Future Shop discovers nearly half of Canadian grads pursue a different career than originally intended

Hottest products for back-to-school include laptops, tablets, smartphones and more

Announcement Highlights:

1. Future Shop finds almost half of graduates do not pursue the career they originally intended
2. Future Shop offers students the top five tips for optimizing their study time with technology
3. Future Shop survey finds laptops top the list of must-have back-to-school products, followed by tablets, desktops and smartphones

BURNABY, BC, Aug. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - A lot can change during the years a student spends at college or university: interests, friends and even future dreams.  In fact, almost half (43 per cent) of post-secondary graduates Future Shop surveyed ¹said the profession they entered after university or college was not the same profession they thought they would enter when they started.  No matter what profession they enter in the end, students are about to embark on an exciting journey and Future Shop and Futureshop.ca, Canada's leading destinations for consumer electronics and lifestyle goods, has the exciting stuff they need to succeed.

Now, more than ever before, technology is playing a vital role in students' lives.  Whether helping them stay organized, complete assignments efficiently or making group work seamless, technology has transformed the school environment and helped students study smarter.

To help students optimize their studying time so they can balance their socializing time, Future Shop is providing them with the top five tips to making the most of their time:

1. Slim and light is just right
From mobile phones like the new Blackberry Q5 (coming soon to FutureShop.ca to the HP Envy ultrabook WebID: 10225637), small and thin accessories are a student's best friend.   Light enough to be carried around all day, these products are perfect for whipping out between classes and getting some homework done during the day.  That way, the evening can be free for extra circular activities.

2. Boost your software IQ
Nothing slows down technology-based tasks like outdated software.  By updating the software on your laptop, you can enhance its security and overall performance. To avoid the dreaded hour-glass and to improve program functions, a simple update will make multi-tasking a breeze and offer students the flexibility and power they need when juggling study notes and term papers.  Make sure you can keep up with your peers by installing Office Home & Student 2013 (WebID: 10236494) and the latest antivirus program.

3. Graduate to a touchscreen
Touchscreens offer a quicker, more intuitive way to interact with your computer - letting you tap, swipe and scroll your way to great grades and more fun. Inspired by the explosion of smartphone users in Canada, the power of touch, featured in products like the Toshiba Satellite touchscreen laptop (WebID: 10257005 or Microsoft Surface Pro WebID: 10205741), transforms the way you do everything from homework to social networking and is now a cool new part of the future of computing.

4. Listen now, write later
Students may find that they understand lectures and new material better when they're able to listen to the professor without worrying about writing notes at the same time.  With today's smartphones, such as the Galaxy S4 (WebID: 10248521), students today can tape lectures and play them back again and again, helping them retain the information for exam time.

5. Get connected
Regardless of the features your new technology has, it won't help you study more efficiently if it's not set up properly or you don't know how to use it.  Get the most out of your technology by letting a pro show you how it's done. Buying a new laptop but want to migrate your data from the old one? No problem: The experts at ConnectPro will install it right and teach you how to use your gadgets to your advantage.

Top back-to-school products for 2013
When asked by Future Shop to name which items would help students the most with their studies, Canadians stated the following:

• Laptop (81 per cent)
• Tablets (57 per cent)
• Desktop computers (45 per cent)
• Smartphones (37 per cent)
• Sound systems and televisions lagged behind, both with less than 10 per cent

Taking these responses into consideration, Future Shop has developed the below list of the top back-to-school products for 2013.

Laptops, ultrabooks, tablets & accessories
To ensure that students stay connected and have everything they need to succeed, a laptop, ultrabook or tablet is a must. Look for something that is multi-functional and lightweight, making it easy to carry around campus.

Toshiba Satellite P50 15.6" laptop - grey
This Toshiba Satellite P50 laptop packs top-tier features to deliver relentless performance. Students will be able to work and multitask faster with the latest processor and 16GB system memory, allowing them to study efficiently. With the time they'll save, students will be able to enjoy movies and games with the Satellite's premium stereo speakers and amazing graphics.
$999.99
WebID: 10257006

HP Envy 4 TouchSmart 14" ultrabook - silver 
All the tools for future success are at a student's fingertips with the HP Envy TouchSmart ultrabook. Engineered with intelligent Intel technologies and a high-resolution touchscreen, this ultrabook allows students to easily swipe, tap and pinch through files and applications. The built-in HP TrueVision HD webcam makes staying connected with friends and family that much easier.
$1,099.99
WebID: 10258241

Sony Xperia tablet Z 10.1" - black
The Xperia tablet Z was designed to take what life throws at it and still deliver outstanding performance. Its dust and water resistant design is great for students who like to eat and drink while studying.  With a 10-hour battery life, it's perfect for bringing to classes, watching long movies or working late into the night. It's also fast, durable, thin and light - everything a student wants and needs in a tablet.
$499.99
WebID: 10253048

Logitech wireless touch keyboard
The Logitech wireless touch K400 keyboard gives a student total control of their computer from just about anywhere in the room. It features a large 3.5" touchpad that allows for multi-touch navigation, as well as a Logitech Unifying receiver that's compact but allows users to add five more compatible devices to it. With a wireless range of up to 10 metres (33 feet), students can turn up the volume, pause a slideshow or tweet about the movie they just watched without getting up from the couch.
$49.99
WebID: 10177898

D-Link wireless AC router
With students conducting the majority of their schoolwork and research online, they need a good wireless connection. The D-Link wireless AC router uses dual band wireless technology to provide lightning-fast data speeds. It also gives wireless networks extended range and improved reliability making it easy for students get ahead without having to worry about a spotty connection.
$119.99
WebID: 102505642

HP Photosmart wireless all-in-one inkjet printer
Student's productivity will be given a boost with the HP Photosmart 7525 all-in-one printer. This versatile device can print, copy, scan, fax and even access content from the Internet via the colour touchscreen display. It's equipped with HP's ePrint, which allows students to email a document and it will print out on the 7525 automatically. Multitasking has never been so easy.
$199.99
WebID: 10246152

Smartphones
No new school year is complete without a new smartphone to match, and Future Shop has students covered with the latest recommendations on all the major carriers at different price points.

Blackberry Q5
For the student who is budget-conscious, the Blackberry Q5 is a perfect fit. This entry-level smartphone is packed with all the features a student needs, including a QWERTY keyboard, a vibrant touch screen and a smooth and fast browsing experience.  Its messaging and social networking features also enable students to have fun, create, share and stay connected, while on the move.
Coming August 13 to Future Shop and FutureShop.ca

Telus HTC One smartphone - silver - 3 year agreement
For the student who belongs to many social groups and organizations, the HTC One smartphone is a perfect fit. Packed with tons of stand-out features, including a 4.7" full HD touch screen display, dual front stereo speakers and a high-resolution camera, it allows students to stay connected to their studies while keeping up with their social life.
$149.99
WebID: 10242636

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone - white - 3 year agreement
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is the latest flagship smartphone in the Galaxy line and it takes the smartphone experience to new heights. Its multi-window capabilities lets students split the screen into two when using select apps like email, messaging and IM, music or social hub, making it perfect for multi-tasking.
$229.99
WebID: 10248521

Studying essentials
Even the best student needs a bit of help with studying and keeping up with their school work. Whether it's a tool to help with notetaking and organization or simply making a cup of coffee, every student needs something to keep them focused on the task.

Quartet 90/120-day flex planner - web only
Sometimes the easiest way to stay organized is to write it all down. The Quartet flex planner makes tracking deadlines and meetings easier than ever for students. This laminated reversible planner works with dry-erase markers and mounts on a wall.
$19.99
WebID: 10237219

South Shore City Life collection office desk - solid black - web only
To study effectively a desk is a must-have for any student. This contemporary style office desk features an unfettered design and clean shapes to give any student's room a stylized minimalist look. It combines form and function by providing the necessary working space and storage needed for an efficient and tidy work station.
$115.99
WebID: 10190539

South Shore City Life collection office desk - solid black - web only
For long nights of studying or paper writing, a nice chair is an essential for any student. Zuo's Enterprise Collection of high back office chairs is stylish, sleek and comfortable. It has a soft leatherette seat cover and padded armrest and headrest, it will make studying a whole lot more enjoyable.
$299.99
WebID: 10247264

Tassimo single serve coffee maker
Sometimes all a student needs to keep focused and on-track is a good cup of coffee. The Bosch TASSIMO brewing system is the ultimate home beverage machine. Students can choose from a selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lattes and more, pop in a T-DISC, brew and enjoy the perfect cup in just minutes. Built-in barcode technology tells the TASSIMO exactly how to make the beverage, so it's consistently delicious.
$79.99
WebID: 10195322

Klipsch Mode M40 noise-cancelling over-ear headphones
It's easy to get distracted while studying. The Klipshe Mode noise-cancelling headphones provide high-quality leather-wrapped ear cups that fit comfortably around ears, and the cutting-edge, active noise cancellation technology helps filter out distracting noise, making studying just about anywhere easier on students.
$399.99
WebID: 10213993

New Balance 18.5" performance backpack - black
When a student is heading to class with textbooks and study gear, it helps to bring along a quality backpack that can carry the load. The New Balance Performance Backpack makes an excellent companion when students are on the move. It's sturdy and versatile, with cushioned shoulder straps, a shoe tunnel, and a removable mesh bag. There's plenty of storage space, including room for a laptop.
$69.99
WebID: 10258683

Texas Instruments graphing calculator - web only
This Texas Instruments graphing calculator offers incredible functionality including the ability to transfer class assignments from a handheld to the computer. The thinnest and lightest graphing calculator from TI, it's equipped with a high resolution colour screen and methods of graphing that allow students to see real-world connections within their work. A must-have for a math or engineering student.
$202.99
WebID: 10247846

Study break essentials
School can't be all work and no play, and taking breaks from studying are an integral part of any good study technique. Catching up on a favourite TV show, going for a run or spending time with classmates are great ways for students to take a break and get their minds off deadlines and studying, if only for awhile.

Insignia LCD HDTV
Students love to unwind and relax in front of the TV after a long day of studying. The Insignia HDTV allows students to watch their favourite television, movies, games and sports with remarkable clarity and detail. For money-conscious students, the EnergyStar qualification also helps reduce energy consumption.
$499.99
WebID: 10242823

Ultimate Ears BOOM wireless speaker - night black
Students will love the UE Boom - the ultimate social music player. This bold, wireless 360 degree speaker will immerse them in a world of audio like nothing else they've experienced, allowing them to disconnect from the stressful world of studying and exams, and into a more relaxed state. UE Boom is plasma coated, stain and water resistant, great for the student lifestyle.
$229.99
WebID: 10252890

Fujifilm 14MP 5X optical zoom digital camera
The Fujifilm FinePix AX600 is compact enough for students to take everywhere and powerful enough that they'll want to use it to capture all their school memories. The 14MP CCD sensor takes great-looking photos, even in low-light situations, and the 5x optical zoom ensures they'll capture all the little details.
$74.99
WebID: 10241881

Fitbit flex wireless activity & sleep wristband
For many students, exercise is a great way to relax and get their mind off schoolwork. The Fitbit Flex a sleek activity monitor that tracks steps, distance, calories burned and stairs climbed. At night, it monitors sleep cycles and quality of rest. The Flex syncs data to a computer or smartphone so users can visualize and track progress, compete with friends and learn to eat, live and sleep better - perfect for the student who want to stay healthy and active.
$99.99
WebID: 10252519

Hamilton Beach single serve blender - web only
Every student needs to break for a snack, and for students who want to whip up a healthy snack in no time, this Hamilton Beach single serve is a great solution. It includes a 14 oz single serving blender jar which is perfect for smoothies, powdered drinks, shakes and more.
$19.99
WebID: 10148771

Dyson D57 vacuum
Student life can be messy, and sometimes cleaning can help de-clutter a space and a student's mind. A great way to be productive while taking a study break is to get some chores done. The new Dyson DC57 is built for hard surfaces and comes with not only the vacuum pack, but also a wet wipe on the head to clean dust and stains in addition to sucking up the loose dirt and detail on all hard surfaces. Highly portable with a wireless and rechargeable battery.

Coming soon to Future Shop and FutureShop.ca

Prices as of July 25, 2013.  Prices subject to change. Price Beat Promise in effect.

About Future Shop
With 149 stores across the country and the nation's premier web store (www.futureshop.ca), Burnaby, BC-based Future Shop is Canada's largest retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics. The company employs more than 10,000 technology enthusiasts, has enabled its website, Futureshop.ca, to deliver unparalleled content about the products it sells. Futureshop.ca also hosts an online community forum and tech blog called Tech Yeah for technology beginners and tech-savvy experts to exchange ideas, reviews, tips and other consumer electronics information (www.futureshop.ca/techyeah). As a proud corporate citizen, Future Shop has developed solutions to recycle used electronics and is committed to employee volunteerism and supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to transforming local youth into Future Leaders (see www.futureshop.ca/futuregeneration).

¹ Survey was conducted in July 2013 by Future Shop Consumer Insights; results based on responses from 529 Canadians

SOURCE: Future Shop

Media contact:
Elliott Chun, Communications Manager │Future Shop │[email protected] │604.412.1764
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