Back-to-school computers for $50, best high-tech apps

August 16, 2012 (WPVI) -- Students are heading back to school soon, and one of the most expensive items on your shopping list is probably a computer.

These days having a computer is a must for almost any student, and Action News has found a unique place where families can get one for as little as $50.

Money is tight for Joy Robinson, so a computer at a regular retail store isn't something she can afford.

"My 11-year-old is entering the 6th grade, and he definitely needs it and we need it," said Joy.

Enter non-profit Team Children.

"We have a thousand of computers that need a home and we're looking for families every day," said Robert Toporek.

Fourth-grader Nehemiah Johnson is picking one up to help him with his favorite subjects - math and science.

"I like school," said Nehemiah Johnson. "It's really fun."

The computers are two to four years old, and were donated from companies and individuals.

Team Children wipes off the hard drives, makes sure all the parts are working, and loads the computers with $500 worth of donated learning software.

Team Children then sells the computers for $50 to $200 with a limited warranty.

Anyone can buy one; just write a letter explaining why you need one.

"We have an application on the website. They send us a deposit of a minimum of $25, and as soon as we get the letter, we tell them to and come pick up their computer," explained Toporek.

For information on how to apply or donate a computer, call 610-666-1795 or go to http://www.teamchildren.com/

Now that you have a computer, here are some of our favorite Back-to-School websites:

Flash Card Exchange lets you print out and create your own flash cards.
http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

Studyblue lets you create flash cards right on your phone with voice recognition and video.
http://www.studyblue.com/switch/cpt.html

The iHomeWork and ClassBuddy apps organize daily homework assignments, long-term projects as well as extracurricular activities and more.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ihomework/id302786560?mt=8

Class Buddy
http://www.appbrain.com/app/class-buddy%3A-student-planner/com.acj0.classbuddypro

And especially helpful for college students, Apps including CampusBooks help you compare prices and take advantage of buy-back programs.
http://www.campusbooks.com/

While in the classroom, Evernote lets you take notes on your tablet and then the notes are immediately synced online.
http://evernote.com/

AroundCampus shows you deals and sales geotargeted to your college or university's town.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cm.aroundcampus.demo&hl=en

And finally, another cool App, Stack the States makes learning about the 50 states fun.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stack-the-states/id381342267?mt=8

Watch the states come to life with capitals and all kinds of fun facts as you touch and move the animated pieces.

You can also build your own map by playing a fun game that has you stacking the states.

Other Links:
Mathemagics
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathemagics-mental-math-tricks/id306586847?mt=8

Algerbra-touch
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/algebra-touch/id384354262?mt=8

Amazon-Student
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazon-student/id454603718?mt=8

Book Finder
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/yalsas-teen-book-finder/id527674308?mt=8

Stanza
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stanza/id284956128?mt=8

Shmoop
http://www.shmoop.com/

Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/

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back to school, consumer news, nydia han

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