And just like that, another summer is in the books. We’re entering the final week of August and if you’re a parent that means your children are going back to school soon. If you’re a student, that means you’ll need to shortly head out and grab things you’ll need for the next academic year. For both student and parent, this means a fun shopping trip and some time together! Or if you’re looking for a deal on a new computer then this might interest you.
This year, we’re focusing on a few items of interest and they come from our friends over at Microsoft.
First up is the Surface Laptop 2, which comes with a touchscreen display and 13.5” display. Also included is an 8th gen core in both i5 and i7 options, and either 8GB or 16 GB RAM. Then with an SSD in either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB configurations with USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, headphone jack and Surface Connect. And with up to 14.5 hours of battery life, it even leaves time to watch Netflix before bed. All in all, the model weighs roughly 2.7 lbs. Microsoft says the Surface Laptop 2 is also 85% faster than the original Surface Laptop.
You can pick up the Surface Laptop 2 over at the Microsoft Store at this link.
If you don’t want a traditional laptop then you’ll probably want something like the Surface Pro 6, which is both a laptop with the versatility of a tablet. You get the best of both worlds here as PixelSense technology powers the 12.3” display and supports the Surface Pen, too. Also included is an 8th gen core in both i5 and i7 options, and either 8GB or 16 GB RAM and either 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage options with an included microSD slot. If you want more, then you got it as you also get USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, headphone jack and Surface Connect included. Surface Pro 6 also weighs 1.7 lbs without a keyboard (2.4 lbs with one!).
You can pick up the Surface Pro 6 over at the Microsoft Store at this link.
If you decide on purchasing the Surface Pro 6, you’ll need a cover for your new tool. Cue the Surface Pro Signature Type Cover which adds a touch of style to your device. Using next-generation Alcantara material—a perfect blend of sophisticated style, comfort, and technology.
You can pick up the Surface Pro Signature Type Cover over at the Microsoft Story at this link.
And if you pick up either the Surface Laptop 2 or Surface Pro 6, a good mouse is always worth having with you. Looking at the Surface Mouse which boasts a sleek, low-profile design that fits in every bag without feeling bulky.
You can pick up the Surface Mouse over at the Microsoft Store right here.
Are you a graphic artist or student studying the field? You’ll want to check out the Surface Pen, which allows you the freedom to create on your Surface Pro 6. The Surface Pen is better than ever and works exceedingly well with precision ink on the tip and a rubber eraser on the end. Plus, tilt for shading, greater sensitivity, and virtually no lag.
You can pick up the Surface Pen over at the Microsoft Store here.
I know that student life is overwhelming at times, and to be honest if it wasn’t worth it, then it wouldn’t be so hectic. In order to do well, you’ll need to manage your time effectively and in some cases that means you need to take a break. Having a night out with friends is good or staying in and working on hobbies. If you think that this isn’t up your alley, then you can do what I do and play some video games to clear your head.
Of course, you’ll need a console to play them on and with the Xbox One S – All Digital Edition you can do that. Xbox released this iteration earlier this year and removed the disc drive completely, leaving you with an all-digital machine. Everything about this model is banking on digital experience and I don’t blame Microsoft for pursuing that idea. It’s smart in some ways, as your cloud saves are available on the go and the ability to pre-install games so they’re ready for launch is a good feature.
To sweeten the deal the Xbox One S – All Digital Edition comes with three titles preloaded for you to enjoy out of the box: Minecraft, Forza Horizon 3, and Sea of Thieves.
You can pick up the Xbox One S – All Digital Edition over at the Microsoft Store right here.
Lastly, and most importantly, each and every student needs Office 365 at some point. While your school allows access to their licensed version of the suite while you’re in school, once you are done, you’ll need your own copy. Up to 6 household members can use one subscription, perfect for parents at home and students at school. Each person will get 1TB cloud storage and 60 monthly Skype minutes.
You can pick up the Office 365 Home over at the Microsoft Store right here.
Don’t forget – elligible students can get up to 10% discounted on their purchases as well.
