STACK #243 January 2025

TECH FEATURE

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Keyboard keepers

Keyboards endure heavy use, so comfort and durability is key. They’re also practical companions for smartphones and tablets. Compatibility Check if the keyboard suits Mac or PC, or opt for one supporting multiple operating systems. Wired or wireless? Wireless keyboards connect via USB receiver or Bluetooth, offering flexibility, while wired keyboards are great for fixed setups and don’t require charging. All quiet Quiet keyboards with non-mechanical switches are ideal for late-night homework, minimising household disruptions. Game time Gaming keyboards are robust, featuring RGB backlighting, faster response times, and programmable keys for enhanced functionality. Shortcuts Look for function keys, numeric pads, and built-in USB ports for added convenience.

PRIME PERIPHERALS From keyboards and mice to printers and storage drives, computer peripherals are an essential addition to any productive study space. Words Bec Summer

Perfect printers

The humble mouse has evolved into a sophisticated tool for gaming, work, and ergonomic comfort. Mighty mice

Wired or wireless? Wired mice are reliable, plug-and-play, and require no charging, but wireless mice offer freedom of movement via Bluetooth or a USB dongle. Keep wireless mice charged or stocked with batteries. Movement Modern mice use optical or laser technology, with laser working on most surfaces without a mouse mat. DPI (dots per inch) measures sensitivity—higher DPI means faster cursor movement.

Comfort For long use, ergonomic mice with upright grips reduce wrist strain. Adding a wrist rest can help prevent RSI (repetitive strain injury). Game on Why not get the best of both worlds with a gaming mouse? Gaming mice feature additional buttons, high DPI, and enhanced responsiveness, making them ideal for gamers and everyday users alike.

Alongside just about every piece of tech your budding young student could need, JB is also a one-stop shop for printers. There are plenty of options catering to all needs and budgets, and a heap of printing essentials like ink, toner, and photo paper. Choosing the right printer Printers are an essential addition to the household for school projects, assignments, and essays. Choose from an inkjet, laser, or multifunction printer, depending on usage and printing requirements. Inkjet printers Ideal for occasional or everyday use, inkjet printers handle text documents, full-colour graphics, labels, and photos. They use ink cartridges or refillable tanks, offering versatility for diverse tasks. Laser printers Faster and cost-effective for high-volume text printing, laser printers use powder-based toner, which lasts longer than ink cartridges. Multi-function printers The ultimate all-rounder, these printers can scan, copy, and print all in one handy device. Photo printing Compact photo printers connect via Bluetooth, creating instant film prints for projects, keepsakes, or fridge displays. Key features to look for Look for duplex printing (double side) to save paper. Check PPM (pages per minute) for speed and DPI (dots per square inch) for print quality.

Storage superstars

You can never have too much storage. This is never more evident than today, with kids filling up laptops, smartphones, and tablets with photos, videos, and schoolwork at a formidable rate! Portable storage is the perfect solution to free up space and back up important files. Flash Drives

Solid State Drives (SSDs) For larger, faster, and more reliable storage, SSDs are unbeatable. Compact and portable, they hold terabytes of data, keeping

Reliable and versatile, USB flash drives range from 32GB to 512GB, and are ideal for storing documents, photos, and videos.

students’ files safe and secure. SSDs are also great for gaming consoles, offering extra space for games after schoolwork is done.

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JANUARY 2025

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