(Source: McClatchy/Tribune)
Students need more than a word processor to make the grade these days. CNET editors have compiled dozens of gadgets and gift ideas for those heading back to class, whether they're dean's listers or future game testers. From computers to MP3 players to cell phones, our gift guide has gear that won't break the bank while filling every student's tech needs.
Compare Reviews: http://reviews.cnet.com/back-to-school-gift-ideas/
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Asus Eee PC 1005HA (Editors' Choice)
_ CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
_ The good: Sleek, attractive design; lower price; amazing battery.
_ The bad: Thicker and heavier than the previous model; still near the upper end of the Netbook price range.
_ The cost: $373 to $394.10
_ The bottom line: Asus hits nearly all the marks in the 1005HA, the latest version of its iconic Eee PC, highlighted by a 6-hour-plus battery life.
_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/asus-eee-pc-1005ha/4505-3121_7-33698049.html
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RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630
_ CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
_ The good: The RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 offers world-roaming capabilities as well as Bluetooth, GPS, and a 3.2-megapixel camera. The smartphone offers a great design that combines a sharp display and an easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard in a fairly compact size.
_ The bad: The smartphone lacks Wi-Fi. The Web browser falls short of the competition, and there's a bit of shutter lag on the camera. You can't save applications to a media card.
_ The cost: $199.99 to $699.99
_ The bottom line: With a winning design and fast performance, the RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 is one of Verizon Wireless' top smartphones for both business users and messaging fanatics.
_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/rim-blackberry-tour-9630/4505-6452_7-33686231.html
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Flip UltraHD
_ CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
_ The good: Shoots 720p HD video; high-quality video for its class; easy to use; uses rechargeable AA batteries; FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.
_ The bad: Somewhat pricey; no memory card slot; no cable included for HD output to HDTVs.
_ The cost: $178.99 to $214.99
_ The bottom line: The Flip Video UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a respectable feature set and some of the best video we've seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.
