On the go, into the future

GLENWOOD – Going back to school is music to students’ ears this fall.Back-to-school shopping lists include the new Remote iPack backpack and the iPack Messenger bag. The carry-alls feature protective pouches for Mac iPods and MP3 players and shoulder straps with built-in remote controls so students can choose their music as they walk to school. Remote iPacks are convenient as day-trip backpacks, and Messengers serve as sturdy laptop cases, too.”It was very popular, especially since Target offered a $20 gift card with purchase,” Glenwood Springs Target manager Mike Newton said. “It’s the future of technology, with the controls for your iPod right there on the strap.”

Newton recalls his school days when organizing folders with pouches for supplies and flashy graphics were popular. Today’s iPack is yesterday’s Trapper Keeper.”It’s like a rolling locker in a sense,” he said. “It’s a great organizing backpack as well as a technological tool.”The definition of technology has changed for today’s students.

These days, technology – and the products associated with it – is as mainstream as a Kanye West ringtone. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that total spending on electronics or computer-related equipment, such as home computers, laptops, PDAs, or calculators, is estimated to increase by more than $1.5 billion this year.”What we’ve noticed, when it comes to back-to-school promotions, believe it or not, is that a lot of the back-to-school lists have included MP3 players, cameras, laptops, and printers for laptops and cameras,” NRF spokesperson Kathy Grannis said. “Technology has just played a very important part of this year’s back-to-school shopping.”Grannis said today’s classrooms focus on computer-related assignments and projects.

“Lesson plans and homework now involve the Internet,” she said. “Parents are investing in laptops, cameras and MP3 players for their kids. Not all those are school-related, but they’re still useful. Cameras capture the special moments in students’ lives. They take them to football games, and they even have them in the hallways. It’s a huge part of their lifestyle.”Accessories and electronics go hand-in-hand, especially for high schoolers. Pottery Barn Teen helps students stay organized with stylish homework holders, portable filing bins and sport bag accessories. The sport MP3/cell phone holder features a port for headphones and clear plastic face, while the sport pouch stores larger MP3 players and CD players, makeup, personal items or even a camera.

“Kids are very into what is new – anything that’s new, they always want to be the first to have it,” Grannis said. “Accessories for iPods, cell phones are very popular.”Vail, Colorado