19 Essential Devices to Boost Your Child's Academic Success This School Year
19 Devices to Help Your Child Excel at School in 2026

Selecting the perfect device for your child's educational journey can appear overwhelming and costly, but we have curated a diverse range of computers, watches, and speakers to support academic excellence throughout the year. This guide simplifies the process, highlighting options that cater to various age groups and learning needs.

Laptops for Every Learning Stage

Investing in a suitable computer does not necessarily require a significant financial outlay, contrary to common belief. Seeking expert advice, such as from the Harvey Norman tech team, can provide parents with clear, accessible guidance on technology choices. These services ensure long-term reliability and confidence for the device's lifespan, available across all featured models suitable from primary to tertiary education.

Growing Minds – Primary School Essentials

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Wi-Fi – Grey $278

This entry-level tablet offers an affordable solution for primary school students, balancing educational tasks with recreational activities. Ideal for younger learners, it supports drawing, puzzles, mathematics, and entertainment like Bluey episodes, making it a versatile tool for early development.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 – $888

Featuring a 14-inch 2-in-1 design with a 360-degree hinge, this laptop transforms seamlessly into a tablet or a powerful assignment machine. It includes a robust processor, fast charging capabilities, and smart performance adjustments to match any child's productivity level.

Asus Vivobook 14-inch Snapdragon – $998

As a first laptop, this model is fast, durable, and reasonably priced, easing your child's introduction to technology. With fast charging, AI integration, and a protective coating on the touchpad, it offers lasting defense against everyday wear and tear.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch – $1597

A lightweight yet powerful device, the 13-inch MacBook Air incorporates the Apple M4 chip for handling multiple assignments effortlessly. It boasts a 12mp camera, 18-hour battery life, and a slim profile under 1.2cm, fitting neatly into any teenager's school bag.

HP Omnibook X 14-inch Snapdragon X Plus 8 – $1098

Described as a personal thinktank, this AI-powered laptop learns your tasks to assist with repetitive work. The 14-inch touchscreen facilitates easy access, while a 26-hour battery life ensures uninterrupted use from morning until night.

Acer Aspire Spin 14 14-inch Core Ultra – $1799

Combining flexibility with performance, this device features a super-responsive touchscreen that folds into a laptop, perfect for high school students. Powered by an Intel Core Processor and AI, it offers ultra-fast memory and ample storage for future academic challenges.

Graduation Ready – University and Tertiary Options

Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) 15-inch Snapdragon X Elite – $2399

AI-enhanced, this laptop manages diverse tasks from multimedia projects to smooth presentations, thanks to its powerful processing speeds. Lightweight with a 22-hour battery, it is highly regarded for handling major academic projects with ease.

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch – $2477

With the lightning-fast M3 chip, this ultra-portable laptop excels in both work and leisure. Its sleek design, 18-hour battery life, and seamless connectivity with iPhones simplify collaboration and daily use.

HP OmniBook X Flip 14 – $1698

Competitively priced, this versatile device folds to function as a laptop or a creative tablet. AI-powered with fast charging and four usage modes, it stands out as one of the most user-friendly and adaptable technologies in its category.

Smartwatches for Safety and Connectivity

Modern watches have evolved into essential tools for tracking fitness, schedules, and providing parental peace of mind. These devices maintain classroom suitability while fostering family connections.

Pixbee Pro Kids 4G Video Smart Watch – $278

Equipped with a 5mp camera and 4G/Wi-Fi connectivity, this watch enables two-way video and voice calls for easy communication. GPS tracking allows location monitoring, with notifications for the last known position if lost, alongside parental controls and Classroom Mode.

Kangaroo Fitness 3 Cartoon – $110

Designed for younger children, this stylish watch features parent-approved calling, a one-touch SOS emergency alert, and a built-in camera for capturing moments. It offers a direct line for parents, ensuring safety beyond school hours.

Pixbee Fit Kids Smart Activity Watch – $68

Built to withstand schoolyard activities with a seven-day battery life, this rugged watch monitors heart rate, sleep quality, and sets daily challenges. It promotes healthy habits from an early age through step counting and activity tracking.

Pixbee Kids 4G Video Smart Watch with GPS Tracking – $198

Keeping parents and kids connected, this watch allows calls, video chats, and messages from pre-approved contacts without a smartphone. By inserting a 3G/4G Nano SIM card, it provides GPS tracking and Classroom Mode for added reassurance.

Fitbit Versa 4 Smart Fitness Watch – $378

Ideal for active children, this fitness watch helps achieve daily goals and improves sleep quality. It can wake kids at the optimal sleep stage, ensuring a perfect start to the day.

Speakers and Headphones for Focused Learning

Encouraging children to listen can be challenging, but these speakers and headphones make it enjoyable, whether for education or entertainment. Suitable for various budgets, they enhance experiences from sports to daily commutes.

JBL Junior 320 Wired On-Ear Kids Headphones – Black, $24

Delivering clear sound at kid-safe volumes under 85dB, these headphones include a sticker set for personalization. As an affordable entry-level option, they meet school requirements for safe listening.

Bitty Boomers Disney Stitch Plush Bluetooth Speaker – $38

This adorable clip-on speaker plays favourite tunes via Bluetooth, offering up to eight hours of playtime. Its discreet design allows it to attach easily to any school backpack.

Bitty Boomers BOX Marvel Darth Vader Portable Bluetooth Speaker – $22

Available in various characters from Star Wars and Marvel, this portable speaker lets you enjoy music with themed designs, adding fun to any activity.

JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker – $66

Waterproof and ultra-portable, this speaker provides up to 12 hours of playtime, with Playtime Boost adding three extra hours. Its durability makes it perfect for after-school adventures, available in multiple colours.

BlueAnt Pump X ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones – $198

Designed for music enthusiasts, these sleek headphones feature noise cancellation and X Mode audio for enhanced listening. Splash and sweat-proof, they offer comfort and style for the walk to school.