Back-to-School Shopping: All the Tech You Need for September

As we approach the final stretch before university or the end of high school summer holidays, it’s time to rethink your tech game. The dawn of the back-to-school season brings a shopping list of tech essentials to equip students for another fruitful year of learning. And hey, if you’re a parent supporting your young scholar’s journey, we’re here to guide you, too!

As an experienced tech recycling company, we’ve created the ultimate tech shopping guide perfect for the incoming September term. But here’s the twist. We’ll also highlight the advantages of trading in old tech with our “sell my mobile services” to help upgrade to newer and better devices or to raise funds for your new laptop, tablet or phone. Help your pocket and the planet all in one go.

By embracing refurbished devices, we can all play our part in reducing e-waste. So, without further ado, what should you be looking for on your back-to-school shopping list?

First, how good is your current phone?

Today, students need a dependable smartphone—it’s your lifeline to social circles and an essential tool for studying! You can do quick research, easily access your email for feedback from teachers and tutors, and even download educational apps that are becoming more popular within the national school curriculum. Even the camera can help with multiple subjects such as science, geography, and art. So, why not take this time to upgrade to a phone that has it all?

When on the hunt for a new phone, don’t overlook these crucial aspects.

Battery life,
Storage capacity,
Camera quality,
Operating system (iOS or Android),
and of course, price.

Now, let’s talk budget. If you’re counting pennies, does that mean you have to compromise on the quality? Absolutely not!

Consider snagging last year’s model during a sale or, even better, opt for a refurbished mobile phone. You’ll be amazed at the savings you can rack up while still getting a phone with all the bells and whistles. So, fear not; a reliable and cost-effective smartphone is within your reach.

iPads and tablets: tech essentials

One thing’s for certain, iPads and tablets pack quite a punch when it comes to portability, note-taking prowess, compatibility with other gadgets, and multimedia features. It’s like carrying a mini-computer around but with less weight and hassle. Many students have found these devices pretty handy for jotting down quick notes during lectures, leisurely reading, and even flexing their creative muscles—thanks to their compact size, stellar battery life, and a host of supportive apps.

What’s even better? You can easily sync your tablets with your smartphones and laptops, making accessing your files and documents a breeze. Of course, new tablets can be a bit pricey, but that’s where refurbished tablets come to the rescue. These aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re almost as good as new. At Mazuma Mobile, each refurbished iPad and tablet undergoes rigorous inspection and repair, ensuring you get only the best quality.

Finding the perfect laptop

Now, let’s talk laptops. For students who’ve passed the Year 9 mark, they’re pretty much non-negotiable. They give you the flexibility to nail assignments, jump into online classes, and keep your academic life in check. When looking for a new laptop, choose one that offers portability, battery longevity, processing power, sufficient storage capacity, and a decent screen size.

Now, top-notch laptops can hit your wallet hard, but there are certainly ways around it that are often much more favourable. From student discounts that several brands roll out to sales during back-to-school seasons, you’ve got opportunities galore. But if you’re keen on a truly budget-friendly deal without skimping on quality, refurbished laptops are an excellent route.

Other bits of tech to make studying a breeze

OK, so we know smartphones and laptops are important. But let’s not forget some other tech gear that can give students that extra edge in their academic journey.

Noise cancelling headphones

If you find yourself trying to concentrate on your online classes, but the noise around you is relentless, noise-cancelling headphones can be a real blessing. These devices can help you focus on what’s important, not what’s happening around you. By blocking out the surrounding noise, you’ll have no struggle in hearing everything you need, whether it’s an online class, an educational video, or an interactive app for tests.

An extra monitor

Even with a laptop with a decent screen size, sometimes it can be easy to run out of space for all the windows you need open for referencing. Consider purchasing an external monitor that has your back to keep multitasking a breeze. You double your workspace and give yourself room to work on multiple windows simultaneously.

Large storage USB drives

And let’s not forget about our trusty little friend, the USB drive. It’s like having a safety net for all your academic files. Think about it—all your work is in one place, you can access it whenever you want, and the best part? Even if your laptop goes kaput out of the blue, your work remains safe and sound.

Power banks

The final piece of tech you may wish to consider is a large-capacity power bank. Keep your devices juiced up when you’re on the move with a compact hub of power. Having one of these means you can study from just about anywhere with your mobile devices without worrying about losing charge. Great for learning on the train, by bus or in your favourite park.

Environmental benefits of buying refurbished products

Selecting refurbished devices is like having your cake and eating it too. It’s financially savvy and reduces your carbon footprint. Did you know a whopping 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was produced worldwide in 2019 alone? Undeniably a hefty figure, but more shocking is that just 17.4% of this mountain of waste was recycled. Opting for refurbishment plays a direct role in trimming down that grim statistic.

Choosing refurbished tech comes with a host of compelling advantages:

Economical: These devices generally come with a more appealing price tag compared to their brand-new counterparts.
Eco-friendly: By opting for refurbished tech, you’re ensuring that the resources initially used to create the device continue to be useful, effectively reducing e-waste.
Quality-checked: Each refurbished device is thoroughly inspected and repaired to meet manufacturer standards, ensuring they work like new.
Sustainable: You’re choosing a sustainable path by keeping older electronics out of landfill sites.
Experience the latest tech: Refurbished tech allows you to enjoy the perks of the latest generation features without breaking the bank.

By going the refurbished route, you’re grabbing an incredible deal and playing an active role in shaping a more sustainable future. At Mazuma, we’re passionate advocates of green practices, so if you’ve had enough of your old tech, you can sell your smartwatch, trade in your tablet and even get a great deal with our “sell my iPhone” services. Whatever make or model of tech you no longer need, take a look to see how much you could get and be sure you have contributed to saving it from adding to the e-waste issues.

Get the devices you need with the help from Mazuma

Back-to-school season is around the corner, and let’s face it, gearing up with the right tech can be make-or-break. There’s no overlooking the green benefits of choosing refurbished devices, and don’t forget to recycle your old gizmos responsibly.

When you choose to sell your old phone and other devices to us at Mazuma, the extra cash in your pocket can go towards other important buys for the coming academic year. We offer some of the best prices online for your old tech. So, what are you waiting for? Get a quote today, whether you want to sell a Samsung Galaxy S, trade in your Google Pixel or pick up a refurbished iPhone, save the environment and pick up an upgrade with ease.