College student looking for accessories

I'm going to need to buy a backpack, a printer, speakers or headphones, a lock, and a mouse on a tight budget.

Right now, these are some choices I had in mind:

Backpack (I have a 17" notebook) and I'd like to stay below $55-60; I won't be carrying it around campus that much, but I would like something.

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack
PEGASUS from SwissGear by Wenger Computer Backpack

Printer (I'd definitely like it to be able to print; copying and scanning would be nice, but not necessary; and I'd like ink cartridges to last a while if possible). Basic college work tasks. Below $100

Canon Pixma MP210 Photo All-In-One Inkjet Printer
Canon Pixma MP470 Photo All-In-One Inkjet Printer

Speakers or Headphones/Headset Right now, I'm leaning towards headphones, but speakers could be nice too. Would be used for watching HD Content Headphones/Headset: under $60, Speakers: under $60

Headphones or Headset (not really sure which one I want yet):

Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset
Sennheiser HD 202 Headphones (might be too small)

Speakers:

Logitech AudioHub Notebook Speakers
Logitech 980-000023 S220 Speakers

Lock Definitely will need one for security, interested in an alarm.

Kensington 64343 MicroSaver DS Notebook Computer Lock with Keys (will this be secure?)

Mouse Not sure if I want bluetooth (no gaming)

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks
Logitech V470 Bluetooth Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks - White

Thank you!

 

From the backpacks you list, the Pegasus from SwissGear will have better quality.

The Logitech VX Nano is a very good wireless mice. I'll definitely recommend it.

 

I have the Microsaver DS, it works great, probably the best one out there right now, just don't lose the keys.

VX Nano is the best mouse i've used, good choice, bluetooth is too unreliable for me so i have no problems giving up an usb port, you shouldn't either.

I have the Altec Lansing XT2 speakers, they work great if you want basic sound and they don't need external power like the audiohub, something you might wan to think about. I'm sure the bass on the AudioHub is much more powerful, but the XT2's are more convenient.

 

Any locks with alarms? How about those printers.. I know they won't be the best.. but on a college student budget?

 

Id definitely skip the printer. I printed anything I ever needed in our labs/classroom. Depending on your major, you may have to go to the library/public labs to print but I think its worth not having the thing in your room, buying ink, buying paper, etc. I went through 3 years of college like this after my crappy printer died on me early on.

This option may not be for everyone for a number of reasons, but for me being in the same building 4 days a week it was a no brainer

 

Really depends how accessible and convenient your schools printer is.

For my school, your own printer is a MUST. Yes it's hell to maintain, but I would get papers done at like 1 am and have them due at 8 am. If I didn't have a printer I would go to the library to print, then after all that hassle get to sleep at probably around 2.

It really depends on your major as you get farther in your education, but for General Education you'll probably be writing a lot of papers.

 

Yeah thats why I said it might not be for everyone. I was in a computer lab at least once a day so if a paper was due, Id just print it 5 minutes before class started. But like you said, if the building youre going to be in the most doesnt have access to printers or its a hike to get something printed, its worth it to have one in your dorm.

 

For headies: take a look at Sennheiser HD497. If you are willing to stretch a tad above the $60 limit, you will be able to grab yourself a Grado SR-60.

 

For speakers, if you can weasel in a few more bucks in your budget, the Logitech Z-2300 is a great set of speakers for an even better price: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z-23...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1214606919&sr=8-1

I've had them for almost a year and loved every minute of them. Loud, rich sound with deep bass. I've hosted many parties with them without a problem

 

I second the Grado SR-60. Unbelievable headphones for the price. A friend of mine had a pair and let me listen... I went out and got a pair the next day. It is worth every penny if you enjoy your music.

 

i recommend looking at Targus for your computer lock.

 

If you like in ear headphones, definitely check out the Creative EP630. They came with my XPS and I love them. They are exactly like my Sennheiser CS300s, but the Creative buds are symmetrical, which is an advantage. For $22 on NewEgg, they are well worth checking out.

I just got a neoprene sleeve that I'm going to use with my Jansport backpack. That'd be harder to do with a 17" notebook, though. I don't really have any advice on cases.

 

As for the backpack, I've been looking at dakine.. they have a campus backpack line - http://dakine.com/street-series/guys/packs/campus/

they are good looking and come in alot of different colors

 

The Creative EP630's are NOT worth $22 bucks. If you want budget headphones go with the JVC Marshmallows which you can get for like $5 on amazon or other retailers. The Marshmallows block out sound a lot better and have better sound quality.

 

I have tried the Marshmallows and hate them. My brother used them and agrees that they are horrible and are not worth the $15. They are within the same price range and the EP630s are much more clear and are leaps and bounds ahead of the marshmallows, especially in terms of quality (though I'll admit the cable feels thin) and comfort.

I think it was the way that they fit that made me dislike them. It was too tight, almost like it was going too far in. They also sounded very muddy and hard to wear for extrended periods of time.

I am perfectly content with my Sennheiser and Creative buds. I am very fond of the way they sound; excellent bass handling and accurate highs. To each his own.

 

I'm gonna have to agree with OpenFace, I have both the Marshmallows and the EP630s, and I vastly prefer the 630s, both due to the design and the sound quality.

 

Wait....the EP630's are the ones that come with the XPS right. Are you sure we're talking about the same earbuds here?? I have 2 pairs of the Creative ones and they are both garbage. Sound quality is just a little bit better compared to the Marshmallows, almost negligible. But I'm a big fan of noise cancellation and not hearing everything around me, which the Marshmallows provide and the EP630's don't. The EP630's noise cancellation is porous and almost worthless.

Regardless, neither headphone is worth $22 like someone suggested, that was my main point. Marshmallows are a great deal for $5, or the $0.97 amazon had a couple days ago.