More High Tech Gift Ideas

Last week I gave some suggestions for some high tech gift giving. This week and next we will continue to look at some items that are available from local retailers or on line. I am trying to cover a variety of items, and in keeping with the economic situation, I’ll concentrate on staying away from the budget breaking 70” flat screen TVs. The good news is that prices continue to be very affordable for most home electronics and there are some very cool products that have entered the market this year.

I know I have suggested a Flip video camera before (I am not getting a kick back) but the product just seems to get better and better and is a perfect item for those who want to capture video of family events or vacations without the hassles of bulky hard to use video cameras. The camera is about the size of a large pack of cigarettes and now comes in a high definition model.

The beauty of the Flip is that is has only a few control buttons and anyone can make very good, clear videos. You press one button to start recording and press the same button to stop. Videos are stored in the camera and can be easily transferred to a computer or emailed to a friend. It comes with a cable to connect to a TV so you can immediately play your videos right from the camera. You don’t need a VCR or a computer

It is self contained and fits in your pocket. Even better, it fits in your budget. I have seen Flips selling for about $150 on line and less the $200 in stores. You can by a standard definition model for as little as $89.00. If you get one, be sure to open it first on Christmas morning.

The TV commercials are filled with iPods and iPhones. For sure Apple has some very well designed products, but they remain pricey. For far less money there are some very good MP3 players. You may wish to look at the SanDisk Sansa Clip. This tiny player measures about 2” x 1.5”, can hold hundreds of songs and recordings and can easily be connected to a computer to transfer music from the Internet.

The Sansa Clip and a similar model, Sansa c250, have a very good FM radio receiver built in and allow you to listen live or record from the radio. Both also have a built in microphone for recording although the quality of the recordings is marginal at best. One other down side is that it is so small you can easily misplace it.

This is a perfect gift for a jogger or walker. The prices are right as well. Both the Sansa Clip and the Sansa c250 can be found for between $30 and $40 at most any local discount or electronics retailer. You can get even better deals at Amazon.com.

More “stocking stuffer” ideas next week.

More High Tech Gift Ideas

Last week I gave some suggestions for some high tech gift giving. This week and next we will continue to look at some items that are available from local retailers or on line. I am trying to cover a variety of items, and in keeping with the economic situation, I’ll concentrate on staying away from the budget breaking 70” flat screen TVs. The good news is that prices continue to be very affordable for most home electronics and there are some very cool products that have entered the market this year.

I know I have suggested a Flip video camera before (I am not getting a kick back) but the product just seems to get better and better and is a perfect item for those who want to capture video of family events or vacations without the hassles of bulky hard to use video cameras. The camera is about the size of a large pack of cigarettes and now comes in a high definition model.

The beauty of the Flip is that is has only a few control buttons and anyone can make very good, clear videos. You press one button to start recording and press the same button to stop. Videos are stored in the camera and can be easily transferred to a computer or emailed to a friend. It comes with a cable to connect to a TV so you can immediately play your videos right from the camera. You don’t need a VCR or a computer

It is self contained and fits in your pocket. Even better, it fits in your budget. I have seen Flips selling for about $150 on line and less the $200 in stores. You can by a standard definition model for as little as $89.00. If you get one, be sure to open it first on Christmas morning.

The TV commercials are filled with iPods and iPhones. For sure Apple has some very well designed products, but they remain pricey. For far less money there are some very good MP3 players. You may wish to look at the SanDisk Sansa Clip. This tiny player measures about 2” x 1.5”, can hold hundreds of songs and recordings and can easily be connected to a computer to transfer music from the Internet.

The Sansa Clip and a similar model, Sansa c250, have a very good FM radio receiver built in and allow you to listen live or record from the radio. Both also have a built in microphone for recording although the quality of the recordings is marginal at best. One other down side is that it is so small you can easily misplace it.

This is a perfect gift for a jogger or walker. The prices are right as well. Both the Sansa Clip and the Sansa c250 can be found for between $30 and $40 at most any local discount or electronics retailer. You can get even better deals at Amazon.com.

More “stocking stuffer” ideas next week.