Back to school tech

(Credit: CNET Australia)

Summer holidays are winding down and it's time to face sending the kids back to school. Whether the student in your house is starting primary school or a PhD, they'll need to have reliable tech gear to make the grade.

Alas, kitting out today's student is more complex, not to mention expensive, than buying a few pencils and spiral notebooks. To make the task easier on both your brain and your budget, CNET editors have rounded up the best value laptops, multifunction printers and MP3 voice recorders your scholar will need to attack whatever projects those new teachers are about to assign.

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  Best multifunction printers

  With so many features packed into multifunction printers these days, it's hard to find the right balance between functionality and affordability. We pick and compare some of the top multifunction printers available today, whether you use your printer for photos, documents or scans.

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  Back to school 2009: The best laptops

  With the government roll-out of laptops for school kids being done in stages, your children may still need their own laptop. Here are CNET Australia's recommendations, with a focus on budget.

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  Take note! MP3 players with voice recorders

  No one wants to get writer's cramp or carpal tunnel, but it can be hard to avoid if you're taking notes in classes or meetings all day. CNET.com.au rounds up these lecture-worthy MP3 players.