Find the best HDTVs, laptops, smartphones and some surprise goodies to give this year
Didn’t get all your holiday shopping done on Black Friday? Not to worry: We’re here to help you find the perfect gifts for the technology lovers on your list.
This year we thought we’d try something different by asking Computerworld readers what they want to receive for the holidays. Your top five responses were HDTVs, e-readers, laptops, netbooks and smartphones, so we’re focusing most of our gift guide on those five product types.
But we couldn’t stop there. We’ve also got a “More great gifts” category with 10 more presents that we found too cool, luxurious or just plain useful to leave out.
We’ve done our best to provide all the info you’ll need to buy these products, including how much you can expect to pay for each one. Note that prices fluctuate constantly, particularly as manufacturers and retailers have sales throughout December, but you should get a general idea of how much each product costs. Whether you’re shopping online or in a store, check to be sure you’re getting the most recent model of any product. As always, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Now, let the drooling begin!
HDTVs for the rest of us
The No. 1 item on Computerworld readers’ wish list for the holidays is a new HDTV, and who can blame you? Just because there’s a recession on doesn’t mean we don’t want to watch movies, sports and our favorite shows on a glorious, crystal-clear flat-panel display. The good news is that high-quality HDTVs are more affordable than ever. Former luxuries such as “full HD” 1080p resolution are now widely available in moderately priced models, bringing incredible viewing experiences within reach of ordinary budgets.
We won’t take a stand on the LCD vs. plasma debate here, especially because many of the noticeable differences between the two have lessened as new technologies have been introduced. For example, LCDs have traditionally had trouble keeping up with fast-action sequences in movies and games, but refresh rates of 120Hz or higher are available in many newer models and have, in many cases, brought them on par with plasma.
Not all differences have been erased, of course: LCDs still weigh less and tend to be more energy efficient, while plasma TVs still offer a wider viewing angle and are generally better at showing deep blacks and rich color saturation. (New LED-backlighting technology in LCDs alleviates the color-saturation shortcomings, but it’s expensive and manufacturers are still figuring out the best way to implement it — best to wait a year or two before purchasing an LED-backlit LCD.)
Bottom line: Some folks prefer plasma, some prefer LCD, so we’re recommending one of each. You can find much cheaper and much pricier models than these — this holiday season may include some real bargains — but they represent the sweet spot of quality and value.
(Oh, and once you’ve brought your new HDTV home, see “How to Install Your HDTV” for help setting it up.)
Samsung LN40B650 40-in. 1080p LCD HDTV
With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution, the LN40B650 offers a sharp, crisp image. In fact, PC World named this 40-inch model “tops in overall picture quality” of all HDTVs tested this year. (Samsung’s LNB650 series also includes 32-in., 37-in., 46-in., 55-in. and monster 65-in. models with 1080p resolution.)
It’s easy to set up and use, with excellent sound and a striking design — the red-tinged black bezel and transparent pedestal make it stand out from the crowd. This TV has fully embraced the Internet, giving you direct access to a variety of online content through your broadband router. PC World reviewer Lincoln Spector explains:
The LN40B650 makes good use of its Ethernet port. Once you’ve connected the TV to your router, you can enjoy Twitter, YouTube, an assortment of Yahoo widgets (Video, News, Sports, Flickr, and so on), and games such as Sudoku. The YouTube interface is intelligently designed. Unfortunately, the set lacks support for Netflix, though Samsung recently rolled out support for Amazon’s and Blockbuster’s streaming services. (See the full review)
The list price for the 40-inch LN40B650 is $1,500, but it’s widely available from various retailers for $1,050 to $1,300.
LN40B650 HDTV from Samsung
Street price: $1,050 – $1,300 | Tech specs
Phone: 800-SAMSUNG (800-726-7864)
Summary: Top-notch picture quality, ease of use and excellent Internet connectivity make Samsung’s LN40B650 LCD HDTV a sure bet.
Panasonic Viera TC-P50G10 50-in. 1080p plasma HDTV
If it’s plasma you’re after, Panasonic’s 50-in. TC-P50G10 model offers a superb THX-certified 1080p display with sharp images, rich color saturation and the blackest of blacks. (The Viera G10 series is available in sizes ranging from 42 to 54 inches.)
The G10 is easy to set up and is attractive as well, trumping basic black models by adding a dusting of silver along the bottom bezel. And like Samsung, Panasonic is highly focused on Internet connectivity: The G10 features Panasonic’s Viera Cast service, which includes access to YouTube, weather info, Bloomberg stocks and headlines, your Picasa photos, and Amazon Video on Demand.
The Viera TC-P50G10 lists for $1,600 but can be found at a street price of $1,250 to $1,550. While you can certainly find 50-in. plasmas for less, the G10’s superior image quality make the slightly higher expenditure worth it.
Viera TC-P50G10 HDTV from Panasonic Corporation of North America
Street price: $1,250 – $1,550 | Tech specs
Phone: 800-211-PANA (800-211-7262)
Summary: With rich colors and deep blacks, the Panasonic Viera TC-P50G10 plasma HDTV offers a superb picture at a price that won’t break the bank.
— Valerie Potter
E-readers erupt into the market
Although the original Kindle is now two years old, e-readers started really taking off in 2009, and are bound to be a popular item among the digerati this year. These mobile devices use a technology called e-ink, which mimics the look of ink on paper. These e-readers are not only very easy to use, but they’re much easier on the eyes than the typical computer or smartphone screen.
The leader in this category is, no doubt, the Kindle, which offers readers a wireless connection to Amazon’s huge storehouse of books. However, there are some strong alternatives out there. For example, Sony has several readers available, ranging from the small and inexpensive Pocket Edition to the Touch Edition, which boasts a touch screen — but not the wireless connection to a bookstore that the Kindle includes.
Another contender here is Barnes & Noble’s Nook, which includes Wi-Fi, an online store, a touch screen and a color navigation display. It also allows readers to lend their e-books to friends, with some limitations. Finally, owners of the iPhone and other recent smartphones are opting to bypass e-ink and use apps such as Kindle for iPhone to get their reading done.
As with many of today’s devices, which you choose will depend on what you’re looking for in an e-reader.
Amazon’s Kindle 2 has improved on its predecessor with a better screen, slightly more efficient (and thinner) design, a built-in PDF reader and text-to-speech. It retains the built-in and free Sprint 3G wireless connection, along with Amazon’s incredible selection of books. According to PC World reviewer Melissa J. Perenson:
In the e-book universe, the Kindle retains a significant edge. Offering built-in Sprint 3G wireless (at no extra cost to users) and tight integration with Amazon’s shopping engine, the Kindle handheld delivers a cohesive reading and shopping experience (even the Kindle for iPhone application doesn’t allow you to shop within the app itself). Its nearest competitor, Sony’s PRS-700 Reader, can’t come close: Amazon’s library of Kindle e-books, all available for immediate delivery, gives new meaning to the concept of instant gratification. (See the full review)
Kindle 2 from Amazon.com Inc.
Price: $259 | Tech specs | Phone: 866-216-1072
Summary: Amazon’s Kindle e-reader is still top in its field and makes books ridiculously easy to purchase via its free 3G wireless network.
One thing that the Kindle lacks — and that this Sony e-reader offers — is a touch screen, allowing readers to page through a book or tap on an icon in a more natural manner than having to push buttons. (The Sony Daily Edition, a $400 device which will have its own 3G wireless connection to Sony’s eBook Store, is due to ship later in December). PC World reviewer Yardena Arar writes:
The Sony Reader Touch Edition (PRS-600) is Sony’s new flagship e-book reader, offers something we haven’t seen in previous Sony Readers: a touch screen and stylus for navigating and for creating drawings and handwritten notes. Whether this innovation enhances the e-book experience is open to debate, but the overall quality of the product is not: Except for its lack of wireless connectivity for purchasing books without connecting to a PC, the Touch Edition is a worthy competitor to Amazon’s Kindles. (See the full review)
Reader Touch Edition from Sony Electronics Inc.
Street price: $275 – $300 | Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 877-865-7669
Summary: The Sony Reader Touch Edition offers a more naturalistic feel to its e-reader, along with a lighter feel and access to a wider range of document formats.
Barnes & Noble’s Nook is the latest e-book reader to hit the market, and it adds a bit of color to the mix. The Nook includes the now-expected 3G wireless network (this one from AT&T), a color touch screen that lets you swipe through titles or use a virtual keyboard, and the ability to “lend” out books by sending them to another Nook for up to 14 days. PC World’s Jared Newman writes:
The things you’d expect in an e-reader — Wi-Fi, an online book store, the ability to mark up what you read with notes — are paired with things that haven’t yet become the standard, such as a touch screen, a color navigation display and way to lend e-books to friends. If any e-reader illustrates how badly the Kindle needs a redesign, not just a price cut, this is it. (See the full review)
As of this writing, the Nook hadn’t shipped yet, but it’s already sold out — Barnes & Noble will, however, sell you a holiday certificate promising a device as soon as it’s ready.
Nook from Barnes & Noble Inc.
Price: $259 | Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 800-843-2665
Summary: The new Nook, from Barnes & Noble, brings color browsing to the e-book market, giving it the potential to be a real competitor to the reigning Kindle.
— Barbara Krasnoff
Laptops galore
Know someone on your gift list with a clunky old notebook computer that’s barely wheezing along? A brand new laptop will put a spring in her step and a smile on her face. To cover both sides of the OS Mason-Dixon line, we’re recommending both PCs and Macs in a range of laptop categories: ultra-slim, all-purpose and entertainment. (If you’re looking for netbooks, go to the next section of the gift guide.)
Thin and in
Nothing says “I’m important” like carrying around a super-sleek, ultra-slim notebook. These laptops are for people who want to impress, who value style and portability over computing power. With crisp 13-in. displays, full-sized keyboards and 3-pound chassis that are less than an inch thick, they’re perfect for on-the-go pros who need bigger screens, more oomph and more panache than a netbook can provide.
Mac: Apple MacBook Air
This is the computer that set the svelte computing standard, and it’s still the one to beat, as shown by the growing list of competitors claiming to be the “MacBook Air killer.”
While the earliest January 2008 models were underpowered and extravagantly expensive, today’s Airs give a lot more bang for the buck. The $1,500 entry-level Air comes with a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, a native 1280 x 800 display and a 120GB SATA hard drive. The $1,800 model offers the same RAM and graphics with a 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and a 128GB SSD.
Even these specs aren’t terribly impressive, though: This is still Apple’s slowest computer, and the skinny-minnie design means no optical drive and a dearth of ports and connectors. But that may not matter, as Macworld’s Jason Snell explains:
I love the MacBook Air because it’s a full pound and a half lighter than the next-lightest Apple laptop. The MacBook Air is designed for people who appreciate the fact that this Mac laptop weighs 3 pounds and measures .76 inches at its thickest point, and are willing to sacrifice all sorts of other features for that lightness. (See the full review)
Sound like anyone on your gift list?
MacBook Air from Apple Inc.
Street price: $1,400 – $1,800 or configure at Apple site
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 800-MY-APPLE
Summary: The MacBook Air still sets the standard for svelte computing that makes a statement.
PC: HP Envy 13
HP’s aptly named Envy 13 is a worthy PC alternative to the MacBook Air. (Indeed, some have accused HP of following Apple’s lead a little too closely in designing the Envy.) Like the Air and other slim laptops, the Envy skimps on ports and leaves out the optical drive but does have a touchpad with multitouch functionality.
Slightly thicker and heavier than the Air, the Envy is nevertheless sleek and drool-worthy, as PC World’s Darren Gladstone notes:
The Envy is an eye-catcher. Every place I popped open the laptop to try to get some work done — even near the Macworld zone in the office — people couldn’t help but crane necks to check it out. … This handsome laptop isn’t so much a tribute as it is a poke in Apple’s eye saying, “We can design similarly sleek, sexy machines…and maybe charge people a little more.” (See the full review)
Also of note is HP’s Instant On Linux interface, which gives you immediate access to a few basics such as the Web and your photos and MP3s without waiting for the normal Windows boot process.
The Envy comes with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics and is configurable with a 1.6GHz, 1.86GHz or 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor; 3GB or 5GB of RAM; and a 250GB SATA hard drive or a 160GB SSD. The 1366 x 768 resolution LED-backlit display can also be upgraded to 1600 x 900. The price starts at $1,700; choosing the highest configuration options sends the price soaring upwards of $2,500. (There’s also a $1,900 non-configurable Quick-ship model that HP guarantees will ship the same day.)
HP Envy 13 from Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Street price: $1,700 – $2,200 or configure at HP site
Tech specs | Phone: 888-999-4747
Summary: The eye-catching HP Envy 13 is a gift that’s sure to impress.
All-purpose
For a more practical gift, how about a good, solid, all-purpose laptop? We’ve found that notebooks with 14- to 15-in. displays hit the sweet spot between viewability and portability, and there are excellent options on both the Mac and the PC sides.
Over the summer, Apple did something drastic. Not only did it refresh its flagship MacBook Pro line with better features and hardware — including faster processors, more RAM, updated LED screens and juiced-up batteries — but it dropped prices at the same time.
Computerworld reviewer Ken Mingis has details:
The 15-in. model now comes in three varieties, all of them with 4GB of RAM — which you can double to 8GB for a hefty $1,000 — and hard drives with between 250GB and 500GB of space, or solid-state disk drives of 128GB or 256GB. For $300 more, the 2.8GHz model can be ordered with a 3.06GHz chip — the first time Apple has offered a processor beyond 3GHz in a laptop. (See the full review)
The 15-in. MacBook Pro weighs 5.5 pounds and features a bright LED-backlit 15.4-in. display with native 1440 x 900 resolution, along with Apple’s hallmark design details: aluminum ‘unibody’ chassis, multitouch trackpad and backlit keyboard. The entry-level model, which includes integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip, costs $1,700; the $2,000 midrange model includes the Nvidia GeForce 9400M plus a separate 9600M GT GPU with 256MB of discrete video RAM; and the high-end model starts at $2,300 and includes the same dual-GPU setup with 512MB of video RAM.
If that’s too rich for your blood, consider the 13-in. MacBook Pro. You’ll get a smaller screen with 1280 x 800 resolution, but the 13-incher weighs a pound less than its 15-in sibling and starts at an affordable $1,200 for the entry-level model with a 2.26GHz processor and 2GB RAM.
15-in. MacBook Pro from Apple Inc.
Street price: $1,600 – $2,400 or configure at Apple site
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 800-MY-APPLE
Summary: The 15-in. MacBook Pro stuffs some serious hardware into a modestly sized, well-designed package.
All-purpose PC: Lenovo ThinkPad T400s
Lenovo’s ThinkPad T400s is a light and compact all-purpose machine, weighing 4 pounds and measuring just 0.8 inches thick.
Nevertheless, it squeezes in a lot:
• An excellent LED-backlit 14.1-in. screen with native 1440 x 900 resolution
• A 2.4GHz Intel Core2 Duo processor (2.53GHz also available)
• 2GB RAM (configurable up to 8GB)
• Integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
• A 120GB hard drive (250GB hard drive or 64GB or 128GB SSD also available)
• A fingerprint reader
• Two navigation systems — the old-school ThinkPad “eraser” nub and a textured touchpad
And ports! Let PC World’s Darren Gladstone tell you about the ports:
This model is literally lined with ports. Whether it’s the five-in-one flash card reader or the space allotted for a 9.5mm DVD-ROM burner (or Blu-ray option), this machine has you covered. It even has stuff that might seem like overkill, such as VGA and a DisplayPort option, but even that gives you the opportunity to plug in two monitors. I’m personally a big fan of the built-in USB/eSATA port, which is perfect for high-speed data jockeys. (See the full review)
The T400s starts at $1,600 and goes up to around $3,000 with all the bells and whistles. One option to skip for now is the new touch-screen functionality, which adds $250 to the bottom line but still has some kinks to be worked out.
Lenovo ThinkPad T400s from Lenovo
Street price: $1,200 – $2,300 or configure at Lenovo site
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 866-96-THINK
Summary: The deceptively small ThinkPad T400s performs well and packs in a host of welcome features.
Entertainment
If your giftee’s goal is to watch multimedia on a laptop, you’ll want to get a model with great graphics and a large, crisp display with a native 1920 x 1080 resolution for playing HD content. Try these.
Subject to the same summer price drops as its smaller brethren, the 17-in. MacBook Pro now starts at $2,500. Apple’s largest laptop includes a 2.8GHz or 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 4 or 8GB RAM, dual graphics processors (Nvidia GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT GPU with 512MB of discrete video RAM), a 500GB hard drive or a 128 or 256GB SSD, and an 8-hour battery, as well as Apple’s usual aluminum unibody chassis, backlit keyboard and multitouch trackpad.
But the real star is the gorgeous screen, as Macworld’s Dan Frakes points out:
Along with its aluminum unibody enclosure and impressively long-life battery, the laptop’s flagship feature is its 17-inch, mercury-free, LED-backlit display. Sporting a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution, the screen is protected behind a thin sheet of arsenic-free glossy glass. The screen seems enormous, especially if you’re used to a 13- or 15-inch model, making it great for working with multiple windows or applications simultaneously.
Not to mention watching movies. To cut down on distracting reflections on the glossy screen, consider getting the special antiglare display for $50 more.
17-in. MacBook Pro from Apple Inc.
Street price: $2,300 – $2,900 or configure at Apple site
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 800-MY-APPLE
Summary: With a large, eye-popping screen, Apple’s 17-in. MacBook Pro lets you watch multimedia in style.
Sporting a 15.6- or 16-in. display with edge-to-edge glass and optional leather padding on the lid, Dell’s Studio XPS 16 is unquestionably showy on the outside. Fortunately, it backs up the bling with great graphics and solid value, as PC World’s Darren Gladstone notes:
Dell’s Studio XPS 16 is squarely aimed at people who want to get a little more for their entertainment buck; it’s a solidly built multimedia machine that piles on features without breaking the bank. Dell’s Studio XPS 16 looks to be a solid choice for gaming and movies, as well as getting the job done, while keeping costs within reason.
(See the full review)
The Studio XPS 16 starts at just $1,000, but for the best multimedia performance you’ll want a super-fast Intel Core i7-720QM quad-core processor (the Core i7-820QM is also available); 6GB shared dual-channel RAM (upgradeable to 8GB); a 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 graphics processor; a 500GB, 7,200 rpm hard drive for storing media files (128 and 256GB SSDs also available); a Blu-ray Disc player; and native 1920 x 1080 resolution on the 16-in. RGB LED display with edge-to edge glass. Normally more than $2,300, this configuration is currently on sale for around $2,000 at Dell’s Web site.
Dell Studio XPS 16 from Dell
Street price: $1,000 – $2,800 or configure at Dell site
Tech specs | Phone: 800-WWW-DELL
Summary: Dell’s showy Studio XPS 16 offers excellent multimedia features for less than you’d expect.
— Valerie Potter
Netbooks keep rolling
Two years after Asus first introduced its Eee PC 701, the netbook marketplace is packed with possibilities — so many that it can be hard to decide which is best. If you’re looking for an inexpensive portable computer, you can go for the standard specs: an Intel Atom processor, 160GB hard drive, 10.1-inch display and a cost of under $400.
However, there are a number of netbooks out there that are pushing the envelope with SSDs, larger hard drives or larger displays. At what point does a netbook stop being a netbook and start being a small notebook? There’s no hard and fast rule.
What is a good rule to shop by is to look at the features that are important to your giftee. Does he need a larger keyboard than the usual netbook offers? A better display? Or just a usable netbook that’s lightweight and cheap?
While there are many solid netbooks available this season, several stand out from the rest. For example, the Asus Eee PC 1101HA offers a slightly larger 11.6-inch screen and over 8 hours of battery life.
Addicted gamers who need something to carry with them may want to look at the HP Mini 311, whose Nvidia Ion LE GPU pushes video performance to something near tolerable (most netbooks seem to run at about 30 mph). And two netbooks, the Samsung N120 and the Toshiba mini NB205, impressed our reviewers with their all-around netbook goodness.
This netbook is nicknamed “The Seashell” for its glossy finish and curves, but there’s more to it than externals. It features an 11.6-inch display capable of 1366 x 768 widescreen visuals, a claimed 11 hours of battery life and 802.11n Wi-Fi; it weighs slightly over 3 pounds. You may not need that second notebook.
PC World’s editorial team wrote:
This well-designed, slimline netbook stands out for its excellent keyboard and touchpad, and for its clear, bright, 11.6-inch screen. Its battery life rocks, too, at over 8 hours. Though this model isn’t the fastest we’ve tested, its overall handling impressed us.
(See the full review)
In other words, this is one Seashell that is worth collecting, especially if you want something that’s both easy to use and easy on the eyes.
Eee PC 1101HA from ASUSTek Computer Inc.
Street price: $330 – $430 | Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 510-739-3777
Summary: A good-looking netbook that offers a great display, long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard for about $400 — not a bad deal.
If your gift recipient is a gamer or depends on a netbook to stay entertained during long plane flights, you may want to check out the HP Mini 311.
Why? Because it includes an 11.6-inch HD display along with the Nvidia Ion video processor, which, according to reviewer Darren Gladstone, makes it possible to play your favorite games on a normally slow netbook:
Commuting to work this morning, I was playing Left 4 Dead on HP’s Mini 311-1000NR — that’s right, on a netbook. Few netbooks are up to that task, and HP is first to market with an Nvidia Ion-based portable. The 3.22-pound, 11.4-by-8.0-by-1.2-inch Mini 311-1000NR has a reasonable amount of power and a $399 asking price.
Of course, the Ion graphics processor also speeds up videos, so this is a perfect gift for the media maven in your family.
HP Mini 311-1000NR from Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Street price: $400 – $500 | Tech specs (PDF) | Phone: 888-999-4747
Summary: The HP Mini 311 is a good bet for gamers and video fans who don’t want to drag around a full-sized notebook.
The Samsung N120 is a fine all-around 10.1-inch netbook with a comfortable keyboard and good video and audio. It comes in blue (N120-13GBL), black (N120-12GBK) and white (N120-12GW) models; the blue model offer 9 hours of battery life while the black and white models only claim 6 hours; except for that, and a slightly higher price on the blue model, they seem to be identical.
PC World reviewer James A. Martin bought one for himself:
The Samsung N120 is a pleasure to use. You can type for hours without causing your hands to throb. The battery will keep powering the netbook for nearly a full day of work, depending on use. You can watch video downloaded from iTunes or other sources without dropped frames or jerky motion. The screen is legible (though a bit too reflective) on a sunny day at the park. People I talked to in Skype video chats said the quality of my video and audio was mostly excellent. And though it’s a bit bigger than some 10.1-inch netbooks, the N120 will fit easily into most small bags. (See the full review)
This low-cost netbook is so useful that you may want to get an extra one for yourself.
Street price: $320 – $460 | Tech specs | Phone: 800-SAMSUNG (800-726-7864)
Summary: The Samsung N120 offers good all-around netbooking, including a comfortable keyboard and easy-to-view display, at a good price.
Toshiba’s mini NB205 includes the standard Atom processor, 1GB of memory, 10.1-inch display and 160MB hard drive — but it also sports a good-looking exterior, a bright, clear display and a very comfortable keyboard, as noted in my review for Computerworld:
First, the 10.4 x 7.6 x 1.3-inch Toshiba is very stylish, with a sleek, textured skin (which resists fingerprints, something that other netbooks could do well to copy) and a slim, streamlined design. The power key, located in the center of the hinge between the keyboard and the display, glows a rather eerie but pleasing lavender. But more importantly, the NB205 has one of the best keyboards I’ve ever used on a netbook.
Netbooks have been dissed for their small, badly designed keyboards, so if you have a giftee who has bigger-than-usual hands — or just somebody who types a lot — this might be the one to go for.
mini NB205 from Toshiba America Information Systems
Street price: $314 – $450
Tech specs (PDF) | Store locator | Phone: 800-TOSHIBA (800-867-4422)
Summary: Toshiba’s mini NB205 can get you netbooking quickly and easily at an
easy-to-digest price.
— Barbara Krasnoff
Smartphones for the smart set
Currently, the two stars of the smartphone show are the Apple iPhone 3GS, the reigning champion, and the Motorola Droid, the top contender. The iPhone is, of course, the market leader, although its association with AT&T (not a favorite service with many callers) is a major drawback. The Droid, which uses Google‘s Android 2.0 OS and is allied with Verizon Wireless, boasts a slightly larger display and a pull-out keyboard, but that may not be enough to win against the iPhone’s ease of use and huge range of available applications.
Since your giftee is going to be paying the monthly bills (unless you’re being really generous), you may want to find out which phone service they like before making a choice. Fans of other services such as T-Mobile and Sprint have some good options as well.
(Note: While we list the prices for new devices direct from the manufacturers, there are some bargains that can often be found by going through stores such as Best Buy; sometimes you can also find refurbished units for a lower price.)
Apple iPhone 3GS (AT&T — iPhone OS)
In the same way that the MacBook Air spurred the appearance of super-thin, high-style notebooks, the Apple iPhone has led the way in smartphone design.
The iPhone’s bright 3.5-inch multi-touch display, 3-megapixel still/video camera, 3G/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections and awe-inspiring Apps Store make it one of the most useful mobile tools available today. Macworld’s Jason Snell writes:
Yes, the launch of the original iPhone two years ago has spurred phone development, so now some legitimate contenders are beginning to approach the iPhone in terms of functionality. Apple will need to keep innovating to keep ahead of that competition.
But as of right now, the best smartphone on the planet is the iPhone 3GS. Unless you simply can’t abide AT&T’s service or coverage in your area, the iPhone 3GS is the best choice around. (See the full review)
Of course, if your giftee is one of those who demands the bleeding edge, you may want to hold off for a while — rumor has it that the Apple iPhone 4G is on its way next summer.
iPhone 3GS from Apple Inc.
Price: $199 (16GB) or $299 (32GB) with two-year AT&T wireless service contract
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 800-MY-APPLE
Summary: The iPhone made having a smartphone a lifestyle choice — and it could be the right choice for your giftee.
Motorola Droid (Verizon Wireless — Android OS)
While a number of smartphones have claimed to be an “iPhone killer,” the first with any real claim to the title is Motorola’s Droid, a 6-oz. powerhouse that offers a 3.7-in. 480 x 854 screen, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3G/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, GPS — and a strong association with Google, since it uses Google’s Android 2.0 operating system. (Making this the perfect phone for the Google fan.)
And while the Android Market doesn’t yet have the huge number of apps that Apple’s Apps Store boasts, it’s doing its best to catch up. Computerworld’s David Haskin took his Droid on the road:
Did the Droid put an end to my iPhone envy? Absolutely. Sure, there are a few things that could stand improvement. Sideloading music should be easier, particularly from a Mac. And I can’t wait for the number of apps in the Android Market to grow. But it has four significant features that the iPhone can’t match: built-in turn-by-turn GPS, multitasking, a superior display and a keyboard. And, like the iPhone, the Droid is powerful and elegantly intuitive to use. Better still, it’s fun.
For many people, the keyboard seems to be the telling factor. While some users have reported disappointment with its feel, others find it practically a necessity.
Droid from Motorola Inc.
Price: $200 ($300 minus $100 rebate) with two-year Verizon Wireless service contract
Tech specs | Phone: 800-256-4646 (Verizon Wireless)
Summary: Motorola’s Droid may be Google’s answer to Apple’s iPhone — and will be welcome to Verizon customers.
Palm Pre (Sprint — WebOS)
Palm used to dominate the PDA market when phones were phones and PDAs were the way you checked your schedule. While the iPhone OS and Android currently have center stage, Palm’s WebOS and its Palm Pre smartphone have attracted some attention as well for their ease of use and nice design.
The Pre offers a BlackBerry-like slide-out keyboard, a 3.1-in. display and some very snazzy software. It also offers the Touchstone ($70), a base that charges the phone when you just place the Pre on top of it. Computerworld’s Brian Nadel found some other advantages as well:
I love that the Touchstone doubles as a stand for either horizontal or vertical viewing of the Pre. And when the Pre is in the Touchstone base, calls are automatically set to speakerphone mode. Pick up the phone and it’s changed back to handset mode. This is so convenient that I think I’ll dump my clunky landline speakerphone. Unlike the iPhone’s $50 dock, though, the Touchstone can’t synchronize with a computer.
Price: $150 ($250 minus $100 rebate) with two-year Sprint wireless service contract
Tech specs | Phone: 800-881-7256
Summary: Palm offers Sprint users a feature-filled easy-to-use OS along with a well-designed device (and a snazzy base).
HTC Touch Pro2 (T-Mobile — Windows Mobile)
Although you may not want to remind your friends about business during the holidays, there’s nothing wrong with buying them a smartphone that will also impress their boss. The HTC Touch Pro2 is not only a great mobile phone, but it includes some features that will make the office an easier place to be.
For example, the speakerphone that comes with the Touch Pro2 has the kind of clarity and volume that you don’t expect from a mobile phone — and if you’re on a call and put the phone down, it will automatically go into speaker mode. It also comes with a responsive touch screen and a comfortable slide-out keyboard. Dan Nystedt from the IDG News Service explains:
The keypad slides out from under the screen, and the screen can tilt to a nice angle for keying in messages. I was able to tap messages quickly and comfortably, despite my big thumbs, thanks to the spacious lettering on the keypad. The raised keys are spaced apart and are large for a mobile phone. They also click when you have tapped a letter so you know the letter has been typed. (See the full review)
The HTC Touch Pro2 comes loaded with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, so it will work smoothly with Microsoft Office and other apps. If you’re interested in the Touch Pro2, but not in T-Mobile, it’s also available through a variety of other service providers.
HTC Touch Pro2 from HTC Corp.
Price: $350 with two-year T-Mobile wireless service contract
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 425-679-5318
Summary: If you want to buy a solid smartphone for a Windows user who needs a business tool, the HTC Touch Pro2 is a good choice.
— Barbara Krasnoff
More great gifts
We couldn’t resist including 10 more gifts that fall outside our five main categories. Here you’ll find everything from lovely extravagances to simple stocking stuffers. These gifts are in no particular order, other than that the pricier items are toward the beginning and the less expensive items are toward the end.
ContourHD Camcorder
The Flip UltraHD and other inexpensive camcorders are all very well, but if you’ve got friends or family members who are into skiing, snowboarding, parachuting or just bicycling along a mountain path, you’re going to want something that’s rugged, well-constructed and hands-off. The ContourHD Camcorder is made for sports enthusiasts who want a record of their adventures.
The 4.3-oz. camera comes with a variety of mounts so that it can hang off goggles, helmets, handlebars or the side of a car. It uses a large, easy-to-handle-with-gloves-on sliding button that turns it on and off, and dual lasers let users align the 180-degree rotating lens so it’s pointing where they want it to point. According to vendor Twenty20, the ContourHD is water, shock, vibration and impact resistant, and the rechargeable battery will provide up to 3 hours of shooting time.
There are currently two models: the ContourHD ($280) for casual users and the ContourHD1080p ($330) for video mavens who want to get the absolute highest-quality shots.
And if you want to see what kind of video we’re talking about, check out the ContourHD community site — it features a bunch of user-uploaded videos that make you feel as if you were there (and, in some cases, grateful that you weren’t).
— Barbara Krasnoff
ContourHD from Twenty20 Inc.
Price: $280 | Tech specs | Phone: 866-397-6920
Summary: Show off your adventurous spirit with this rugged, wearable camcorder.
Looking for something unique to give this year? How about a personal portrait of your giftee’s DNA pattern? DNA 11 extracts the DNA from a sample you send in, places it on a gel, captures an image from the gel, enhances and customizes the image with colors you choose, and prints it on canvas. The original DNA sample is destroyed.
Prices start at $199 for an 8 x 10-in. Mini DNA Portrait framed in glass; full-sized DNA Portraits start at $390 and quickly go up as you choose larger sizes and other options. For instance, a signed 36 x 54-in. gallery-stretched DNA Portrait for one person, along with a downloadable high-resolution digital version of the image, costs $890.
Split-screen DNA Portraits for 2 to 4 people are also available starting at $650. And if you’re not wild about the look of the DNA Portraits, DNA 11 also offers Fingerprint Portraits starting at $190 and Kiss Portraits starting at $290.
Of course, you’ll need to collect a DNA sample before the portrait can be made. This might ruin the surprise, as it’s rather hard to swab the inside of someone’s mouth without attracting her attention. Fortunately, you can simply send a gift box containing a DNA-collection kit or even a gift certificate to leave all the choices to the giftee.
— Valerie Potter
DNA Art Portraits from DNA 11 Inc.
Price: $200 – $1,400 | How it works | Phone: 866-619-9574
Summary: Celebrate your giftee’s individuality with a unique DNA Art Portrait.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-cancelling headphones
Having been a big fan of the industry-leading Bose QuietComfort headphones for many years, I’ve tried and rejected many other noise-cancelling models. Then I put Audio-Technica’s QuietPoint ATH-ANC7b to the test in several settings over a two-month period. I found them to be the first headphones that rival the Bose models in comfort, noise-cancelling ability and sound quality.
Here’s the kicker: The going street price for the ATH-ANC7b ($150 – $200) is significantly less than the comparable $300 Bose QuietComfort 15 set.
So are there any trade-offs? Not many. Both models have cushy foam ear covers and headbands, but the Bose product is a bit cushier with softer ear cups. The ATH-ANC7b is slightly bigger overall, but not by enough to matter. Both models use a single AAA battery and sport an on/off button. Unlike the QuietComfort 15, the ANT-ANC7b lets you listen to music with the power switch in the off position; however, the sound quality is noticeably degraded. Both come with a zip case containing essential converters; the Bose case is slightly smaller when all zipped up, while the Audio-Technica case offers a bit more storage for extra stuff.
In short, the differences between these two products are negligible. But the Audio-Technica headphones are the clear value leader and would make an excellent gift for any frequent flier.
— Scot Finnie
ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-cancelling Headphones from Audio-Technica U.S. Inc.
Street price: $150 – $200 | Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 800-329-8628
Summary: Get top-of-the-line noise cancelling, sound and comfort — for significantly less than the market-leading headphones.
Okay, you know and I know that it’s nearly impossible to track all the store receipts, bills, notes, business cards and other assorted pieces of paper that we collect over the course of a typical week. If you’re really, really organized, you might be able to produce them again when tax time rolls around. Or, if you’re a normal person, you can just get yourself — or the person in your household who handles the budget — the NeatReceipts mobile scanner and digital filing system.
The NeatReceipts package consists of a sleek 10.6-oz. USB-powered scanner and accompanying software. You simply feed your documents through the scanner, and the software (there are separate packages for PCs and Macs) uses OCR to read the documents, pull out relevant information and organize the data in a database that will let you easily check your expenses, contacts or tax records. It’s amazingly quick and simple; if you’ve been on a shopping trip, just pull out your receipts and feed them into the scanner, and you’ve got a record of what you bought and when. It’s not a bad business-card tracker either.
If your giftee is a serious business player, you might want to upgrade from the $200 mobile scanner to a more heavy-duty device: the $400 NeatDesk package offers a scanner equipped with an automatic document feeder, two-sided scanning and the ability to handle up to 50 letter-sized documents at a time.
— Barbara Krasnoff
NeatReceipts from The Neat Company
Price: $200 | Tech specs | Phone: 866-632-8732
Summary: Know someone who needs a little help tracking bills and receipts? NeatReceipts can help keep him organized.
Know someone who needs to take a lot of notes in business meetings, interviews, classes or elsewhere? Give her a leg up with Livescribe’s Pulse Smartpen, which does triple duty as an ordinary pen, a voice recorder and a digital record keeper.
The Pulse Smartpen’s embedded infrared camera tracks and records your pen strokes as you write on Livescribe’s digital paper, and it simultaneously records audio. Just tap your notes to have the pen play back what was being said at the time. Later you can upload your notes and audio to any computer running Windows 7, Vista or XP SP3, or Mac OS X 10.5.5 or later; if you like, you can even share them online via the Livescribe Community or Facebook.
The Pulse pens come in two models: the $170 2GB pen holds about 200 hours of audio, while the $200 4GB pen holds about 400 hours of audio. Both include a USB charging cradle, a starter notebook of digital paper, a headset, a protective case and 500MB of online storage.
There’s also a $250 Pro Pack that includes all of the above (with a 4GB pen and a more upscale case and charging cradle) as well as transcription software to convert handwritten notes into digital text.
Also worth checking out are Pulse Smartpen apps, available at Livescribe’s beta Application Store. There are currently about 30 paid and free apps, mostly games and reference materials.
— Valerie Potter
Pulse Smartpen from Livescribe Inc.
Street price: $150 – $170 for 2GB model; $180 – $200 for 4GB model
Tech specs | Store locator | Phone: 877-727-4239
Summary: The Pulse Smartpen is an invaluable tool for anyone who takes a lot of notes.
Mvix Nubbin MS-811N Wireless-N USB adapter
If someone you know has an old laptop that supports only 802.11b or g Wi-Fi connections, give him the gift of speed with an 802.11n adapter that pops into the laptop’s USB port. There are lots of USB Wireless-N adapters out there, but the advantage of the Nubbin MS-811N is that it’s truly tiny — it sticks out of the laptop just 18mm (.71 inches).
What’s more, it supports WPA2 encryption, so if your giftee has been using the unsafe WEP encryption on her network just so that old notebook could connect, she can now set it at the safer WPA2.
The Nubbin supports Mac OS X, Linux and Windows 2000, XP and Vista. Note that you must connect to an 802.11n router in order for the adapter to take advantage of 802.11n speeds. (It does work with 802.11b/g routers as well, but what’s the point?) Also, while the Nubbin is very fast at short ranges, the lack of external antennas means it’s not the best wireless adapter for long-range Wi-Fi without a direct line of sight to the router.
— Valerie Potter
Nubbin MS-811N from MvixUSA
Street price: $38 – $40 | Tech specs (PDF) | Phone: 866-310-4923
Summary: The Nubbin Wireless-N adapter brings fast connectivity in a teeny tiny package.
For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, December means two things: the holiday season and the beginning of winter weather. And for folks in colder climes, that means covering up with coats, hats and gloves. All those smartphone owners who are constantly tapping on their iPhones and Droids will have to choose between pocketing their mobile devices and having frostbitten fingers — unless somebody buys them a pair of Dots gloves for the holidays.
Dots gloves have conductive areas — “dots” — on the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of each glove, allowing users to touch, tap and swipe away on their mobile devices without having to expose their digits to the wintry weather. There are three styles (available in small, medium and large sizes), each suited for a slightly different temperature: tight-knit acrylic for $15; extra-thick acrylic for $20; and a nylon shell with fleece lining for $25.
These are popular items; when this was written, the $15 Dots were sold out, the $20 style was sold out of size small, and the $25 style could be pre-ordered for mid-December.
— Barbara Krasnoff
Dots gloves from Dots Gloves LLC
Price: $15 – $25
Summary: If your giftee is a smartphone addict, these gloves will keep them clicking in the cold.
Geek gift basket
Who says gift baskets have to be full of cookies and cheese balls? This year, give the techies in your life a truly useful gift basket full of tools that’ll come in handy for tech-related tasks.
Start with the Micro-Max 19-in-1 Multi-tool ($13), which includes two hex wrenches, six screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutter/stripper/crimper, bottle opener and more. This handy stainless steel gadget folds down into a tiny square that can be attached to a keychain.
Next, add an LED Magnetized Telescopic Rescue Stick ($5). Armed with a bright light and a magnet, this pen-sized stick extends out 2 feet to retrieve dropped screws and other metal pieces from dark corners and wire tangles. Finally, throw in a ‘No, I will not fix your computer’ bumper sticker ($3) that your techie can use in self-defense.
All these products (and many more like them) are available from ThinkGeek — you can mix and match gear and arrange it all nicely in a spare bag, tin, box or, yes, basket to create the perfect gift for your favorite geek.
— Valerie Potter
Micro-Max 19-in-1 Multi-tool, LED Magnetized Telescopic Rescue Stick and ‘No, I will not fix your computer’ bumper sticker from ThinkGeek Inc.
Price: $21 (plus a basket, bag or box) | Phone: 888-GEEKSTUFF
Summary: A gift basket full of useful gadgets will bring a smile to the face of your favorite techie.
CableDrop multipurpose cable clips
Some gadgets are so simple and yet so useful that you can’t believe nobody came up with them before. The CableDrop multipurpose cable clips are not only simple, useful and inexpensive, they’re stylish as well.
These small, gracefully curved items grasp power and peripheral cords to keep them out of the way — you simply peel off the backing of the adhesive-coated back, press the CableDrop to the desired surface, and voila! You have a much neater (and chic-er) tabletop.
You get a pack of six CableDrop clips for $10, either in bright yellow, purple and green shades, or in muted white, brown and gray. The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who has multiple cords and cables to manage — which is pretty much all of us, right?
— Barbara Krasnoff
CableDrop from Bluelounge Design
Price: $10 | Phone: 626-564-2802
Summary: CableDrop clips keep workspaces clear with style.
Splitterbot Headphone Sharing Robot
What’s better than a cute robot on a keychain? A cute robot on a keychain that helps you share music.
Pop off Splitterbot’s head, plug it into a standard audio jack on an iPod, cell phone or other music-playing device, then plug two headphone cords into his eyes to enjoy music with a friend. Neat!
— Valerie Potter
Splitterbot from ThinkGeek Inc.
Price: $8 | Phone: 888-GEEKSTUFF
Summary: Splitterbot splits any standard audio jack so that two people can listen at once.
