Holiday Gift Guide
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Engadget Podcast: Diving into our Holiday Gift Guide
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat with Senior Commerce Editor, Valentina Palladino, about our massive Holiday Gift Guide.
Engadget Podcast: A $249 Surface Laptop and Black Friday prep
This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about the launch of our Holiday Gift Guide, and the $249 Surface Laptop SE.
Podcast: The 16-inch MacBook Pro is here (and so is our gift guide)!
Get ready for the holidays with an in depth look at Engadget's holiday gift guide! This week, editor in chief Dana Wollman joins Devindra to chat about how we pick the best gadget gifts and some of the wildest choices we've made. And of course, we find time to dive into the giant laptop in the room, the 16" MacBook Pro. Listen below, or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News! Subscribe! iTunes Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Play Music Links Hands on with Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide How to spruce up digital gift codes with memorable keepsakes The best Switch and Switch Lite accessories to gift The best tech toys and STEM gifts The media streamers and soundbars we'd like to buy The best gifts for the home and kitchen Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Dana Wollman Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien
9 gifts for the ultimate tinkerer
Winter is coming. And with it also comes the need to show the loved ones in your life just how much you care for them by spending, spending, spending on gifts. Trouble is, there are just so many options to choose from. What you really need is someone, some outside force to hold your credit card-holding hand. And boy, do we have some suggestions for you. Happy Holidays! You're very welcome.Were you or someone you know the type of kid that took apart telephones, pushed pennies into (old, CRT) TV sets or mixed as many under the sink cleaning agents together to call it a potion and see what would happen? If you answered yes to any of the above, then this is the gift-giving category you're looking for.Image credit: Getty Images
Reminder: Help us build a gadget room for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!
#enGIVEget means you give and they get -- "they" being the brave and wonderful kids going through life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. And knowing you're busy with the holidays, let us take a moment to remind you about our sweepstakes ending this Friday, December 19th.
Steve's 2014 holiday gift ideas
It's that time of year when even the most imaginative of us come up short with ideas for gifts to buy our family and friends. So the TUAW team is going to be providing you with some of our personal favorite gift ideas. Now, just because I've listed it here doesn't necessarily mean that I actually own an item or have even tried it out; in some cases, these are gifts that are on my personal wish list. Here we go! Cambridge Audio Bluetone 100 My favorite Bluetooth audio system of the year was the Cambridge Audio Bluetone 100 (US$299.99), a system with 100 watts of room-filling sonic power that sounds and looks great. During my review earlier this year, I found the Bluetone 100 to have the best Bluetooth connectivity of any speaker I've tested. With its two patented Balanced Mode Radiator speaker drivers, Class D amp, and built-in digital sound processing, the sound quality is incredible. It's not cheap, but the Bluetone 100 would be well worth the money. Fit Brains Trainer The next item on my list is an app from Rosetta Stone Canada. Just about everyone knows how important it is to keep their body in shape, but what about your brain? Fit Brains Trainer is a free app, but requires an in-app purchase for continued use. The app runs you through a set of fun and challenging games designed to improve memory, processing speed, concentration, problem solving, and visual-spatial skills. Play it once a day, and who knows? You may find that your brain is working a bit more clearly. goTenna This thing isn't even shipping yet, but it's already on my wish list. goTenna is a Bluetooth-equipped "stick" that fits into a bag or hangs from a backpack. If you're in a location with no cell phone service, it allows you to talk and text your friends by creating a point-to-point network between goTennas. What's it good for? Well, think of being able to communicate with others when you're in a foreign country out in the middle of nowhere, or talking to loved ones during an extended power outage when cell phone towers go down. Range varies, but can go from a half mile in cities or up to 6 miles on water. You can pre-order a pair of goTennas for $150 (half-price) right now. Logitech Keys-To-Go Keyboard If you start using an iPad to do work of any sort, you're going to want to use a keyboard. There's a problem with that, of course - just when you find an iPad keyboard that works perfectly for you, Apple changes the size of the iPad and you have to buy a new one. Well, maybe just using an external Bluetooth keyboard that works with any device is a better idea. That's where the Logitech Keys-To-Go Keyboard ($69.99) comes in handy - it works with iPad, iPhone, Mac, and just about anything else that has Bluetooth and can use a keyboard. It's big enough to comfortably type on, yet tiny enough to slide into a bag with your tablet or computer. Check out my review of it here. Nest Dropcam Pro This wouldn't be a list from me if it didn't have an "internet of things" tie-in. My winner is the Nest Dropcam Pro ($199.99), which is hands-down the best web/security cam out there. It takes no time at all to set up, has an amazing wide angle lens, and features a zoom mode that gives you the details when you need 'em. It's the best way to see what's going on at your home or office when you're not around. Those are my picks for some fun and useful Christmas presents. My colleagues will be putting in their choices here soon; keep an eye open for what they pass along for some great gift ideas.
Engadget presents #enGIVEget: benefiting St. Jude!
Now that our readers (and most Engadget editors) have stuffed their pie holes full of food and done some serious damage with their credit cards over the biggest shopping weekend of the year, it's time we gave a little bit, too. Here's where our #enGIVEget sweepstakes, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® comes in.
Presenting Engadget's 2014 Holiday Gift Guide
Smartphones, tablets and laptops are standard fare in 2014, but living in an always-on world isn't just about the essentials. So this year, we looked beyond the gadgets that fit in your backpack or briefcase to compile our Holiday Gift Guide. We've collected a veritable feast of devices to cater to everyone from the amateur bartender to the DIY tinkerer, and made sure to offer a wide-ranging menu that hits every price point. We don't advise eating your gadgets, but playing with what's on your plate is a must. So grab a bib and dig in!
The Monkey Kit adds a tail to your iPad so you can go hands-free
The Monkey Kit (US$69) from Octa is essentially a long, posable tail for your iPad plus a small handle accessory. Like a monkey's tail, the Monkey Tail (also sold separately) allows you to hang your iPad or merely provide support when propping it up. While not everyone will have a use for the thing, the Monkey Kit might come in handier than you think, whether you appreciate prehensile tails or not. Design The tail is a flexible metal neck sheathed in nearly 3 feet of grippy silicon, with a locking mount on one end and a rubber tip on the other. When you attach the Vacuum Dock (which should have been called Monkey Head, but I digress), the dock attaches to your iPad using suction. The dock is very sturdy, and the button used to pull a vacuum gradually shrinks into the handle so you know when you've applied enough suction for a secure grip. As you can imagine, the dock will work with any nonporous, smooth case or tablet, so this isn't just for iPads. The tail provides that mythical balance of stiffness to flexibility -- mostly. That is to say, it will often stay put as needed, even with an older, heavier iPad. It is reasonably flexible, allowing you to make a "spring" configuration to rest upon your lap, a table or the floor. I had success mounting it to wire shelves and an office chair. All that said, I'd love to see a way to pull tension in the tail, firming up the grip. Over time and with repeated, er, monkeying, it does get looser. Not so much as to be useless, just needing more adjustment when used and abused. The Monkey Kit can be used without the tail, however. That dock can be removed and secured to an iPad so it can be used as more of a handle or smaller prop for the device. That's handy, but I preferred having it attached to the tail most of the time. It also means I have to keep up with the little rubber piece that's used to hide the hole where the head unit attaches to the tail. Not a huge deal, and that dock can be used with the company's Whale Tail product, which is a firmer plastic attachment for basic positioning and support. Functionality As an additional handle for your iPad with just the smaller head unit applied, the Monkey's vacuum dock is sturdy and cool, but there are other products to help you hold your iPad in your hand. If you're doing handheld product shots, for example, the Monkey is a good way to keep one hand out of view while still holding the iPad. I used to use a sort of rubber band (reviewed here), but the Monkey attaches quickly and securely and out of sight. As a way to hang your iPad, or prop it up with the tail, the Monkey is a great accessory. Of course, that's if you need it. Ask yourself how often you need to be able to prop up your iPad from an overhead bar, or maybe lift it up a foot or so off the table or ground. The Monkey Tail allows you to do this, and a lot more. The Monkey Tail can't cheat physics, however, so there are some limits. You have to be careful about balance, so the iPad doesn't tip over when you position it. Also, the adjustable neck in the tail isn't magic, so it is limited to a certain amount of bend. My son was clever enough to figure out a way to jam it into an office chair's hand rests, for example, but I can see how that would be a little dangerous if you were scooting around on a hard floor. After spinning around like Captain Kirk, however, I felt pretty confident in the ability of the silicon coating to hold firm. I think we probably bent the tail almost too far, however, as the bend was pretty severe to wedge it into the chair's armrest, but the Monkey Tail has thus far showed no signs of breakage. Hanging the iPad can be frustrating if you've ever tried one of those wraparound flashlights which seem to have waned in popularity. If you've ever wrapped something around a pole only to see it wiggle down to the floor, you know what I mean. This isn't the Monkey's fault, but I'm just telling you the accessory isn't magical and doesn't contain anti-gravity functions. You'd think this was obvious, but my hilarious attempts to secure my iPad on these shelves make a reminder necessary. I wasn't willing to commit to duct tape, either, but once you get the hang of it (groan) you'll find the Monkey Tail is great for securing your iPad to certain structures. The Monkey Kit, with dock and tail, is very well constructed, and I have already found a dozen useful placements for the thing. Some examples: In the morning when I shave I'm able to bring the iPad closer to eye level. When I jog on my treadmill I'm able to quickly secure the iPad at a comfortable location. In the kitchen the iPad no longer sits on the counter, but is closer to eye level and further away from where I'm chopping ingredients. I've even watched a weather forecast while shaving. Octa's website has a gallery of more uses like watching movies in bed and reading ebooks on the couch. Be sure to read the instructions on how to lock and unlock the dock from the tail, too. You can separate the two for easier traveling. Conclusion The Monkey Kit is useful for anyone who needs a rear handle for their iPad, but its real feature is the Monkey Tail which gives your iPad a flexible neck for an almost endless array of secure positioning options. If you know someone with any flavor of iPad who uses it while lounging, the Monkey Kit is a good deal for a gift.
Daily Roundup: Home theater holiday gift guide, Ubisoft's Snowdrop engine, NSA Xbox Live spying and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Audio
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Like cameras, audio gadgets are the kind of gifts you want to start using fresh out of the box at this year's holiday parties. Okay, it's probably not a good idea to ditch the festivities to test out that new pair of over-ears, but the speakers and services listed below should guarantee that your party playlists are taken care of.
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Peripherals
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Peripherals sound about as exciting as a trip to the dentist, but trust us: Companion devices have plenty to offer, and some even have a wow factor. Just take the Pebble smartwatch, for example; it lets you view notifications (as well as the current time) directly from your wrist. Especially well-heeled types can shell out for a VR headset or 3D printer, but we're sure your loved ones will be thankful for a cutting-edge hard drive all the same.
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Tablets
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Tablets are right up there with 3D-enabled 4K TVs in terms of gift appeal; no one can resist firing them up the moment they've been unwrapped. Maybe it's their super-thin form factors; maybe it's because they make great couch companions; or maybe it's because they're just plain fun. Whether it's an Android, Windows 8.1 or iOS slate you're shopping for, you'll find suitable picks across all budgets below.
Daily Roundup: PlayStation 4 facts, coding in the education system, PlayJam GameStick review and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
TUAW's Best of 2012 Personal Picks: Mike Wehner
I buy a lot of stuff I probably don't need. But while that leaves my bank account bare for long stretches of time, it also means it's easy for me to pick out items that truly stand out from the rest. This is my first personal pick list for TUAW, having joined the team just a couple of months ago, but I have several items that I just can't get through a day without, so let's begin! iPhone 5 (starting at $199 with contract) I have a nasty secret to share with you all: I really, really wanted Apple to reveal an all-new iPhone at the end of 2011. So much so that I started to buy into all the loosely-sourced rumors that the iPhone 5 would debut before 2012, complete with the new, larger screen that I wanted so badly. When the iPhone 4S was announced, I was impressed with its functionality, but still a bit disappointed that my iPhone 4 wouldn't be replaced by a larger device. So I did the unthinkable: I purchased the Galaxy S III as soon as it became available. When the phone of my dreams -- the iPhone 5 -- finally became a reality, I simply couldn't stop myself from returning to the iPhone pool, and I'm glad I did. The iPhone 5 is the finest smartphone I've ever owned, and despite being dwarfed by Samsung's best offering in terms of screen size, the fit and finish of Apple's newest iPhone just can't be topped. Of course, if you're on this site already, you probably don't need me to tell you that the iPhone 5 is the cream of the crop, but when it comes to my own purchases in 2012, it's the last thing I'd be willing to part with. Mid 2012 13" MacBook Air (starting at $1199) I've wanted a MacBook Air for a while now, but in 2012 I finally got the chance to own one myself. If you've never used one, it's difficult to explain just how much faster things move on a notebook without a disc-based storage drive. You click and it happens instantly. There's really no going back. But that's only one of the reasons why I adore the Air so much and the rest of the list includes what you might expect from an Apple product, like the notebook's extremely sturdy construction, remarkably thin design, and impressive battery life. Targus Backup Batter for iPad ($60) There are few things that upset me more than having a gadget die when on a trip or in any other situation where I can't immediately recharge it. The Targus Backup Battery for iPad has pulled its weight for me on many occasions, and during long flights it has become an inseparable part of my carry-on gear. The company has a few different backup battery offerings, including ones marketed specifically at smartphone users, but the iPad version is all you'll really need. You can recharge just about anything with it, and I've gotten several full charges for my iPhone 5 out of a single fully-charged Targus unit. Simply outstanding. Fellowes Designer Suites Laptop Arm ($130) As someone who spends his workdays from the comfort (and endless clutter) of a home office, finding organization and productivity solutions isn't as easy as it was when I worked in an actual office. I can't just call and IT or maintenance guy anymore; I have to find what works through trial and error. With my acquisition of a new 2012 MacBook Air earlier in the year, I started looking at various laptop stands and other options that would allow me to use it as an easily-accessible 3rd (or 4th) screen. The Fellowes Laptop Arm is exactly what I needed, and its simple design and sturdy construction are commendable. Add extra touches like a cord organizer and foam grips that don't scratch my new aluminum notebook, and it simply can't be beat. Antec Bias Lighting kit ($13) I get headaches. I get headaches a lot. So, when I get a skull-splitting pain in my brain after sitting at my desk for 10 hours, it's pretty clear that my eyes -- and their torrid relationship with my LCD monitors -- are to blame. To give my peepers a bit of relief, I decided to try out bias lighting. For those of you unacquainted with the concept, bias lighting is the idea that by lighting the wall behind your monitor, your eyes will be less likely to cry foul when staring at them for hours on end. Antec's Bias Lighting kit consists of 6 reasonably bright LEDs on a long adhesive strip. The strip is powered via a USB port, so it's always on when your computer is up and running. I have three of these strips currently in use: One on the back of each of my 24" ASUS monitors, and a third running along the back of my desk, just for good measure. I still get the occasional eye-strain pain after particularly lengthy writing sessions, but I can safely say that my intake of Excedrin has dropped considerably since installing them. If you get computer-related headaches, it's easily worth the price to see if bias lighting works for you. Munitio Nines earphones ($169) Munitio makes high-quality earbuds that you probably won't find at your local discount electronics outlet. The company's "Nines" line is its top-tier offering, and they're totally worth it. I had my Nines for about six months now, and they've gone everywhere with me. In fact, they've even gone some places where other earbuds would have met their demise, including my washing machine, a glass of Sprite, and my cat's jaws. I won't explain how each of those events occurred, but the important part is that they are just as loud and clear as the day I got them. They might be the last pair of earbuds you ever buy. iPhone and iPad apps I use every single one of these almost every day: Angry Birds Star Wars, Amazing Breaker, Bad Piggies, Flick Home Run, TwitchTV, Puffin Web Browser, Starbucks, Letterpress, and TurboScan.
TUAW's Best of 2012 Personal Picks: Kelly Hodgkins
It's the holiday shopping season and many of you are trying to find that perfect gift for the Apple owner in your life. Rather than a plain gift guide to help you navigate the sea of hardware, software and accessories, we decided to bring things down to a personal level and provide individual lists of TUAW's favorite gear. Each writer will share a list of the top items that we bought or used this year. I get to go first, so here is my list: iPad mini (starting at US$329) The iPad mini was criticized in early reviews because it has a non-Retina screen. Yes, I notice a small difference when I switch from the Retina iPad to the mini, but once I start using the mini, it's like any other iPad. I love the portability and the 4G LTE connectivity of the device. And for parents, the size and weight is just perfect for using while you are feeding a baby or holding a sleeping child. Belkin Dot Cover with Stand for the iPad Mini ($39) The iPad mini needs a case and after trying a few from Griffin and Logitech, I decided on the Belkin Dot folio case. It covers the edges of the iPad and gives it some protection in a fall. It also has a solid stand that lets you prop up your iPad mini on your desk. The outer material has a grippy feel, while the inner part is soft to the touch. Fourth-Generation iPad (starting at $499) Though it's not an upgrade that I would recommend for everyone, I did sell my iPad 3 on eBay and used that money to buy an iPad 4. I did this primarily for the Lightning port, so I would only have to travel with one charging cable. The improved performance of the fourth-generation model was an added benefit. ZAGGkeys PROfolio+ Keyboard Case Cover for iPad 2/3/4 I wanted a good keyboard case for my iPad 4 and my latest choice is Zagg's PROfolio + case. The keys on the keyboard are solid and the case has a nice rubber coating that makes it less slippery than leather and a bit more protective in a fall. I also like the backlit keys, which are nice when I am working in a darkened room. The only complaint against this case is that the keyboard part won't fold back flat, so using the iPad on the couch as a tablet requires you to remove the device from the case. iPhone 5 (starting at $199 with contract) I bought the iPhone 5 for its bigger screen and LTE connectivity. I had an available upgrade and am on a shared data plan with free tethering, so buying it to use a stand-alone phone and a WiFi hotspot for my MacBook Pro was a no-brainer. Otterbox Defender Series case for the iPhone 5 ($49) Though the iPhone 5 has shed the glass backing of the iPhone 4/4S, I still need a rugged case as my children are always grabbing my phone. The 1-year-old chews on it, the 3-year-old throws it and the 5-year-old runs into the corner to play Minecraft on it. The Otterbox case provides ample protection for the phone and I'm impressed with the improvements the company has made with its cases over the past few years. They are still bulky, but Otterbox has trimmed them down a bit over the years and has use a more rugged rubber that doesn't stretch or tear as easily. Satechi 10000 mAh Portable Energy Station ($59) I tear through the iPhone 5 battery when I am out and about running errands or traveling. I'm always using the phone to check my to-do list, my grocery list, my email, incoming tweets and so on. When traveling any distance, I use Glympse and Apple Maps for navigation. I need an external power supply like the Satechi to give me those extra hours of usage. As an added bonus, the battery pack will charge the iPhone and iPad at the same time. Wacom Bamboo Stylus Solo ($20) Sometimes I like to use a stylus to write and draw on my iPad. I chose the Bamboo stylus because it has replaceable nibs, which is much needed in a household with children. It only takes a few seconds for a 1-year-old to chew off the end of the stylus, drop it and run. Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera ($549) I needed a DSLR for work and selected the D5100 due to its price and feature set. It's an entry-level DSLR with a price tag of just under $600 with a kit lens. It's RAW-compatible with OS X Mountain Lion and takes video in Mac-friendly MOV format. One of my favorite features is its side-swiveling LCD display which is perfect for those tough angle shots. It's a great all-around camera. A close competitor to the D5100 is the Canon T3i. Panasonic HC-V700M video camera ($449) The V700M from Panasonic is not the most Mac-friendly video camera on the market as it shoots HD video in AVCHD format, which can cause some Macs to go into a panic. I deal with this format by converting the clip to MOV before importing it into iMovie. Despite this drawback, I love the V700M as it has the best zoom feature and image stabilization I have seen on a consumer-level camera. It also has an SD card slot and 16 GB of onboard storage. Kinivo BTH220 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones ($29) For $30, the Kinivos are great for listening to podcasts and videos on your Mac or iOS devices. They are not for audiophiles, but they are perfect for someone who wants an inexpensive set of wireless headphones to have around the house. The Kinivos also support the headset profile so you can use them to send and receive phone calls. iPod nano seventh generation ($149) Last, but not least is the latest iPod nano. I bought this mainly to replace my dying Cowon D2, which I have had for years. I like the small size and the larger screen of the latest nano. The Bluetooth was the clincher. I just had to have the hands-free for exercising on the treadmill. Software that I am digging Here's a list of iOS software that I use on an almost daily basis: WeatherBug Elite, Grocery Gadget, PocketMoney, Scanner Pro, Glympse, LastPass, Total Control Multicam 8 for my baby webcam, Minecraft, in:play for music, Tweetbot, Woot On!, cPRO+ for Craigslist, Camera +, Over, Rdio, CalenGoo, Netflix, Say Anything, Evernote, 2DO, Penultimate, Maxjournal, Amazon Cloud Player, Google Drive, Chronicle Touch Bill Reminders and Dropbox. And now my OS X choices: Fantastical, Alfred, Chronicle Bill Management, Reeder, Dropbox, Image Bucket, Chrome, Fluid, Evernote, Handbrake, iClip, Markdown Pro, Pixelmator, Howler Pro, Snapheal, Textual IRC, TaskNotes, Tweetdeck, Postbox and VLC.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012: smartphones
Welcome to the Engadget holiday gift guide! Picking presents for friends and loved ones is never a simple task, and with thousands of options for each category, buying technology can be an especially frustrating experience. We're here to help. Below you'll find today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. And don't forget to enter our giveaway -- leave a comment for a chance to nab AT&T's LG Optimus G. If you have any gadget junkies in your life, there's a good chance they're craving a new smartphone. Whether you're on a tight budget or have a fat wallet, simply look to our surefire list of the best and most unique mobile devices to place under the tree. But enough with the chatter... let's start shopping!
Holiday Gift Guide: 10 gifts for around 10 bucks
It's a particularly tough time for families across the US right now, so we thought we'd try to find some budget-friendly alternatives for the holiday season. You can, of course, always make your own Apple-themed presents. Philipp Janssen's daughter helped decorate the corner of a MacBook Pro carton to create the fashionable iPhone 5 dock you see at the top-right of this post. You can read about other kid-friendly crafts in this write-up from a couple of years ago. Do you know how hard it is to find Apple-relevant gifts for about 10 bucks or less? Here's a hint. You head over to Google and enter "Apple gifts under $10," and Google will helpfully correct that to "Apple gifts under $100". It's not that Google is making any judgments, it's just darn difficult to track down inexpensive gifts. So frustrating was this, we were getting close to making a list that looked something like the following: $10 iTunes gift card $10 iTunes gift card $10 iTunes gift card $10 iTunes gift card .... Fortunately, a lot of brainstorming, Twitter blegs and hard research helped us track down a variety of gift possibilities. We reserve the right to keep the $10 gift card in our final list, but beyond that thanks go to the whole TUAW staff and everyone who responded on Twitter. 10 Gifts For About 10 Bucks 1. iTunes Gift Card - It's never the wrong gift when you allow the recipient to choose exactly the movies, music, apps and books he or she wants with a gift card. The iTunes Gift Card will never go out of style, and exactly on budget, it's the anchor for our list. 2. Macbook Mirrors - Widely available from numerous vendors on eBay, these little mirrors will set you back anywhere from $2 to $10, often with free shipping. I gave away a bunch of these last year. Steven Sande even "unboxed" his on an episode of TUAW TV Live. They aren't great mirrors, but they are great novelties. Available in both white and "MBA"-silver models. Kelly Guimont says she's ordering one for herself this year. 3. The JOYSTICK-IT Arcade Stick for iPhone - Starting at $8.99, you can add a real physical joystick to your iPhone for retro arcade fun. We reviewed this last year and found it to be more novelty than must-buy, but it can make a cute budget gift. If you want to splurge, the superior iCade Mobile gaming system is now just $17! 4. "PU Leather" case for iPad mini - You can pick up a folding leather case from Deal Extreme for $10.20, with free shipping. We haven't tested this one out but like the built-in folding stand. Deal Extreme offers super-inexpensive items from Hong Kong. I've bought lots from them in the past -- just be aware you're buying low-end goods and adjust your expectations accordingly. A similar case at a similar price, offering a magnetic latch is also available from Monoprice. 5. Touch Screen Stylus - Oleophobic screen or not, sometimes it's nice to use a stylus with your iPad instead of your greasy sweaty finger. This Monoprice stylus three-pack clocks in at $8. You can find similarly priced offerings from a wide range of dealers. 6. iPhone Hoodies - Accessorize your iPhone with the latest fashions. The Hoodie Case shown here started at under $10, although your street cred might be enhanced with one of the more authentic versions, which range up to about $20. 7. iPhone Stand - The well-reviewed Rabbit Mini Portable Stand costs $10 on Amazon. Easy to fold, highly portable, and (most importantly) stable, you can use the unit in both portrait and landscape without blocking the screen. 8. iPhone 4 Cases - At $7.50, you can let out your inner geek as your iPhone goes where no phone case has gone before -- unless it's Dave Caolo's phone case, in which case, been there, done that. To infinity. And beyond. 9. Lens set - Change the way your iPhone sees by adding on a wide-angle or fish-eye lens. Perfect for the amateur photographer, you can play with optics for about $9.25. These lenses reportedly work with most iPhone models. 10. Cufflinks - Know someone going to a wedding? Add a little geek chic to their style. Pick up a pair of novelty iPhone-styled cufflinks for about $7 on eBay. There are a lot of vendors, with a variety of color and model choices. It's just the thing for formal occasions.
'Tis the season: Apple launches holiday gift guide, offers free shipping
Apple launched its annual holiday gift guide that bundles together the best gifts for the Apple owner in your life. The 2012 guide sorts gifts based on device ownership with lists for the iPad, Mac, iPhone and iPod. The iPad page showcases the newly released iPad mini, which Apple says is "the year's biggest gift, only smaller." As was the case in past years, Apple's does not discount the products included in its gift guide, but it does offer free shipping as part of the 2012 promotion. If you are looking for discounts on Apple products, then you will have to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, when Apple usually offers small discounts on select Apple products to kick off the holiday shopping season. Other third-party retailers like Target and Best Buy will also cut prices on Apple products as part of their holiday promotions.
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012
<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.engadget.com/holidaygiftguide2012"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/gg-2013-hedders-home.png"/> </a></div><p>Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide for 2012! You've heard a thousand times how stressful this season is -- and we're not gonna lie, tech gift-giving is no cinch this year. With the recent arrival of <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/30/windows-8-review/">Windows 8</a>, there are a myriad of laptops, tablets and hybrids to choose from, and you're not getting off easy when it comes to other devices, either. A year's worth of stellar new smartphones, 4K TVs, gaming consoles and everything in between are ready to compete for your hard-earned dough. Sound daunting enough? Well, never fear, because we're here to guide you through the gadget storm with our curated collection of top products. And we want to reward you for doing your research: in partnership with AT&T, we'll be giving away one smartphone for each guide. (Look for instructions in each new post.) For now, click on over to our available category pages, and stay tuned for those to come -- identified by a faded link for now.</p><center> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/23/holiday-gift-guide-accessories/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/accessories-1352259542.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/holiday-gift-guide-bags-and-cases/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/bags.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/holiday-gift-guide-camcorders-action-cams/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/camcorder-1352258739.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/holiday-gift-guide-digital-cameras/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/cameras.jpg"/></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/23/holiday-gift-guide-accessories/">Accessories</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/12/holiday-gift-guide-bags-and-cases/">Bags and Cases</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/holiday-gift-guide-camcorders-action-cams/">Camcorders</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/holiday-gift-guide-digital-cameras/">Cameras</a></h5> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/holiday-gift-guide-speakers-and-docks/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/docks.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/reader.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/07/holiday-gift-guide-fun-stuff/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/fun.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/19/holiday-gift-guide-gaming/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/game.jpg"/></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/05/holiday-gift-guide-speakers-and-docks/">Docks</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/holiday-gift-guide-e-readers/">E-readers</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/07/holiday-gift-guide-fun-stuff/">Fun Stuff!</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/19/holiday-gift-guide-gaming/">Gaming</a></h5> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/10/holiday-gift-guide-hdtv-and-home-theater/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/07/bts2011tv.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/holiday-gift-guide-mainstream-laptops/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/laptop-1352260871.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/03/holiday-gift-guide-portable-audio/"><img alt="DNP Engadget's back to school guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/07/aiaiai-capital-concrete-grey.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-smartphones/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/phone.jpg"/></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/10/holiday-gift-guide-hdtv-and-home-theater/">HDTV</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/holiday-gift-guide-mainstream-laptops/">Laptops</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/03/holiday-gift-guide-portable-audio/">Portable Audio</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/21/holiday-gift-guide-smartphones/">Smartphones</a></h5> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> <td> <font color="white">.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/16/holiday-gift-guide-tablets/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/tab.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/12/holiday-gift-guide-ultraportables/"><img alt="Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/11/port.jpg"/></a></td> <td style="text-align:center;"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> </h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/16/holiday-gift-guide-tablets/">Tablets</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/12/holiday-gift-guide-ultraportables/">Ultraportables</a></h5> </td> <td style="text-align:center;"> <h5> </h5> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table></center>
