Tech Gifts for the Holidays

Do you have a tech savvy loved one and no idea what to get them? Well sit back and peruse this list of the top ten tech gift ideas for that special tech friend or loved one in your life who is always ready to help you out when your computer or Internet goes down. Rather than get another sweater, or the impersonal gift card, why not surprise him or her with a gift they actually want and will never forget.

Practical Gift Ideas

Nokia n810

This innovative internet tablet has all the features of a small laptop and the flexibility of a complete Linux distribution backed by Nokia and a whole community of eager developers. Out of the box this little gadget will let you wirelessly browse the web, make VOIP phone calls through Skype, view videos and photos, listen to your mp3 collection, handle your scheduling and much more. The newest model in Nokia's internet tablet line, the n810 includes a camera, stylus, a full hideaway keyboard, sd card expansion slots, and an integrated GPS receiver. Suggested Retail $499.00 available at Circuit City, Best Buy and most other major retailers.

For additional information see Nokia WebSite.

Asus eeePC

The eeePC is a little laptop perfect for the constant traveler. Coming in at under 1 kilogram and under 7inches, the eeePC fits almost anywhere. Using solid state disc technology means no more worries about the all to common problem of damage to the hard drive from bumping or dropping the unit. The eeePC has been designed from the outset to be simple. The name itself stands for Easy to Learn Easy to Use, Easy to Play. The operating system is a highly customized version of the increasingly popular Linux operating system. Bundled with over 40 applications ranging from Skype, Firefox, Office applications, and Media Players. If that were not enough, installation of a vast array of open source applications are as close as your wifi connection. Available at NewEgg.com and select online retailers for $399.

For additional information see ASUS website.

Apple iPhone

What gadget list is not complete without the ever popular Apple iPhone. Despite its AT&T exclusive contract obligation, steep price tag, and limited 3^rd party applications, there is universal acclaim from nearly all iPhone owners for this intuitive buttonless cell phone. To quote the venerable Steve Jobs "Its an iPod, its a web browser, its a cell phone." If your special someone doesn't already own one, he/she probably wants one. Available at online and at Apple and AT&T stores everywhere for retail $399

For more information see Apple's WebSite.

USB Watch

ThumbDrive, KeyDrive, PenDrive, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and names, You know, those little USB storage devices we all have to carry around. They are a pain for exactly that reason, we have to carry them around. Sure some of them come with a strap or a key chain but none of them are as useful as this little gadget when you are nowhere near a PC. With a 2 Gigabyte capacity the USB Memory Watch lets you carry around that important presentation, your music collection or your emergency repair boot disk with you every day. Best of all you are very unlikely to forget or lose it. Available at ThinkGeek. Retail$39.99

For more information see ThinkGeek's WebSite.

RoboCalculator

The ultimate desk accessory, this little guy is a calculator, memo holder, paper clip magnet, desk lamp, and most importantly a 6 inch Robot. With 6 joints and 2 grippy claws, just think of the increase in productivity achieved with this little guy on your desk, he is your new little buddy. Caution: may make your stapler jealous.

Also available at ThinkGeek Retail only $12.99.

Fun Gift Ideas

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii debuted in the 2006 Christmas season and was an instant hit. It has been virtually impossible to purchase, as stock is sold out sometimes in minutes after arrival on major retailers shelves. The surprising popularity of this console, which is admittedly underpowered compared to the Xbox360 or the PS3, seems to come from its appeal to casual gamers. All across the country this thanksgiving you could find Grandmothers, Aunts and Uncles, even the most timid Moms and Dads playing Wii Sports (Bundled with the Console). A major factor in its success comes from the Wii's unique motion control scheme, instead of pressing one of 15 buttons on a typical controller actions are handled with a flick of the wrist or at most 1 or 2 buttons, making this console easy for just about anyone to play. The addition of internet browsing and media playback keep this console on the most wanted list of nearly everyone. With new games like Super Mario Galaxy and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock the Wii's popularity does not show any signs of dropping in the near future. If you see one pick it up.

Available almost nowhere. Retail $249

Estes XB39 EagleEye

The EagleEye is a Remote Control airplane with a 55 inch wingspan that can fly up to heights of 1000 feet. How much would you pay? But wait don't answer yet, it also has a 72dpi Digital Camera embedded in the fuselage. Giving you the ability to snap up to 26 aerial photos that you can easily download to your PC, if you can successfully land that is. Available online at Walmart for $148.32

For more information see Estes WebSite.

Air Hogs Laser Battle

This set comes with 2 of those tiny palm sized Remote Control helicopters you've undoubtedly seen. The fun of flying helicopters indoors is unbeatable, unless of course they could dogfight. These little whirlybirds from Air Hogs have infrared emitters and detectors similar to laser tag. Intra-Office warfare has never been so much fun. Available at Walmart, Toys-R-Us, Amazon and many other large retailers on sale for $69.99

For additional information see AirHogs Website.

Tech Tees

I could easily post all of thinkgeek's website here, and your tech friend or loved one would thank me for it. Rather than do that, I'll list their T-shirt section and let you explore it yourself. My personal favorite is a simple black T with a white font that says "No, I will not fix your computer." Unfortunately, I cannot wear it every day or people complain. Prices range from $10 to $20.

For additional information see ThinkGeek.

Feel Good Gift of the Year

OLPC XO laptop

Nicholas Negroponte is out to change the world, and he'd like your help. The initial goal of this former MIT professor was to create a laptop for children in 3^rd world countries for $100 and sell them to governments around the globe. This price point proved difficult, with the first production models the price came in at a still astoundingly low $200. These laptops were designed to be rugged and easy to use. Underpowered by modern standards they are surprisingly agile and great tools for youngsters to learn and explore the world of computing. The XO is low power, solar rechargeable, splash and drop proof. This little green laptop runs a customized linux operating system specially designed for children, has wifi connectivity, a host of learning programs, and the ability to look at and modify the source code with the click of a button. Don't worry the software is easily restored. The screen swivels around 180 degrees and lays back down to become a high resolution e-book reader. As the goal of the project is to get these into the hands of needy children around the world, initially there were no plans to offer for sale it to private citizens. However, through December 31, 2007 the XO is available on a "Give One, Get One" basis to anyone willing to donate. For $399.00 you can get one for that special little tyke and ensure one goes to a needy child. You get that wonderful feeling of humanitarianism with the added benefit of a $200 tax deduction at the same time plus a pretty nifty computer. Alternatively, if they have no children, you could always make a tax deductible donation of any amount in your friend or loved one's name without getting a laptop. I recommend the XO anyway, as I have yet to meet a geek who wouldn't like to get his hands on one.

For additional information see laptop.org