Thursday, December 28, 2017

Holiday Wishlist Under $50 Gamers Edition



Only a true gamer would know what his fellow gamer wants or needs. Although giving a gamer a gift can be tough -- get a game of the wrong genre, you'll disappoint them; get the wrong version of the game, you'll frustrate them; get something that they already have, well, that sucks.

If you're gift-hunting for a gamer, it doesn't have to be worrisome, especially if you are able to pinpoint their preferred platform. Check out these gift ideas that are broadly functional, and they are all $50 and below, so they won't break the bank.

Roccat Kova Gaming Mouse
The Roccat Kova is a standard ambidextrous mouse, equally comfortable in either hand. Its high and wide curves are skillfully hidden, so that the mouse feels bigger (and more comfortable) than it looks. As with most modern gaming mice, all of the buttons are tuned for quick presses and easy selection with a thumb or finger.
Gamers who want a mouse that’s great for southpaws will love the Kova, as will those seeking a compromise between shooter and MMO mice. It offers raw performance in a sleek design built for pure power and speed.
Gaming Gift Cards
If you're not certain what game to gift to your gamer friend or loved one, get them one of these gift cards instead. They come in $10-$100 quantities for every console. We recommend the $50 cards because most video games cost between $50-$60. Although a gift card may feel like a cop-out, it's a sure way you won't accidentally gift a gamer a game that they already have.
Pixel Pals
The holidays are always a great time for an extra dose of nostalgia. These awesome light-up displays are inexpensive, impressive-looking, and look great on any desk. You can pick from all your favorite 8-bit characters like Mario, Luigi, Vault Boy, Mega Man, Master Chief, Batman, and even characters from Street Fighter. They're powered by AAA batteries and are officially licensed.
Ortz Nintendo Switch Protective Case
The best part about Nintendo Switch is its portability, so you'll probably want a case to carry everything in that protects your $300 console. This case from Ortz holds 29 games and two microSD cards, and it has a mesh pocket for stashing charging cables, ear buds, and two extra Joy-Con Controllers. It'll keep your Switch snug, secure, and safe against scuffs, scratches, and spills.
Cosair Gaming MM600 Mouse Pad
The Cosair Gaming MM600 Mouse Pad is an affordable stocking stuffer for the gamer in your life. It's made from aircraft-grade aluminum that helps provide expert-grade tracking. Plus, the reverse surface helps your mouse achieve supreme accuracy when gaming. The texture of the cloth, which measures in at 352 millimeters by 272 millimeters, provides a very nice tactile feel on the mouse while still being gentle on your wrists. This mouse pad is one of the best dual-sided gaming mouse pads you can buy.
Sony PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
This Sony DualShock 4 wireless controller in Green Camouflage is an awesome gift for any PlayStation 4 owner who likes action games. In case camouflage isn't your thing, consider another available color -- red, blue, black, or white.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller
If you don't want to shell out between $70 and $80 for official Nintendo controllers, consider getting this much affordable SNES-style one from 8Bitdo instead. It's comfortable and doesn't feel cramped. Plus, it connects easily via Bluetooth. It offers rumble vibration and motion controls, and it charges over USB-C just like Nintendo's official controller. This one is also compatible with Android, Windows, and Mac. You can even use it on your SNES classic with an adapter.


Thursday, December 22, 2016

These Hot Tech Toys Will Surely Make Your Kids Drool



Yes, it's that most wonderful time of the year again. And even though the air is filled with excitement and cheer, we can't deny that the dreaded Christmas rush also brings fear and apprehension. It's that time of the year where shopping for gifts can be such a stressful thing to do. For instance, how can you be sure that your kid will like that Android-controlled robot more than your preferred circuit board game? So how do you find kid's tech that's inspiring and educational, but entertaining enough to keep them coming back to it? Check out our toy collection below to give you some gift suggestions on what to get for your kid(s).

Axis Drones Aerius ($35)
Coined as the world's smallest quadcopter, the Axis Drones Aerius is about the size of a quarter, with a remote control that's bigger, but still small enough to fit into your pocket. It's a fun, inexpensive toy, and it's an easy recommendation for everyone.
Jimu DIY Robot Buzzbot & Muttbot Robotics Kit ($120)
Here's a robotics kit brimming with snap-together parts and servos that can be transformed into a robot that your child can then program and control via an Android or iOS app. It's billed as a S.T.E.M. toy, and as such, it encourages problem solving and logical thinking. It's also pretty easy to get into and loads of fun. You can put the kit together in several ways, too, and there are visual instructions to help you build the Buzzbot and like-minded Muttbot. Still, the robots require time, patience, and a smartphone, or tablet to program, so this is the best for older kids with adult supervision.
Sphero BB-8 App-enabled Droid ($129+)
For any kids excited by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, what could be better than a branded BB-8 droid that can be remote controlled with an Android or iOS device? This super cute robot rolls around in any direction, with his head floating magnetically on top. The companion app is packed with official Star Wars sound effects and a few different activities, such as the ability to record holographic messages, so you and your kids can have more fun with BB-8.
Hello Barbie ($54.95)
Hello Barbie brings the classic doll squarely into the 21st century. Like Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa, Barbie can listen to your voice and react with the appropriate response, almost as if she were alive. Using Wi-Fi and speech recognition technology, Hello Barbie doll can interact uniquely with each child by holding conversations, playing games, sharing stories, and even telling jokes! She's ready to discuss anything in an outfit that blends trendy and techie for a cool look. Push the doll's belt buckle to start a conversation, and release to hear her respond. More than 8,000 lines of recorded content means countless hours of fun!
Mattel View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack ($14)
Virtual reality is starting to take off and it's exciting for every tech person. There are a few headsets that use your smartphone as the screen, but this is the first one we've seen that's specifically aimed at kids. It works with various smartphones, just like Google Cardboard, and there are a number of compatible VR apps and games currently available for Android and iOS. In a nod to the view-masters of yesteryear, Mattel has also included reels that trigger different augmented-reality experiences. You can buy various $15 reel packs, which cover topics such as space and wildlife.
Dino-Lite AM2111 Handheld 0.3 MP Digital Microscope ($99)
It's amazing what you can see with a microscope. Your kids will love collecting samples to examine, and even everyday objects can reveal surprises. This handheld microscope plugs into your computer, laptop, tablet, or phone -- the software supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS -- and shows from 10x up to 220x magnification. There are also four LEDs to illuminate your subject and a plastic stand you can slot it into. You can also use it to capture photographs or video.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Good Ideas Business Travellers Would Love to Get for Holiday



Business travelers always look for ways to be more productive and comfortable on the road, whether they're commuting for an hour on the train everyday or jetting across the country. If you're looking for a gift for a special someone or relative who spends a lot of time working in planes, trains, buses or hotels, check out these awesome gift selections that will surely make their travel needs a lot easier.

Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse
When you're sitting at your hotel room desk or at a conference room table, you want the accuracy and comfort of a real mouse. The Logitech M510 is a must-have because of its easy-to-grip rubberized body and side buttons that let you go forward or back in your browser.

Genius Pack 22" Carry On Spinner
The Genius Pack 22" Carry On Spinner features Laundry Compression Technology to fit more in less space, as well as secluded laundry compartment to keep clean clothes clean, even in the confines of a small carry on. An integrated Loud Sound speaker plays music on the go, and a jacket wrap keeps your jacket secure while hurrying through airports.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Screaming babies, blaring P.A. announcements and honking horns are just a few of the many annoying noises business travelers endure all the time. The wireless Bose QuietComfort headset uses noise-canceling technology to shield your ears from unwanted audio so you can concentrate on your music, movie, or podcast. Soft pads keep your ears comfortable even on those long international flights, and you get a strong 20 hours of battery life.

Knomad Portable Organizer
Smartphone, tablet, passport, credit cards, pen -- it all fits within the Knomad Portable Organizer. This ultimate item for professionals on the go keeps all the essentials organized and easy to reach, while protecting valuable gadgets from bumps and drops.

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
Compared to today's hard, cramped airplane seats, travelers would have an easier time dozing in an iron maiden. The Aeris Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow makes it easier to sleep during the flight, even in coach. Better still, it comes with a sleep mask and earplugs to block out disturbing sights and sounds.

Awesome Stuffer Suggestions This 2016 Holiday



Because of the fact that almost everyone depends on gadgets to go through their daily routines, giving them one as a gift this Christmas will surely hit the spot. Here are some top gadget picks you can gift to your loved ones this holiday season, which doesn't have to burn a hole in your pocket.

iHome iBT29BC Alarm Clock ($59.95)
This clock changes colors at the touch of a button. It features dual alarms, a port to charge your iPhone, and works as a speakerphone. Stream wireless digital audio via Bluetooth from your iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Built-in mic, voice echo cancellation, and answer and end controls make the speakerphone use a pleasure. It's perfect for parties or setting the mood while listening at home.

ThinkGeek Death Star Speaker ($49.99)
This 4.5-inch Death Star Bluetooth lights up when you stream music through its speaker from your phone. And when you're not using it, it's a lovely 4 1/2" diameter Death Star on an acrylic stand. We know, it's awesome right?

Syma RC Helicopter S107G ($18.59)
Anyone 14 or up can start flying this bad boy out of the box. Dual frequencies let you pilot two at once, and it can last up to 25 minutes.

Amazon Echo Dot ($49.99)
The Dot gives you Amazon's voice-powered Alexa in any room of your house. Its far-field mics pick up your voice from across the room.

Seagate Backup Plus ($79.99)
Lighter than your average smartphone, the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim portable hard drive -- available in 1 TB and 2 TB versions -- is a thin, stylish storage solution which is not only handy for travelers, but could make a great gift for anyone who needs a little extra space and wants to keep a backup of important documents, photos, and media.

Google Cardboard Knox V2 ($19.28)
Google Cardboard is the inexpensive way to experience virtual reality. You can build your own using directions on Google.com/cardboard.

Case Logic Prevailer Backpack ($26.33)
Those with a 17.3-inch laptop will appreciate this large backpack, which can also fit a 10.1-inch tablet, books, headphones, or even gym clothes.

Parrot MiniDrone Jumping Sumo ($83.05)
This smartphone-controlled car can jump up to 2.5 feet. The front has a camera that streams a live view, too. This connected robot roves about at a distance of up to 50m away, reaching amazing speeds of up to 7 km/hour. It zigs, zags and can turn on the spot, performing incredible acrobatic leaps up to 80 cm high!

Xbox Gift Card ($10-$100)
Do you have a gamer brother, cousin, or best friend? Get an Xbox gift card for games and entertainment on Xbox or Windows. This is great as a gift, allowance, or credit card alternative. Do they have an Xbox One? They can use the card to download their favorite apps. That way they can snap them side-by-side with gameplay, so they can play and watch at the same time and never miss a moment.

VTech Kidizoom Camera Pix ($29.88)
Take real digital photographs with the durable Kidizoom Camera Pix by VTech. This kid-friendly camera includes all the tools inspiring photographers want to use. Turn the camera to take a picture of yourself and it will automatically detect faces for a perfect selfie! Take photos in a variety of exciting templates to create your own photo collages. Let your child explore his or her creativity by using static and animated photo effects to enhance their pictures.