Monday, October 27, 2014

Top Picks for 2014, Best Gadget Gifts For Geeks


Got that gadget geek among your clients, partners or employees that you want to get a gift for? How about a techie with high end tastes? As technology progresses more and more, gadgets have come on the market and the choices are almost overwhelming.


Below is a list of some of the best gadget gifts for geeks to appease the techies on your list.


Pebble Steel Smartwatch

The newest smartwatch from Pebble, the Pebble Steel, brings style to the brand. Smart Watches are, in general, not known for being the most attractive gadget accessory. But the Pebble Steel certainly is both fashionable and functional. It's marine-grade stainless steel watch case is a step away from the very colorful previous model, adding a more elegant feel.


Another change is the new leather wristband, or optional metal band in stainless steel or black, giving the Pebble Steel a classy finish. With the style upgrade you still get all the functionality expected from Pebble. It comes with Bluetooth 4.0, allows for receiving emails, messages, and texts, lets you access and control music, find and download apps, and more. The Pebble Steel comes with a price tag of $199.


Ryobi Phone Works Tools

Ryobi, a name known for power-tools, has come out with a new Phone Works line that combines measuring tools with smartphone technology. The line includes tools like an inspection scope, laser level, infrared thermometer, stud sensor and more.


What's impressive is how these tools can sync up to your smartphone using a mobile app. This system allows you to capture high definition images and video, create and access project files, add voice notes, share results through email or social media, and even geo-tag locations to organize various projects. Both techies and DIYers may find something to love in this gift. Prices start at $15 from Home Depot.


GoPro Hero 3 White

The GoPro Hero 3 White edition takes action cameras to a new level with a built in WiFi capability. If you have a partner or client who's an active techie, this camera could be a great gift. As befitting an action camera, the Hero 3 is slim and light, weighing 2.6 ounces, so taking it anywhere is convenient.


It features 1080p30 video, 5MP single photos, burst mode up to 3 frames per second, time-lapse mode, and wind noise reduction. It's shockproof so it can take a beating and can be used underwater up to 131 feet. The price is affordable at $199.99. There are new and more expensive models if you really want to go above and beyond, but for the price, the Hero 3 White is an affordable camera to give.


Leather Touch Screen Gloves

Mobile devices make it easier than ever to conduct business anywhere, but the climate isn't always so obliging when temperatures drop. These leather touch screen gloves from TravelSmith make using a device in chilly weather comfortable without sacrificing style.


With inconspicuous conductive fingertips, it's easy to maneuver a touchscreen all the while never exposing your hands to the frigid air. The supple dark brown leather is lined with a Thinsulated tricot to keep hands warm without adding bulkiness. At a price of $59, these elegant leather gloves could be the right gift for the business traveler on your list.


Pocket Sized HDMI Projector

Have a client or partner who often travels or gives spontaneous presentations? This pocket sized HDMI projector from Brookstone may just be the perfect gift. Weighing just 0.5 pounds, it is light and portable, easily going wherever it is needed. It's mega-bright LED lamp goes up to 100 lumens, and can project images up to 1080p HD.


The little projector also has a built in focus wheel and dual speakers with volume control. It's USB rechargeable and lasts up to 2 hours on a single charge. An added bonus is its ability to double as a backup battery for your phone or mobile device. The device is $299 at Amazon.


Chromecast

For a less expensive tech gift that still packs an impressive punch consider a Chromecast. At just $35 it isn't just affordable but also full of fun, useful features. Installation is easy. Just plug it into the HDMI port on your TV and you're done. Now a myriad of mobile apps can be displayed and used right on the big screen.


Conveniently it works with a wide array of devices: Android phones or tablets; iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows laptops; and Chromebooks. It does more than just apps, however. The Chromecast will also mirror what you see on your mobile device on your TV. This allows you to display pictures, websites, or even presentations on the big screen. This feature makes the Chromecast more than just a device for entertainment. It's also useful for business.


Philips Hue Connected Bulb

The Philips Hue Connected Bulb is so much more than just a light bulb. It's a system that allows you to control and customize the lighting in your home from your smartphone. What does that mean? It means that by installing the wireless bridge and downloading the free app, you can control up to 50 Hue bulbs from anywhere in the world. The system allows you to adjust intensity, turn lights off and on, and even change lighting with a variety of color options.


But one of the most unique features is the ability to set alarms. You can program the Hue system to light up your room when it's time to wake-up, light your home while you are away, turn off the lights when you leave the room, etc. By linking the Hue bulbs to data feeds, you can also program them to notify you about everything from important emails to weather changes, and more. Priced at $188.99 for a starter kit from Amazon, the Philips Hue may be expensive, but it certainly has the wow factor.


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