Just a couple of decades ago, when it came to technology, the average student could slide by with a calculator and a wristwatch. To make the grade these days, your kids likely will need a full suite of mobile devices.
With the skyrocketing cost of new devices, you might be unwilling or unable to outfit teens and college students with the latest releases this back-to-school season. However, there is good news: A large shift in how consumers are buying and selling their gear means that you can make proper upgrades for students of all ages without the sticker shock.
“Savvy consumers are catching on to the fact that you can easily find a high-quality refurbished device if you look in the right places,” said David Conti, senior director of e-Commerce at MyWiT.
If you think that a refurbished device equates to poor quality, think again. A large percentage of refurbished mobile phones, tablets and accessories were perfectly good devices that owners traded in for newer models. But back-to-school shoppers should beware. Different sellers have their standards, and you’ll want to stick to reputable sources where you can trust the device you purchase will be in functional condition.
“Technology should be accessible to everyone,” Conti said. “Unfortunately, many families shopping this back-to-school season may not be aware of the quality of refurbished options and, as a result, may feel priced out of the latest high-quality technology.”
Whether buying a refurbished iPhone, Samsung Galaxy smartphone or iPad, keep in mind that kids can take an active role in extending the life of their devices with proper maintenance. Send kids back to campus with protective gear like cases, screen protectors and waterproof backpacks that come with specialized compartments for all their gear.
In a world where staying connected is critical to a student’s success, keep in mind that getting reliable technology doesn’t need to break the back-to-school bank.
