11 must-have gadgets for college students in 2024

As a college student today, you'll need certain tech to get your work done — key among the bunch being a solid laptop for college. But there are other gadgets that can make your academic life easier, and in some cases, more fun. If you're looking to stay organized, produce better work and enjoy your down time on and off campus, picking up a few important devices before you start the next semester can make all the difference. We've collected some of the must-have gadgets for college that we've tested here, and we wouldn't be surprised if all of them stuck with you long after your four-year university run is over.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/11-must-have-gadgets-for-college-students-in-2024-120044203.html?src=rss

Prime Day drops Google Nest devices to record-low prices

Amazon Prime Day is a good time to look for deals on smart home gadgets. Whether you're just dipping your toe into the space, or you have a thriving smart home ecosystem in place that you want to expand, Prime Day deals usually come in clutch with good discounts. For 2024, we're seeing a bunch of Google Nest devices on sale, some at record-low prices.

These gadgets are best for anyone who already lives within the Google ecosystem, especially those who already rely on the Google Assistant to help them get things done. You'll find a few Nest security cameras on sale for Prime Day, as well as thermostats, video doorbells and Wi-Fi systems.

If you're looking for even more Prime Day deals, check out Engadget's Prime Day hub where you'll find all of the best tech deals you can get for the shopping event this year. In addition to Amazon devices, Prime Day is typically a great time to pick up big-ticket items like tablets, laptops and robot vacuums, and accessories like power banks, streaming devices, Bluetooth speakers and the like. 

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-day-drops-google-nest-devices-to-record-low-prices-120035954.html?src=rss

The best Prime Day deals on bluetooth speakers we’ve tested and reviewed in 2024

We now face the second (and last) day of Amazon’s Prime Day sale. It's still a good time to buy a new speaker as all of the deals we've highlighted are still live. Sure, we all carry around tiny sound emitters in our pocket, but a smartphone can't beat the output of a portable Bluetooth speaker. (Or a bookshelf speaker for that matter, but that’s a more personal and in-depth purchase beyond the scope of this roundup). So if you're ready to snag a new speaker that can bring the noise to your living room or back yard, check out the best Prime Day speaker deals we could below. Some of the smart speakers, soundbars and Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested and recommend are even hitting all-time lows.

As with all Engadget tech deals coverage, we only highlight discounts on gear we've tested or have otherwise used and know to be worthy of your money. We cross-checked our guides and reviews with the Prime Day deals Amazon has put forth to come up with what you see here. And we'll update these deals roundups until Amazon's Prime Day sale has officially ended. 

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-deals-on-bluetooth-speakers-weve-tested-and-reviewed-in-2024-120018881.html?src=rss

HOLORY X V1 LCD transparent screen display box

HOLORY X V1 Kickstarter

Imagine a world where your collectibles, multimedia, and even your desk setup come to life in a visually stunning and functional way. With the HOLORY X V1 Transparent LCD Display Box, you can transform any space into a modern masterpiece. This multifunctional transparent display is not just a tech gadget; it’s a piece of art […]

The post HOLORY X V1 LCD transparent screen display box appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

The best laptop deals available today for Amazon Prime Day 2024

We're into the second and final day of Amazon's (paradoxically named) Prime Day sale, and we're still seeing a few standout deals on laptops we recommend. While Amazon isn't the absolute best place to buy a new laptop — you can typically spec out your device more precisely if you buy directly from a manufacturer — the sale does include lower-than-usual prices on the latest MacBook Air, Alienware's beastly m18 R2 gaming laptop and our favorite budget Chromebook. Here are the best Prime Day laptop deals we could find. 

Just remember that, as with most Prime Day deals, you need to be a Prime member to access many of the discounts. The sale ends today, and we're updating this roundup as we find more deals of note. If you're hunting for discounts on other gadgets, be sure to check out our general roundup of the best Prime Day tech deals as well.

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-laptop-deals-available-today-for-amazon-prime-day-2024-114453759.html?src=rss

10 Best Stationery Products To Assist You In Your Art & Design Projects

What sets an exceptional desk apart is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.

1. Pen Fan

Named the Pen Fan, this innovative stationery product is an intriguing cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set. The Pen Fan features 8 different flat-head sketch pens and is packed in a compact, portable set that is easy to carry anywhere and everywhere.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.

What we like

  • It is a portable set that you can carry anywhere with you
  • You don’t lose your pens very easily

What we dislike

  • There are only 8 color options, which can be a bit limiting

2. Royi Stationery

Called Royi Stationery, these stationery designs are unlike anything we’ve seen before. The designs all have stories to tell, and they aren’t just regular old staplers and hard disks, they’re see-through, showcasing what is inside them. The stationery set is based on the tale of the naked king, whose obsession with vanity, leads to his downfall.

Why is it noteworthy?

Royi Stationery intends to capture this thoughtful ideology in its designs. The collection includes an everyday stapler with an intriguing twist. It is see-through, allowing a glimpse into its inner workings. You can see the staple punching through the papers, which is quite cool.

What we like

  • The stationery designs are a reminder to be honest and open
  • Adds a thoughtful and intriguing twist to regular stationery products

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

3. MagBoard Clipboard

Named the MagBoard Clipboard – this innovative stationery design is flexible and functional. It is a unique notepad/clipboard hybrid. The Clipboard makes use of a magnet and lever mechanism that holds your sheets safely in one spot. The notepad is excellent for writing down your thoughts and ideas.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The MagBoard Clipboard is a one-of-a-kind accessory that revamps the ordinary notepad. It enables users to tailor and elevate their note-taking experience, without the usual hassles of a typical notebook.

What we like

  • Has a lightweight and compact form that makes it easy to carry around
  • The papers are held safely and securely by magnets and levers

What we dislike

  • Best used with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs

4. Aestus

Aestus is a limited edition signature pen that features a really unique form. The pen looks like a compact little lightsaber at first glance, but plenty of fountain pens look like they’re straight from Star Wars. The pen is built from high-grade stainless steel and features two geometric shapes that convert the hexagon profile into a circle.

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen is quite sophisticated and features a ceramic docking unit where the pen can be stored when not being used. A layer of cork is placed in the upper part and the base. The pen’s design and the docking unit offer a luxurious and regal vibe.

What we like

  • Gives a luxurious vibe to a stationery design

What we dislike

  • Isn’t yet available for commercial purposes
  • Will probably be pretty expensive

5. Gravity Pen

Named the Gravity Pen, this innovative pen is designed to be the ultimate sidekick to carry with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, forming a harmonious and seamless writing experience, making the pen quite easy to hold, and make strokes with. The pen has a pretty big grip, larger than the barrel.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!

What we like

  • Features an ergonomic form making it quite easy to hold
  • Lightweight and durable body that is easy to carry around

What we dislike

  • There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product

6. The OZ Stationery Collection

The OZ Stationery Collection is a creative effort to rejuvenate an overlooked market. The unique collection was designed after studying the stationery market to find a distinctive niche in an industry that is already quite populated and saturated. The OZ Stationery is designed to cater to the creative demographic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The intention behind the OZ Stationery is to form a collection of personal stationery products that are a representation of popular art movements and their philosophies. The audience is creatives who can relate to certain artistic feelings, movements, and artists. The products are intended to be a form of self-expression.

What we like

  • The stationery collection serves as a unique gifting option

What we dislike

  • The collection is conceptual so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

7. Serenity Pen Stand

Called the Serenity Pen Stand, this unique pen stand is an excellent object to hold your pen. Pens can be pretty easy to lose, and if you’re constantly trying to keep track of your pen, then you need to get your hands on the Serenity Pen Stand. It features a compact and minimal form with a metallic touch.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.

What we like

  • Has a heavy copper bottom which provides it with a stable form
  • Sleek and minimal design

What we dislike

  • Pretty small in size, so can be misplaced easily

8. Bloomstick

Named the Bloomstick, this pretty-looking conceptual pen design allows you to write down your dreams as it is important to note them down and make them come true. The pen lets your dreams “bloom like flowers” when you write them on paper using it. The tagline of the pen is “Click to bloom your dream”.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bloomstick is equipped with a silicone-covered platform which you can press, and it opens into a pretty flower-like shape, which you can use as a blooming instrument. It is available in different colors such as blue, pink, and green, but when closed it looks like a typical pen which you can still use.

What we like

  • Gives a playful and interesting twist to your everyday pen

What we dislike

  • The pen seems to be more aesthetic than functional

9. Japanese Paper Memo Block

Dubbed the Japanese Paper Memo Block, this minimal little notepad is designed to capture your every day exciting thoughts, making sure you never really miss out on them. Since we tend to have a fear of missing out on our thoughts, it is important to note them down in the nick of time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Memo Block lets you focus on what is important, allowing you to note down your significant thoughts, before you get distracted, and lose track of them. The pad is pretty small, and you can easily place it wherever you like.

What we like

  • Features a pure black/white surface which lets you pull out new thoughts from your mind
  • The pad is made using high-quality Japanese paper

What we dislike

  • Looks like an ordinary memo pad with no real specialty

10. Funno

Named Funno, this unique pencil sharpener is unlike your typical pencil sharpener. It has the shape of a small cylinder, which makes it one-of-a-kind, unlike the conventional pencil sharpeners you tend to see in the market. If you’re looking to add something interesting and innovative to your stationery collection, then you need to get Funno.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Funno pencil sharpener has a lustrous sheen which makes it look like a luxurious desk decoration instead of a simple stationery design that cuts through hard, getting muddied and dirtied by black graphite.

What we like

  • Funno has a German-made Möebius+Ruppert inside to deal with dull pencils easily

What we dislike

  • Some people may prefer a typical and traditional sharpener. The design may be too radical for some

The post 10 Best Stationery Products To Assist You In Your Art & Design Projects first appeared on Yanko Design.

Improve your ChatGPT prompt writing using frameworks

How to improve your AI prompt writing

If you are looking to improve your prompt writing skills there are frameworks available for you to quickly and easily get the best results possible from your favorite AI or large language model. The CRAFT framework is a structured approach designed to help you write effective AI prompts. By following this framework,you can create prompts […]

The post Improve your ChatGPT prompt writing using frameworks appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

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This Prime Day deal brings the Essential Roomba robot vacuum and mop down to its lowest price yet

The Roomba Combo Essential was already pretty budget-friendly to begin with, but you can now get the 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop for $85 less than its retail price of $275 in a Prime Day deal. The robot vacuum is currently on sale for $190 as part of this year's Amazon Prime Day festivities, and it's a great discount — as well as a record low — for a model that was released a mere three months ago.

When iRobot announced the Roomba Combo Essential, it said the vacuum-mop hybrid outperforms the Roomba 600 Series and has 20 times more suction power. This model is 25 percent better at picking up dirt from hard floors than the Roomba 600 Series, iRobot said, and it has a longer battery life. Its smart navigation system can clean your house in rows — for up 120 minutes — and its app will let you set cleaning schedules, so the Roomba can do its job even if you're not home.

The robot can even return to its charging station by itself when its battery runs low, so you don't have to worry about having to plug it in when you come home. When you are home, you can start a cleaning session anytime either by tapping the Clean button in the iRobot Home app or issuing a voice command via Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. 

If you don't really need a mop and just want a regular robot vacuum, you can get the Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum instead. It has the same features as the Combo Essential and will only set you back $160, which is the lowest price yet for a device that usually goes for $250. 

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-prime-day-deal-brings-the-essential-roomba-robot-vacuum-and-mop-down-to-its-lowest-price-yet-113051271.html?src=rss

Apple Releases macOS 15 Sequoia Beta 3.5 & Public Beta

macOS 15

Apple has recently released macOS 15 Sequoia Beta 3.5 for developers, along with the first public beta. This synchronized release marks a significant milestone in the development process, bringing the operating system closer to a stable and polished version. The update introduces a range of new features, changes, and fixes that aim to enhance the […]

The post Apple Releases macOS 15 Sequoia Beta 3.5 & Public Beta appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Prime Day deals discount the Google Pixel 8a to $449

It doesn't get better than the Google Pixel 8a if you want a quality handset for $500 or less. But thanks to Amazon Prime Day, you can get the excellent Android phone for even less. Prime Day deals have knocked $50 off the Pixel 8a, bringing it down to a record low of $449 — the best price we've seen since it launched a few months ago.

The Pixel 8a sits at the top of our list of the best midrange smartphones thanks to its Tensor G3 chipset, 120Hz OLED touchscreen, excellent cameras and strong battery life. The G3 processor not only enables excellent performance, but it also provides handy AI features like Audio Magic Eraser, Best Take and Magic Editor. The 6.1-inch OLED screen produces deep blacks and vibrant colors, and the 120Hz refresh rate goes a long way to making it feel smoother when scrolling. The handset has an IP67 rating as well, so it'll be protected from dust and water.

You're getting a rear camera array that includes a 64MP main and 13MP ultra-wide sensors on the Pixel 8a, same as those found in the previous Pixel 7a. But it punches well above its weight, producing images with accurate colors and sharp details, plus Night Sight mode does a good job taking photos in low light conditions. As for battery life, the Pixel 8a lasted over 20 hours in our testing and the handset supports both wired and wireless charging.

If you don't want to spend too much money on your next phone but still want a handset with many advanced features, the Pixel 8a is your best bet. However, it's worth noting that Prime Day deals have also brought down the prices of the standard Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to $499 and $699, respectively.

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-day-deals-discount-the-google-pixel-8a-to-449-091532901.html?src=rss