Holiday Tech Gifts 2007
by Susan Ayers Walker
Tech gadgets are always fun gifts for the holidays. This year I found lots of fun and reasonably priced tech gifts that will not break your holiday budget and will please the older teens and adults on your holiday gift list. Here are a few to consider.
Personal Media Player
The good news on MP3 players: they are really lower in price this holiday season. I am charmed by the inexpensive ZVUE 260. This media device plays videos and digital pictures on an easy-to-see screen for under $100. The ZVUE 260 is a full-featured personal media player with a built-in speaker, or you can use your headphones. It fits an adult’s hand with generously sized control buttons and a menu at which you do not have to squint. The "starter" 1 GB (Gigabyte) SD (secure-digital) memory card will give you up to six hours of video playback or approximately 500 MP3 songs. The device comes with the latest version of the ZAPP Media Manager software on a CD. ZAPP automatically detects media files on your computer so users can select, organize and transfer videos, music and digital photos to this player, plus it helps you download and transfer content from the web. I love this pocket device for carrying around lots of pictures of the grandchildren to show others.
Super Simple Camcorder
I was unsure about investing in an expensive camcorder because I am not sure if I will use it as much as my digital camera. However, I found a super affordable camcorder that is so easy-to-use right out of the box that it takes virtually no instruction--just pop in two AA batteries and hit the red record button: The Flip Video Ultra Series from Pure Digital. The price point is under $150 for 30 minutes of video recording or under $200 or 60 minutes. The Flip Video also comes with preloaded software to enable editing, organizing, and seamless uploading of video you recorded to AOL, YouTube or any other video sharing sites you like. The best feature is the hidden, flip-out USB connector so you can transfer your videos to your PC when you are ready, no extra cables to find or lose. This is a no-fear camcorder for the beginner or for anyone who wants an uncomplicated way to record some video instantly.
Weather Time, Anytime
Here is a very informative weather clock to have by your bed at night. The new Honeywell Weathertime clock radio with the public alert NOAA channel is designed to keep the user informed of any potential or occurring danger. That means national, regional and local alerts that range from icy conditions, snow storms, tornado warnings, fires to amber alerts or terrorist activity are all part of the alert system. With the atomic time set clock and backup batteries the clock is always correct so you do not have to worry about missing your wakeup alarm if the power goes out in the night.
I really like the ceiling projection feature. In the dark of night, if you open your eyes, you can see the soft red glow of time projected on the ceiling without having to lift your head from the pillow. Great accessory for your RV adventures.
A Stocking Stuffer
My gadget pick for under $50 is called Backup-Pal. This is a clever device that backs up your cell phone data. This accessory will backup and transfer phone numbers and contact information between multiple phones. This is handy if your phone batteries die or you lose your phone or buy a new one. You do not have to manually re-enter all your contacts all over again. It is compatible with many popular phone models from Motorola, Samsung, and Nokia.
Happy shopping!
AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.
