Even though my school days are long gone, August still feels like September 1st, and back to school is just around the corner. And that also means going to the school market with my parents and buying notebooks, diaries, atlases, and a bunch of other supplies.
Modern education has somehow moved forward, and at least contour maps can now be stored on tablets, and styluses can be used instead of pencils. At least, in theory. And given the hybrid nature of the educational process in Ukraine, students must be prepared for both traditional classes in the classroom and online lessons from home, or even from shelter during an air raid. In such conditions, properly selected gadgets become not just convenient accessories, but reliable tools that ensure the continuity of the educational process.
We have prepared a list of "must-have gadgets" that will help you adapt to any situation and make learning as comfortable and effective as possible.
The main tool for learning
This gadget is the heart of your learning setup. It is responsible for completing homework, writing essays, creating presentations, and participating in online classes.
Laptop: The best choice for serious work. It offers a full keyboard and the most flexible operating system, making it ideal for writing texts, programming, or working with resource-intensive applications. Ideal for high schoolers and students.
We suggest limiting the budget to 25 thousand hryvnias. There are already enough good options in this segment that can become a worthy first computer for a child.
Acer Aspire 3 / TravelMate P4 13 – These models come with both Intel and AMD processors, 16GB of RAM (which is already becoming the optimal minimum), and generally a good set of features. The Aspire has a standard 15.6" diagonal, while the TravelMate is 13.3", so it may be a more suitable choice for students who need to take their laptop with them often.
ASUS Vivobook 15 is an alternative to the Aspire in a rather stylish case. The specifications are similar, so choose what your child likes best. The Vivobook line in general has a good reputation.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 – the same applies to the IdeaPad line. A good and reliable option in the segment up to 25 thousand hryvnias.
Tablet: A great compromise between portability and functionality. With an optional keyboard and stylus, it becomes a versatile tool for taking notes, reading textbooks, and watching video tutorials. Lightweight and compact, it won't weigh down your backpack if you have to take it with you often.
With tablets, everything is both simple and complicated at the same time. There is the iPad – the undisputed leader in the segment, however, with a budget of up to 20 thousand, you can only choose the base model of 2025. And in general, this is a good option with a cool display and a power reserve. Apple Pencil is supported, but only the first generation. If you want more advanced features of the second-generation Apple Pencil, or the Pro version, you will have to look at the iPad Air or iPad Pro models, and this is a different price segment.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is an iPad alternative from the Android world, and it also comes with an S Pen. Not the most powerful processor, but overall, not bad specifications for this segment.
Xiaomi Pad 7 – the Chinese brand does not betray its principles, so you can get good hardware for relatively little money. Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, 45 W charging, 2K display, the only thing is that there is no stylus included.
Smartphone: Despite its small screen, a smartphone is an indispensable assistant. It is always at hand for quick tasks: searching for information, checking the schedule, taking pictures of materials from the board, or communicating with classmates and parents. Its main advantage is its constant availability, which is especially important in conditions when the main device is dead or missing.
If we are considering the first smartphone for a schoolchild, it is unlikely that parents will be willing to shell out too much money. However, even in the segment up to 10 thousand hryvnias, there are interesting options.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 – 120 Hz display, Helio G99 Ultra processor, 5500 mAh battery – quite adequate hardware for playing games, taking photos, and staying connected.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion – in addition to very good hardware, the design in bright colors looks stylish.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is a more modest model in terms of specifications and design, but in return you get a little more confidence in software stability.
Gadgets for autonomy and mobility
The continuity of learning depends not only on the primary device, but also on the ability to maintain its working condition and access to the Internet.
Power bank: An absolute must-have for every student. Especially since your smartphone's battery can run out very quickly during Brawl Stars or League of Legends battles during breaks. So this is the only way to charge your smartphone, tablet, or even laptop so you don't miss a lesson or lose important data. Choose models with a capacity of at least 10,000 mAh and a fast charging function.
Xiaomi 10000mAh 22.5W Lite is compact, lightweight, has two USB-A ports and one USB-C. Maximum charging power is 22.5 W.
UGREEN PB720 20000mAh – models like this will come in handy if you plan to charge a tablet/laptop, because one of the USB-C ports supports charging with a power of up to 100 W.
Mobile Wi-Fi router (or 4G modem): While most smartphones can share the Internet, a separate modem can provide a more stable and faster connection, especially if multiple devices need access to the network at the same time.
ZTE U10s Pro – supports 4G and Wi-Fi 6 networks, speed – 150/50 Mbps. Allows you to connect up to 32 devices simultaneously.
Huawei Brovi E3372-325 – a model in the form factor of a flash drive. Convenient if you plan to use it mostly with a laptop. Speed – 150/50 Mbps.
Gadgets for comfortable learning
These devices are not mandatory, but they significantly improve the quality of learning and help avoid distractions.
Wireless noise-canceling headphones: When teaching online, good sound quality is key to success. Headphones will help you focus without being distracted by background noise, and they will allow you to communicate with your teacher without disturbing others. Noise-canceling models are especially useful when you have to study in a noisy environment.
There are simply a lot of options in the segment up to 3000-3500 UAH. Xiaomi, Oppo, Anker, OnePlus, Nothing – you can choose both by design and solely in terms of characteristics on paper.
OnePlus Buds 3 – active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3, up to 10 hours of operation (up to 44 hours with a case), IP55. Cute design, several colors to choose from.
Anker SoundCore P40i – here they focused on battery life. Up to 12 hours without recharging, and with the case you get up to 60 hours of total use.
Nothing Ear (a) is probably the most stylish model in this segment. The transparent case, attention to detail, look impressive, both in white, black and yellow versions.
E-book: If your program involves a lot of reading, an e-reader is a great investment. It doesn't strain your eyes like a regular screen, can store thousands of textbooks and books, and has a long battery life. This allows you to carry your entire school library in one hand.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a classic e-book. It has a backlight, Wi-Fi, and newer models have USB-C and IPX8 protection. It doesn't have the widest format support, but this is solved by converting files.
PocketBook 629 Verse – this model supports 25 formats out of the box. Plus, there’s a microSD slot, so you can carry the entire school curriculum from grades 1 to 12 with you.
Tablet Stylus: For tablet users, a stylus opens up new possibilities. It allows you to take handwritten notes, draw diagrams, highlight text in textbooks - everything that was previously done with a pen on paper. This is especially convenient for studying exact sciences, where there are a lot of formulas and graphs.
There are universal styluses, but it is better to choose a model that is suitable for a specific tablet or manufacturer. If we are talking about the iPad, then this is the Apple Pencil / Pencil Pro, in the case of Samsung - the S Pen, other brands also have their own accessories.
Hybrid learning format requires flexibility and readiness for any conditions. A properly selected set of gadgets will help a student feel confident, wherever he is. Investment in reliable technology is an investment in comfort, safety and quality of education, which is extremely important in modern realities.
Share your "schoolboy kit" in the comments – what equipment do you think a school student should have, and what is not necessary to buy?