Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for the techie in your life
Bluetooth Keyboard Pro with leather case for iPad tablets Credit: Bluetooth Keyboard Pro with leather case for iPad tablets
If you want to really wow your loved ones this holiday season, you can't go wrong with a high-tech gift. We've handpicked some great options for everyone on your list.
Keep in mind that you may very well be able to find a price that beats the listing price, so shop around... on the internet, naturally.
MUSIC LOVER
id America Spark
These high-def in-ear headphones - which come in nine colors - are lightweight, comfortable and have good sound quality (especially for the price point). They also include an inline remote for making cell phone calls, and are compatible with iPhone, iPod, iPad and most devices with a 3.5mm jack. $59.95 at idamericany.com
ACQUAINTANCE
iTunes gift cards
This is the perfect, sure-to-please gift for anyone you don't know too well (but well enough to know they own an Apple product of some sort), whom you want to recognize this holiday season. We're thinking maybe your Secret Santa recipient or favorite barista...BJs offers slight discounts on four-packs of $10 cards. $37.99 for four $10 cards at BJs.com
TV AND MOVIE LOVER
Roku LT
Relying on regularly scheduled programming is so 20th Century. These days we like our media hand-picked and available when it's convenient, and Roku allows us to have it that way. The streaming-media box, which offers content from places like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus and Pandora, is priced just right. $50 at Roku.com
PARTY CHRONICLER/AMATEUR PAPARAZZO
Lomography's Diane Baby 110 Gold Edition camera
Every group of friends has one person who's taking pictures all night at the party. This is the perfect small-enough-to be-a-spy-cam camera for that person who wants to remember every moment. We love the vintage look, too. The tiny camera fits into your pocket, and captures memories on 110 (film!) squares.Talk about retro. $75 at lomography.com
VORACIOUS READER
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle's newest e-reader has garnered plenty of accolades from bloggers, tech writers and readers everywhere. The big draw is that it's self-illuminated (something Kindle users have been waiting for). It also has a high-resolution screen and battery life is impressive too (eight weeks) as long as you turn Wi-Fi off. (Note: an ad-free version is $20 more.) From $119 at Amazon.com
APPLE ENTHUSIAST
iPad mini
Sure, it's a splurge, and with many other competing tablets (including Google's Nexus 7) running in the $200 range, there are cheaper options. But we all know someone who worships Apple products, and for them, this is the newest, hottest thing out there (in a smaller package). Starting at $329 at Apple.com
RUNNER
Garmin Forerunner 10
Got a serious or aspiring runner on your list? You can't go wrong with a GPS-enabled watch. This particular one - available in pink, green or black - tracks distance, pace and calories burned, and even identifies personal records. Its VirtualPacer feature compares current rate to target. It's cool enough to make anyone get off the couch and go for a run. $129.99 at Garmin.com
WELL-DRESSED MAN(WHO LIKES TO STAY CONNECTED)
Wi-Fi hotspot cuff links
Forget the novelty cuff links. These are just about the most useful ones you can buy your husband/boyfriend/father/friend/brother/son... There's no need to search for an empty Starbucks table when you can get Wi-Fi from your wrist (one cuff link is also a 2GB Flash drive). Pretty cool, and pretty James Bond, we think. $250 at Redenvelope.com
NEW/EXPECTING PARENT
MobiCam Digital DXR wireless video/audio monitor
Anyone who's had a baby/toddler knows just how mischevous and obstinate they can be when it comes to bedtime and naptime. Let new parents keep an eye (and ear) on the little one with this digital system that picks up audio and video from up to 450 feet away. $200 at Giggle.com
GRANDMA AND GRANDPA
Sony DPF-HD700 7" digital photo frame
It's a well-known fact that grandparents love to fill their homes with pictures of the grandkids, and digital frames make that so much easier, neater and less likely to cause arguments (e.g. "Why is Spencer's photo blocking Gracie's?"). This frame also allows video sharing, and serves as a clock and calendar. Its 2GB memory can hold up to 4,000 photos. Images can be transferred from memory cards, via a mini USB or directly from your computer, camera or thumb drive. $119.99 at Adorama.com and Sony.com
COMMUTER/BUSINESS TRAVELER
Bluetooth Keyboard Pro with leather case for iPad tablets (above)
If you've taken a commuter train or airplane anytime within the last year or so you've probably noticed how ubiquitous the iPad has become. We love this leather case and keyboard because not only does it protect the precious iPad, but it also transforms it into a laptop. A non-leather version is available for $99.99. $149.99 at Brookstone, Brookstone.com
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 20: Longo named football coach at SWR On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with new Shoreham-Wading River football coach Paul Longo and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 20: Longo named football coach at SWR On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with new Shoreham-Wading River football coach Paul Longo and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
