Back to School with Brett Larson

Kyocera Rise is perfect for anyone who wants to make the jump to a smartphone without giving up their QWERTY keypad. It also includes a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen and ships with Android’s latest operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich. Kyocera’s exclusive “Eco Mode”  also ensures you’ll get the most out of your battery even while using millions of apps from the Google Play store.

Kyocera Rise is available at Sprint beginning August 19^th for $19.99 with a 2-year contract and Virgin Mobile beginning August 31^st for $99.99 with no contract.

Information and online ordering is available at www.sprint.com, or those who prefer no-contract service can go to www.virginmobileusa.com

Livescribe Echo Smartpen

The Echo smartpen captures everything you hear and write, digitally syncing handwritten notes with audio. It provides quick and accurate access to important information by simply tapping on the written notes either directly on paper, or on a computer using the Livescribe Desktop software. Notes and synced audio are stored in one place with Livescribe Desktop, so it’s never been easier to take notes and stay organized. Collaboration is simplified with the option to share notes and audio by email, or to destinations like Google Docs, Evernote, Facebook or Dropbox.

Information and online ordering is available at www.livescribe.com; promotional pricing is available now through September 1, 2012

• • 4GB smartpen – $129.95 ($20 Off)
  • 8GB smartpen – $149.95 ($30 Off)
  • 8GB propack  – $179.95 ($50 Off)

Newegg.com

Newegg.com is a great destination for back-to-school technology essentials such as laptops, software, printers and the new Intel-inspired ultrabooks. The e-retailer recently commissioned a survey of college students and found that 92% of respondents consider laptops a must-have item. In the ultrabook category, a recommended option is the thin and sleek Sony VAIO T-Series Ultrabook (model # SVT13112FXS), which features a 13.3 inch screen and is sporting the 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processor. The Sony VAIO E-Series 14P laptop (model # SVE14A1HFXBC) is another great notebook option that has a unique bold design and comes with DJ-style headphones.

Price:

Sony VAIO T Series Ultrabook, is priced at $799.99 + $100 mail-in rebate (receive a $100
Sony VISA prepaid card by mail with purchase before Sept. 8, 2012)
Sony VAIO E Series 14P Laptop, is priced at $869.99

For more information and other back-to-school necessities, please visit www.newegg.com

VTech’s Brilliant Creations Laptops and Tablet

VTech^®’s Brilliant Creations™ Laptops and Tablet look like the real thing and are perfect for kids 4-8 years old who want to be connected to an entire world of learning. The educational toy line includes three products – the Brilliant Creations Beginner Laptop, Brilliant Creations Advanced Notebook and Brilliant Creations Color Touch Tablet. Each comes pre-equipped with numerous activities across several essential skills including math, language and creativity.

The Brilliant Creations Beginner Laptop retails for $34.99. The Brilliant Creations Advanced Notebook and Brilliant Creations Color Touch Tablet each retail for $49.99.

For more information and online ordering, please visit www.VTechKids.com

Kno Textbooks

Kno is transforming the way students learn by creating a digital studying environment that makes learning exponentially more effective and efficient than anything else on the market.

Kno is more than a digital textbook – it combines the best of the  physical textbook along with over 70 interactive features including innovative features such as Kno Me, Smart Links, Quiz Me and Journal which help increase students’ learning potential and retain the most important information.

Price:  30-50% off list price for higher education digital textbooks/ K-12 textbooks range between $5.99 – $13.99

The Kno Textbooks app can be downloaded for FREE at www.kno.com and through the Apple app store.