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By Jess Wassung
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Updated August 2025
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Jess Wassung
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Smarter tech for sharper minds | Back to school buying guide
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The back-to-school season is an exciting time for students and parents alike, but choosing the right tech can feel overwhelming. With technology playing an increasingly vital role in education, having the right devices and tools can significantly impact your learning experience. From fast, reliable laptops to all-day battery tablets and accessories that make studying easier, EE has everything you need to return to reality with confidence.

In addition to devices, consider the accessories that can enhance your learning experience. A good pair of headphones can be invaluable for online lectures, while a portable charger keeps your devices powered up through long school days. A wireless mouse can also be a useful addition, more precise than a touchpad and way more comfortable for all those hours of typing.

This guide will help you find the right products to support your learning goals, stay organised and maximise value, whether you're upgrading your tech for the classroom, lecture hall or study corner at home.

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What to look for in student tech
Whether you're a parent shopping for a child, or a student buying for yourself, here's what really matters:

• Everyday study and browsing? A Chromebook or Android tablet is ideal.
• Multitasking or creative work? Choose a laptop with strong performance.
• Learning on the move? Go for something light with all-day battery life.
• Already using Apple or Samsung? Sticking with the same ecosystem helps everything sync better.

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Key features to consider
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8GB RAM or more : Multitasks smoothly, even when you’re working and “accidentally” watching Netflix.
128GB+ storage : Plenty of space for apps, downloads, school files and memes.
Touchscreen : More intuitive for notes, sketches and app navigation. Plus, it’s way more fun in tablet mode.
Stylus support : Great for notetaking, sketching or stress-doodling during revision.
AI & voice tools : Speeds up tasks and lets you say what you mean, literally.
Battery life : Because no one remembers to charge before class...

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Which laptop is right for me?
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Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus
A budget-friendly Chromebook with fast start-up and access to Google Docs, Classroom and more. Perfect for basic study tasks, browsing and cloud-based work, and light enough to carry all day. Just note that it’s built for simplicity, so heavier apps or offline editing might feel a little limited.

Best for: Younger students and cloud-based learning

Acer Aspire Go
A solid all-rounder with plenty of power and storage for everything from essays to Netflix. It juggles multitasking with ease and has space for all your school files.

Best for: Secondary and university students who need more speed

Acer Aspire 3 Ryzen 5 15.6” 8GB 512GB
Sleek, powerful and responsive, perfect for students who want a bit more performance without breaking the bank. Think of it as the brainy one in your tech friend group. It’s ideal for students balancing study, research and everyday life, just be ready for a bit more bulk in your backpack.

Best for: Everyday work, research and content

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Which tablet is right for me?
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Samsung Tab A9+ 64GB WiFi
A dependable, affordable tablet with excellent battery, it has space for apps, games and learning tools. Perfect for younger students or simple study tasks. Just note that it’s built for essentials, not power users.

Best for: Primary school learners and simple study tasks

Samsung Tab S9 WiFi 128GB
This tablet comes with an AMOLED display so sharp it might actually make you want to revise. Coupled with the S Pen support, this is a dream for creative students. Whether it’s digital notes or digital art, it handles both beautifully - and has enough power to multitask too!

Best for: Note-taking, digital art and productivity

Samsung Tab S10 FE WiFi 128GB
Sleek and speedy, this tablet is ready to juggle work and play. It’s ideal for students who want a reliable tablet that’s comfortable with flipping between maths homework and digital doodling.

Best for: Students who switch between work and downtime

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus WiFi 128GB
With more screen space and bigger performance, this one’s great for collaboration, group projects or watching presentations without squinting. It’s a brilliant mid-point between performance and practicality.

Best for: Collaborating or presenting

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ WiFi 256GB
This one’s big on storage and big on performance. It’s a big win if you need a tablet that can do (almost) everything. Whether it’s creative work, multitasking or researching you need, it’s ready to keep up with your day. And yes, it’s very, very pretty.

Best for: Students needing tablet flexibility with laptop power

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra WiFi 256GB
Top of its class for power and performance, this tablet is built for serious users. With its huge display, fast processing and more than enough storage, it’s as premium as it gets. Pricey, yes, but a worthwhile investment if you’re heading into heavy coursework or final-year projects. It does everything but write your essays for you.

Best for: Power users, final-year projects or content-heavy courses

Must-have accessories
These aren’t just extras, they’re study-life savers.

Wireless mice
• Logitech MX Anywhere 3S: Precise, portable and scrolls faster than your brain on deadline day.
• Logitech Signature M650: Comfortable for everyday use, silent for late-night cramming.
• Logitech M330 Silent Plus: Keeps things quiet when you’re sharing space (or sneaking snacks in the library).

Also consider
• Anker Prime 100W Charger: One charger to rule them all (laptop, tablet, phone, no problem).
• Crucial X9 Portable SSD: Because emailing yourself that essay five times isn't a backup strategy.

Ecosystem perks
If you already use a certain brand of phone, it’s often best to stick to that ecosystem:
• iPhone users may prefer iPads or Apple-friendly accessories.
• Samsung Galaxy users will enjoy smooth syncing, shared notes and Quick Share.
• Chromebook users benefit from seamless integration with Google Docs and Classroom.

Choosing tech that plays nicely with your existing setup means fewer compatibility hiccups, and hopefully fewer panicked tech support chats with your parents.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best laptops for students on a budget?
Chromebooks like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i and Acer Chromebook 314 offer reliable performance for a great price.

What should I look for in a student tablet?
Consider screen size, storage, app compatibility and battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is a top pick for students on a budget, while the Tab S9 is perfect for creatives.

Are Chromebooks good for university?
Absolutely. If your work is cloud-based (Google Docs, online research), a Chromebook like the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is a fast and efficient choice.

What accessories are worth getting?
A wireless mouse, portable charger and external SSD are great additions for everyday use and productivity.

When should I buy back to school tech?
Now! EE has exclusive offers and savings on tablets, laptops and accessories from top brands during the back-to-school season.

Final checklist before you buy:
Use this checklist to make sure your new tech is ready for the year ahead:
• Does it support your favourite study apps or tools?
• Does it have enough storage for files, apps and “just one more” playlist?
• Is it light enough to carry without regrets?
• Does it work with your phone and other devices you use?
• Is it futureproof for at least the next school year (and ideally the one after that too)?

Ready to go back to school?
Whether you’re buying for your child, shopping for yourself or just trying to survive another semester, EE’s back to school tech range has your back (and your bag).

From high-performance laptops and tablets to accessories that keep you connected and focused, we’ve got the tech to make learning easier and the year ahead your best yet.

Shop laptops and tablets.

Explore accessories.

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