Back to school software, bags, PDA's and websites
Websites you must bookmark:
www.kids.net.au - a new australian portal. It's not pretty, but it's powerful!
www.calculator.com - online calculators.
www.asknow.gov.au - ask an Aussie librarian a live question, FREE about anything and you'll see instant web resources appear on the screen.
Backpack for school stuff
A bag to carry your laptop - ergonomically designed with laptop pouch in the middle of the bag to distribute the weight evenly.
STM have a great range designed specifically for students and laptop user.
For example, the Sports Backpack - around $115. The padded laptop section fits up to 15" screens, and has a Velcro and drawstring closure system to keep the computer in place. - In addition to protecting a laptop, they can be used to carry vinyl, most game consoles and other technical equipment.
It also has high density padding / front section with utility pockets / back section with suspended laptop pouch / ergonomic back system / padded curved shoulder straps / waist strap / key hook - External pocket with earphone access for portable music players and mobile phone / external mesh pocket / elastic detail for water bottle or scuba diving fins / approx. 35 litre capacity
Parachute backpack - around $155
This backpack has two main compartments. The back section is subdivided to include a padded, suspended laptop pouch. - The pouch fits laptops with 15" screens, securing them with both drawstring and Velcro closure systems. - The large front section has space for books and folders. Shielded by the signature parachute flap is an organiser pocket and multi-purpose pouch, ideal for portable music player and/or mobile phone. - Additional Features same as above.
You may also be interested in the 'Sleeve' - a padded sleeve and cable case that fit inside a normal school bag. $46 and $49, size dependent.
More info at http://www.standardtm.com.au or to PURCHASE, go to www.wishlist.com.au or www.bits.com.au or www.streetwise.net.au
Software you'll want to check out:
Microsoft's Encarta Premium Suite with new innovative homework features such as project starters and chart makers
Standout features are:
* Encarta Researcher which helps students collect and organize text and pictures for projects from both the Web and Encarta. Footnotes and bibliographies are automatically created, and then included in the finished reports.
* Update Encarta - Currency is king. Via the Web, new information is seamlessly integrated directly into Encarta articles, resulting in entirely new or updated content. Events that occurred during the past year led to immediate content updates, including: the crisis in the Middle East; a biography on Lakers star Kobe Bryant, the 2002 Olympics; and advances in science such as cloning and space exploration.
* Live Streaming Media allow you to access live news, weather information and radio broadcasts from around the world.
Encarta costs $199.95 from most software retailers.
More info at http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?subid=7&site=11254
Don't forget Encyclopedia Britannica's Ultimate Reference Suite 2003 at $169 including the usual features - encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, thesaurus, and timeline.
A standout feature is the three different libraries, catering for each age group and reading level in the family. At the britannica.com.au website, you'll find study guides and more. More info at www.britannica.com.au
Both encylopedias also come on DVD.
Helpful back to school PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and Handhelds:
Ranging from $250 to more than $1000, most come with daily task list features, a calendar, address book, calculator and a notepad. PDAs can also play games; and with extra-cost add-on modules, they can function as anything from an MP3 player to a digital camera. You can also load specialist software onto them from your own PC.
Standouts are the:
* Palm Zire PDA at around $239
* Sharp ZQ290 Organiser at around $119.96
* TI-83plus Calculator with graphing tools for mathematics and science coursework, including statistics and finance and ability to upgrade the software. at $199
All available at www.calculatorking.com.au
