2009 Holiday Gift Guide: Tech Gear

There is an overwhelming array of new devices for the wired and wireless techies in your life this holiday season. Here is a list of my favorite products that I have had the privilege of reviewing this year.

Keyboards

• Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 ($89.95)- Just a few millimeters thicker than a AAA battery, this new keyboard is sleek and sophisticated and will look right at home paired with any Bluetooth notebook, netbook or desktop computer and is a great travel companion thanks to its slim size. **Win a Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 courtesy of Microsoft. I received a Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 for review purposes.

• Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 ($79.99)- A Tech Savvy Daddy favorite! This easy-to-use comfortable keyboard not only has exclusive features for Windows 7 and Microsoft BlueTrack Technolog but is sleek, modern, and incredibly comfortable thanks to keys that are plaed at a slight 6-degree angle and the Comfort Curve keyboard layout that encourages natural wrist posture without a steep learning curve. The included Wireless Mouse 5000 features BlueTrack Technology that allows consumers to mouse on virtually any surface, from a granite kitchen countertop to the living room carpet for ultimate usability. **Win a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 courtesy of Microsoft. I received a Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop for review purposes.

• Apple Wireless Keyboard ($69)- Upgrade your Mac lover and free them from wires thanks to this gorgeous slim Bluetooth enabled aluminum keyboard that it as easy on the eyes as it is on the hands. Keys are incredibly responsive even with the lightest of touches so banging away at the keyboard and inducing carpal tunnel syndrome is a thing of the past. This item was personally purchased by Tech Savvy Daddy. Image courtesy of Apple.
  

Laptop Bags and Accessories

• ThermaPak HeatShift Laptop Bag ($59.99) and Cooling Pad ($27.99 and up)- I love that HeatShift Laptop Bag will not only keep my laptop cool while in use but all the other features like the ability to use it as a mobile workstation. I feel better about putting my laptop away in something that will dissipate the heat after it has been used and needs to cool down. A perfect bag for someone who needs a slim and chic bag to hold only their laptop. ** Win a 17” Laptop Cooler courtesy of ThermaPak. I received a Thermapak HeatShift Laptop Bag for review purposes.

• HP Mini 110 Series ($299 and up)- Last year I coveted the Vivienne Tam Mini for Mother’s Day because of its red floral gorgeousness but was just as happy to win a black HP Mini from the wonderful Sunkissed Mommy ladies at Blogalicious. I never thought I needed a Mini but now that I have one, I love how tiny, portable, and powerful it is. Specs include built in WiFi, a 10.1” diagonal display, and almost a full size keyboard in this 2.5 pound computing wonder. It is the perfect on the go solution for me when I need to be on the road and is a must-have for anyone who has thought about getting one but doesn’t truly think they need one. Take it from me, they do! And my new love is the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje series ($399 and up). I won my HP Mini 110 from Sunkissed Mommy at Blogalicious.

• Timbuk2 Laptop Bags– I love my Timbuk2 for so many reasons. It’s tough exterior is made of the highest quality ballistic fabric that can withstand anything, its design features an incredible array of pockets to keep all of my devices (and pens, business cards, papers, water, etc.) in their places, a super plush corduroy lined compartment for my laptop, and a rubberized waterproof bottom so the contents of my bag will never get wet even if I drop it in a puddle. 
Choose among color combos designed for the style of bag you choose, specialty bags, or get fancy and build your own customized bag. Select the size (small, medium or large), colors and fabrics, customize the liner, insert, logo, and if you wear your bag on your right or left side and Timbuk2 will build your bag! I personally purchased the Timbuk2s I own.

• Lands’ End Eco-Friendly Backpack ($49.50)- If you prefer distributing the weight of your laptop on both shoulders, then the Lands End Eco-Friendly Backpack is for you. Built with 100% recycled fabric made from discarded plastic drinking bottles, this backpack is super tough, has 3 zippered pockets to keep small, medium, and large items in their places, a well padded laptop sleeve that fits a 15” laptop, plenty of pockets to keep even the most Type A person organized, and comfortable straps that won’t dig into your shoulders even with the heaviest of loads. Some backpacks make it tricky to extract your laptop when you finally reach the x-ray machine in the security line but the design of this bag makes it easy even if you. This is definitely my new favorite backpack and kicks my old one to the curb. Like all Lands’ End products, this also comes with a money back guarantee. I received my Eco-Friendly Backpack from Lands’ End at BlogHer.

• Sharebuds MX Twin Stereo Earphones ($39.95). If you are traveling as a family this holiday season, two pairs of earphones and one jack made it easier for both kids to watch the same movie, use a single Leapfrog Tag, or share an iPod without the hassle of a splitter. If you don’t like the tangle of headphones, then you may prefer the retractable ShareBuds ($49.95). Order them from the ShareBuds site and get free shipping. I received a pair of ShareBuds for review purposes.

Cell Phones

• T-Mobile MyTouch– In his review, Tech Savvy Guest reviewer Joe Lynch said this of the T-Mobile MyTouch, “If you have ever find yourself swearing off any webmail client but GMail, forgoing more traditional scheduling implements like pen and paper for Google Calendar, relying on Google Maps to get you to and from daily events, or generally finding yourself slave to gLife, then this phone is the perfect candidate for you.” I would have to agree with Joe. I loved using the MyTouch and sometimes wonder if I would switch to it if I weren’t under contract with AT&T. I received a MyTouch for review purposes.

• Nokia N97 ($699)- This amazing phone has a touchscreen and a keyboard with buttons that are easy to push and feel good under your fingertips. The touchscreen slides up with a satisfying click to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. I love the ability to use my own SIM card and my current phone plan so there’s no worry about added fees for breaking a contract or switching mobile carriers. Features of the N97 include GPS, 32 GB memory, games, ability to capture photos and video through a Carl Zeiss lens, and a boatload of widgets to customize your phone. Comes in black or white. I received a Nokia N97 from Nokia for review purposes.

• iPhone 3GS ($199)- I love my iPhone 3G ($99) but wish I had the new 3GS. That’s the thing about the iPhone…Regardless of which one you have, you always covet the newer one. Seriously though, I can’t imagine life without it. It’s a phone plus an iPod, internet browser, GPS, and camera in one super sleek package. Music, movies, photos, and the latest news are right there with a couple taps. The iPhone has an easy to use interface and you can download dizzying array of applications to trick it out. Setting up service was super simple and can be taken care of at an Apple store in a matter of minutes. It truly is everything you want in a phone and more in one nice little package. For a great chart of the costs associated with the iPhone (phone price, cheapest voice plan, data plan cost, SMS included/plan price), click here for a Gizmodo post that details the costs of the iPhone 3GS compared to its competitors. I personally purchased my iPhone 3G. Image courtesy of Apple.
  

Cell Phone Accessories

• ChargeBlock ($19.99 from Amazon)- With so many applications, the iPhone is an amazing device at least until your battery dies. I feel helpless with a dead phone but luckily I can now throw a Miccus ChargeBlock in my bag for those iPhone emergencies and get up to 11 hours of audio, 3.5 hours of talk time, 3 hours of video, and 2.5 hours of internet for more music, calls, YouTube at the doctor’s office, and connectivity. This tiny little device charges from an AC adapter and fits on the end of the iPhone so it can be recharged anywhere and anytime even when being used! Miccus Chargeblock is a true lifesaver and a Tech Savvy Mama favorite! **Win a ChargeBlock for you iPhone courtesy of Miccus. I received a ChargeBlock for review purposes.

• JumpStart ($59.99) by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters- This portable power pack securely suctions to the back of your iPod or iPhone and doubles the battery capacity and fully recharges your device. It includes mini-USB sync and charge cables and is a great solution for anyone who tends to run their battery into the red every day. **One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a JumpStart and JamJacket Game courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a JumpStart for review purposes.

• JamJacket Game ($17.99 from Amazon) by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters – This custom-molded silicone fits like a glove and adds grip to your iPod for the ultimate hand-held gaming experience. The specialized case has handles for gaming and a Surface Shield included for added screen protection. **One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a JumpStart and JamJacket Game courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a JamJacket Game for review purposes.

• WallDock ($24.99) by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters- The WallDock turns any outlet into a convenient charging dock for your iPod or iPhone thanks to a safe and secure plug-in charging dock. I like that the WallDock is small and can be tucked into my purse for use at work and charges my iPhone very quickly. **One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a WallDock and Hybrid Shell courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a WallDock for review purposes.

• HybridShell ($24.99)- The HybridShell features a strong, polycarbonate case to protect your iPod Touch while the silicone accents add grip. I like that there are different styles- Amazon had 2 styles with clear shells and black or grey dots while the sample I received to review looks like the one pictured at right. ***One Tech Savvy Mama reader will win one gift set that includes a WallDock and Hybrid Shell courtesy of Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. I received a HybridShell for review purposes.

• YummyPockets iPhone Covers($18-25)- These darling handmade iPhone cozies are crafted out of felt feature fun faces, Etch a Sketch, and a television to keep your phone safe from scratches. Available through the YummyPocket Etsy store. Hat tip to Victoria for featuring these in her gift guide!

Geeky Accessories

• Twitter St@tus Symbol Necklaces (starting at $49.95)- This holiday season this necklace is on my wish list. I may be no Carrie Bradshaw but I’d love to wear my online identity around my neck in a custom Twitter handle necklace. @TechSavvyMama or a necklace featuring a hashtag of your choice is the hip and current version of the name necklaces that were popular in the Sex in the City days. Also available with # and in sterling silver or 10k or 14k yellow or white gold.

• Trip Glasses ($39.99)- ThinkGeek, the source for all things geeky cool, loves the Trip Glasses. I’m a little wary of anything with enough flashing lights to cause seizures, but at the same time, there are times that I could use 15 minutes to regain my zen-like attitude. Trip Glasses use a combination of blinking lights and sound to help guide you into gentle meditation. Just press start and you will have 14 blissful minutes where you can “hallucinate beautiful colors and patterns” until they turn themselves off and it is back to the real world. ** Win your own set of Trip Glasses to achieve your inner zen. A set of Trip Glasses were given to me for review purposes. To be honest, I was a little frightened of the seizure warning and reluctantly tried them but not for the full time.
  

• TI-Nspire (MSRP $179.99 or $140.92 from Amazon)- This mack daddy of calculators is ideal for anyone taking Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, College Math, Business, Finance, Biology. It has a TI-84 Plus Keyboard that snaps on to the front to ease the transition for those new to using graphing calculators. High school juniors and seniors will love that the TI-Nspire is approved for use on the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. ** Win your very own TI-Nspire courtesy of Texas Instruments! I received a TI-NSpire for review purposes.

Photo Products and Digital Picture Frames

• Honestech Fotobox ($79.95)- This portable USB device makes it simple to create multimedia slideshows from your camera’s SD memory card in 5 easy steps. Both novice and computer-savvy, PC users can get creative with and easily edit their photos. Choose between easy or advanced mode, apply themes, background music and narration to slideshows, and upload the content directly to YouTube and Facebook to share with family and friends without having to install extra software. **Win FotoBox to share your photos with ease courtesy of Honestech. I received a FotoBox for review purposes.

• CEIVA Digital Photo Frames ($127.00-147.99)- I’ve taken a look at photo frames before, but I’m really impressed with CEIVA’s CEIVAShare and Pro80. Both have large 8” screens and through a feature called PicturePlan, enable you to send photos straight to your parents frame from anywhere in the world. I love being able to send my parents in California photos that I take on my phone for instant gratification. I can also send photos via Facebook, email, from my account at ceiva.com, and have invited friends and family to send pictures to our frame. I received 2 CEIVA frames for review purposes.

Computer Backup and Network Security Devices

• Kapersky Labs Internet Security Suite for PCs ($79.99)- Kapersky Labs’ new Internet Security Suite has great resources and tools for parents who have children that are surfing online and provides protection for all users. Parents can use Kaspersky Parental Controls to set time limits for their children’s online usage, block sites that are inappropriate, and monitor who children interact with online. Kaspersky’s Virtual Keyboard allows you to enter personal information (like online banking information) safely with mouse clicks instead of keystrokes- which hackers can track. ** Win 1 of 5 copies of Kapersky Labs Anti Virus for PCs courtesy of Kapersky. I received Kapersky Labs AntiVirus and Internet Security software for review purposes.

For the Hard to Please

• ThinkGeek Gift Certificate– Home to all things geeky and the “stuff for smart masses”, ThinkGeek has a great variety of uber-cool techie stuff like Lego Digital Cameras, USB Pet Rock, and a crazy collection of Ts that I have to admit to being not quite tech savvy enough to understand all of them. There’s a great selection of kids stuff like the gyroscopic toddler bowls and a very cool illuminated JetBib Feeding System that includes a bib with a lightup LED runway and spoon with a plane body as a handle. And if you need a titanium spork, marshmallow blaster, pair of Chewbacca slippers, a scrolling LED belt buckle, or Monty Python Killer Rabbit slippers ThinkGeek is your place that truly has something for everyone! **Win a JetBib Feeding System for the little one in your life courtesy of ThinkGeek. I received a JetBib for review purposes.

To enter to win any of the above 11 items or gift sets, click here and leave a comment about your favorite tech toy as your first entry.

For extra entries, use the Google Form and do any of the following:

• Tweet this:@TechSavvyMama’s Tech Gear Gift Guide w/gift ideas & 11 giveaways: http://tr.im/G6X1. Guides for all ages here: http://tr.im/F776

• Write a blog post and include “Tech Savvy Mama’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Tech Gear” and link to this post: http://tr.im/G6X1

Every person has the opportunity to enter up to 3 times. Good luck!

Fine print: All entries for giveaways will be collected through the form below. E-mails must be valid and addresses must be within the United States. Companies will not ship outside the U.S. nor will they ship to P.O. boxes.

All information collected is solely for Tech Savvy Mama to ensure efficient delivery of your prize and will not be shared with anyone else but the marketing/PR company who is shipping the prize.

Winners will be notified between December 11-13.

Thanks for entering and good luck! Feel free to browse my other gift guides for other holiday suggestions for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary ages, tweens & teens, and adults.

Coming soon: Gift guides for your child’s teachers, best CDs & DVDs available this season, and iPhone apps for last minute shopping.

Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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