NAV 2009 Holiday Gift Guide
It's that time again. Drag out that dusty wallet/purse and feed our economy. And while others freak out after losing their car at the mall or wait for Black Friday deals, we are shopping online which, in our opinion, can be just as inexpensive as the real world, especially when you consider gas, tax, obnoxious salespeople on commission and the fear factor when someone beats you to that last copy of Band Hero at Wally World. We have found audio and video goodies, gifts for kids, as well as gifts to fit every budget, even if yours is small. So without further ado...
Over $100.00 Ultimate Wish List
Yoostar literally lets you perform with their Entertainment System. Act in a movie, TV episode or NBA game by replacing an actor or adding yourself to a screen. It comes with webcam, greenscreen, stand, remote and software. Yoostar will only work with PC although a Mac version is on the way.
HP's DreamScreen 100 puts every other digital frame to shame. Simplified remote, buttons and screens makes for easy access to music, photos and videos. Built-in WiFi connects you to your existing network for content on your PC or through the Interweb to access radio, weather, news and more.
The Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player with 3.2" color LCD is as ultimate as it gets. Not only does it hold 30,000 songs, 25,000 photos, or 375 hours of video, it has the unique distinction of being able to tag songs you hear on FM radio that you might want to purchase. Play games, share with other Zunes and thumb your nose at those Apple folks.
To be fair, Apple fanatics would love a new iPod classic 160 GB that has up to 36 hours of music or 6 hrs. of video playback and a 2.5" color LCD with LED backlight.
How kewl is the Nikon Coolpix S60 10MP Digital Camera with touchscreen? Even more so when it comes with an accessory kit with a 4GB memory card, carrying case, cleaning kit, screen protectors, tripod, spare battery and free prints with a promo code # on your invoice.
Under $50.00
The Next Generation Remote Control Extender not only looks unique, it turns any IR remote into RF by simply installing its battery transmitter and works up to 100 ft. away. No company knows film like Polaroid and their PoGo Instant Digital Mobile
Printer lives up to their reputation. You get 2 x 3" borderless images from your camera or cell phone that are dry to the touch, water and smudge resistant.
We know someone who signed up for a checking account so that he could get a free portable DVD player. Technology is so advanced now that almost anyone can afford one, like the Philips Portable DVD Player with 7" LCD display and 2 hour playback. AC and car adapters, and AV cables are included as is the built-in rechargeable battery. Nothing says you are the life of the party like this Memorex's portable Karaoke Home Entertainment System. It includes a CD player, echo control for those off key and a 2 digit LED display. Practice enough and you may be Oprah's next $250,000 winner.
Under $20.00
Speck's ToughSkin Rubberized Case is compatible with 80/120/160 GB iPod classic 6G and is built for those that are on the clumsy side. It also comes with a belt clip. Sony's RM-VL 600 Universal Learning Remote can handle up to 8 different inputs, is pre-programmed for most brands and has an easy one-touch control.
If you know somebody with a Flip Camcorder, we can't say enough about how grateful they would be if you got them a Tripod. Adjustable, it comes with interchangeable rubber feet.
The Motorola H350 Headset works with any Bluetooth-equipped phone up to 30 ft. away. Considering cell phone usage while driving is a no-no these days, this would be a simple hint in the guise of a gift. No gift list is complete without at least one I-Dog and our pick is the inexpensive Dance. Plug him into your iPod or MP3 player and he plays your music through his speakers and does a doggy dance. He obeys certain verbal commands and his lights move to the beat.
Under $10.00
The Iluv i203PUR Lightweight Earphones for iPod come in various colors but we kind of lean towards the purple ones. Lightweight earclips are included for those on the go and inline volume control makes them easy to adjust.
iFrogz Luxe Case in blue and black fits iPhone 3G and 3GS, is soft to the touch and allows full access to all controls and functions. The Universal iPod USB Charger Kit works with most iPods and includes a car charger and a retractable 31.5" coil cable.
INSTEN's Folding Stereo Speaker supports all iPods and other musical devices with a 3.5mm plug. The aluminum speaker folds up when not in use and are great for traveling. Nothing says portable as well as this Kinamax USB 3D Optical Scroll Wheel Mouse. With an ergonomic design, it has a retractable cable and comes with its own mouse pad.
A/V players
It's difficult to compete with the top of the line SanDisk Sansa Fuze. The player holds 4GB of media (expandable with SD slot,) which translates into up to 1,000 tunes. It also has FM radio with 40 presets and built in microphone.
Sony fans will appreciate their latest Walkman Video that holds over 1,800 songs or 30 hrs. of video on its 8GB. Its 2" TFT color display is LED backlit and the player supports most audio formats. Coby's MP305-4G combines an MP3 player, FM radio, and USB flash drive with the company's usual affordable price.
One of the most creative MP3 players we have found is the Jada Interactive Playaz . The little guy has built-in speakers, and audio output for additional speakers and gets down to whatever tune is playing.
For Kids
This is not to say that you can't share, for we have found that any time we buy something for our own kids, we dig them as much as they do. Nintendo's DS Lite Limited Edition Bundle comes with Super Mario. With advanced touchscreen, mic port and WiFi connection, watch them clean their rooms for the next month at least. The Scene It? Twilight Deluxe Edition will probably sell out quickly now that the movie is out.
We had to include something from Sesame Street as they recently celebrated their 40th birthday. The Silly Sounds Remote resembles Cookie Monster but press any of the number buttons and Elmo speaks or it makes a silly sound. The light flashes as well and when your kidlet wants to quit, he issues a time out phrase to keep her/him playing.
Vtech's V.Smile TV Learning System is one of the hottest toys this season. Connect to your TV, pop in a Smartridge and your child can play games as well as learn. The included joystick works for left and right-handed users and games can be found for various age groups.
We personally recommend anything by Leapfrog, one of the best series of learning tools we purchased for our own kids. The Tag Reading System is almost a juvenile version of the Smartpen. With over 20 books available, touching with it makes the words speak and the pictures sing. Parents can connect to keep tabs on their kids.
And if you want a toy for yourself, give the Mindflex Game to your kids and, when they tire of it, take custody. The device features a cushion of air that a ball rests on and brain waves literally can be trained to move it up and down or through hurdles, hoops and other obstacles.
Ucreate Music allows kids of any age to become a DJ. An online library holds tracks special effects and filters and finished compositions can be shared online. Ucreate also comes in a Games & Artimation version for those who lean in another direction.
It's easy to get carried away when money isn't a major factor, but for most of us, that's the way it is. We hope we have made it a bit simpler. NAV hopes you have a great holiday this year no matter how you celebrate it!
Read More in: Audio Devices | Game Consoles | Holiday Gift Guide | Home Networking | Portable Media | Remote Control | Steals and Deals | Video Devices
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Posted by Sheila Franklin at November 21, 2009 9:15 AM
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