We all know that technology has one of the shortest relevance-periods of any item we sh

We all know that technology has one of the shortest relevance-periods of any item we shop for today; that is, technology is growing and changing so fast, chances are whatever we bought a week ago has already been improved on, and what we bought is therefore obsolete.

While taking this into account and keeping in mind the budgets of college students, there are a few tips every student should know when shopping for new technology.

First of all, it’s always great to hold off on buying until you at least know your major or maybe even your class and activities schedule.

When you know enough information that lets you walk through a typical campus day in your head, it’s much easier to narrow down what new tech you think you’ll need.

Considering your major when shopping is important. For instance, a journalism student would be very well off with a tablet or a netbook (to take notes on and write reports), while a computer science major would be better off with something more powerful for their work.

Let’s say we know our major and can’t decide between a tablet (for versatility and portability) and a netbook/laptop (for mainly classwork).

While we might think ourselves in a slight conundrum, we mustn’t forget that new, innovative products are constantly being introduced.

Companies have heard users’ cries for a combination of tablet portability/battery life with the ease-of-use of a netbook.

In the past year, a new type of device has taken the college and home markets by storm, and it’s known as the Asus Transformer.

While many tablets boast exceptional battery power and ease-of-use, the Transformer series is renowned for its add-on, fully detachable QWERTY keyboard boosting the unit’s battery life to an unheard-of 18 hours.

With the keyboard attached, the tablet turns from your typical touchscreen into a netbook unlike any other. Detached, it’s been heralded as one of the best Android tablets, too.

With a variety of models to choose from that could fit almost any budget, those who were considering laptops are now looking at these “hybrids” as a great option.

Prices are usually $300 and up, and the Internet is your best bet for low prices, but it doesn’t hurt to check local stores.

MacBooks and other Apple products are also very popular on campus, especially since the a good amount of computers at Iowa State are Apple products.

This means unbridled compatibility with any Apple product of yours, whether it be an iPad you want to charge in the library or an iTunes playlist you want to put on your department’s iMac.

As far as shopping for Apple products goes, you can expect to pay more than other brands.

If money isn’t an issue, it comes down to personal preference, like which operating system you enjoy the most. This is another instance where waiting could benefit you.

Possibly coming out this year, we will see the first-ever Windows 8 tablets, computers and software.

If that wasn’t exciting enough, it’s been rumored Windows 8 and Android are teaming up to bring you the best operating systems you’ve ever known.

If you don’t want to wait for Windows 8, there are many exceptional tablets and PCs on the market, like the Transformer with Android or the MacBook with iOS.

As far as what college students don’t need, just keep in mind that just because you have more freedom than you did at home, doesn’t mean you should be careless.

Don’t think you need a massive HDTV in your dorm, or an Xbox in every room of your apartment. Keep things in perspective and analyze a product’s use from all angles.

For example, don’t load up your apartment with new technology and then go around bragging about it, because it’s likely to get stolen. Only buy as much tech as you need and are capable of keeping track of.

College can be a scary place, and with technology we are fond of, we can ease away the tension we might be feeling. A smart mind and smart wallet will help those who are looking to buy new gear, but only if used right while thinking ahead.

op for today; that is, technology is growing and changing so fast that chances are whatever we bought a week ago has already been improved on, and what we bought is therefore obsolete.

While taking this into account and keeping in mind the budgets of college students, there are a few tips that every student should know when shopping for new technology.

First of all, it’s always great to hold off on buying until you at least know your major, or maybe even your class and activities schedule.

When you know enough information that lets you walk through a typical campus day in your head, it’s much easier to narrow down what new tech you think you’ll need.

Considering your major when shopping is important. For instance, a journalism student would be very well off with a tablet or a netbook (to take notes on and write papers), while a computer or software major would be better off with something more powerful for their work (editing), like a MacBook.

Let’s say we know our major and can’t decide between a tablet (for versatility and portability) and a netbook/laptop (for mainly classwork).

While we might think ourselves in a slight conundrum, we mustn’t forget that new, innovative products are constantly being introduced.

Companies have heard users’ cries for a combination of tablet portability/battery life with the ease-of-use of a netbook.

Recently in the past year, a new type of device has taken the college and home markets by storm, and it’s known as the ASUS Transformer.

While many tablets boast exceptional battery power and ease-of-use, the Transformer series is renowned for its add-on, fully detachable QWERTY keyboard that boosts the unit’s battery life to an unheard-of 18 hours.

With the keyboard attached, the tablet turns from your typical touchscreen into a netbook unlike any other. Detached, it’s been heralded as one of the best Android tablets, too. With a variety of models to choose from that could fit almost any budget, those who were considering laptops are now looking at these “hybrids” as a great option.

Prices are usually $300 and up, and the Internet is your best bet for low prices, but it doesn’t hurt to check local stores.

MacBooks and other Apple products are also very popular on campus, especially since the majority of computers at Iowa State are Apples as well. This means unbridled compatibility with any Apple product of yours, whether it be an iPad you want to charge in the library or an iTunes playlist you want to put on your department’s iMac.

As far as shopping for Apple products goes, you can expect to pay more than other brands.

If money isn’t an issue, it comes down to personal preference, like which operating system you enjoy the most. This is another instance where waiting could benefit you.

Possibly coming out this year, we will see the first-ever Windows 8 tablets, computers and software. If that wasn’t exciting enough, it’s been rumored that Windows 8 and Android are teaming up to bring you the best operating systems you’ve ever known.

If you don’t want to wait for Windows 8, there are many exceptional tablets and PCs on the market, like the previously mentioned Transformer with Android or the MacBook with iOS.

As far as what college students don’t need, just keep in mind that because you have more freedom than you did at home, doesn’t mean you should be careless. Don’t think you need a massive HDTV in your dorm, or an Xbox in every room of your apartment. Keep things in perspective and analyze a product’s use from all angles.

For example, don’t load up your apartment with new technology and then go around bragging about it, because it’s likely to get stolen. Only buy as much tech as you need and are capable of keeping track of.

College can be a scary place, and with technology we are fond of we can ease away the tension we might be feeling. A smart mind and smart wallet will help those who are looking to buy new gear, but only if used right while thinking ahead.