Back to School Bargains

If you’re looking for back to school tech products that won’t break the bank, here are some of the best deals of the season.

Westinghouse Digital Back to School Tech Package
Westinghouse Digital Electronics gives students the ultimate back-to-school package this fall with a complete Computer/TV system, which includes a laptop computer and 19” HD-Ready LCD TV.

Available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores nationwide, the back to school bundle retails at $989 and features a 14.1” widescreen laptop computer, Westinghouse Digital’s brilliant LTV-19w6 19” HD-Ready LCD TV, a USB keyboard and USB optical mouse.

The Westinghouse laptop utilizes a WXGA TFT-Active Matrix widescreen display with a 1280 x 800 resolution, and Intel Celeron 410 M Processor (1.46 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 1MB Cache) and Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition. The notebook utilizes an ATI Xpress 200M Graphics card, 60GB Hard Drive, 512MB DDR2 SDRAM, 8x CD/DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer Support and Internal 802.11b/g Wireless LAN. The computer also includes a 4-in-1 Memory Card Reader and Built-in Microphone.

The Westinghouse LTV-19w6 is a 19” HD-Ready 1440 x 900 Widescreen TV that includes two HD Inputs and Integrated speakers. The display can be used as a TV, a computer monitor and a display device for viewing DVDs and playing online and computer games. Having the two screens promotes increased productivity and allows for the multi-tasking environment the student of today demands. Price: $989 www.westinghousedigital.com

Chocolate by LG
Available exclusively through Verizon Wireless, Chocolate is the ultimate mobile phone, loaded with hot features, such as V CAST, V CAST Music, and tools like VZ Navigator, all packaged within a smooth slider design.

V CAST Music customers can browse, preview, download and play high-quality digital music from their phones over Verizon Wireless’ broadband network or in the Verizon Wireless V CAST Music online store. With more than 1.3 million songs to choose from, Verizon Wireless customers can download the songs they love most, accessing their music collection anywhere they go.

In addition, Verizon Wireless has included the features customers have come to expect including V CAST Video and 3D Games, a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth capabilities, a microSD memory expansion slot that supports the newest SanDisk 2GB cards and access to VZ Navigator and turn-by-turn navigation with audible voice directions to most addresses in the U.S.

Chocolate by LG is available today at www.verizonwireless.com for $149.99 after a $50 instant online discount and new two-year customer agreement. It is also be available in more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores including those in Circuit City for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year customer agreement. V CAST Music songs cost $0.99 if purchased from the PC or $1.99 if purchased and downloaded over the air onto a V CAST Music phone.

LG Electronics 32-inch LCD Integrated HDTV (32LC2D)
For tricked out dorm rooms or maybe a gift for mom and dad, LG’s flat-panel HDTV is a perfect space-saving solution. The HDTV incorporates a PC input, enabling students to hook up their computer to the big screen, and Super IPS technology allows students to view the LCD from wide angles (176-viewing angle) without loss of color or image -- perfect for a crowded dorm room parties. The price of the 32-inch LCD $1,299.95, with a 26-inch version just under $1,000. www.lge.com

HP Pavilion s7000 Series Slimline PC
One third the size of a traditional PC, the HP PC is the perfect compact size for the college dorm room or bedroom. The Slimline PC includes plenty of memory, fast processing power, and the hard drive space needed to store video, digital photos and music. Now available with Media Center software and wireless capability, users can enjoy their favorite TV show or view photos on their PC via a remote control. Best of all, prices start at only $449.

Dress your PC tower to the nines with HP PC Skins from SkinIt, including Skins with college logos and Greek letters. Users can also upload their own designs and images and create unique skins directly on HP’s website. PC Skins start at $8.95 depending on size and content of skin. www.hp.com/go/skins

HP Deskjet F300 All-in-One Printer
The HP Deskjet F380 All-in-One Printer, Scanner, Copier prints quickly and efficiently at up to 20 ppm black and 14 ppm color. Quality scans of photos and documents can be made with 1200 x 2400 dpi optical resolution, 48-bit color. Ideal for small workspaces, like home offices or college dorm rooms, the HP Deskjet F380 sells for only $79.

Despite the low prices, HP is working closely with Microsoft to ensure that its current and future PC, printing, and imaging products are compatible with Microsoft's new Operating System Vista when it is available next year. www.hp.com

Brother P-touch Label Maker
Whatever the product, the Brother P-touch PT-1280 Labeling System is a practical tool for students of any age. The P-touch prints durable laminated labels that are great for organizing everything indoors and outdoors, such as: File folders, CD/DVDs, computer cables, binders, sports equipment, notebooks, book reports, and more.

Easy to use, yet includes a host of high tech features - like built-in formats for narrow CD/DVD spines, and more. Brother International Corporation currently markets more than 20 different P-touch electronic labeling systems, including handheld and desktop models and computer-connected label printers. Priced right at $39.99, the P-touch PT-1280 is available at Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, and other stores nationwide and online. www.brother.com

Panasonic DMC-LX2 10 Megapixel Digital Camera
Panasonic’s new DMC-LX2 10.23 megapixel digital camera is a breakthrough in both price and quality. Featuring Optical Image Stabilization PLUS Intelligent ISO Control, this means the camera compensates for your hand-movement by moving the lens in the opposite direction BUT it also compensates for your subject’s motion by adjusting the ISO. So, it doubly solves the problem of blurry photos.

And it has a TRUE 16:9 widescreen CCD, so you’re capturing images that are wide, just like popular widescreen TVs. The joystick on the back of the camera lets you adjust ISO, white balance, TIFF/JPEG/RAW – giving you greater control, allowing you to exercise that artist in you. Its sells for under $500, an incredible new price low in the category.

Visit www.panasonic.com to preorder. Expected availability October 2006.