10 techie gifts for Christmas
Because everybody needs a robo cat, a set of electronic eyes or a watch that makes it tough to tell the time
Here's a run down of our choice of 10 gadgety, techie things to give or receive this holiday season:
10. Amazon Kindle 3
Technically it’s just called the "Kindle," but this third incarnation is probably the best value among all the e-book readers on the market.
It’s no iPad, as in the Kindle is a dedicated e-reader, but it doesn’t require a data plan either. The new 3G version runs on Amazon’s free global Whispernet network.
Battery life looks ridiculous as Amazon claims it can go a whole month on a charge with the wireless off.
Price: Wi-Fi US$139, 3G/Wi-Fi $189 Website: Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device
9. Kinect for Xbox 360
No Christmas list is complete this year without the new Kinect for Xbox, Microsoft’s motion-controlled game system.
Some are a little concerned about the reported lag, but at $150 the price is low enough it’s unlikely to induce any serious buyer's remorse.
Kinect is fun in the tradition of the Wii, and until Nintendo rolls out a new console, Kinect is the way to go.
Microsoft's already moved one million units -- take that as a good sign.
Price: US$150 Website: Kinect for Xbox 360
8. Sega’s robot cat: Sakadachi Nyachi
Little known "fact": In Japan, Christmas marks the birth of cute baby cat robots that come into this world to eat all your holiday nom-noms.
With this one, try saying "headstand" in Japanese. If it obeys then you can be sure Sakadachi Nyachi knows who’s boss. It does other stuff too.
Price: US$173 Website: GeekStuff4U via Crunchgear
7. Logitech Wireless Keyboard
Wireless keyboards are wonderful things. That is until the batteries die just as you’re in the middle of a game, I mean, work.
But Logitech’s K750 is equipped with solar strips that will keep your keyboard fully-juiced for perpetuity. It works even with indoor lighting.
Price: US$79.99 Website: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750
6. Samsung Galaxy Tab
Since the iPad is so three months ago, here's a sexy non-Apple option.
Quickly gaining a reputation as “that other tablet,” Samsung has already shifted 700,000 of them.
Running Google’s Anrdoid operating system, the Galaxy Tab hit the United States in November.
Price: US$599 Website: Samsung Galaxy Tab
5. Tokyo Flash
This fun watch is from Japan-based Tokyo Flash. The Kisai Joypad is the latest in a long tradition of stylish, yet cryptic LED timepieces from the watchmaker.
Featuring a black elevated cube design, the multi-colored lights on the watchface will fit right in under your Christmas tree. Or perfectly hanging off it.
To crack the code on how to tell the time, you're best advised to investigate the Tokyo Flash website.
Price: US$94 Website: Tokyo Flash’s Kisai Joypad
4. iPod Nano watch strap
While there are a number of strap solutions that will convert the latest iPod nano into a watch, the TikTok and LunaTik designs from MINIMAL stand out.
To make this product a reality, TikTok+LunaTik funded their designs through a Kickstarter.com project. The LunaTik design (pictured) that snaps over your nano is especially nice.
Switch an iPod to clock mode and the watch is complete.
Price: A US$25 pledge gets you a strap, but if want to support the project feel free chip in more -- the more you donate the more options and designs available. Website: Mimolife
3. Apple TV
A paltry US$99 buys you a media center computer that takes up hardly any space.
Hook it up to your HDTV, and then tap into your iTunes library or rent media online. Very, very good value here. But be aware that regional restrictions do apply.
Availability: Currently available in Japan and Australia. Release dates for more countries in the region TBD. What you get on a U.S. credit card will be different than what you get on say a Hong Kong credit card.
Price: US$99 Website: Apple TV
2. Christmas C@rds HD iPad app
And because you’ve almost certainly forgotten someone in your Christmas shopping, here’s an iPad application that will help you send some last minute best wishes via email.
Christmas C@rds HD allows you to create Christmas e-cards using any of the available 30 templates.
Add your own personalized text and photos, and then send them off to all your contacts before they suspect they’ve been Grinched -- which they actually have been if you send an e-card.
Price: US$3.99 Website: Christmas C@rds HD, iTunes
1. Electronic blinking eyeballs
You’re probably asking yourself, "Why would I ever need a set of electronic blinking eyeballs from Japan?" Well as I see it, googly eyes are making a comeback so rest assured that you’ll get more than your money’s worth sticking these peepers on random objects around your office.
Did that copier just wink at me?
Price: US$34.99 Website: Think Geek
