Category: December 2008 – Holiday Gift Guide

Gadgets Are a Guys (and Gals) Best Friend this Holiday Season

How do you put a smile on your scrooge’s face this holiday? How do you take the bah out of humbug? Is daddy/boyfriend/hubby not spreading the usual seasonal cheer? Maybe Gadget Girl Gabriella is feeling the pinch of the recession and fears she’ll never get that iPOD Touch she’s been wanting. After all, gotta pay those credit card bills! Cheer up your electronic-loving main squeeze with one of the following gadgets this season. It’s sure to put a smile on his or her face, and atleast put them in a festive mood. Your loved one will certainly enjoy any one of the following 7 gadgets selected by Anthony Heredia. —Kaylene Peoples—

1) EZVision Video Glasses

The ezVision Video Glasses offers you a 50″ virtual screen that fits like a pair of glasses. The ezVision Video Glasses is ultra lightweight, weighing a mere 4.0 ounces. With built-in earphones, an 8-hour rechargeable Lithium ion battery pack, iPod & DVD adapters, and the included wall charger, you get everything you need to enjoy movies, music videos, cartoons, and podcasts. Top gift pick for media lovers.www.ezgear.com $299.99 or for a more affordable price tag take a look at www.thinkgeek.com.

2) Shure Sound Isolating Stereo Mobile Headset – SE420MPA

These headphones happen to be the Rolls Royce of audio gear for any lover of music or sound quality of anything, for that matter. Evolved from personal monitor technology road-tested by pro musicians, the SE420 is precision engineered to provide a listening experience that’s true to live performance. Rediscover your music with Dual TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers that deliver an incredibly rich and detailed listening experience. Designed for listeners who are as passionate about their music as the musicians who use Shure microphones, the SE420 offers a truly revolutionary audio experience. Visit www.shure.com for the $379.99 power product

3) Aiptek’s PocketCinema V10 pico projector

Portable media players are a thing of the past. What good is watching your favorite movie or TV show on a 2-inch screen? Slip the Aiptek PocketCinema into your pocket and you’ll be able to project a 42-inch image on any surface! And with support for up to 8GB SDHC cards, you’ll be able to carry hours and hours of video with you. James Bond never had it this good! I want 10 of these. Find this at www.aiptek.com. $299.99. Full detailed review athttp://gizmodo.com/5099074/aiptek-pocketcinema-v10-pico-projector-review.

4) Medion’s GoPal X5535 GPS

MEDION announced it is introducing three new personal navigation devices that use a fingerprint scanner for security and theft-deterrence. MEDION enlisted the help of AuthenTec to integrate its fingerprint sensors into the devices, which include the GoPal P5235, GoPal P5435 and GoPal X5535. Users can save up to five fingerprints, using the small AES1510 fingerprint sensor used in millions of cell phones, which then allow them to log in and use each device. The feature ensures only authorized users can access the three devices, which are useless if stolen. The technology is meant to help reduce the theft of navigation devices left in cars, which, MEDION says, is on the rise. MEDION introduced fingerprint technology on its GoPal P4425 launched in 2007. The three new devices sport 5-inch touch-screen displays and voice recognition. Be sure to visithttp://www.electronista.com/articles/08/12/01/medion.intros. secure.pnds/ for full details and www.medionusa.com to buy the smart toy.

5) Apple iPod Touch / iPhone

“The iPhone 3G is the fastest wireless technology with GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new Apple Store iPhone 3G puts even more features at your fingertips. And like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one–a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser. iPhone 3G. It redefines what a mobile phone can do–again.” The ultimate toy for the gadget lover can be found atwww.apple.com for about $399. There is no one that will not love this, so please give me one, too anyone, especially yourself.

6) Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile Speakers

Want cool, powerful, versatile speakers? Here is your dream solution. Play music from your stereo Bluetooth® (A2DP)-enabled phone on the Pure-Fi Mobile(TM) wireless speaker. Or just use as a wireless speakerphone, or connect any audio device to this baby. There is a lithium battery, so no batteries needed. Simply plug it in and let it charge. Powerful sound that will last you a long time, an all-around great buy for $134.99! Find exact details at www.logitech.com.

7) The Archos 7 Multi-Media Beast

This is the ultimate toy for anybody who loves his/her gadgets. I was drooling the moment I saw the picture. This has been known to be called the iPhone killer for good reason.

The ARCHOS 7, with its stunning 7″ screen, is the best travel companion you can imagine. With a huge disk capacity and an incredible viewing comfort, combined with Internet and TV capacity in a handheld device, it will accompany your travels and holidays and replace any other multimedia player you were using so far.

ARCHOS, award-winning for its constant technology innovation and leadership in portable media players, now introduces a new concept: the Internet Media Tablet. The ARCHOS 7 is the jewel of this new range, redefining media on the move and offering customers uncompromised access to the Internet, Media content, and TV . . . in a handheld device. Drool your way over towww.archos.com.

Specs:
Display characteristics: High resolution screen, 800×480 pixels, 7″ TFT LCD, 16 million colors User interaction: Direct by touch screen, ON/OFF, vol+ and vol- buttons, retractable virtual keyboard

Processor(s): 
– Main processor: ARM CortexTM-A8, 32 bit, In-order, dual-issue, superscalar core @ 600MHz
– Additional processor: 32 bit DSP @ 430 MHz
RAM memory: 128 MB* (Low-Power Double Data Rate SDRAM) Mass storage memory: Hard drive 
– 320 GB (stores up to 400 Movies, 3.2 million photos or 190,000 songs1)
Operating system: Linux
In its normal use mode, the ARCHOS 5 being a miniaturized Personal Computer: 
Connectivity: On board WiFi (802.11 b/g), USB 2.0 host with optional accessories
PC accessories: Possible attachment of numerous standard USB PC accessories (keyboard, mouse, memory key, memory cards reader, camera and other future computer accessories)
Battery life: Music playback time: 39 hours 
Video playback time: 10 hours
Dimensions & weight:Approx. 190 x 110 x 16 mm ; 7.48″ x 4.33″ x 0.629″ 
Approx. 640 gr.; 23oz
Price: $449.99

Reviewed by Anthony Heredia

Gag gifts have gotten a bad rap in seasons past, but those often unappreciated gifts have changed their meaning this year. No more Groucho Marx nose glasses, or the standard whoopie cushions of old, today’s gag gifts are far more sophisticated and even a little useful (in a twisted sort of way). These featured 11 goofy gag gifts will be sure to to tickle your recipient’s fancy.

1) The Kitty Kat Hub

In the electric future, cats’ nervous systems run on USB, and we can tap into them for ourneeds. This four-porter (the other one is in kitty’s mouth) is available only via wholesale from Shenzhen. I don’t know what else to say.http://www.alibaba.com/.

2) Goldfish Training Kit

The R2 Fish Training School Kit is a complete training system that includes everything you need to teach your fish over 10 amazing tricks (including soccer, football, basketball, limbo, fetch, tunnels, and more). This is one for the books. Your fish’s tuition will cost $39.99. More atwww.thinkgeek.com.

3) Waistband Stretcher

The $30 device slips into a pair of jeans or slacks and does as advertised. It stretches them out to a more pleasing and comfortable size 40, or whatever your waistline might be after a full day of gorging on turkey, potatoes, and pie. The stretcher promises to breathe new life into your old wardrobe by adding one to five inches of extra girth. I’d better not find you buying this. I’m watching. Should you be weak, you can find this for $29.99 atwww.skymall.com.

4) Intimate Controllers

This is an intimacy game for couples or just naughty friends who want to bend the rules as much as they possibly can in a structured, yet sinfully playful manner. The ladies use the men’s boxers as their controller and the gentlemen use the ladies bra as their controller. Sounds like fun to me. It’s not yet being sold, but it will be out soon. Take a look at this baby in action, along with all the details at www.jennylc.com.

5) Toilet Seat Lifter

Tired of a wet tushy, ladies? I found the solution to your man’s insensitivity. This nifty little gift only needs a foot step to do all the work for him, and back the seat goes to its restingspot to wait for the ladies. Find the wonder at www.amazon.com for $29.99. What a great gal/pal gift.

6) The Full Body Wearable Sleeping Bag

“The Lippi Selk All In One” is the ultimate full body sleeping bag that you can wear! This new concept retains the functionality of the traditional sleeping bag while introducing fun, comfort, and most importantly, mobility. Ideal for summer festivals and a fantastic choice for everyday camping, this clever sleeping bag keeps you warm all night and makes for no extra carriage on the way home, simply because?you wear it! This really makes for a sleeping bag to top all sleeping bags!” This is just too funny. Find it at www.drinkstuff.com for $65.

7) The CarCapsule

The CarCapsule is a clear vinyl bubble that seals your car or motorcycle away from the elements and keeps it looking fresh and new. Dust, dirt, moisture, and insects are lockedout, but a built-in fan circulates filtered air within the bubble to eliminate that musty, damp smell that can ruin your stored car. Available in seven sizes. This is just too much, but if you’ve got a Ferrari begging to be attacked by ninja birds, then I say you bubble your car. Find this toy atwww.carcapsule.com, ranging from $180-$449.

8) Barking Alarm Security Bar

Secure Your Home From Break-Ins with a barking metal rod. Security Bar has an alarm that sounds when the door knob is touched or door is pushed. Choose between a powerful siren or barking dog sounds. Why not! Find this interesting gift atwww.shophometrends.com for $29.99

9) Scrolling LED Message Sign with Remote

“You probably have something important to say?something that must be clearly illuminated for all to see. Perhaps it’s a simple suggestion, like ‘Get off the Road’ or some deeper words of wisdom, such as ‘Learn to drive.’ We can relate to this basic human need to share your innermost thoughts and feelings?and what better way to do that than using glowing red LEDs. Create your own custom scrolling sign on the spot with this message sign.” I love this idea. Find this toy at www.thinkgeek.com for $39.99.

10) LED Shower Light

This one is pure and simple. It’s just a color-changing shower head in case you feel the need to have a wild party in your shower as you blast your favorite music and sing along. The blue light means the water is cold, and as the water gets warmer, your light will turn red. No more cold shots of water for you. Give this to all your shower singers, and they will love you in this life and the next. www.thinkgeek.com for $34.99

11) Dead Fred Pen Holder

“Stab Fred all you want; he won’t mind. We already know that your desk probably looks like a disaster area, but why not turn it into a crime scene instead? Fred is indeed dead, but that doesn’t mean he’s useless. Not only does repeatedly stabbing your pen into Fred reduce your stress level, but it helps you to keep that pesky pen from getting lost under the edge of your computer keyboard. Need someone to take your aggression out on? Well, Dead Fred is the man! Alleviate all that pent up aggression by violently and repeatedly stabbing Fred through the heart . . . and as if by magic, there it is, just where you left it?your pen right at your fingertips? and your stress and frustration, gone.” Only $9.99 atwww.thinkgeek.com

Reviewed by Anthony Heredia