Buying tech for your number one lady can be pretty nerve-wracking, especially if she loves gadgets as much as you do, but we're here to help with the latest installment of Endgaget's
. We've tried to keep it hip with the right balance of usability, design, and functionality, but only you know what she
wants -- treat this as a jumping off point and we know you'll do fine.
and lots of other guides coming up as the days roll by -- they'll all be sorted by suggested recipient and price on the main
page.
$0 - $50
Tamagotchi Connection V5 - Alright, so maybe you're not ready to commit, but that doesn't mean you can't raise some bouncing virtual baby pets together. The V5 ups the ante from a single 'Gotchi to a whole herd, letting your special lady experience the unrelenting challenge of managing "different personalities, tastes, and hobbies." Just the thing to warm her up to your secret second family in Omaha.
$14.99 -
Shop for Tamagotchi Connection V5
Moshi Interactive Voice Response alarm clock - If you're sick of being the target of your lady love's wake-up wrath every morning, refocus her anger on Moshi's voice-controlled alarm clock. No buttons, just a calm electronic voice that responds to "Hello Moshi" and can reliably inform her of the time, temperature and whether or not she looks good in those jeans (yes, she does).
$49.95 -
Buy from Moshi
Perpetual Kid iPod building block speakers - A tiny iPod speaker dock that looks like a Lego brick? Yeah, she'll flip. Plus you can always borrow it to finish off your amazing Lego dance party diorama.
$22.99 -
Buy from Perpetual Kid
$51 - $100
Wii Fit - No, seriously -- it's really fun, and anything that gets the both of you off the couch in general is a good idea. That's right: the both of you. Front like you don't also need a little extra exercise when you give this one and it'll just be you and your Mii by New Year's.
$89.95 -
Shop for Wii Fit
SteelSeries WoW gaming mouse - Sure, it sucks to know that you're less important to her than the Lich King, but nothing says "I care" to your favorite mage like a 15-button programmable mouse with an in-game config utility. Just don't expect to hear from her for a couple days after she opens the box.
$99 -
Shop for Steel Series WoW Gaming Mouse
AT&T Quickfire - Smartphones may get all the attention, but there are a ton of nifty QWERTY featurephones on the market this year, and AT&T's Quickfire is one of the best-looking of the bunch. The 2.8-inch touchscreen rotates automatically when you slide it open to reveal the keyboard, making texting love notes a snap. On another carrier? Check out Verizon's
LG env(2), T-Mobile's
Samsung Gravity, or the similar
Samsung Rant on Sprint.
$99 -
Buy from AT&T
$101 - $250
iPhone 3G - Speaking of smartphones that get all the attention, this one's a no-brainer if she doesn't need to copy and paste, send and receive MMS messages, or run apps that Steve hasn't personally approved. Yeah, everyone knows what the iPhone can't do by now -- but a lot of what it
does do it does better than the rest. Trust us, she won't be angry to find one in her stocking.
$199 -
Buy from Apple
Flip Mino HD - There's something about the Flip that makes people actually take videos -- and the newest model will let your sweet little Scorsese capture her precious memories in pretty decent high-def. Just make sure you're ready for how cloying your squeaky-voiced babytalk sounds on tape, Snuggles.
$229 -
Buy from Pure Digital
JVC NX-PN7 Dual iPod / iPhone speaker dock - So you and your lady both have iPhones, but only one of you gets to charge up in the alarm clock at night? That's not fair and you know it -- which is where JVC's surprisingly brilliant dual-dock speaker system comes into play. It's the simplest idea, but it works a treat to reduce clutter -- and it's awfully cute when you both plug in at night with differently-colored light strips. Awww. (You'll have to rely on your iPhone's built in alarm to wake you up -- it'll play through the speakers, so it's loud, but check out
iLuv's iMM173 if you want more traditional alarm clock features.)
$149 -
Shop for JVC NX-PN7 Dual iPod / iPhone speaker dock
Western Digital My DVR Expander (or any DVR-compatible external hard drive) - Let's face it -- when the chips are down, it's your shows that are getting deleted off the DVR to make room for
Grey's Anatomy. Not to worry, though -- newer DVR's from DISH Network and TiVo can take advantage of external hard drives like Western Digital's 500GB My DVR Expander to record an additional 60 hours of HD content. Too bad you can't jack in another tuner or four.
$149 -
Shop for Western Digital My DVR Expander
$251 - $500
Sony Rolly - Yeah, no one knows what it's for, or why it's even here -- but Sony's Rolly music bot is damn cute, and you can bet that none of her friends are getting one this holiday season. And isn't that all that matters?
$399 -
Buy from Sony
Amazon Kindle - If she's a reader the Kindle might well change the way she thinks about books and magazines forever -- and if she's not, well, the Kindle might get her to start. Couldn't hurt to throw in a gift card for the first couple books either -- Whispernet makes racking up the credit card bills awfully easy.
$359 -
Buy from Amazon
Canon Powershot G10 - If she's outgrown the compact point-and-shoot you got her last year but doesn't want to deal with the size and hassle of a DSLR, Canon's Powershot G10 is worth a look. It's got loads of manual adjustments and high-quality optics that'll have her channeling her inner Annie Liebowitz in no time. Plus it's built like a tank, so it'll survive no matter where she takes it.
$499 -
Shop for Canon PowerShot G10
Vera home automation system + unlimited service - Yeah, this one's really geeky, but if she's serious about greening up, the Vera Z-Wave / 802.11 hub will let her monitor, measure, and control lights and appliances from all over the world -- just be careful, Randy, because it also supports remote security camera viewing.
$400 -
Buy from MiCasaVerde
$501 - $1000
Vivienne Tam HP Mini 1000 - Do you know what the biggest problem with netbooks is? They look like netbooks: dull, boxy, and too thick at the waist... not an image you want associated with your lady-friend. While you may not know who Vivienne Tam is, rest assured your lady does. In fact, she'll be so impressed by this special edition HP Mini 1000 that she might not even notice your inane chatter about the Atom's superiority to the
VIA C7-M.
$699 -
Buy from HP
Dell Crystal 22 monitor - If she's looking to get some serious Photoshop work done, you'd best
steer clear of this ultra-glossy display, but if she's more interested in classing up the joint than pushing pixels, it's hard to beat Dell's Crystal 22 LCD display for style.
$999 -
Buy from Dell
32-inch LG Scarlet LCD TV - Let's be honest, after a few
months years of dating, the television becomes the nucleus of any dysfunctional relationship. So do yourself a favor and spring for a new 32-inch Scarlet TV for your hipster, urban digs. She'll be reminded all weekend long of your good taste while loafing about distracted from the unpleasant considerations of child rearing. Win, win.
$800 -
Shop for LG 32LG60
$1001+
Apple MacBook - Admit it, you're considering buying yourself a new MacBook this holiday and then re-gifting your hand-me-down to the girlfriend. Don't do it. If she knows you half as well as we do then she'll understand your supreme sacrifice upon unwrapping a new unibody MacBook. Besides, once she gets bored making
four-fingered gestures it's yours for the taking.
$1,299 -
Buy from Apple
Ultra Motor A2B electric bike - You want mad points? Give her a bike for Christmas, just like when she was a kid. The A2B isn't just any bike, though -- it's an electric assist bike with a full suspension that'll run for 20 miles on a charge at 20mph. Sure, she'll look a little goofy around the squares, but she'll be the star of the next Critical Mass.
$2,699 -
Buy from Ultra Motor
Nikon D90 - Come on, everybody's doing it. So take advantage of the holiday season to get in on some of that hot, amateur film action with your she-lover. No green tint, no sub-VGA resolution -- just sweet 720p HD video produced by a 12.3 megapixel Nikon DX CMOS sensor and your choice of SLR lenses. Remember, Nikon targets this at "advanced amateurs" for a reason. Besides, if the goods ever end up in court as part of a divorce settlement -- it's her camera, her idea.
$1,299 -
Shop for Nikon D90
So, did we forget anything? We've got plenty more gift guides to go, and if there's some burning item on your wish list this year, let us know in comments, maybe we'll find some place to work it in.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FLaSHBaCK @ Nov 26th 2008 5:28PM
Pff the for her stuff is more interesting than the for him stuff. (except the tamagachi and block speakers)
Brian @ Nov 26th 2008 5:33PM
I second that.
GenBanks @ Nov 26th 2008 6:06PM
Yeah, and they spread the gift ideas more evenly across the price range. This one's better, redo the For Him list please!
Homeboy @ Nov 26th 2008 6:10PM
Further more I wonder how much Apple is paying engadget to include their products on both lists.
FLaSHBaCK @ Nov 26th 2008 6:12PM
@ homeboy
Alot.
GenBanks @ Nov 26th 2008 6:15PM
Fact of the matter is, apple stuff is desirable with non-techie or semi-techie people. A 'Gift Guide' is doing its job if it points out stuff that you wouldn't have thought of but which might be highly desirable to the gift receivers (who might not read engadget).
FLaSHBaCK @ Nov 26th 2008 6:21PM
Well, what people have to realize is that there is no right answer to picking an os. Its all your opinion on what you like and what you need the OS for. Its like comparing ice cream and cake, they are both good but each person can like it more or less than another.
FLaSHBaCK @ Nov 26th 2008 6:24PM
@ myself THE CAKE IS A LIE!!
DJP25 @ Nov 26th 2008 9:07PM
third that
Mobius_1 @ Nov 26th 2008 10:16PM
I think the "For Enemy" list is going to be most interesting.
garzafc @ Dec 3rd 2008 11:14AM
$10 bet that the Mac Book ends up on the Enemy List also... you know, for good measure.
Nicholas @ Dec 16th 2008 1:22AM
I totally disagree. This list is baaaad. If I showed up to Christmas with a Tamagotchi, a gaming mouse, a hard drive, or that ugly bike - oh man, my wife would not be pleased. There's nothing "for her" about this list - except maybe the laptop cover.
Check this top 10 tech gifts for her list out for the real deal and some tips on buying for the woman in your life: http://www.degeeked.com/answers/detail/top-10-tech-gifts-for-her-2008
From the looks of this post, it sounds like people need all the help they can get!
brendacars71 @ Dec 16th 2008 4:43PM
I'm sorry, but I found a great gift and i didn't have to spend $200. It was this hilarious cookbook called "Get in the Kitchen, BIT@HES!" (bitchcooks.com).. and i got one for every person on my list.. guys and girls.
Brenda @ Dec 16th 2008 4:47PM
I'm sorry, but I got a great gift for everyone on my list, and I didn't have to spend $200!.. it was this hilarious little cookbook called "Get in the Kitchen, BIT@HES!".. and it was great for guys and girls!
rndmnme @ Nov 26th 2008 5:32PM
NOT the blackberry storm. I had mine for about an hour and it was so awful i took it back and went back to my 8830. You would click something and it would take 30-40seconds to get there, i tried to play a youtube video, it crashed and locked up the device. and then the piece de resistance: I tried to move my contacts over with the blackberry software and it locked up the device asking for a new password and before i could type in the new password it would wigg out and go into camera mode. at which point i said screw it and threw it in the box and returned it.
Just unbelievably bad. Worst consumer device I've ever had in my hands... and I own (and like) a Zune.
Rohail @ Nov 26th 2008 5:44PM
i hated it too.
horrible phone.
FLaSHBaCK @ Nov 26th 2008 5:46PM
wait... if you like your zune why would you put it in the sentence "Worst consumer device I've ever had in my hands" ?>
Kyle K. @ Nov 26th 2008 6:33PM
"wait... if you like your zune why would you put it in the sentence "Worst consumer device I've ever had in my hands" ?>"
Because he can appreciate a great device when he sees one, and not blindly follow a cult of techno-hipsters.
FLaSHBaCK @ Nov 26th 2008 6:51PM
whoa, hey i have nothing against zunes, personally i have never owned an ipod and i have 2 zunes right now. I was just wondering why he would use zune in a sentence like "worst consumer device" if he liked it.
rndmnme @ Nov 26th 2008 7:09PM
Because I wanted to point out I wasn't just bashing it because it wasn't an iPhone. I'm all for looking at things objectivly. I have a Zune, I like it, it works.
The Blackberry storm on the other hand....
Should probably be featured on Crapgadget. I just find it amazing that RIM put something like that out there. VZW offered to give me a new one but the thing is a turd. RIM and VZW should have never released it with that current OS. It's UNUSABLE. Screw 3G, I'll stick to my 8830, at least it works!
Chizzed @ Nov 26th 2008 5:36PM
I'm not getting my gf the tamagotchi. She couldn't even handle our Beta fish.
Gnoll @ Nov 27th 2008 8:10AM
From experience I can tell you that Tamagotchis are way easier to take care of, simply based on the fact that Tamagotchis can't get ich or scarlet or anything else that also kills all the other Tamagotchis in the house, even though they looked like they were getting better and then suddenly just dropped dead.
Tamagotchis win this round.
MarbleMind @ Nov 26th 2008 5:38PM
The "both of us" part when purchasing the Wii Fit as a present might indeed be quite crucial. While not being a woman, I can imagine the following "decodifying" on the girl's part.
"I've bought US a Wii Fit because we both like to dance and do light workout, blah, blah, blah..."
-> "Let's have fun together!"
"I've bought YOU a Wii Fit because [insert random text]"
-> "You're fat. Start working out. NOW."
Chizzed @ Nov 26th 2008 5:39PM
My sentiments exactly. I think my gf would do exactly that.
GenBanks @ Nov 26th 2008 6:08PM
Haha so true, I wouldn't have thought of that myself, would probably have said 'you'. xD
Dusty Nipples @ Nov 27th 2008 9:34AM
Seriously, this recommendation screams "I have never been laid and never will." You buy a girl WiiFit and you better buy yourself a jar of Vaseline and an absorbent rag to go with it.
Dave @ Nov 27th 2008 3:30AM
Maybe... But an honest and healthy relationship wouldn't see repercussions from such a gift. Some people's schedules are hectic and the Wii Fit might be a good start.
Ben @ Nov 29th 2008 1:33AM
My gf, who's in pretty damn good shape anyway, really wanted one of these back when it came out. She likes using it more than almost anything else on the Wii, though she thinks it gets a little boring after a while...just a bunch of reps of the same thing.
Yury @ Nov 26th 2008 5:39PM
Why "Shop for Canon PowerShot G10" points to Kindle buying page?
computer.dude.28 @ Nov 26th 2008 5:40PM
"this one's a no-brainer if she doesn't need to copy and paste, send and receive MMS messages, or run apps that Steve hasn't personally approved. Yeah, everyone knows what the iPhone can't do by now"
The Engadget staff are on the road to recovery from that damn Apple-bias-itis!
Good job, guys. The first step is realizing the problem(s).
Dubb @ Nov 26th 2008 10:38PM
Bullshit. Look at the MacBook recommendation. First it isn't $999, it's $1299. As evident in their own link to the product.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=MTE3MjA
Secondly, look at what you can get for $999
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/25/acers-16-inch-aspire-6930-reviewed-right-on-the-money/
Even has a blu-ray drive and an Nvidia 9600M, which is only available in the MacBook Pro, you get the 9400M in the new MacBook. Don't even get me started on how much that Acer destroys the white MacBook.
Bottom line, it's a crap recommendation. What, girls can't use Windows?
Dubb @ Nov 27th 2008 1:30AM
Bleh, ninja update, it says the correct price now, $1299.
Patriks7 @ Nov 27th 2008 9:28AM
And I can't imagine a GIRL not using MMS.. seriously..
computer.dude.28 @ Nov 26th 2008 5:42PM
"just be careful, Randy, because it also supports remote security camera viewing."
If Randy knows what's good for him he won't buy this for her.
T Hom @ Nov 27th 2008 2:50AM
Haha apparently Randy doesn't know shit.
Crayola @ Nov 26th 2008 5:45PM
C'mon the Canon G10? It is a big fugly camera. DP Review has pretty much pan it 14.7MP sensor, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Panasonic LX3, the chic styling would fits a girls hand, the lens is unbeatable and a plus, it is actually cheaper. Grab both in the shops and compare, you will believe me.
BJ is Gooder @ Nov 26th 2008 5:52PM
I think the word 'fugly' needs to be banned from engadget. Although your post seems well-informed, I automatically discount it based on that one word alone.
Trey McCay @ Nov 26th 2008 7:48PM
I disagree! I own a G10 and my gf's reaction went like this: "That thing could make a picture of a dirty foot look like it belongs in a magazine." Don't bash it till you try it. . .
jorvay @ Nov 27th 2008 11:03AM
Exactly what I was thinking. Whatever Panasonic lacks in dSLR prowess, they make up for easily with their P&S offerings. Just finished reading the DPReview.com on the G10 and though they liked it, they can't stop praising the LX3 throughout the G10 review.
holycow @ Nov 26th 2008 5:51PM
A Gaming Mouse for her? Seriously?
Scott @ Nov 26th 2008 5:59PM
If she's a gamer, what's the problem?
GenBanks @ Nov 26th 2008 6:11PM
Plenty of 'Hers' game. Especially World of Warcraft. I thought it was a nice addition to the list. It's not just guys that game ya'know.
DirtyVegas @ Nov 26th 2008 5:55PM
Why/how would someone interested enough in WoW merch have a bf?
Scott @ Nov 26th 2008 6:04PM
You must live in a small little bubble if everyone you meet fits neatly into your stereotypes.
DirtyVegas @ Nov 26th 2008 6:02PM
Actually, THIS will make a great gift
"Keyboard for blondes"
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10107808-1.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0
Warning : side effects may include loneliness.
GenBanks @ Nov 26th 2008 6:12PM
lol that's awesome, can't think of anyone I'd risk giving that as a gift to except mom/sister though xD
MarbleMind @ Nov 26th 2008 6:15PM
No, that one's actually for men. Reason? Only men look for the any key. This one's got it.
Mobius_1 @ Nov 26th 2008 10:18PM
That's for enemy :)
Oli D @ Nov 26th 2008 6:11PM
I wish i was this guys gf...
Joe @ Nov 26th 2008 6:35PM
Hey Engadget, thanks for a list of unattainable, sold out products.