Whether graduates are moving on to high school, college, grad school or jobs, handy technology will help take them to the next level.
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Conquer clutter
The Space Bar monitor stand from Quirky provides six extra USB ports for syncing and charging multiple devices. Plus, it’s a handy shelf for glasses, digital camera, smartphone and more. $100. (866) 578-4759; quirky.com.
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Higher plane
Hunching over a desktop computer for extended periods can be hard on the back. Get some relief with the Stand Up Workstation Platform—it raises your monitor and keyboard to a comfortable height for working while standing up. $200. (800) 321-1484; hammacher.com.
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Soundproof
Enjoy your music and block out nearby noises by wearing Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones. They come with malleable Kevlar detachable cables and small, medium, and large sleeves for a snug ear fit. $99. (800) 257-4873; shure.com.
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Pot boiler
An iKettle offers an electronic assist with hot food and drink for busy young grads. Use a smartphone to turn the kettle on, and in minutes the hot water is ready for morning tea or a bowl of ramen. $153 for steel; $23 for a color-coordinating sleeve. 44-20-3368-3410 (international call rates apply) or info@firebox.com; firebox.com.
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Simple security
Here’s a renter-friendly home security device that adds protection at college dorms, apartments and houses. Plug Canary in and connect it to the Web, and it streams real-time video of your home, monitors air quality, sends smartphone alerts about unusual activity, and sounds an alarm if warranted. $249. support@canary.is; store.canary.is.
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Power travel
Suitable for walking across campus or traveling the world on business, the Phorce Freedom transforms from backpack to messenger bag to briefcase. Inside, multiple devices fit inside separate pockets, with two USB ports and a power core for charging phones, tablets, laptops and more. $199. 31-55-599-4447 (international call rates apply) or help@phorce.com; phorce.com.
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Wearable tech
A glance at your wrist offers on-the-go access to multiple functions with the Pebble Smartwatch. Check the time or weather, see who is messaging or calling, and keep customized tabs on your fitness activities. It’s water resistant, and one charge lasts a week. $99. (888) 224-5820; getpebble.com.
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Tiny bunker
Protect important data inside a LaCie RuggedKey, a portable USB 3.0 storage drive encased in a rubber sheath that will withstand a 100-meter drop, weather extremes, water and dust. Data is password protected for added security. $40–$90 for 16–64GB. (971) 246-8200; lacie.com.
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Stuck on you
About the size of a quarter, StickNFind is a trackable sticker that helps keep electronic tabs on laptops, phones, backpacks, keys, pets or anything that might get lost or stolen. Its app can be set to send alerts when the sticker goes outside of, or returns within, a set range. $50 for two. (866) 777-7210; sticknfind.com.
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Energy boost
Go mobile without worrying about running out of power. The tiny and inexpensive Tube Charger Portable Power Bank will almost double battery life for iPhones and most other mobile devices. $5. (800) 610-0605; morrisoninnovations.com.
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Charging ahead
While you’re enjoying sofa time, your electronics can power up close at hand in the Device Charging End Table from Hammacher Schlemmer. Tucked inside are two AC outlets and two USB ports, with a drawer for stowing adapters, phone cases and remote controls. $250. (800) 321-1484; hammacher.com.
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Hub of harmony
Roommates get along better when there’s no competition for power outlets. The ChargeHub Universal Charging Station is a great peacemaker, with seven USB ports that can simultaneously charge several mobile devices at high speed, using just one outlet. $60. (855) 843-4828; thechargehub.com.
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To the point
Speeches and presentations are well in hand with a remote control that wirelessly connects to a laptop and allows slideshow control from up to 30 meters away. An eye-catching green laser pointer captures audience attention, while a handy LCD display keeps track of time and battery function. $80. (800) 231-7717; logitech.com.