Tech Toys for the Holidays

Heather Austin | 13 December 2005 |

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This is a great time of year to explore all the tech toys available for gift giving. As technology changes so quickly, last year’s big item may not even show up on a Christmas list this year. I’ve done some research to help you out!

For the true geek

Password Manager - Roboform is a top rated choice in this area. It will memorize your passwords and log you in, fill in long registration forms, encrypt passwords for security, and even synchronize passwords between computers, Pocket PC’s and Palms. All of this is offered for $30. Another product, from Biometric, will log you into your computer through a touch of your finger (fingerpad) and costs around $50.

TV-Be-Gone Television Remote - Really this is for the person who has all the tech toys and beyond. This is a remote fob that is programmed to shut off any TV. If you can’t get up off the couch, you can’t find the regular remote and assuming you CAN find this little fob, you can shut off your TV with a quick click. (Who makes these things?) The cost is around $20.

DVD Shredder - you have to be pretty techy and have a lot of sensitive information to need this. Prices appear to range from $50 to $125.

For the person who likes to tinker with electronic devices

Demagnetized 65-Piece Tool Kit by Belkin - Tool kit for computers including ratchet driver set, soldering set, mini-vacuum and more. Offered at around $60.

For the college student

Laptop Backpacks - A comfortable and affordable way to carry a laptop computer. These are available from many different manufacturers and range in price from as low as $25 to $90. A good way to protect your investment!

For the “BIG” kid in your family (if you know what I mean)

Xbox 360 - This recently released gaming console has it all; movie quality, high definition graphics, surround sound, and all the games your “gamer” could ever want. It’s being called the next generation of entertainment. The entire package costs $399.

For the commuter

Playway Audio Books - Listen to digital audio books anywhere without expensive equipment. A little quirky, but enjoyable once you get it figured out. These start at $35.

For the proud grandparent

Digital Photo Keychain - Great offer from Brookstone, the key chain can store up to about 50 photos. Let grand parents brag about their grand children without searching for the photo album. A fun gift offered at $50.

For the elementary- & middle-schooler

iZ Toy - Dubbed “the musical toy for the iPod generation”, iZ is an interactive toy that can also be hooked up to an iPod of other music source. Twist and turn iZ’s ears to create new combinations of rhythm and lead tracks: press his belly to change-up the beat! iZ’s eyes bounce to the rhythm and lead and his horn glows in rainbow colors to the beat!

Update on iPods - here is a quick overview for the VERY popular iPod offerings

iPod Shuffle - The smallest iPod, this holds 120 songs with 512 MG for $99 or you can get the 1 GB which holds 240 songs for $129.

iPod Nano - The 2 GB holds 500 songs for $199 with the 4 GB at $249 holding 1,000 songs with both holding up to 25,000 photos.

iPod - The newest in video storage and two offerings. The 30 GB model will hold 7,500 songs and over 75 hours of video for $299 and the 60 MG model will hold 15,000 songs and over 150 hours of video for $399.

A disclaimer - This article is intended to spotlight, not necessarily endorse, a variety of tech toys available this holiday season. Prior to purchasing any products or services described above, I recommend that you verify pricing, product quality and other information necessary to make an informed purchase. Try researching through your favorite search engine, and, above all else, enjoy this holiday season!