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19% OffCollege is an exciting but demanding time filled with lectures, exams, assignments, and more. Students need effective study habits and tools to excel academically and manage their workload. Modern gadgets offer useful assistance by improving focus, organization, and productivity.
This guide covers the 5 best study gadgets for college students in 2024 based on functionality, features, value, and user reviews. From powerful tablets to handy digital tools, these tech products can enhance studying and make college life more efficient.
1. Apple iPad Pro 12.9” (5th Generation)
Highlights
- Large 12.9” edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display
- Powerful M2 processor
- Long 10-hour battery life
- Laptop-level performance
- Supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
The latest 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9” is the ultimate modern study tablet for college. The gorgeous 12.9” screen makes reading textbooks, notes, and web content comfortable for hours.
Apple’s lightning-fast M2 chip delivers laptop-level speed and multitasking, easily handling note-taking, presentations, videos and other productivity apps. The large all-day battery keeps you powered through long study sessions.
iPadOS capabilities turn the iPad Pro into an essential academic asset. The Apple Pencil conveniently takes notes and annotates PDFs naturally. Add a Magic Keyboard for a true laptop replacement typing experience. Access offline content or use 500+ MB/s 5G wireless when on campus for incredible versatility.
With its unmatched display, portable productivity, and all-around capabilities, the latest 12.9” iPad Pro handles any studying scenario. The premium quality and Apple ecosystem integration makes it well worth the investment.
Features
- 12.9” 2732 x 2048 Liquid Retina display w/ ProMotion (adaptive 120Hz refresh)
- M2 chip: 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage
- WiFi 6 and 5G cellular options
- USB-C charging and Thunderbolt port
- 1080p FaceTime webcam and studio mics
- 4-speaker audio system
- 10-hour battery life
- iPad 16 software
Pros
- Gorgeous, immersive edge-to-edge screen
- Extremely fast performance
- Long battery runtime
- Supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
- Works with all iPad productivity apps
Cons
- Very expensive
- No OLED display
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 12.9” 2732 x 2048 Liquid Retina, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor | Apple M2 (8-core) |
| Memory | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Battery | Up to 10 hrs |
| Cameras | 12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide rear, 12MP TrueDepth front |
| Wireless | 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5 |
| Ports | USB-C w/ Thunderbolt, Smart Connector |
| Sensors | Face ID, LiDAR Scanner, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor |
| Extras | FaceTime Audio/Video, Quad Speakers, Apple Pencil Compatible (2nd Gen) |
| Dimensions | 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (682g) WiFi, 1.51 lbs (685g) 5G |
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Highlights
- 13” touchscreen with 2880 x 1920 resolution
- Detachable type cover keyboard
- Windows 11 Pro OS
- 11th Gen Intel Core processor
- 512GB SSD storage standard
- 10.5 hour rated battery life
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 brings together a vivid 13” touch laptop and convenient tablet for studying anywhere. The sharp 3:2 ratio display excels at productivity with its removable keyboard cover and built-in kickstand.
Running full Windows 11 Pro, the Surface Pro seamlessly handles all course software needs from statistical programs to Microsoft Office suites. The ample 512GB SSD provides fast access to notes and files. An 11th Gen Intel Core i5 powers through demanding programs smoothly.
With its premium build and stylish convertible design, the Surface Pro 8 retains mobility for studying in the library or relaxing in the dorms. Add the Surface Pen for annotating notes and dictionaries, or using powerful learning apps. With its endurance and performance, this 2-in-1 device can conquer any academic task.
Features
- 13″ 2880 x 1920 PixelSense touch display @ 120Hz
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4-core)
- 8GB/16GB LPDDR4x RAM
- Removable 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
- Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics
- 720p webcam with Windows Hello
- Dual far-field Studio Mics
- Quad Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A port
- Surface Connect port and Surface Type Cover port
- Windows 11 Pro
Pros
- Light and portable 2-in-1 design
- Detachable keyboard with trackpad
- Sharp 13” high resolution touch display
- Good battery life up to 10.5 hours
- Windows 11 Pro offers full desktop capabilities
- Works with Surface Pen for notes
Cons
- Not as powerful as iPad Pro M2
- Keyboard cover sold separately
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 13” 2880 x 1920 PixelSense, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4-core) |
| Memory | 8GB/16GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Storage | Removable 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD |
| Battery | Up to 10.5 hrs typical use |
| Cameras | Rear: 10MP, Front: 5MP with Windows Hello IR |
| Wireless | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1 |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Ports | 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover Port |
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches |
| Weight | 1.96 lbs (Surface Pro), 0.77 lbs (Type Cover) |
3. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Highlights
- Class-leading noise canceling technology
- 30 hour battery life with quick charging
- Superior sound quality with LDAC codec
- Multi-device pairing remembers previous connections
- Lightweight comfortable fit ideal for long study sessions
Sony’s critically acclaimed WH-1000XM5 provides immersive audio and powerful noise cancellation to stay focused anywhere. The revolutionary noise canceling uses an 8-core processor to eliminate external sounds, letting you study undisturbed in noisy environments.
With seamless LDAC codec support, musical audio and voice notes sound incredible. The precisely tuned 40mm drivers and supporting microphones deliver exceptional clarity. Multi-device pairing allows quickly swapping between the paired phone, laptop and tablet.
The plush synthetic leather headband and foam cushions block out sound and remain comfortable during marathon study sessions. At just 1.1 pounds, the incredible 30 hour battery keeps noise isolation active even on long days.
For unrivaled audio quality, noise canceling prowess and wearable comfort, the WH-1000XM5 headphones banish distractions for distraction-free study.
Features
- New 8-core processor enabling real-time noise cancellation
- 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms
- Multipoint pairing remembers previous 2 device connections
- Precise Voice Pickup technology and beamforming microphones
- Multipressure earpad structure enhances sound isolation
- Up to 30 hour battery life with quick charging
- Smart listening features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control
- Plush synthetic leather headband and ear pads
- Carrying case included
Pros
- Class-leading noise cancellation
- LDAC codec delivers incredible sound
- 30 hour battery life
- Super comfortable even during long use
- Fast pairing and switching between devices
Cons
- Very expensive
- Brightness and treble could be better
| Specs | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Over-ear, closed-back |
| Drivers | 40mm dome type |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 40kHz |
| Noise Cancelling | Yes, processor controlled |
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Battery Life | 30 hrs NC on, 38 hrs NC off |
| Charging | USB-C, quick charge 5 mins = 3 hrs play |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2 |
4. GoPro HERO11 Black
Highlights
- Compact, versatile action camera
- Shoots up to 5.3K video and 27MP photos
- HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization
- Waterproof without housing to 33 feet
- Built-in mounting fingers attach anywhere
- Doubles as webcam for virtual classes
The powerful GoPro HERO11 Black makes an ideal academic companion for recording lectures, how-to demos, experiments and student life. Its ultra stabilization produces smooth, professional-grade 5.3K video perfect for playback when reviewing lectures or creating projects and presentations.
With quick one-button operation, the HERO11 also captures helpful 27MP still shots of notes, slides, diagrams and more for reference. Its waterproof, rugged design holds up to field work and experiments. Utilizing the built-in mounting fingers, the GoPro worn as a webcam enhances online learning and virtual study groups.
Despite its tiny size, the HERO11 packs game-changing HyperSmooth stabilization, 8x slow motion and 24.7MP frame grabs from 5.3K video. Night time lapses beautifully showcase school projects. For an affordable tool boosting academic activities, the HERO11 goes anywhere your education takes you.
Features
- Shoots 5.3K video up to 60 fps and 27MP photos
- HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization
- Waterproof without housing up to 33ft
- Front display for framing shots
- Built-in mounting fingers
- TimeWarp 3.0 and NightLapse Video
- 1080p live streaming and webcam mode
- Rugged, lightweight compact design
Pros
- compact, mountable anywhere
- Incredibly smooth, stable video
- Intuitive one-button control
- Mac and PC webcam mode
- Great for recording labs, lectures, projects
Cons
- Touchscreen interface can be tricky
- Shorter battery life when shooting high resolutions
| Specs | Values |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 23MP 1/1.9” |
| Lens | F/2.8, ultra-wide 155° FOV |
| Video Modes | 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 |
| Photo Modes | 27MP, 24.7MP from video |
| Burst Rate | 30 photos/sec |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth 5.0 |
| Waterproof | 33ft without case |
| Wireless | 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Battery | 1720mAh li-ion, up to 154 mins video |
| Storage | microSD card up to 512GB |
| Dimensions | 1.9 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches |
| Weight | 5.1 oz |
5. Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
Highlights
- Reusable 32-page dot grid notebook
- Write using compatible Pilot Frixion pens
- Scan and upload notes to the cloud
- AI technology transcribes handwriting to text
- Eco-friendly alternative to traditional notebooks
Rocketbook’s innovative Smart Notebook provides the tactile sensation of writing notes, diagrams and flashcards while seamlessly backing them up digitally via phone scan and cloud upload. The 32-page notebook wiped clean with a damp cloth when full for unlimited reuse.
Written on using compatible Pilot Frixion pens, the dot grid layout becomes searchable and organized after uploading to your desired cloud service like Google Drive. Rocketbook’s AI can even transcribe the handwriting into accessible text. Students can email, file and share notes instantly in the cloud.
As a sustainable solution reducing paper waste, Smart Notebook provides the efficiency of going paperless while retaining natural writing. For consolidating and preserving class notes at an affordable price, this reusable technology streamlines notetaking workflows.
Features
- 32-page dot grid notebook wipes clean when full
- Write using erasable Pilot Frixion pens (included)
- Scan pages with mobile app into cloud services
- AI recognizes handwriting converting to editable text
- 7 page templates like planner, lectures, sketches
- Email and share pages from app after uploading
- Sticky note function for flashcards, goals, etc
Pros
- Zero waste alternative to paper notebooks
- Good value reusable notebook
- Digitizes handwritten notes via scan and upload
- AI text transcription makes notes searchable
- Organize into notebooks and share via email
Cons
- Importing process can be slow
- Requires specific pen and paper types
| Specs | Values |
|---|---|
| Pages | 32 dot grid |
| Paper | 24 lb. non-bleed erasable synthetic |
| Reusability | Yes, wipe clean with damp cloth |
| Scan & Upload | Rocketbook app with OCR |
| Size | 7.5 x 9.25 inches |
| Weight | 10.9 oz |
| Compatible Pens | Pilot Frixion (included) |
Final Thoughts
Today’s helpful study gadgets range from powerful tablets to simple writing tools for digitizing workflows. When used proactively, they can aid learning, boost focus and reduce the stresses of academic life.
Based on performance, capabilities and real-world value, these 5 gadgets deliver meaningful benefits for any learning style:
- iPad Pro 12.9” – Versatile high-end tablet for the ultimate portable study experience
- Surface Pro 8 – Windows 2-in-1 with pro-grade performance in a portable form factor
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones – Top noise-cancelling audio immersion ideal for focused study
- GoPro HERO11 – Compact camera to record labs, lectures and academic activities in superb quality
- Rocketbook Smart Notebook – Reusable dot grid notebook digitizing handwritten notes via upload and OCR
Students should consider their specific needs and learning approaches when deciding on useful tech. But properly utilized, any of these 5 top-rated gadgets will empower your academic pursuits.
