Thursday, December 29, 2011

Top 10 Gadget Gifts For Men In 2011

Looking for gadget gifts for men? Are you sick and tired of scouring malls and still not finding the best gifts for men? Do you pine for quality gifts for men that will be well received?

All men have an affinity for gadgets. Put into perspective, the word "gadget" is defined in a number of ways, some of which are as amusing as the contraptions themselves. One online dictionary suggests that gadgets are a small mechanical device or appliance that is useful for a particular purpose (wordnetweb.princeton.edu). While a few more concur with this definition, they insist that these motorized appliances can be of any sort are ones that are often complicated. Amen to that! It is also of use to note that gadgets are also described as 'any object that is interesting for its ingenuity or novelty rather than for its practical use." Ouch! Not one guy who loves his thingamabobs will agree with this. Gadgets do have their uses, period!

Coming back to understanding what the fuss is all about, the online Wikipedia states that, "a gadget is a small technological object (such as a device or an appliance) that has a particular function, but is often thought of as a novelty. Gadgets are invariably considered to be more unusually or cleverly designed than normal technological objects at the time of their invention." (Online Wiki) With all this background in mind, we define gadgets as cool must have gizmos and contraptions for men. Understandably the technological wheel is spinning out of control with the latest gadgets flooding the market before one has mastered the current device, that's the more reason to keep abreast and ahead of the pack by finding the perfect state of the art gift for him to commemorate his special day, anniversaries and other occasions.

While it has been hinted the novelty can wear off, following the steps below will ensure you get surefire gadget gifts for men. As women we tend to believe that we know what men really want. However, the majority of times we'd be surprised to find out what men would actually love to get. Try one of these gifts for men for Valentine's Day, the next holiday, anniversary or birthday and you'll be presently surprised.

The more innovative the product the better

Guys regardless of age love the excitement of receiving the new and latest toys on the market. Men are keen on everything technical from high quality a speaker dock for his iPod to fogless shower mirrors, power tools and everything in between.

TOP 10GADGET GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN

1. Navigation (GPS) Gadget gifts for Men

GPS or Global Positioning Systems are satellite based digital mapping devices that direct users from one point to the other. Guys have a tendency to shy away from asking for help especially directions when clearly lost, the GPS should make a perfect gift idea for men.

2. Watches for men

Every guy needs a watch preferably one that has extra components, features and trimmings. Sub dials for different zones for the keen traveler or wannabe traveler are a sure hit.

3. Remote Control Toy Gifts for Men

Looking for outdoor fun or indoor entertainment like no other? Try sharper image's Fiery Dragon RC Helicopter that has all the moves. Be it a remote controlled car, helicopter, off road vehicle, men love the thrill of getting one and racing the new found toy especially when there are two.

4. Power Tool Gift Ideas for Men

Whether he is indeed handy or just thinks he is, tickle his fancy by going all out and getting him a few hand held pieces from trusted brands. If he is keen on tools you'd best keep an ear out for his brand. Better yet, rummaging through his man cave can solve that puzzle. Stick to his favorite brand and avoid the expensive larger tools. Leave that to him should he have an elaborate project or area to tackle.

5. Sports Gifts for Men

While we tend to go for equipment for the sporting or athletic men, it is advisable to get high-end accessories for his favorite team or pastime. Depending on how advanced he is in his area of choice, or his level of expertise he might prefer to choose actual equipment for himself. Premium seats tickets for sports from basketball to NFL and other codes in between are also a great gift idea for the sports fan, as he gets up close and personal for all hard-hitting action!

6. Wireless Noise Cancellation Head phones/ Sony Wireless TV Headphones

These are the latest answer to the frustration caused by interference in a busy office or when surrounded by rowdy kids. Lightweight Bluetooth headsets allow him to carry on a phone conversation with the microphone designed to pick up his voice not the background. Further more, dual speaker headphones will ensure he doesn't miss a word. The Sony Wireless TV Headphones will let him turn the TV on as loud as he likes without interfering with your quite time. The Infrared technology works just like your remote beaming the sound directly to his headphones. A must have for travel enthusiasts to drone the incessant aircraft noise.

7. Wireless PC to TV

Looking to stream content from his laptop or computer to the TV? Look no further as the latest technology allows high quality transmission of images and sound wirelessly in the same room for up to a range of 20 feet. Try this perfect gadget gift for him!

8. RIM Blackberry 7750

Continuing in the spirit of all things wireless for our gadget gurus, this wireless e-mail, voice and data communications gizmo is ideal for the tech-savvy executive. It allows him to organize and keep track of meetings and virtually everything.

9. iPod Tower Stereo System

Why not give him this unique tower stereo raved in online stores as the 'a room full of performance in a single speaker system [that] takes his iPod music to new heights. Simplifying his listening experience has never been better with huge sound in a small footprint!" Sharper Image.

10. Cassette Tape Converter

Pining for a device that will turn the mountains of tapes he has hoarded over the years? The cassette tape converter will turn his old tapes into MP3s so he can listen to these on his latest iPod, PC or in his car to work. Make his dream a reality by recovering his lost love.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Perfect Gadget Ideas for Christmas

Well, we're coming up to that time of year again, the busy Christmas season. Still trying to think of a tech related gift to buy for someone? Or perhaps looking for something for yourself? Regardless, this list of five Christmas tech ideas should come in handy.

Digital Radios

We're moving into a world where everything seems to be going digital, and radios are not spared this treatment. Digital radios are the subject of much discussion at the moment, particularly (and not surprisingly) on the radio. If you know someone who is a rabid radio listened, then a digital radio might just be the right idea for this Christmas. Available in the same range of sizes you find traditional radios, from bench-top to portable, there's a digital radio to suit anyone's needs. While digital radios are not as cheap as standard analogue radios, there are always bargains to be had if you shop around this season.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is looking to be the hottest tablet of 2011 - and possibly much of 2012 as well. Being the first tablet to sport the Tegra 3 quad-core chip, it's every geek's dream tablet at the moment. That said, the Prime will apparently be available from the cool price of $499, and while this isn't a cheap gift, it certainly is good value for money.

Amazon Kindle

Amazon's Kindle range is always growing, and this means that it's likely there's an option to suit everyone. If you're looking for a gift for someone who's a heavy reader, or even just someone who reads the occasional book, an Amazon Kindle might be the perfect gift idea for this Christmas. With Amazon recently releasing the cut-down entry model Kindle for just over $100, it certainly is a very affordable - and entertaining - gift for any reader.

Samsung Galaxy Ace

The Samsung Galaxy Ace is no top-end smartphone, but you wouldn't be blamed for thinking it was. Priced around the $200 mark, it offers affordability combined with a feature set normally reserved for top of the line smartphones. With an 800MHz processor, 5MP camera and a 3.5" glass touch screen running at 320x480, this is no cheapy smartphone knock off. I recommend this smartphone as a gift idea because I had a chance to play around with one of them recently. It compared quite well to my HTC HD2 (running Android), and I decided to grab one as a gift for a family member - at this low a price you can't go wrong. If you know someone hoping for a smartphone this Christmas, consider the Samsung Galaxy Ace.

Bass Burger

You see these all over the internet, and I'm sure in shops everywhere as well. I'm simply going to refer to it by the name I first heard it called - a bass burger. These tiny portable speakers feature an internal rechargeable battery, and an expanding design which augments their sound quality. In fact, these small speakers do offer very good sound for their tiny size. While I can't make any qualitative comparison, having owned one I would rate it positively compared to other portable speakers in this price range, especially those (such as cheap Logitech portables) which just feature flat speakers in a plastic body. These speakers make an excellent gift for anyone who uses their MP3 player, smartphone, or other portable device for music or games - if they don't mind everyone else hearing them, that is.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Hi Tech Gadgets Gifts: 15 Great Gadget Ideas For Father's Day

One of the most endearing occasions that families around the world celebrate is Father's Day. This is the day where children can honor their fathers for all the things they have done for them. In most countries such as the United States, UK and Canada, Fathers' Day is celebrated during the third Sunday of June.

In other countries, the festival is celebrated on other dates particularly if there is some national or religious significance to it such as in Spain where Fathers' Day is celebrated in conjunction with St. Joseph's Day on March 19. Other countries celebrate this festival either on the first Sunday of September or the second Sunday of November.

During Father's Day, wives and children would usually express their heartfelt gratitude by giving their fathers a special gift that he will surely love. Some of the best gifts to give your dads are hi-tech gadgets. Most fathers are engaged in a hobby, a weekend activity, or simply a daily pleasure they would like to engage in after arriving home from work like listening to music or watching television.

Knowing what your father loves to do, you can surely find a hi tech gadget or two that you can give him this Father's Day, and the following can jumpstart your selection process.

* LED Flashlights

For fathers who love the great outdoors doing their favorite pastimes such as hunting of fishing, a LED flashlight would be a great gift to give. LED lamps are more economical, brighter and would last longer on batteries than ordinary flashlight bulbs. Before choosing one, know which size your father would prefer whether he would like a big heavy duty one or a pocket sized version. If he is engaged in activities involving water then it would be better to give him a waterproof version.

* Solar Chargers

Still for fathers who love the great outdoors, solar charges would be great gifts to gift to complement his array of gadgets as backup power sources particularly if he's engage in activities in places where he may not have access to electricity. Just make sure that the voltages, current ratings, and adapter plugs for the chargers matches that of your father's gadgets.

* Film Scanners

It is normal for fathers to have great collections of photos and prints of their family and friends. Help them categorize and convert them all into longer lasting and easily sharable digital media by giving them film scanners for Father's Day. Choose one that is easy to use and can accommodate most types and sizes of photo prints.

* USB Pens

Have you noticed you dad struggling with all his files, notes and other stuff before going to the office? Help him organize his files and make them portable anywhere he goes by giving him USB Pens. These gadgets have built in USB flash drives right inside working pens and would be great for office work and presentations. Just make sure that the memory capacity is enough to his needs.

* LED Lights

Some fathers are do-it-yourself buffs and they would usually start their hobbies right in their own homes. Aside from that, many are becoming environmental conscious and would like to install green and energy efficient improvements in their homes. Give them LED lights as exciting and very practical gifts as replacement for their energy-hogging incandescent bulbs.

* Inspection Cameras

Another great gift for do-it-yourself dads is inspection cameras which can help them see hard-to-reach areas or to work around fixtures. These gadgets would also be great gifts for dads in the construction or handyman business.

* Voice and Phone Recorders

Do you have a dad who's a doctor or a scientific researcher? Help them with their work by giving them portable voice recorders which they can bring along on the job or anywhere they go. And for fathers who are always on the go, a good phone recorder that can capture all messages would be a great gift to gift so they won't miss all their important messages.

* IP Cameras

Is your dad living alone or have a shop or store for their business? Give them added security through IP cameras which they can easily install anywhere in their homes or business where they would need a third eye to watch over a particular area.

* Video Glasses

Is watching TV or a home movie one of the finest pleasures your dad have after coming home from work? Give him a new level of viewing pleasure using video glasses that he can hook up to his TV or video player and watch his favorite shows in peace.

* GPS Navigation Devices

Does your dad easily gets lost when going somewhere while driving or on foot? A portable GPS navigation device would be a great gift that can help them get to any destination safely and accurately through interactive route maps and directions.

* GPS Tracking Devices

Does your dad sometime have problems locating their cars after parking? Well, help them out by giving a GPS tracking device as a Fathers' Day gift. They can conveniently place the GPS transmitter in their cars which they can activate and track to help them locate their cars with a single push of a button.

* Bluetooth Rearview Car Mirrors

Give your dad an innovative hi-tech gadget gift with a bluetooth rearview car mirror which can give them a clearer view behind their cars that no ordinary rearview mirror can give. It's like giving them eyes behind their backs giving them a safer and smoother ride.

* Action Sports Cameras

Some dads are really athletic and would still engage in physical sports even in their age. A good action sports camera would be a great gift to give them so they can record their activities while in action - and brag about them while watching the recorded videos with friends and family!

* Resonance Speakers

Is your dad a music lover? Amaze him by giving him a resonance speaker set which makes his favorite music resonate through any surface through ultrasonic technology.

* Handheld Scanners

Give your dad a great tool to convert their documents, photos, favorite magazine and newspaper clippings to digital files which they can store in DVD's or in their computers to make them last longer, properly categorized and easily sharable with friends and family.

Fathers' Day is an important festival that gives everyone a chance to show how much their fathers mean to them. Show your appreciation for the great work your fathers did by giving them these cool hi tech gadgets that they would cherish for the rest of their lives.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Using Gadget and Cell Phone Reviews for Your Purchasing Decisions

We still have not yet digested some of the latest gadget offerings last year and now, upcoming gadget and device conventions are abound, yet again, offering amazing new gadgets from tablets, net books, television screens and mobile phones. Smart phones and tablets have been the hottest items of past year and it will surely not change the fact that many are craving for more. Since there are so many brands, models and generations out there, it is hard to make a really informed decision when buying. One good way to gain that kind of insight is to read gadget reviews and cell phone reviews.

Things to ponder when searching for a review or tech site:

Most brands will highlight their amazing features, banking on technological breakthroughs and all that jazz. Nonetheless, consumers are all about what actual people using the device can say about them. Here we can check out gadget reviews. Reputable technology and gadget sites are in the front line for such information. Here are some of the things that the offer:

  • News and information about the gadget.
  • Updates about new fixes, glitches and other community aspects
  • product reviews including criticisms and acclaims
  • Third party references for a cross reference of reviews.
  • User and reader comments about products and software programs
  • forums and other related web 2.0 information

As you can see, these sites offer one or more of these benefits and with the great appeal of social networking, information regarding a certain new gadget is revealed. We see unboxings, product design analysis, software analysis and overall impressions. If you have a benchmark for your gadget use, they can serve as your guide. Everybody will have a unique take on technology so you have to take it like a grain of salt.

You cannot believe too much what cell phone reviews offer. Sometimes, they have high expectations. Nonetheless, you will see a trend when you look at reviews. You can find loopholes and see highlights. Being an informed buyer is so easy now. The internet has tons of updated resources that you can use so that you can buy the device that you want not for the hype but for the functionality. Of course a little bit of hype keeps you on the front line of technology wars.

Aspects that you need to consider:

Reviews and analysis of some popular websites are very rigorous they are the go to tech sites in the industry. Companies would send samples to them or maybe they already bought the device. They test run the device. The most important aspect that you should look out for would be:

  • battery power
  • wireless and peripheral connectivity
  • size
  • build
  • use of software and program
  • resolution (for those with screens)
  • device economy- i.e. keyboard, screen, and buttons

In a nutshell:

Buying gadgets does not have to be a mere trial and error process. Yes, there will be better options but making the most out of your device purchase can lead to a more productive device experience. Get the one that you feel has passed your benchmark with actual accounts from people who have tested it for you. Of course, do this sparingly and never lose your vision as to why you are actually buying the product.