Top Gadget Gifts Under $40 for the Technophile

Do you have friends who are more into gadgets and technology that it seems like a crazy obsession almost? Are you trying really hard to get something that won't be quickly replaced by the next model, or the smaller and faster machine? Well, then this guide is for you. Gadgets can make excellent gifts, especially for the tech-savvy. However, a vast majority of them can be extremely deadly to your budget. Here's a quick look at some of the different options available to you for gift giving this holiday season. All of the following gadgets cost $40 or lower:

Free-1 PC Phone for Skype:
If your friends keep up to date with the latest and the greatest online, they'll surely have heard of and started using Skype by now. So here's something special for all Skype users - Free-1. Free-1 is a phone handset that connects onto your computer's USB port and doesn't need a PC card to function. With this you can use skype to call anyone in US or Canada for free without any costs whatsoever. Given that it works like a phone, you get the feel of being on one without paying the costs for it. This is a very good option for someone who needs to make many phone calls but doesn't want to speak into a mic all the time. The Free-1 phone is pretty light too, at just over a tenth of a pound. The Free-1 phone is available for just $35 or less at many places especially online. The benefits of the Free-1 Skype phone include:

This is Superior sound quality (16KHz sampling rate).

User programmable buttons enhances customization.

Smart and stylish design. Small form factor and lightweight.

10 selectable ring tones (include silent).

USB Plug-and-Play technology.

PC sound card not required.

Independent use of phone and sound card allows for Skype call while listening to music on PC.

LED indicates USB connection state plus off-hook condition.

Acoustically isolated speaker and microphone to eliminate echo.

Built-in volume control & mute button.

12 Language Talking Translator:

The 12 language talking translator is a great gift to give someone who travels frequently or would just like to be able to pronounce 8400 different common phrases in 12 different languages. The pocket-sized translator also stores 50 different phrases in the memory. The 12 Language Talking Translator is available for under $40 at most places. Here are the benefits of the 12 Language Talking Translator:

Travel-everywhere pocketsize interpreter translates, displays and pronounces words and phrases between and among 12 languages.

Languages include English, Spanish, German, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese and Mandarin (Chinese).

Press a button to access over 8,400 commonly used phrases - each organized in eight helpful categories.

Store 50 frequently used phrases or questions in a quick-access folder.

Zoundz:

This one is for the latest generation of kids who are all technophiles. Zoundz is a fun and interactive toy that kids of all ages will enjoy. You create music and bring about variations by matching different shapes and colors to attain desired effects in tempo, volume and such things. Educational, fun, and getting your kid to lead worship! Zoundz has the following benefits

Compose and create hundreds of compositions

Create a musical light show and use pawns to change the tempo and volume of the music

This interactive toy encourages kids to develop musical abilities

Use as a speaker for your iPod

Zoundz costs $39.95 or lower with it's reduced price and is available at walmart. If you don't find it in the store, you might have to order online.