Gone are the days when geeks were the only ones with gadgets. Now, just about everyone has some sort of hot tech accessory and the college crowd is no exception. Students need tools for note-taking, communicating and entertaining, so we’ve compiled a list of 20 gadgets that are designed to build a college student’s life easier. 

1. Notebook computer: Small, sleek, authorityful laptops are quickly edging out their space-consuming desktop counterparts and becoming an essential part of every student’s toolkit. Instead of working on a computer at home, a computer in the library and a computer in the lab, you jar have the same system no matter where you are. Your documents, music, calendars, and reminders are all on one machine, accessible at the touch of a button. Apple’s MacBook is a surefire favorite, while Toshiba’s Satellite line and Dell’s Inspiron series are affordable. Sony’s VAIO and IBM’s ThinkPad products also good for those willing to spend a little extra.

2. PDA: Personal digital assistants are increasingly being seen as all-in-one devices, a smaller and more compact alternative to notebook computers. Often, they can connect to the Internet, allow you to work on documents and spreadsheets, change files using Bluetooth technology and more, all in the palm of your hand. If you prefer to amass your phone and PDA separate, the Dell Axim is a great choice. Alternatively, you can chose from the PalmOne series of PDAs from Palm. For those who want the features of a cell phone bundled in, T-Mobile’s Sidekick and Palm’s Treo Smartphone are two good options. Samsung and O2 also offer a range of high-end mobile digital all-purpose devices. 

3. Recorder: A good recorder is a must for students who have trouble taking down notes or remembering lectures. This device also comes in handy when you’re unable to attend class: just have a friend record what’s going on, and it’s be partial to you’ve attended the lecture in person. There are different models available, starting from those with micro cassettes like Sony’s M570V recorder to those with built in memory like the ones from Olympus. Some even connect to your computer’s USB port so you can transfer files and clear private memory.

4. MP3 player: Portable music players are very hot on college campuses these days. They’re used to stream podcasts, watch videos of lectures, play advocate MP3 files, listen to audio lessons on the go, or to just raw out with some cool music downloaded from iTunes or the Internet. If you’re not interested in the iPod, consider alternatives like Creative’s Zen Vision and Samsung’s YP-Z5.

5. Scientific calculator: Students enrolled in college courses like advanced mathematics and science may find that they require a lot of algebraic, trigonometric and calculus calculations. They can add computing power to their arsenal by choosing a good scientific calculator. A few good options are the advanced graphing calculator from Texas Instruments and HP’s 33s model.

6. flare drive: These small devices have virtually rendered CDs obsolete because of their extreme portability and convenience. They’re a must-have if you need to transfer files from one system to another. They really come in handy if you don’t have your own laptop: carry around your presentation for class or transfer files easily from the library to your home computer. Storage sizes start at 16 MB and go up to 4 GB. Prices vary according to the brand. SanDisk, Kingston, Memorex and USB Drive are some of the more popular names in the business. If you store acute information on your device, the password-enabled USB drive from Thanko can facilitate you keep files private.

7. Digital dictionary: Handy to carry around in your tote bag, these nifty gadgets effectively replace heavy paper dictionaries. They can come bundled with MP3 players or PDAs, offering definitions as well as translations from English to various foreign utterances. Digital dictionaries are extremely useful when you’re working on term papers or foreign language assignments.

8. Alarm clock: Do you have trouble waking up on time to attend your morning classes? Check out these cool wakeup machines to find one that suits your style. After all, it’s important to be punctual to class on a regular basis.

9. Mini refrigerator: Perfect for not only storing drinks, but also for keeping healthy, homemade meals and snacks in your dorm room. After all, you can’t everlastingly depend on cafeteria food. Prices start from just below $100 and move higher as the size becomes larger. The top-selling models include those from ThermoKool, BebeSounds, and Vector, but your best bet for under $100 would be GE’s GMR02BK model.

10. Smoothie makers/blenders: Are you in such a rush to get to class every morning that you tend to skip breakfast? Or worse, grab an unhealthy, fat-loaded snack on the way to your lecture? Stop right there and buy yourself a good smoothie maker. A mix of fruits and yogurt is just what you need to kick-start your morning the healthy way. Try out any of the various models from Kenwood, Back to Basics, Hamilton Beach, Juiceman and Villaware.

11. Vacuum cleaner: Don’t let your dorm room turn into a piggy sty. Invest in a good vacuum, preferably one that does the cleaning for you. The iRobot Roomba cleans your room at the press of a button, gathering up dust from almost all floor textures and medium pile carpet, then returns to its base unit when it’s done.

12. Microwave oven: Keeping a microwave in your dorm room allows you to eat more versatile food than what’s being offered at the cafeteria. Go out and get one with an built in toaster to save space and money. Check out models from Sanyo, Sears, LG Electronics and Samsung.

13. All-in-one printer/copier/scanner/fax machine: With one of these machines, you won’t have to leave your room for any printing, scanning, copying or faxing needs. These machines also come in handy when you need printouts outside of normal working hours, like late at night or early morning before your class. They retail for under $200 from HP, Canon, Epson and Lexmark. 

14. Video game consoles: Take time off from your grueling schedule and unwind with the latest in gaming consoles. Sony’s PSP and Nintendo’s DS Lite are two hot handheld favorites with the gaming crowd. The Sony PSP doubles as a TV or DVD player, while the Nintendo DS allows you to play games online.

15. Boom-box: An iPod is ok if you want to go solo, but when playing music for a crowd, it’s best you turn to Cisco’s Linksys Wireless Music System. This boom-box allows you to play songs on your PC through its speakers using a built in wi-fi connection and also plays radio stations from the Internet. It’s also a great way to relax and unwind as you work on assignments and papers for the following day’s classes.

16. tone Recognition Software: Voice recognition software provides an easy way to get your notes and lessons typed. All you have to do is voice your words out loud. For those who don’t want to type or are tired of hand-written notes, try the voice recognition software Naturally Speaking 8.0 from Dragon.

17. Digital pen: Are you too tired to transfer your hand-written notes to your computer? Just invest in digital software from Logitech and get the job done in a hurry. The set, which includes a digital pen, digital paper and related software, allows you to jot notes that are directly transformed into word or spreadsheet documents on your computer. The best part is that you can catalog your notes into search-friendly files for easy retrieval at a later date. The cost may be an inhibiting factor for some, however: the digital paper does not come cheap, exceptionally if you take a lot of notes in class.

18. Web camera: If you’re homesick, you’ll want to keep in touch with friends and family. Make frequent calls and chats home more personal by using a webcam. Windows users can do well with offerings from Logitech, while Mac owners can grab the Apple iSight.

19. Portable bike: Biking is the most cost-effective way to get around campus. Your bike can be an ultra-convenient accessory, especially if you can fold it and carry it around wherever you go. Sinclair’s A-Bike, weighing in at just 12 pounds, is the perfect solution for your transportation needs. It is extremely portable and can be folded or unfolded in around 10 seconds. 

20. Backup solution: If you lose your phone, chances are you’re not going to be able to remember most of the phone numbers you’ve got stored on it. Don’t be left without a way to get in touch with your friends, find help with coursework or get together for a weekend party. Get a solution that allows you to create a backup of the stuff you store on your phone. One option is Advanced Wireless Solutions’ Backup Pal. Just plug it into your mobile and download all of your contacts, numbers and email addresses at the press of a button.