People have always loved their gadgets and gizmos. As the rate of technological advancement accelerates exponentially, it is becoming challenging to keep up with the trends. It is hard to know how long tech will stay “in season” before new models come along, leaving you feeling irrelevant and outdated. The inevitable obsolescence of technology creates purchasing hesitancy among shoppers. Instead of buying now, we wait in an unfulfilled consumer purgatory. The winter holidays are coming and they do not wait for next year’s tech trend. We have to look at what products do now and not worry about what’s coming next season. Let’s focus on function over fashion and discuss some killer tech that will make solid gifts for that special someone.
Apple MacBook
Most are aware of the Apple Watch release this year, which overshadowed their sleeper new notebook line: Apple MacBook ($1,199 – $1,735). The new MacBook fills the gap between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. The slim and lightweight construction is similar to an Air but has a newly designed full size keyboard, retina display, and more powerful processing. At a portable 12”, the MacBook offers 9 hours of battery life, a newly designed touchpad, and three color options (Silver, Gold, and Space Gray). Apple continues to look towards the future by focusing on wireless connectivity for file exchanges as opposed to ports and cables. Other than a headphone jack, the newly designed “all in one” USB-C is the only port on this notebook. The apple engineered USB-C replaces the charging port. An adaptor with a hub of ports can be plugged into the USB-C to charge the battery and simultaneously transfer video, audio, and data at USB 3.1 speed. The new MacBook base model comes stocked with 256GB flash storage, 1.1GHz dual-core processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.4GHz, 8GB memory, and Intel HD Graphics 5300, available for $1,219. You can upgrade the processor to 1.3 GHz / Turbo to 2.9GHz, available at $1,499. You can choose the next model up which has 512GB flash storage and a 1.2 GHz / Turbo to 2.6GHz processor, available for $1,519. Of course, you can upgrade the processor on the 512GB version to 1.3GHz / Turbo to 2.9GHz processor, available for $1,699.
LG EF9500 OLED 4K TV
Television technology is the best it has ever been. OLED technology is the newest revolution in home entertainment.OLEDs work by running electricity through a thin membrane of organic molecules that glow specific colors. The LG EF9500 55” TV ($2,997.99) utilizes OLED technology to deliver a TV that is incredibly light (30 lbs), incredibly thin (2”), and has outstanding power efficiency. The self-lighting OLED pixels switch off completely creating absolute black, which was previously unobtainable. With an infinite contrast ratio between absolute blacks and bright whites, LG can render a wider range of more accurate colors, closer to what is seen in nature. Thanks to the flat OLED technology, the exceptional picture quality holds up to wide viewing angles. This TV is also available in a 65” version: LG EF9500 65” TV ($4,997.99). Both versions offer 4K resolution, UHD, smart web connectivity / browsing, voice recognition, screen sharing, and a Harman Kardon-designed speaker system. Both models are set to be released in September of 2015 and can be pre-ordered nowto arrive in time for the holidays.
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth technology has changed the way we experience and interact with music. I pack a portable Bluetooth speaker whenever I travel, and every time I am so grateful I did. It can be used for an ambient soundtrack at the beach, provide background music for an unexpected dinner party, or bump those beats to bring the dance party wherever you are. The Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III ($299) unites Bluetooth technology, portability, and remarkable sound quality. This speaker incorporates four drivers and two passive radiators to produce dynamic and clear stereo sound. You can easily pair your smartphone, iPad, or Bluetooth device through Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity. The rechargeable battery will give you about 14 hours of playing time. There is a 3.5mm jack for wired audio connections as well as a micro-USB for firmware updates. At 10” wide and with a weight of 3 lbs, the SoundLink III is portable enough to fit in your carry-on bag and go on all of your adventures. If you’re looking for something even smaller, the 4.5 oz 3.5” wide JBL Micro Wireless Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($59.95) might be the answer. This device pairs easily with smartphones, tablets, or other Bluetooth enabled devices. The rechargeable battery provides 5 hours of listening. The pocket size speaker has a built-in 3.5mm cable for wired listening as well as a micro-USB for charging.
Turntable and All-in-One Home Stereo
The Pyle PTCDS2UI Turntable ($164.99) blends classic and modern into a single piece of eye-catching home technology. The wood-crafted case with built in speakers is reminiscent of a vintage phonograph player, but this unit is loaded with 21st-century tech. The top opens to reveal a 3-speed turntable with a ceramic stereo cartridge. There is a front-loading CD player and AM/FM stereo. There is an auxiliary input as well as an iPod dock (may require an adapter). Additionally, the Pyle features a USB port that allows you to digitize your record collection. As you play your vinyl, the Pyle can convert the audio into Mp3’s and store them on your USB drive. Get double the value this winter with the Pyle PTCDS2UI, which is an attractive piece of furniture and a cool home audio tool.
Best Drone Quadcopter for Under $100
The Blade BLH7600 Nano QX RTF Quadcopter ($79.99) is a fun and easy-to-fly quadcopter that is stable enough for beginners but acrobatic enough for stunts. Designed for indoor flying, the 6-inch wide Nano QX has a durable construction with prop guards to protect the fast-rotating propeller blades, as well anything they could crash into. You can climb, turn quickly, and zip around at a decent speed. The Nano QX utilizes Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope technology (SAFE); this helps the Nano QX hover in place when you aren’t touching the controls. The included “Xbox” style controller has a range of 40 feet and the Nano’s onboard rechargeable battery has a life of about 8 minutes. The simple and responsive Nano QX is sure to “take-off” as a popular gift this holiday season.
Tech Stocking Stuffers Under $70
There are so many stockings to fill with gifts during the winter holiday season. Besides being difficult to fit computers and TVs into stockings, most of us can’t afford to drop a couple thousand bucks for everyone on our gift list. Let’s spread the holiday joy and take a look at some cool and useful tech toys that are under $70.
The Apple TV ($64.99) allows you to make any TV a smart TV. This intuitive and easy device streams iTunes TV shows and movies directly to your TV. You can also watch live sports events. It is simple to access content from Netflix, YouTube, and more. With AirPlay you can play video, show off photos, and enjoy music from any apple device on your TV. With Airplay Mirroring, you can show the screen of your device right on the television. Mirroring is perfect for streaming web pages and playing games.
The Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub ($16.99) helps solve the data port shortage. Computer manufacturers are focusing more on wireless connectivity, thus creating devices with less data ports. Often, the remaining ports are hidden so they won’t interfere with the clean lines of fine design. Unfortunately for us, we need to reach those ports on a daily basis to charge our phones, transfer data, and connect peripheral devices like printers and scanners. Sabrent offers an elegant solution with their 4-port USB 3.0 Hub, which blends into the aluminum Mac aesthetic. The thin and lightweight hub is excellent for travel.
The Duracell 175-Watt Power Inverter ($69.99) is the perfect road trip companion. This device converts your car’s DCpower into AC allowing you to power devices that require normal wall outlets. Toss it in the backseat while driving so the kids can keep their laptops and phones charged. Be prepared for storms by giving you an option to charge your essential devices from your car during a blackout. You can even power small appliances at a campsite for a gourmet meal. Once you add the Duracell Power Inverter to your car you will never want to leave home without it.
The iWalk Extreme Backup Battery ($39.99) is another life-saving piece of tech. Keep one of these around and you will never have to suffer being disconnected when your phone dies. At 10,000 mAh, the iWalk stores enough power for a long weekend away. It features a 2.1 Amp rapid charging USB port as well as 1.0 Amp USB port. It can charge two devices simultaneously. The iWalk will keep you charged on a long plane flight, at a music festival, on a hike, or during a natural disaster. Make sure you can stay connected to your loved ones. Be prepared for any situation with the iWalk Extreme Backup Battery.
