This is the time of year when it’s ok to want things. In fact, you’re told to want things and then put them on a list. In case you’re having a hard time coming up with items to put on that list, here are some cool gadgets that are fun and functional. If you were nice, you might just find some of these under your Christmas tree this year.
It seems like more and more gadgets are becoming the gotta-have items. From tablets to game consoles, it’s a good time to be a fan of some tech. This list includes a few items I think should make your list. Probably not all of them but maybe some of them. 🙂
The Microsoft Surface is a tough one. I wouldn’t recommend the Surface RT because I think it’s a limiting platform compared to full Windows. If you can put an IOU on your wish list, you could request a Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro on it when it comes out early 2013.
The iPad 4 slipped out quietly to replace the iPad 3, or “The New iPad”, after only 7 months. The iPad 4 is now named iPad with Retina display. I don’t think there’s much else to say on this trend-setting tablet that everybody raves about. Of course, there’s also the iPad Mini to check out too if you like the smaller form factor. It boasts the hardware of the iPad 2 in a more convenient size.
If you want the smaller size tablet, check out the Kindle Fire HD. It’s the latest Kindle Fire, based off Android, from Amazon that beats the iPad Mini in specs like display. It also has the full horsepower of Amazon’s content to back it up. It also comes in a large form factor with the Fire HD 8.9″.
If you’re in the market for a laptop, you should definitely check out the ultrabooks. If you’re in the market for an ultrabook, you should definitely check out the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13. It’s a portable ultrabook with a touch-capable screen that can flip to four different modes like laptop and tablet mode.
This may be your last chance to get Buckyballs, the small spherical magnets that make fun office toys. Due to a number of ingestion complaints against small magnets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is taking action to ban small magnet spheres from being sold in the USA. Check out ZenMagnets and Neoballs for other options while stock continues to run out. See SaveMagnets.com for information on ban threat.
The Logitech G710+ keyboard can make a worthy upgrade to a gaming computer with its mechanical switches and LED-lit letters. Check out our full review of the keyboard here and pick it up from Amazon.
One upgrade deserves another! If you have recently upgraded to the Windows 8 operating system, you might consider adding a touch-capable device to your wishlist. The Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650 (on Amazon) or the Microsoft Touch Mouse (on Amazon) can help you get a better feel for the operating system if you have a desktop or laptop without a touch-capable display. More info on the Logitech touch-capable devices and Microsoft’s offerings.
While we’re upgrading, you can see a real performance boost by including a solid state drive in your computer and using it as a cache or as your primary drive. The Samsung 840 Series SSD is getting a lot of rave reviews for great performance.
I have a WDTV Live and a WDTV Live Hub. I would highly recommend either set top box from Western Digital to people interested in being able to easily play streaming media on their TVs or video files from their computers.
Have a little fun with the Hubsan SpyHawk RC plane with video recorder or try the Hubsan X4 Mini Quadcopter.
See a few more holidays with the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Origin Survival tool. It has a number of tools you would be hoping for if you were in a survival situation.
Check out the Leatherman Skeleton CX while you’re looking at tools. The multifunction Leatherman can make your daily life easier and come in handy under countless circumstances.
Inside Game of Throne’s Collector Edition shows you behind the scenes of HBO’s Game of Thrones series based on the books by George R.R. Martin.
