better
FAMILY
It’s a wired, wired world. So reach beyond the calculator as your
middle schooler, high schooler, o r college student heads back to class.
Connect them with fresh and functional techno gear.
by KELLY L. PHILLIPS
PRETTY PROTECTIVE
Safeguard that iPhone investment— and
your student’s health—with the iSkin Solo
FX SE. Its hard cover and mirror-screen
film shield it against dust, scratches, and
dents— and a coating of antimicrobial
protection earns it an A+; $35; iskin.com
TEST PATTERN
There’s something so prep-school
chic about this plaid laptop— an
excellent starter computer for
middle schoolers on up. (PS: For
this model, a love of pink is a
requirement. Even the keyboard is
rose-colored!) HP Mini 210 HD
Edition in Preppy Pink, from $330;
shopping.hp.com
2 3 0
SEPTEMBER 2010 BETTER
AND GARDENS
INFORMATION STATION
Even if the dog
did
eat his homework,
it’s no sweat when every printed page is
backed up on a super-portable data-storing
USB flash drive. Snag several for your
student to keep on hand, in bright shades
and patterns that are tough to lose; from
$10; staples.com
ROCK ’N’ ROLL AWAY
Late for class? Not on Tacky's watch. Slap the
snooze, and this alarm clock leaps off its perch
and rolls around, blasting MP3S or a prerecorded
message— forcing your student to throw off the
covers and shut it off; Tocky, $79; nandahome.com
WE’RE ALL EARS
College students living with a
roommate for the first time, or
attempting to study in a noisy spot,
will appreciate the full-ear coverage
and high-sound quality of Urbanears
headphones— and the fashion-forward
colors don’t hurt, either; $60;
urbanears.com 6S)
