One of my readers suggested that I do this in Nov not Dec as I did last year, so pull out your credit/debit card, while you join me for a look at some gadgets that can be had via a few keystrokes while conserving that last tank of $4+ gas!
Here are a dozen, plus a few, to get u started and which are mostly affordable.
Everyone has an iPod (don’t they?), so why not expand its functions for a very reasonable price. I guess u can call this a stocking stuffer.
Mophie: Bevy iPod Shuffle case/keychain/headphone wrap/bottle opener for the thirsty music lover.
- Designed to add multiple functions to the shuffle
- Ear bud wrap
- Key Chain
- Bottle opener
- Made of crystal-clear polycarbonate with a stainless steel insert
- Available in 5 colors
Available at: Mophie.com
Price: $15
Website: http://www.mophie.com/
I got one of these and I would not trade it for anything…most useful tool I own for opening all those packages that were designed by recluses living in caves who never had to open one!
Zibra: Open It
The only tool that has everything you need to open any package
- Combines a cutting tool, dual-head screwdriver and retractable cutting blade in one safe and easy to use tool.
- Easily opens clamshells, toy packaging, boxes, CDs, DVDs and battery compartments
Available at: Home Depot, Walgreens, Bed Bath & Beyond
Price: $9.99
Website: http://www.enjoyzibra.com/
If all the celebs listed are clients, these must be good earphones…right?
Future Sonics: Atrio Professional Earphones
Earphones designed by the world’s leader in in-ear audio to recreate dynamic, powerful & true sound.
- TrueTimbre™ audio quality which produces rich, dynamic and full sound
- Celebrity clients include: Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Foo Fighters, Keith Urban and many more…
- 20Hz – 20,000Hz Response, Sensitivity level of 112dB @ 30Hz (yes, that number is correct!), -26dB Ambiant Noise Rejection (A.N.R.)
- Lightweight design with multiple in-ear sleeves to create a custom fit and seal; provides natural noise-isolation characteristics
Available at: http://www.futuresonics.com/
Price: $199
Website: http://www.futuresonics.com/
If you have ever had a dead cellphone battery, just when u really needed it…get one of these now and remember those on your list as well.
Solio: Hybrid 1000
When-on-the-go power for your gadgets is a key, plug into the Solio Hybrid 1000.
- Works with most mobile phones PDAs, MP3 players, digital cameras and handheld games
- Built-in-carabineer makes it easy to clip to a backpack
- Stores power for up to one year with built in lithium battery
- When fully charged, charges a mobile phone once or 10 hours of MP3 music
- 1 HR of sunshine = 15 min of talktime or 40 min of MP3 music
- Available in orange and dark grey
Available at: Best Buy, REI, http://www.solio.com/, and http://www.target.com/
Price: $79.95
Website: http://www.solio.com/
This one’s for us fat fingered folks {:-)
Ten One Design: Pogo Stylus
With the First iPhone-Compatible Stylus, You’ll Never Have to Lift a Finger Again.
- First stylus specifically designed for iPhone and iPod touch
- Offers the user faster typing, greater comfort/control and a familiar input method for navigation
- Features ultra-light aluminum body with a matte anodized finish in four color options: black, silver, gunmetal and cranberry
- Soft tip glides easily over the surface of the display and keeps screen free of smudges and grease
- Travel Clip firmly hugs the contours of the iPhone and iPod touch, securing the stylus in place and allowing quick accessibility
Available at: ThinkGeek.com
Price: $19.99
Website: http://www.pogostylus.com/
Another great stocking stuffer.
iLuv: iCC72: Two-Tone Silicone Case
Protect your iPhone 3G from scratches with a two-tone silicone case by iLuv
- Full access to controls
- Charge and Sync while in case
- Glare-free protective film for touch screen included
- Available in Blue, Pink, White and Black
Available at: http://www.i-luv.com/
Price: $24.99
Website: http://www.i-luv.com/
Another neat idea for those who have a collection of battery run goodies.
Ecosol: Powerstick
A portable power source for your mobile devices; charge the Powerstick from any USB port.
- The Powerstick is the greenest charging solution - no disposable batteries, and no wall chargers.
- The most convenient solution for charging - charge it by using any USB port including your laptop.
- The most convenient charger to carry with you. The size of a stick of gum, it fits easily in your pocket or purse and weighs only 40 grams.
- Provides you with the freedom of worrying if your mobile devices are running out of power.
- The Powerstick is safer for mobile devices; with the micro-controlled processor, it provides power only as needed.
Available at: Powerstick.com; Amazon.com; Best Buy (CA)
Price: $69.95
Website: http://www.powerstick.com/
This one is a bit more costly but it’s a pretty impressive tool for technology oriented folks…Watch your kids at home from the office or monitor your home while on vacation with peace of mind thanks to the Swann: IP-3G ConnectCam 1000.
This network camera delivers live video from anywhere in the world on a 3G cell phone
- Wireless connection
- Color camera with 4x digital zoom
- Night Vision
- Built-in mic & audio out for two-way audio
- Motion detection & automatic email of detection
- USB port for memory stick transfer
Available: at Swann’s retail and online resellers
Price: $299
Website: http://www.swannsecurity.com/
Just what anyone with an iPod and an iPhone needs to wake up with {:-)
iLuv: iMM173 Dual Dock Alarm Clock
iLuv’s First Dual Dock Alarm Clock Fully Compatible with iPhone 3G
- jAura soundcell technology - enjoy your favorite tunes with top quality acoustic speaker sound and the properly proportioned mix of forward and backward sound waves
- Integrated universal dock for your iPhone / iPod
- Charge two iPhones and/or iPods* at once
- Digital clock display with dual alarm clock featuring wake to iPhone / iPod, FM radio or buzzer options as well as a sleep to iPhone / iPod or FM radio function
- *Compatible with any iPod with dock connector (Excluding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPod)
Available at: J&R, Micro Center and Amazon.com and http://www.i-luv.com/
Price: $129.99
Website: http://www.i-luv.com/
The faster they get, the warmer they get…if only I could type faster…this is definately a good idea if u have, or know someone who has a high performance notebook.
NZXT: Cryo LX
High Performance Notebook Cooler
- First notebook cooler to feature triple 120mm adjustable fans and a full 3mm aluminum frame
- Designed for transport, the Cryo LX can be folded and stored easily
- Four USB ports gives you more options for your media, storage, and input devices
- Fits a 17" widescreen notebook perfectly and a 15" widescreen notebook with room to spare
Available at: Newegg.com
Price: $69.99
Website: http://www.nzxt.com/
Not your typical tech gadget, but pretty useful, along with the one following it.
Zibra: No Tape, Edge & Roll
Paint products that are seriously ergonomic, seriously comfortable and seriously useful
- Trim tool & tray combo eliminates the need for painters tape, saving prep time while delivering a clean accurate finish.
- Dual roller cartridge provides a smooth, even finish
- Quick eject system allows for easy disposal of the roller cartridge.
- Ergonomically designed handle swivels 180 degrees to paint in any direction.
Available at: Home Depot and enjoyzibra.com
Price: $18.99
Website: http://www.enjoyzibra.com/
Ready-set-start painting!
Zibra: Even Load & Roll
Paint products that are seriously ergonomic, seriously comfortable and seriously useful
- Spring-loaded paint tray prevents over-dipping and excess dripping
- Tray holds up to a third of a gallon of paint and the tray lid keeps paint fresh overnight.
- Convenient liner system allows for quick & easy clean-up.
Available at: Home Depot and enjoyzibra.com
Price: $7.99
Website: http://www.enjoyzibra.com/
Unfortunately, this one is probably a must have…fortunately it’s reasonably priced
Balanzza: Digital Luggage Scale
Pack Smart & Ovoid Overweight Luggage Fees at the Airport
- Lift luggage with scale- wait for beep- read measurement on digital display
- Weighs in pounds or kilograms
- Weighs up to 100 pounds
- Compact and only 10oz. allows you to bring it with you and assist you on your way back
- Requires two AAA batteries
- Avoid having to redistribute belongings at check in counter
- Avoid excess weight surcharges
Available at: Target.com, ebags.com, Balanzza.com
Price: $24.99
Website: http://www.balanzza.com/
And who wouldn’t want a cool drink at the ready while pounding away on their laptop?
CoolIT Systems: USB Beverage Chiller
Unique PC Accessory keeps your drink refreshingly cool to the last drop
- Plugs into USB port on any Desktop PC, Laptop, Mac, X-Box 360, PS3, etc.
- Coldplate chills to 45 Degrees in seconds
Available at: CoolIT Systems.com, Amazon, and Target.com
Price: $24.99
Website: http://www.coolitsystems.com/
And here’s another fun way to use your IPod to wake up to.
Cygnett: GrooveToons
The GrooveToons brings a fun and cheeky design to typical and boring alarm clocks. Especially made for iPod Nano.
- Designed for use with 1st, 2nd & 3rd Gen iPod nano
- Charges your iPod nano while it's docked or playing
- Snooze button
- See the time and alarm using your iPod Nano screen
- Cheeky & Fun design
- AUX port for use with other MP3 players
- 12 month manufacturer's warranty
Available at: http://www.amazon.com/
Price: $49.99
Website: http://www.cygnett.com/
If u have a problem with the range of your cell phone or 3G data card, here’s a gadget to help.
Cell Ranger PORT USB-powered Cell Booster
- 2-3 bars extra signal for any cell phone or 3G data card
- Better call quality for cell phones, and up to 100% faster download speeds for 3G data cards.
- Prevents dropped calls and improves call clarity
- No drivers or software needed – PORT only uses USB for power.
- Simple installation- place antenna near a window (up to 15 feet away) and plug into you laptop’s USB port. Cell Ranger’s advanced circuity does the rest.
- Compatible with every carrier in Canada and the US
* Except “iDEN” phones used by Nextel, Southern LINC, and MiKE (Canada) - Intelligent microprocessor-controlled amplification
- 30 Day Money-back Guarantee
- Cell Ranger STIX Cell Phone Booster features a 12V cigarette lighter adapter – for cars, trucks, RVs, and boats
Available at: http://www.getcellranger.com/
Price: $149.99
Website: http://www.getcellranger.com/
That’s about it for now, remember my advice on 'net shopping...don't jump at the first price, look around and see if there's a better deal...including shipping! Also, please remember to keep your anti-virus, anti-malware and spyware up-to-date and don’t click on links you’re not sure about. Have fun with your Holiday shopping.
Aloha, Lou
