Choosing school tech that fits your child’s needs, not just the latest models.
Walk into any electronics store this month and the sales pitch is often the same: newer, faster and more powerful. But a child starting Grade 3 does not need the same processor as a video editor, and a school laptop needs to withstand daily use in a backpack rather than top benchmark charts. The real back-to-school question is not which device is the best, but which one your child will actually use.
We spoke to parents navigating their own back-to-school shopping lists, and one principle came up repeatedly: choose devices based on your child’s actual schoolwork and needs, rather than simply buying the newest model on the shelf.
Here’s how that approach applies across the main tech categories on the back-to-school list.
Laptops: Buy for the syllabus, not the spec sheet
For older students, a laptop is often the biggest technology purchase on the back-to-school list — and one of the easiest places for parents to overspend. The temptation to choose a more powerful machine is understandable, but most schoolwork does not require high-end specifications.
For a typical school laptop, parents recommend at least 8GB of RAM, with 16GB a better choice if you want the device to remain useful for several years. A 256GB SSD or larger should provide sufficient storage for most students, while a recent Intel Core i3/i5 or Core 3/Core 5, or AMD Ryzen 3/Ryzen 5 processor should handle everyday school tasks comfortably.
Beyond specifications, battery life and weight are equally important. A school laptop needs to last through a full day of classes and remain manageable to carry in a backpack — not simply score highly in benchmark tests.
The main trap to avoid is gaming laptops. They can look like “more machine for the money”, but a powerful graphics card offers little benefit to a child whose schoolwork mainly involves Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, research and online learning platforms. Unless the school specifically requires demanding tasks such as coding, video editing or advanced design, there is little reason to pay for hardware that will rarely be used.
Tablets: Let the school’s requirements guide the choice
A tablet can be useful for younger students or in schools that incorporate them into classroom activities such as reading, educational apps, digital textbooks, note-taking and video lessons. But it is also an easy category in which to overspend. The most expensive tablet does not necessarily perform these everyday tasks better than a good mid-range model.
The better approach is to check the school’s device requirements before choosing a brand or model. Once those are clear, prioritise screen quality, sufficient storage, reliable battery life and long-term software support. A tablet that stops receiving updates after a year or two can quickly become a false economy, regardless of how attractive the original price was.
Headphones: Comfort and reliability matter more than premium audio
For online classes, recorded lessons and multimedia assignments, headphones are an important back-to-school accessory, but children generally do not need audiophile-grade sound. The priorities should be comfort for extended use, a reliable microphone and durable construction that can withstand being carried around in a school bag every day.
For younger children, volume-limiting features are worth prioritising. Simple, easy-to-use controls are more valuable than a long list of extra features, while gaming-headset prices are generally unnecessary for a device that only needs to handle a Zoom call or a language-learning app.
Power banks: Choose the right capacity, not the biggest
For students who commute or attend after-school activities, a power bank can be a useful backup. But choosing the highest-capacity model is not always the best option. Larger power banks add considerable weight to a school bag, while most students may never need their full capacity.
Instead, match the power bank’s capacity to the device it will actually charge. Choose a reputable manufacturer with appropriate safety protections, and check that the charging port and cable — USB-C in most cases — are compatible with the child’s devices.
Bags: Protect the device, not just the look
Once you have invested in a laptop or tablet, protecting it should be part of the buying decision. A padded tech compartment, sturdy zips and reinforced stitching can do more to extend a device’s lifespan than an attractive print or brand logo.
Comfort also matters. Look for well-padded straps and enough space for books and school essentials without putting pressure on the laptop or tablet.
Keyboards and styluses: Buy only what will be used
Tablet accessories are often bundled together, but they are only worth the extra cost if they fit the way a child actually works. A keyboard can be useful for students who regularly write essays or lengthy reports, while a stylus makes sense for handwritten notes, drawing or annotating PDFs.
For a child who mainly reads digital textbooks or watches video lessons, neither may be necessary. A discounted bundle is not a saving if the accessories end up sitting unused.
Phones: A new school year is not a reason to upgrade
A phone can be useful for older children who need to contact parents, receive school communications, manage transport or handle emergencies. But the start of a new school year alone is not a good reason to replace a device that still works.
If the existing phone continues to receive software updates, has sufficient storage and supports the apps the child needs, keeping it may be the better choice.
If a replacement is genuinely necessary, prioritise battery life, software support, storage, durability, connectivity and parental controls. A newer camera or faster processor is unlikely to make much difference to the typical school day.
What’s usually safe to skip
Parents can generally avoid spending on gaming laptops for basic schoolwork, high-end tablets when a mid-range model meets school requirements, the latest phone simply because it has launched, smartwatches without a specific purpose, premium gaming headphones for children who mainly need them for classes, and tablet accessories that are unlikely to be used.
Before you buy: nine questions worth asking
- Does the school actually require this device?
- Which apps or platforms does my child need to use?
- Will it remain suitable for the next few school years?
- Is it light enough for a child to carry every day?
- Can the battery last through a full school day?
- Is there enough storage for the child’s needs?
- Will the device continue receiving software updates?
- Will my child genuinely use this accessory?
- Can an existing device already do the job?
