Gadget Gift Guide 2009

Not sure what to get the gadget-lover in your life? This quick gadget guide will give you the scoop on what to look for so you can spread some holiday cheer.

E-book Reader
What it is: A small, portable device that lets you download entire books, newspapers and magazines in digital format. Made to mimic ink and paper publications, you can read with ease any time, anywhere. You’ll find a range of prices and services with Sony Reader, Amazon Kindle, Cool-er, iRex iLiad and Bookeen Cybook.
What to look for: Long battery life and an easy to read screen. The reader should be easy to carry and must be readable even in bright sunlight. Note that some e-readers must download materials by being connected to a computer, while others can do it wirelessly.
Who to buy it for: Travelers, gadget-lovers, busy book lovers.

Bluetooth Headset
What it is: A wireless headsets that lets you talk on the phone hands-free. You can find headsets from $20 and up.
What to look for:
* Make sure the headset runs the same version of Bluetooth that the user’s phone does.
* If they wear glasses, look at in-ear headsets rather than those that go over the ears - glasses and a headset can get cumbersome.
* Headsets with good noise cancellation can make conversing in busy, noisy areas a lot easier.
Who to buy it for: Phone fanatics, road warriors.

Cell Phone Signal Booster
What it is: A small electronic device that reduces dropped calls and improves cell phone signal by capturing the stronger signal from the outside and amplifying the signal indoors. According to the zBoost “State of the Cell Signal” survey, 70 percent of cell phone owners experience problems with cell phone service, including dropped calls, poor signal reception or dead zones in their homes. A signal booster can make those problems a thing of the past.
What to look for: Make sure the signal booster you get meets the needs of the intended user. Think about:
* How much mobility will they need - will they be working at their desk or within a larger area?
* How many phones or devices need signal boosting, one or several?
* Where does the reception need to be improved, indoors or in a vehicle? The zBoost-ONE PCS, for example, is the industry’s first one piece cell phone signal booster. It works with PCS carriers like Sprint or Metro PCS. Place the unit in the window, plug it in and enjoy all of the voice and data functionality on a PCS phone up to 1200 square feet.
* For more cell phone signal booster options, visit http://www.wi-ex.com.
Who to buy it for: Road warriors, home office workers, rural or urban dwellers.

Pocket Camcorder
What it is: A pocket-sized digital video recorder that can go anywhere, making it easy to record events and special moments. Video is usually very easy to download to computers and the web. Camcorders such as Flip from Pure Digital, Kodak’s Zx1 and Creative’s Vado are affordable options.
What to look for:
* Resolution - Digital camcorders come in standard definition and high definition (HD). Standard definition offers video quality fine for viewing on a computer or a non-HD TV, and will usually cost less than HD. High definition produces wide-screen video suitable for viewing on an HD TV.
Who to buy it for: proud parents, college students, travelers.

Courtesy of Family Features. Source: zBoost