First Class
APPLE IPAD: Described both as computing’s next revolution and
just a really big iPhone, Steve Jobs’ newest invention is more about its
App Store o;erings than about any of the technology Apple engineers
have crammed inside. And for students, the iPad operating system
enables some great programs to augment existing course materials.
For example, The Elements is a gorgeous visual guide of the
periodic table. Wolfram Alpha is a whip-
smart, hundred-dollar research
program whittled down to a $2
price tag. And the $2 National
Geographic World Atlas sports
all the maps and informa-
tion of its bulky paperbound
counterpart at a fraction of the
cost (and weight). These are
just three options, and more
are added to the App Store
every day. $499–$829;
apple.com
Backpack Busters
Not since the advent of the Trapper Keeper has there been this much excitement about what students
are hauling around in their backpacks. That’s because this year computer manufacturers started peddling products that are as powerful as desktops but smaller than textbooks and are aimed at the school
set. Although these gadgets don’t sport a pocket to store your pens and pencils, you can use them to
store your papers—electronically, that is.
HP MINI 5102: For years, HP’s line of netbook computers
has been big in the boardroom, but the Mini 5102 aims to reach
the head of the class, too. As HP’s first touch screen-enabled
netbook, the 5102 is unlike any of its predecessors. Featuring
a 10-inch touch screen and weighing only 2. 6 pounds, it is the
perfect combination of power and portability. Facial recognition
capability and password-protected websites also
make it one of the most secure computers on the market, and the special
student edition is made to work better with campus information technology environments. $399; hp.com
Contributors to First Class include John Patrick Pullen, Caroline Tiger and Greg G. Weber
