Apple Ipad Air ($549)
Apple's iPad Air is both fun and useful. It's light enough to take anywhere but powerful enough to handle everything from streaming shows to taking notes or sketching with the Apple Pencil. Right now, Apple's Back to School promotion (which ends Sept. 30) makes it even sweeter: when you buy an iPad Air, you can choose a free gift — like an Apple Pencil Pro, a Magic Keyboard, or a set of AirPods — so it's basically ready to go straight out of the box.
- Pros: Lightweight and portable
- Cons: More expensive than basic tablets
- Type: Tablet
- Who it's best for: Anyone who wants a device that's fun, portable, and practical—students, creatives, professionals, or anyone who loves streaming, reading, or sketching on the go.
- Extras: Supports Apple Pencil for drawing and note-taking, Magic Keyboard for typing, and works seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem (iCloud, AirDrop, etc.).
