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Back to School Tech

Our tech buying advice and product picks are required reading if you want to ace your classes.

Back to School Tech
Our tech buying advice and product picks are required reading if you want to ace your classes.
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Latest Stories

Google's NotebookLM Can Now Turn Your Notes Into Narrated Slideshows

Everyone loves a slide deck, right? NotebookLM now generates narrated visual summaries using your uploaded files, starting with slideshow-style videos.

By Jibin Joseph
Google's art for NotebookLM's video overviews

ChatGPT Adds Study Mode Focused on 'Real Learning' Instead of Direct Answers

The mode, free for all almost all logged-in users, provides hints and self-reflection prompts to encourage students to get to the solution themselves.

By Jibin Joseph
ChatGPT's study mode solving a finance problem

Lingoda Review: Live Online Language Classes for a Reasonable Price

4.5 Editors' Choice

Speaking and interacting with others is a crucial part of learning a language, and Lingoda offers hour-long lessons with excellent instructors and compelling teaching materials to get you there.

$10 Per Class with Monthly Subscription
at Lingoda
By Jill Duffy
Lingoda logo

The Best Sites for Learning American Sign Language

Learning ASL is different from learning orally spoken and written languages. We've vetted the best ASL sites to help you start signing today.

By Jill Duffy
A person with her hands spread open in front of her body; she is also looking intently at a tablet

What to Do If You're Falsely Accused of Using AI to Cheat

AI detectors aren't always 100% accurate. If you're accused of using AI tools to complete assignments, take a deep breath and follow these four steps to prove that your academic work is your own.

By Chandra Steele
crying emoji with a halo and then AI brains around it

The Best Online Tutoring and Exam Prep Services for 2024

From instructional videos to live one-on-one help, these online services can help you or your kids get ahead academically—and they're usually less expensive than IRL tutors.

By Chandra Steele
girl sitting at desk watching tutor on laptop

California Governor Signs Bill Banning Smartphone Use in Schools

Under the new law, California elementary and secondary schools have until 2026 to implement guidelines to reduce smartphone usage. The rules can be relaxed in case of emergencies or health issues.

By Jibin Joseph
A photo illustration of school students using smartphones.

These Kids Love Their Electric School Bus, But Some Adults Want to Pump the Brakes

NY's Lake Shore is in the midst of a state-mandated switch to electric buses. We hop aboard to get the next generation's take on their new rides and try to unravel the political pushback.

By Emily Forlini
middle schooler

Education Essentials: Top-Rated Gear for Back to School

Gearing up for the school year? Here's all the tech we recommend for students, hand-picked by PCMag's in-house experts.

By Chandra Steele
green background with school bus and image of children in a circle

What to Do if Windows Can't Connect to Your Printer

Adding a networked printer to your PC is usually a cinch, but what if Windows just won't play nice with it or can't find it at all? Here are a few quick solutions.

By William Harrel & Jason Cohen
woman with face on printer in despair

High-Tech Dorm Room Essentials Every Student Needs

Dorms often feel cramped and chaotic, but with the right gear, you can transform your room into a cozy and coordinated study space. Here's what we recommend.

By Chandra Steele
college student in dorm on laptop

Ready for College? Download These Essential Apps First

These are challenging times for everyone, but college students have extra worries. These apps can help you manage your money, time, mind, and more.

By Chandra Steele
four students looking at their phones

The Best Back-to-School Laptop Deals for 2023

Some students are already back in class, but you can still take advantage of these back to school savings.

The Best Back-to-School Laptop Deals for 2023: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 + Apple MacBook Air + Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1

Dell Back-to-School Sale: Save Up to 53% on XPS, Vostro, Alienware PCs

Your purchase also supports global learning via UNICEF.

By Jade Chung-Lee
Dell Back to School Sale

Best Buy Back-to-School Sale: Huge Savings on Laptops, Headphones, More

Save on the tech you need to succeed in the school year ahead.

By Jade Chung-Lee
Best Buy Back to School Deals: MSI Cyborg Gaming Laptop + Asus VivoBook OLED + Apple  AirPods 2nd Generation + Fitbit Sense 2 + Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer

Crush It on Campus With These Powerful Laptops

Every good student needs a supercharged Lenovo laptop in their backpack.

college student in dorm room holds laptop

Apple Back-to-School Deals: Save Big on Macs and iPads

Snag an Apple device for less with these back-to-school sales.

By K. Thor Jensen

The Best Online Tutoring Services to Help Rescue Your GPA

From instructional videos to live one-on-one help, often 24/7, these online services can help you get ahead academically. And they're usually less expensive than an IRL tutor.

By Chandra Steele
woman sitting in front of iPad with iced coffee on table next to her

The Best Apps With Perks and Discounts for Students

From free shipping to music and video streaming on the cheap, top apps from Apple, Amazon, Spotify, YouTube, and more offer discounts for students on a budget.

By Chandra Steele
college student on steps looking at phone

Laptop vs. Chromebook: Which Type of Budget PC Is Right For You?

Chromebooks are inexpensive and easy to use, but not all Windows or macOS users can make the switch. With different shoppers in mind, we compare traditional laptops and Chromebooks on price, power, features, and more.

By Matthew Buzzi
Laptop vs Chromebook