Top gadgets to give as gifts
Choosing the right gadget for a Christmas gift can be tricky, here are some suggestions to get you going, writes Blayne Slabbert.
Giving a gadget for Christmas can be fun but it can be hard to find the right device for your friend or loved one.
There are dozens of options to consider so here are some ideas to help get you started.
Unless stated, all these gadgets are available from major tech and camera retailers in New Zealand.
Photography
A big trend in photography is being able to print out photos on the go, like old Polaroid cameras. One gadget that does this is The Lifeprint Instant Print Camera ($290 from apple.com/nz).
It’s a slim Bluetooth printer that attaches to an iPhone allowing you to print photos from your camera roll or from social media sites. It’s compatible with most iPhone cases and comes with a five-pack of photo paper.
Another cool gadget for photo and film fans is the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal ($199). A gimbal, also known as a stabiliser, is a handheld device that keeps your smartphone level allowing you to get smooth footage.
It has a lot of features, such as being able to track your subject, capture motion time-lapses or produce zoom effects usually found on professional film sets.
Laptops
If you’re looking for a laptop for the gamer in your life then the Dell G7 15 Gaming ($2398) is one of the best available.
It’s got a top-end graphics card that will play games on high to medium settings and has tech to keep it cool during long gaming sessions.
For something more affordable and for general use, a Chromebook is a great option. Take a look at the HP Chromebook 14, which is a great multi-tasking tool that has the advantage of a long-lasting battery. It’s also affordable ($525) and comes with 32GB of internal storage.
Music
With most smartphones now doing away with a headphone port, many people are looking for wireless options. One set to consider is the Sony H.ear On WH-H900N ($399), which is recommended by many tech reviewers. It offers good sound and active noise cancellation, making it a great all-around pair of headphones.
If you have an iPhone without a headphone port and don’t want to go wireless then take a look at the urBeats 3 ($99) earbuds. Instead of the traditional 3.5mm plug it comes with a lightning connector so it can be plugged into the phone’s charging port.
If you know someone who loves music, then one of the best gifts is a subscription to a music streaming service.
The downside of this present is that there’s nothing physical to give but the upside is that it lasts a year.
Your two best options are Spotify ($14.99 a month) and Apple Music ($12.99 a month). They both charge half price for students.
Toys
Kids love tech toys and one great option is the Meccano Max Robot ($349), an interactive, 30cm-tall robot.
Once built, it can be programmed to guard a bedroom or tell jokes and can be navigated around a home. It’s not just a toy though as it introduces children to robotics and coding.
Another cool gadget is the Lenovo Star Wars Jedi Challenges AR Kit ($199) which lets you train to be a jedi.
It needs a smartphone to work so check yours is compatible before buying. Once set up, you can undertake the three jedi experiences: lightsabre battles, strategic combat, and Holochess.
The Nintendo Switch ($549) is great for any gamer. Its key feature is that it can be played at home by connecting to your TV and on its LCD screen when you’re out and about. A lot of the games are multiplayer titles, which makes it fun to play with friends.
Other gadgets
The SNES Classic ($140) is fun for gamers young and old. It comes with two controllers which makes it multiplayer-friendly straight out of the box.
It also has 21 pre-loaded titles, including several Super Mario games, Legends of Zelda and Donkey Kong.
Fitness fanatics who love tech will enjoy the Samsung Galaxy Watch, which comes in two sizes:
46mm ($549) and 42mm ($499). Note that you’ll need an Android phone.
It doesn’t look like a smartwatch but it’s packed with features, including ones that track your fitness and help motivate you to exercise.
Drivers who love tech will appreciate the Garmin Dash Cam
65W ($299) which is small and powerful. It offers high-definition resolution and a 180-degree field of view.
It also comes with GPS, wi-fi, voice control, and safety alerts to help you avoid collisions and it has the ability to capture good footage during the day and at night.