23/6a50c935-52fb-4b65-ba0a-4188f9197a66/steve-brushless-drills-1.jpg","caption":"
The Black+Decker BDCDD12C is the most compact of the drills we’ve tested
","size":1784536,"width":2000,"height":1125,"dateCreated":{"date":"2020-10-23 16:45:17","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-24 04:24:35","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Steve Conaway/CNET","alt":"Black+Decker BDCDD12C","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":["tools, drill, 12v, black+decker"],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"6a50c935-52fb-4b65-ba0a-4188f9197a66","imageAltText":"Black+Decker BDCDD12C","imageCaption":"
The Black+Decker BDCDD12C is the most compact of the drills we’ve tested
","imageCredit":"Steve Conaway/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"steve-brushless-drills-1.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2020/10/23","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1125,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
The Black+Decker BDCDD12C is the most compact of the drills we’ve tested
” overridecredit=”Steve Conaway/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__8ce2c158-4c58-4370-afab-e0c590f0ddfe” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
If you’re looking for an affordable drill for your student so they can hang shelves and frames (and who knows what else, this compact Black & Decker model is our favorite budget drill and one that I happen to use for a lot of small home projects..
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="12" edition="us" superlative="Top-notch smart display" imagegroup="{"alt":"img-2595","caption":"
","credits":"Dale Smith/CNET","imageData":{"id":"8ad381af-e85a-4823-b867-a7895283990c","title":"google-nest-hub-2nd-gen-3","filename":"google-nest-hub-2nd-gen-3.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/03/24/8ad381af-e85a-4823-b867-a7895283990c/google-nest-hub-2nd-gen-3.jpg","caption":"
","size":12186548,"width":5815,"height":3271,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-03-24 16:01:50","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-04 21:37:42","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Chris Monroe/CNET","alt":"google nest hub 2nd gen","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"8ad381af-e85a-4823-b867-a7895283990c","imageAltText":"img-2595","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"Dale Smith/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"google-nest-hub-2nd-gen-3.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/03/24","imageWidth":5815,"imageHeight":3271,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Dale Smith/CNET” offer=”{"id":"c8bcb4fb-dfe6-47e7-be1f-1b82941ffbfc","slug":"google-nest-hub-2nd-gen","label":"Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)","edition":["US","ES"],"imageId":"8ad381af-e85a-4823-b867-a7895283990c","imgWidth":5815,"imgHeight":3271,"objectType":"content_product_series","typeLabel":"Series","imgUrl":"/content/image/redirect/8ad381af-e85a-4823-b867-a7895283990c/resize/75×56","icon":"type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small"}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"c8bcb4fb-dfe6-47e7-be1f-1b82941ffbfc","name":"Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)","slug":"google-nest-hub-2nd-gen","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1689311705159,"displayDate":"Fri Jul 14 2023 06:15:05 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)"}” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cnetlisticle__06af318c-c9ec-490b-b53e-4d0bef14d956″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Yes, Amazon’s is a fantastic smart display and a great gift for anyone with an Alexa household, but some of us prefer the Google Nest Hub. It’s less likely to push Amazon products on the screen, for one thing. Plus, the voice assistant is a bit more intuitive and there’s no camera, so it feels more comfortable in the bedroom. This second-generation model came out in 2021 and often goes on sale for as little as $50.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="13" edition="us" superlative="Excellent everyday mouse" type="Best list" imagegroup="{"alt":"Logitech MX Master 3S mouse","caption":"
","credits":"David Carnoy/CNET","imageData":{"id":"c93c6fa0-c2ad-4c49-b373-66acaffd365a","title":"logitech-mx-master-3s-003","filename":"logitech-mx-master-3s-003.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2022/05/20/c93c6fa0-c2ad-4c49-b373-66acaffd365a/logitech-mx-master-3s-003.jpg","caption":"
","size":9871983,"width":4000,"height":2250,"dateCreated":{"date":"2022-05-20 20:26:54","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-20 20:28:45","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"David Carnoy/CNET","alt":"Logitech MX Master 3S mouse","restricted":false,"startDate":{"date":"2022-05-24 07:01:00","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"c93c6fa0-c2ad-4c49-b373-66acaffd365a","imageAltText":"Logitech MX Master 3S mouse","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"David Carnoy/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"logitech-mx-master-3s-003.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2022/05/20","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2250,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”David Carnoy/CNET” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__18ecc275-18a4-4785-b5dc-87d076de1786″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Like its “S” predecessors, Logitech’s new MX Master 3S mouse ($99, £120, AU$170) isn’t a fully redesigned new model but an incremental upgrade. Ergonomically unchanged, it features quieter operation and an upgraded 8,000 DPI optical sensor that Logitech says tracks on most surfaces including glass and offers faster workflow with high-resolution monitors.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="14" edition="us" superlative="No more lost backpacks" imagegroup="{"alt":"112-apple-airtags-2021","caption":"
","credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageData":{"id":"d865e08b-f8be-4854-8484-4b4aff19082a","title":"112-apple-airtags-2021","filename":"112-apple-airtags-2021.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/04/24/d865e08b-f8be-4854-8484-4b4aff19082a/112-apple-airtags-2021.jpg","caption":"
","size":12641310,"width":4000,"height":2667,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-04-24 06:11:12","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-06-03 15:18:47","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","alt":"four round apple airtags with different engravings, including the initials AP and a happy face emoji","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"d865e08b-f8be-4854-8484-4b4aff19082a","imageAltText":"112-apple-airtags-2021","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"112-apple-airtags-2021.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/04/24","imageWidth":4000,"imageHeight":2667,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” linktext=”Read our AirTags hands-on” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/airtags-hands-on-apples-impressive-bluetooth-trackers-will-get-an-android-app/” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"eab49e54-1fb8-4791-a9d1-d0fe45b134e4","slug":"apple-airtag-anti-loss-bluetooth-tag-for-cellular-phone-tablet","name":"Apple AirTag – anti-loss Bluetooth tag for cellular phone, tablet","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"AUTOPID","mod":1689311493944,"displayDate":"Fri Jul 14 2023 06:11:33 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)"}” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cnetlisticle__e2122ecd-0782-4768-8f30-d1b4a4638776″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Know a student who’s always losing stuff on campus? In the locker room? Or just around the house? If they own an iPhone, gifting them a set of AirTags could be just the ticket. Once slipped into a backpack or a jacket, those items become trackable thanks to the AirTags using every nearby Apple device as a rangefinder. Grab a four-pack for just $99.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="15" edition="us" superlative="Ergonomic vertical mouse" type="Best list" imagegroup="{"alt":"logitech-lift-1","caption":"
","credits":"David Carnoy/CNET","imageData":{"id":"41562f32-7c1b-4231-aa07-1893ea3ec7ae","title":"logitech-lift-1","filename":"logitech-lift-1.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/df7cea0521cda604164beb06039365c86e23d068/2022/04/14/41562f32-7c1b-4231-aa07-1893ea3ec7ae/logitech-lift-1.jpg?auto=webp","caption":"
","size":1463695,"width":4032,"height":2268,"dateCreated":{"date":"2022-04-14 20:40:14","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-28 18:42:51","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"David Carnoy/CNET","alt":"Logitech Lift","restricted":false,"startDate":{"date":"2022-04-19 07:01:00","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":true,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"41562f32-7c1b-4231-aa07-1893ea3ec7ae","imageAltText":"logitech-lift-1","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"David Carnoy/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":true,"imageFilename":"logitech-lift-1.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2022/04/14","imageWidth":4032,"imageHeight":2268,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”David Carnoy/CNET” linktext=”Read our Logitech Lift First Take” linkurl=”https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/logitech-lift-new-vertical-mouse-is-smaller-and-yes-more-ergonomic/” data-key=”cross_content_listicle__a5fda74b-8c10-4428-8bab-b627b96f536f” position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Logitech makes a lot of mice and they’re all designed to be comfortable to use. But products in its Ergo Series line, which now includes the new Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse, are supposed to offer extra ergonomic advantages. In the case of the Lift, Logitech says its 57-degree vertical design “lifts your wrist into a more natural position” and “takes pressure off the wrist, while promoting a more natural forearm posture throughout the day.”
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="16" edition="us" superlative="Fried food taste without the oil" imagegroup="{"alt":"magic-bullet","caption":"
","credits":"Nutribullet","imageData":{"id":"ea98ecfc-9c81-4ef2-b334-4fc8eb96dbd2","title":"magic-bullet","filename":"magic-bullet.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/07/31/ea98ecfc-9c81-4ef2-b334-4fc8eb96dbd2/magic-bullet.jpg","caption":"
","size":753611,"width":3541,"height":2493,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-07-31 16:21:42","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-02 23:05:06","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Nutribullet","alt":"magic-bullet air fryer","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"ea98ecfc-9c81-4ef2-b334-4fc8eb96dbd2","imageAltText":"magic-bullet","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"Nutribullet","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"magic-bullet.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/07/31","imageWidth":3541,"imageHeight":2493,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Nutribullet” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cnetlisticle__2ac39065-8a6e-43bc-9a46-e90b39e79291″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Air fryers weren’t around when we were in school, but oh how we wish they were. We tested this compact cooker and it made super crispy chicken wings, french fries, dumplings and other college staples without any messy oil. The Magic Bullet is also smaller than most models and won’t crowd your already crowded dorm room or college apartment.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="17" edition="us" superlative="Budget noise-canceling headphone pick" imagegroup="{"alt":"01-soundcore-life-q20","caption":"
","credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageData":{"id":"c66a40d1-95f1-4dd1-b733-70fff44d1895","title":"10-soundcore-life-q20","filename":"10-soundcore-life-q20.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2019/11/11/c66a40d1-95f1-4dd1-b733-70fff44d1895/10-soundcore-life-q20.jpg","caption":"
","size":16772963,"width":5000,"height":3333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2019-11-11 22:40:50","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2019-11-11 23:07:14","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Sarah Tew/CNET","alt":"01-soundcore-life-q20","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"c66a40d1-95f1-4dd1-b733-70fff44d1895","imageAltText":"01-soundcore-life-q20","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"Sarah Tew/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"10-soundcore-life-q20.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2019/11/11","imageWidth":5000,"imageHeight":3333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Sarah Tew/CNET” usepricing=”false” data-key=”cnetlisticle__0a2a3cf1-b162-4224-a7b7-587850a2c3d1″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
Earbuds are great, but if you’re buying for a student who prefers full-size wireless headphones, this model delivers solid sound for less than $60 — and with passable noise cancellation and great battery life, too.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="18" edition="us" superlative="Smart bike helmet" imagegroup="{"alt":"lumos bike helmet","caption":"
","credits":"Lumos","imageData":{"id":"06ffe6ce-a2c4-457d-bb65-56bbd5655fd7","title":"lumos","filename":"lumos.png","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2022/07/20/06ffe6ce-a2c4-457d-bb65-56bbd5655fd7/lumos.png","caption":"
","size":362166,"width":1458,"height":1084,"dateCreated":{"date":"2022-07-20 15:37:09","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-07-20 15:37:21","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/png","deleted":false,"credits":"Lumos","alt":"lumos bike helmet","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"06ffe6ce-a2c4-457d-bb65-56bbd5655fd7","imageAltText":"lumos bike helmet","imageCaption":"
","imageCredit":"Lumos","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"lumos.png","imageDateCreated":"2022/07/20","imageWidth":1458,"imageHeight":1084,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”
” overridecredit=”Lumos” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__a7a299aa-7c55-42ad-9e35-5423b1f34971″ position=”NaN” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” class=”c-shortcodeListicle g-border-thin-light-top g-inner-spacing-bottom-medium g-inner-spacing-left-large g-inner-spacing-right-large g-inner-spacing-bottom-xlarge g-outer-spacing-bottom-large g-border-thin-light-bottom g-border-thin-light-right g-border-thin-light-left”>
If you’re looking to maximize your student’s visibility while riding a bike or scooter, the Lumos Ultra is a great gift idea. It makes sure they’re noticed with both front and back LEDs that you can customize via an app — the helmet is Bluetooth-enabled.
<div data-id="" data-cy="shortcodeListicle" data-location="LIST" data-position="19" edition="us" superlative="Best-sounding Bluetooth speaker under $110" imagegroup="{"alt":"anker-soundcore-motion-plus-in-hand","caption":"
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Anker’s Soundcore Motion Plus is larger than many mini Bluetooth speakers, but it’s still compact and manages to sound fuller than much of the competition for just over $100, with bigger bass, more volume and better clarity. It’s also fully waterproof (IPX7 rated) and has support for the aptX streaming codec for supporting devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy phones. Battery life is rated at 12 hours at moderate volume levels. There’s even an app for tweaking the sound. It’s an excellent value and fun addition to your school shopping.
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