Gallery: Top-Grade Gear for Back-to-School
01booq-mamba
Read the individual reviews: [Booq Mamba Catch Bag](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/reviews_backtoschool/?pid=952) [TI-Nspire CX CAS](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/reviews_backtoschool/?pid=948) [LG LCSP1110ST Microwave Oven](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/reviews_backtoschool/?pid=947) [Zoom H1 Handheld Recorder](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/reviews_backtoschool/?pid=949) [Antec Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/reviews_backtoschool/?pid=945) [Livescribe Echo 2GB](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/reviews_backtoschool/?pid=950) 1. Booq Mamba Catch Bag ----------------------- Ballistic nylon keeps gear safe and dry, the plush padded computer pocket can handle notebooks up to 15 inches, and a padded shoulder strap helps comfortably distribute heavier loads. __WIRED__ The 22 pockets keep you sorted. Smart zipper placement means pickpockets are out of luck. __TIRED__ Space is short; fits only two oversize textbooks. $150, [Booq](http://www.booqbags.com/) __Rating: 8 out of 10__
02ti-nscx-cas-front-home-graphsicon
2. TI-Nspire CX CAS ------------------- Need a heavy-lifting calculator for diff eq? The rechargeable CX CAS won't buckle, whether you're graphing 3-D models or doing matrix operations. The 100 MB of storage means you can save documents and graphs to view on the 3.2-inch display. __WIRED__ Hundreds of preprogrammed equations. Color screen eliminates multiple-graph confusion. __TIRED__ Tiny touchpad can be unresponsive. $175 [Texas Instruments](http://education.ti.com/nspire/cx/wired) __Rating: 8 out of 10__
03lg
3. LG LCSP1110ST Microwave Oven ------------------------------- LG slots a 1,400-watt baking oven beneath a standard 1,000-watt microwave to save space and revitalize leftovers. The oven provides four levels of toasting and an Auto Pizza feature for easy personal pies. __WIRED__ Variable-power setting for taking big stuff from defrost to cook. __TIRED__ Pizzas get slightly overdone. Can't microwave and bake simultaneously. $209, [LG](http://www.lg.com/us/index.jsp) __Rating: 7 out of 10__
04zoom
4. Zoom H1 Handheld Recorder ---------------------------- The H1's smart design lets it rest securely in your hand and on tabletops, so you can record lectures, interviews, or band practice. The 2-GB microSD card stores files in either WAV or MP3 format for easy transfers and playback. __WIRED__ X/Y mic configuration for stereo recording with little to no phase shift. __TIRED__ Plastic body feels cheap. Struggles with wind noise. $99, [Zoom](http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h1/) __Rating: 7 out of 10__
05antec-rockus
5. Antec Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 ----------------------------------- Built-in laptop speakers won't suffice for parties, movie nights, or game sessions. The Rockus has separate music and video settings, and the subwoofer's passive radiator provides ample boom without hogging space. __WIRED__ Aluminum satellite speakers look slick. Party-level range. __TIRED__ Mids can get muddy. The satellites *are* slick: They slide right off your desk. $200, [Antec](http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/) __Rating: 6 out of 10__
06echo-paper
6. Livescribe Echo 2GB ---------------------- Tap the Record icon and a high-speed IR camera captures every pen stroke at 70 frames per second, while a mic captures the lecture. Position the pen back over your notes to hear the corresponding audio, or email the "Pencast" to your absent classmate. __WIRED__ Built-in shortcuts for sharing. __TIRED__ On-paper controls require precise pen placement. Docking a pen is just weird. $99, [Livescribe](http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/) __Rating: 5 out of 10__
