Affordable back-to-school gadgets to aid your child's learning.

Technology expert Trevor Long teamed up with Officeworks to help parents spot the latest tech trends that are child-friendly, cost effective and easy to add to school lists.

The tech wiz shares the best buys for this school year.

Australia’s best iPad offer

When it comes to shopping around for Apple products, my standard advice is – there are no deals to be had, just buy where you can get a good deal on accessories for it.

Well… that theory went out the window recently when I noticed a stunning deal on an iPad Air 2.

The 128GB model, listed at Apple for $719 is $100 less at Officeworks.

Chomebook

Google has created a web-based computer that doesn’t run Windows software, instead it uses a web browser all the time. For students, this means any files they create are stored on the cloud (not on the device) so they can easily access their files from any device, simply by logging onto their Google account.

Chromebooks rely on software accessed via the internet and need a solid connection at all times, but are remarkably simple to use and much more affordable.

Top pick: The Lenovo 11.6” Chromebook Black N22 is a super-fast and inexpensive option for children’s schooling needs.

Need help with BYOD (Bring Your Own DEVICE)?

If tech isn’t your specialty, then there are others you can turn to for help.

Officeworks has a handy tech selector on its website which helps parents decide the best technology for their kid’s needs to ensure they’re tech ready for school. It’s a simple tool that has done all the hard work for you, with all the recommended products featured on the site meeting specific school requirements.

The Lenovo idea Pad 14" Celeron Laptop, which retails at $297.00, is easily transportable and connects to all school systems.

Headphones

Headphones are increasing in popularity because they are so convenient and the perfect accessory for your child’s devices. There's a huge range available, from in-ear (starting at $2.98), over-ear with microphone (starting at $8) and retractable (starting at $8).

These Overhead Headphones are a lightweight and comfortable option for taking back and forth from school.

Wireless headphones are also an option for those students who don’t want cords and have devices with Bluetooth connectivity.

Wireless headphones can cost hundreds of dollars, but to get started you can find some for as little as $39.88 at Officeworks.

Space

When buying new tech there’s a temptation to get the entry level storage for your device, mostly to save on cost and because you think you’ll never reach the limit.

From USB thumb-drives to portable hard drives, it can all be a little daunting figuring out which one to choose. But, it’s important to remember that photos and videos today take up much more space than they did just a few years ago. To get the best bang for your buck, you want your storage to be multi-use and hold everything from photos through to large school projects and presentations.

Storage doesn’t have to be expensive, for every day school work you can pick up a three pack of 16GB USBs for $15, or you can grab a portable hard drive up to the 1TB (Terabytes) for $77. Storage has never been so affordable.

A great choice is the Toshiba 8GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive which allows you to store share and backup all of your child’s important information and is easily portable.

Stay Portable

Keeping your kid’s tech charged is important, especially if they’re armed with a couple of devices. Tablets and phones are the most likely to suffer from battery drain when kids are on the way to school and throughout the day.

Portable battery packs are simple to use and affordable enough to make them a standard item when buying your child’s school list products.

The Comsol 2200mAh Power Bank Charger ($12.88)  is a perfect lightweight option for charging all of your child’s tech items on the go.

Easy Software

Schools are encouraging students more than ever to expand their minds and explore their skills in the classroom and at home. If your child is a keen designer, gone are the days of spending hundreds of dollars on installing software like Photoshop. These programs are now available as a subscription service, so they’re ideal for using at various stages of the school year. The Microsoft Office 365 Personal 1 Device with a 12 month download gives your child access to the Microsoft Office programs they may require throughout the year.

The same goes for internet security. The internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school projects, communicate with teachers and other students, and play interactive educational games. But it’s important they’re doing it in a safe manner, so invest in some software like the Norton Security Premium 2 Device to keep all your kid’s devices safe from viruses and other online threats.

Damage and Repair

You’ve invested in devices for your child, so make sure you protect it. There are two important things to remember; always pick up a protective cover to prevent scratches and screen breakages. There are so many covers and cases for kids and young adults, from bright and colourful to minimalist and stylish, there’s something for everyone.

The J.Burrows Neoprene 13" Laptop Sleeve is a flexible case with internal padding to ensure that your child’s device remains free from bumps and scratches.

It is also worth considering product insurance when you invest in portable technology for your kids.

Product insurance like Officeworks’ DevicEnsure offers insurance protection on your device against accidental damage, accidental loss and theft.