Back to school in South Africa: Top student tech picks for 2024

Stuff writer

10 months ago

The roads are suddenly filled with SUVs transporting children all over South Africa. That can only mean it’s back to school, with parents and students alike gearing up for the coming academic year. To alleviate some of the stress associated with this transitional period, we’ve curated a list of the best back-to-school tech for South African students (of the school-going type).

Being a schoolgoer in SA means dealing with a unique set of challenges. There’s uncertainty when it comes to electricity access at school and home, as well as other economic issues. That’s more than enough stress to deal with without figuring out what Junior should be taking back to school. We’ve done that homework for you. Here are our top 7 tech picks for the 2024 academic year.

Acer Swift Go | R16,000

Alright, kiddos, brace yourselves for the Acer Swift Go – the laptop that’s about to become your academic sidekick. Packed with a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a welcome 512GB storage, this laptop could propel students beyond this year and through a full school career.

There are a few caveats at this price point though – its battery life might not break any records. But with a dazzling 3K OLED display, internals that should suffice for schoolwork, and an acceptable price tag, you don’t need much more computing hardware to go back to school with.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook | R10,900

For something a bit more affordable and portable, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is a mashup of a tablet and a Chromebook. The compact size and multifunction capability should offset some of its less savoury features. Plus, it’ll work just fine as a portable Netflix machine.

Lenovo’s kit has the battery life of a superhero, making it a go-to gadget for internet browsing and knocking out assignments. Admittedly, the keyboard’s a bit small, but hey, sacrifices were made in the name of an acceptable retail price. A single port for charging and headphones? A small price to pay for affordability and portability.

Logitech Brio 300 Full HD webcam | R1,400

In a world filled with bland webcams, the Logitech Brio 300 webcam (the rose-tinted one in particular) will make you look like a professional streamer. Whether that’s a good thing during an online class is something you and the teacher will have to discuss.

It’s not just about smooth 1080p/30fps. This bad boy throws in a built-in microphone and USB-C charging. Yes, it’s not the cheapest option, but who said looking this good was cheap?

Logitech C270 HD 720p | R800

Next up is the Logitech C270 – a budget-friendly streaming beast. Logitech’s other camera serves up 720p video and features a built-in microphone so you don’t need to use your headphones or (the horror) a laptop’s internal mic.

Sure, it lacks 4K glamour, but it gets the job done at a wallet-friendly price. Compact design? Check. Handy clip for easy attachment? Double-check. For a reliable streaming partner that won’t break the bank, this Logitech gem is a great option.

Magneto Rechargeable LED Lantern | R270

If you’re finding yourself studying in the darkness often, it’s a good idea to invest in backup lighting and power. Bonus points if you can cover both with one gadget – which is where the Magneto LED lantern comes in.

You’ve probably seen these in all your friends’ houses. It’s fitted with a lead-acid battery and boasts about 60 hours of illumination. In practical terms, that translates to five nights of uninterrupted light during load-shedding. You can power up your devices but it’ll shorten that illuminatory period. Just keep it charged and you’ll be sorted.

Apple iPad 10.2 (9th gen) | R7,000

The Apple iPad 10.2 (9th gen) is a timeless tablet that’s the Rolls Royce of school gadgets without the price tag. With its excellent value, strong performance, and upgraded front camera, you can’t find better for this price.

Face ID not included? Who needs it when you’ve got a 12MP ultra-wide selfie lens and an A13 Bionic chip running the show? While it may not be the newest iPad on the block, it’s still rocking a classic design and offers far better value for your hard-earned bucks than a similarly-priced Android slate.

Sennheiser HD 250BT headphones | R2,000

For the discerning audiophile on a budget, the Sennheiser HD 250BT delivers big. Although the design might not win any beauty contests, these on-ear cans are lighter than they look and promise a lovely soundstage. Take these back to school with you and watch the envy on the faces around you.

With up to 25 hours of battery life, they won’t bow out mid-cramming session. True, the bass can be a tad muddy, but a spot of EQ magic can work wonders. Besides, if you’re concerned about bass during an online class, you’re probably at DJ school and can afford something considerably more expensive than these affordable on-ears.