Selecting the ideal device for your child's educational journey can appear overwhelming and costly, but we have compiled a diverse range of computers, watches, and speakers to support academic excellence this year. From primary school learners to university students, these tools are tailored to meet various needs and budgets, ensuring a smooth and effective learning experience.
Laptops for Every Learning Stage
Finding the right computer does not have to be a prohibitively expensive endeavor, as many might assume. Seeking expert guidance can simplify the process, with resources like the Harvey Norman tech team offering accessible advice for parents. These services, available on all featured models, provide lasting reliability and peace of mind throughout the device's lifespan, catering to students from early education through to tertiary studies.
Growing Minds – Primary Schooling
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Wi-Fi – Grey $278
This entry-level tablet is an affordable option for primary school students, perfect for both educational tasks and recreational activities. It supports drawing, puzzles, maths exercises, and occasional entertainment like Bluey episodes, making it a versatile tool for the dynamic early learning years.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 – $888
Featuring a 14-inch 2-in-1 design with a 360-degree hinge, this laptop transforms seamlessly into a tablet or a powerful assignment-handling machine. It boasts a robust processor, fast charging capabilities, and smart performance adjustments to match any child's productivity level.
Asus Vivobook 14-inch Snapdragon – $998
As a first laptop, this model is fast, durable, and reasonably priced, easing your child's introduction to technology. With fast charging, AI-powered features, and a protective coating on the touchpad, it offers long-lasting defense against everyday wear and tear.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch – $1597
A lightweight yet powerful device, the 13-inch MacBook Air incorporates the Apple M4 chip for effortless multitasking. It includes a 12mp camera, up to 18 hours of battery life, and a slim profile under 1.2cm, fitting neatly into any teenager's school backpack.
HP Omnibook X 14-inch Snapdragon X Plus 8 – $1098
Described as a personal thinktank, this AI-enhanced laptop learns your tasks to assist with repetitive work. Its 14-inch touchscreen facilitates easy access, while a 26-hour battery life ensures uninterrupted use from morning until night.
Acer Aspire Spin 14 14-inch Core Ultra – $1799
Offering versatility, this laptop features a super-responsive touchscreen that folds over to become a traditional laptop, ideal for high school students. Powered by an Intel Core Processor and AI, it provides ultra-fast memory and ample storage for future academic challenges.
Grad They Made It – University and Tertiary
Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) 15-inch Snapdragon X Elite – $2399
AI-powered and capable of handling diverse tasks from multimedia projects to smooth presentations, this lightweight laptop offers a 22-hour battery life. It is highly regarded for its power and efficiency in managing major academic projects.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch – $2477
With the lightning-fast M3 chip, this ultra-portable laptop excels in both work and leisure. Its sleek design, 18-hour battery, and seamless connectivity with iPhones simplify collaboration and daily use.
HP OmniBook X Flip 14 – $1698
Competitively priced, this 2-in-1 device folds to function as a powerful laptop or a creative tablet. AI-powered, fast-charging, and usable in four modes, it stands out as a versatile and user-friendly option in its category.
Watches for Safety and Connectivity
Modern watches have evolved into essential tech for tracking fitness, schedules, and providing peace of mind for parents. These devices maintain classroom suitability while fostering family connections and safety.
Pixbee Pro Kids 4G Video Smart Watch – $278
Equipped with a 5mp camera and 4G/Wi-Fi connectivity, this watch enables two-way video and voice calls. GPS tracking allows parents to monitor their child's location, with notifications for the last known position if the watch is lost. Parental controls and Classroom Mode are easily configurable.
Kangaroo Fitness 3 Cartoon – $110
Designed for younger children, this stylish watch features parent-approved calling numbers and a one-touch SOS emergency alert for safety beyond school. It includes easy touchscreen operation, a built-in camera for capturing moments, and a direct line for parental communication.
Pixbee Fit Kids Smart Activity Watch – $68
Built to withstand schoolyard activities with a seven-day battery life, this rugged watch monitors heart rate, sleep quality, and sets daily challenges. It promotes healthy habits from an early age through step counting and activity tracking.
Pixbee Kids 4G Video Smart Watch with GPS Tracking – $198
Keeping parents and kids connected, this watch allows calls, video chats, and messages from pre-approved contacts without a smartphone. By inserting a 3G/4G Nano SIM card, it offers GPS tracking and Classroom Mode for added security.
Fitbit Versa 4 Smart Fitness Watch – $378
Ideal for active children, this fitness watch helps achieve daily goals and ensures restful sleep. It can wake kids at the optimal sleep stage, promoting a perfect start to the day.
Speakers and Headphones for Focus and Fun
Encouraging children to listen can be challenging, but these speakers and headphones make it enjoyable, whether for education or entertainment. Suitable for various budgets, they enhance experiences from the basketball court to the walk home.
JBL Junior 320 Wired On-Ear Kids Headphones – Black, $24
Delivering clear sound at kid-safe volumes under 85dB, these headphones come with a sticker set for personalization. As an affordable entry-level option, they meet school requirements for some institutions.
Bitty Boomers Disney Stitch Plush Bluetooth Speaker – $38
This adorable clip-on speaker plays favourite tunes via Bluetooth, offering up to eight hours of playtime. Its discreet design allows it to attach easily to any school backpack.
Bitty Boomers BOX Marvel Darth Vader Portable Bluetooth Speaker – $22
Available in various characters from Star Wars and Marvel, this portable speaker lets users enjoy music with a fun thematic twist.
JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker – $66
Ultra-portable, waterproof, and dustproof, this speaker provides up to 12 hours of playtime, with Playtime Boost adding three extra hours. It is perfect for after-school adventures and comes in multiple colours.
BlueAnt Pump X ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones – $198
Designed for music enthusiasts, these sleek headphones feature noise cancellation and X Mode audio for enhanced listening. They are comfortable, splash-proof, and sweat-proof, making them ideal for the walk to school.
