5 Gripping Tech Gifts for Last Minute Shoppers
0Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I hope so! But if you haven’t, have no fear, Dan is here-and Amazon.com.
Here are 5 gripping tech gifts for you to consider as you brave the online crowds from the comfort of your home, or anywhere else you like to relax. Yes, do NOT go out shopping after reading this. It’s crazy out there! Sit back, read this article, and shop online. It’s MUCH safer! I promise. So, here you go.
1. iPad Air or iPad Mini
2. Keyboard case for iPad (Zagg or Sharkk)
3. Bluedio R+ Bluetooth headphones
4. Media streaming device: Apple TV, Roku, Google TV, Google Chromecast
5. Incipio Dual Pro phone case for iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S4
1. iPad Air or iPad Mini
You can’t go wrong giving an iPad as a gift this year to someone you love or yourself for that matter!
Both iPads have great tech specs and function smoothly with iOS 7. They are simple enough for a child or less tech savvy adult to use. My three old year uses my iPad with ease thanks to the touch screen and intuitive iOS functionality.
The iPad Mini is a great choice for those wanting the iPad or iPhone functionality with a more moderate size. It’s a great size if you read news and ebooks often, and for portability. It’s a nice alternative to the Kindle lineup if you want the iOS functionality since you can use the Kindle app to access your Amazon content.
It’s perfect for kids as well. They can use it for games, learning apps, streaming movies, playing music and taking photos-all-in-one portability and functionality. You can check out the options along with more images on Amazon or the Apple website. Check out reviews on Amazon for more info and to help you decide which one to buy.
My pick: The iPad Air for its larger screen size, tech specs, light weight design, and ease of use for adults and kids alike.
You will never be disappointed with an iPad. There may be some minor quirks like anything, but the overall customer satisfaction is very high. If you get one and are disappointed in any way, please let me know why in the comments. I’m curious!
2. Keyboard Case for iPad (Zagg, Sharkk)
This is something I have decided is a must if you own an iPad or choose to buy one for yourself or as a gift. It is an awesome gift option for those in your family and friends that already own an iPad as well.
I have used my iPad daily for the past year and this is one thing I have been craving the entire time. I’m not sure why I haven’t bought one yet, but it is on my Christmas wish list for this year!
Why is it a must have accessory? To save your sanity and possibly your arms from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! I have been using my iPhone and iPad most often when I type these posts, text, email, or chat. The constant tapping is tedious for long messages and I’m often tapping incorrect keys leading to typos and constant backspacing to correct the mistakes. A portable keyboard would at least reduce this from happening and save my right hand from its current strain since I can use both hands at once when typing.
Here are two I’ve been considering and I’ll tell you which one I’ve added to my Amazon wish list. Let’s hope Santa checks Amazon!
Zaggkeys Pro+ Keyboard with Backlit Keys
This was the one that got me on to the idea of an iPad keyboard case. I like this one from what I’ve seen on their website and in the local store. My hesitation for buying this is the cost. Priced at $129.99, it feels a bit too high for me. Even with the Black Friday sale pricing it at about $102.00, I still couldn’t do it. I decided to do some further searching.
I will note there are a few other options from Zagg on Amazon right now ranging from about $50-$105 with slight differences in features. They are still a great choice, but are priced higher than many other brands.
Sharkk iPad Keyboard Case
After searching Amazon for other iPad keyboards, I narrowed it down to the Sharkk as a less expensive option to the Zagg. The backlit model has a customer rating of 4.7 of 5 stars on Amazon out 75 reviews. That’s good enough for me to consider this as a solid competitor to the Zagg.
The Sharkk keyboard looks pretty slick and has a backlit keyboard similar to the Zagg. It also has 7 different light color options like the Zagg. You can check out customer reviews and more tech specs on Amazon.
While writing this post, the Sharkk keyboard with backlit keys sold out of stock! I found the model without the backlit keys (pictured above) which still seems like a great option. It is listed at $29.99 and has over 80 reviews with a 4.5 star rating.
I wanted a backlit keyboard partly because it looks cool, but also in the hope it could help with reducing my typo risk. Maybe the screen light from the iPad is enough, but I think having the keys lit will still be better than not. Have you tried a backlit keyboard for your iPad? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
So which one did I add to my wish list? Yep, the Sharkk wins due to high user reviews, the sleek iPad aluminum look, the backlit keys, and the low price! I still think the Zagg is cool, but the price of the Sharkk wins out. I figure I can try this one for a while and if it doesn’t live up to my expectations I can always get the Zagg during the next sale.
Since Christmas is upon us, I may opt for the regular model without the backlight. I will keep watching for the backlit model to become available though and get it then. I will do a thorough review on both Sharkk keyboards once I’ve used them for a while, so stay tuned.
3. Bluedio R+ Bluetooth Headphones
These are an absolute must have! Hopefully you’ve seen our thorough review on why we love these headphones, but if not, check it out here.
They rock! Seriously, the bass is amazing! The Beats by Dre are a popular choice this year, but I strongly suggest you try these first. They are more than half the price and sound phenomenal! You will NOT be disappointed.
We love these headphones so much we decided to sell them and offer you the lowest price online! Check them out in our online store. We are selling them for $114.99 as a holiday special. Subscribe to our website and we will send you a coupon code for another $5 off!
You can check out more tech specs and watch our video review to help you decide, but trust me, you’ll love them and so will the other audiophiles in your group of family and friends.
My three year old loves them too!
4. Media streaming device: Apple TV, Roku, Google TV, Google Chromecast
Okay, so there’s a variety of options for media steaming devices, but which one is for you? It all depends on how you want to use the device. I’ll highlight four of the most popular options to help you decide: Apple TV, Roku, Google TV, and Google Chromecast.
Apple TV:
This is a great device to consider, especially if you have other Apple devices like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. The Apple TV integrates well with all other Apple devices. You can link each device connected to your home wifi network and access videos, photos, and music from each through home sharing. You can enable this from each device.
I currently have my Mac Mini connected to my Apple TV and home sharing enabled so anything I drag into my iTunes library can be accessed on my TV using the Apple TV device. It does well to stream content from my computer to my TV and is a pretty basic process to setup. Contact us at Gription Gear if you need any help setting it up.
The mirroring function is awesome! I can choose the option to mirror my iPhone, iPad or computer screen to my TV screen to show others what I’m seeing and doing on my device. This is great for collaboration on group projects, or family gatherings. I can also tap the rectangle icon on my device when viewing a photo or video and it will display on my TV. It works well with YouTube and other apps that have this option built in as well.
Another great feature is the ability to use your iPhone or iPad as a remote with the “remote” app in the App Store. It offers more functionality than the standard Apple TV remote.
The built in apps on the Apple TV are decent if you’ve never tried another steaming device, but I prefer the functionality of the Google TV for YouTube and Netflix apps. You’ll be satisfied with the Apple TV though if you’re only wanting to buy one streaming device. I’m crazy and feel the need to have them all since they each have different benefits (not that I do yet, but I’m working on it).
Stay tuned for my in depth review of the Apple TV. For info on the tech specs and to read other user reviews, check it out on Amazon. There’s a ton of 5 star ratings!
Roku:
What is this thing with a cool name? It’s another excellent media streaming option. The coolest thing about this device is the purple color scheme! Okay, there are other things that make it a good option besides its color.
This is a great option for streaming content from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, and other apps. It is simple to setup and the functionality has greatly improved with recent updates.
One cool feature of the newer Roku box is the remote with headphones. This is great if you want to watch something with decent sound at a louder volume without disturbing the peace, or if you want to tune out the chaos around you. Either way, it’s a nice feature and an alternative to buying another device to make your TV sound transmit through wireless headphones (more on this capability though in another post if you’re interested).
For tech specs and user reviews, check it out on Amazon. It’s apparent this is a great media steaming device option. The Roku has thousands of positive reviews across each version of the device maintaining a 4-5 star overall rating. The newest version has over 3700 reviews! Check them out to help you decide. You will not be disappointed with this choice.
Google TV:
This option gets a bit trickier. There are a few different companies offering devices that have the Google TV Android based software. I’ll mention three of them: the Logitech Revue, Sony NSZ-GS7, and the Vizio Co-Star.
First, I’ll say the Google TV functionality is awesome overall. It could use some improvements, but the app functionality is very intuitive and I use my device daily for Netflix streaming and YouTube. It also offers a full web browser using Google Chrome so you can browse the web on your big screen. I will say I rarely do this simply because the experience is more limited than browsing from my desktop computer, iPhone, and iPad. It’s a cool option for basic browsing, but not convenient for tabbed browsing and multitasking.
Three other cool features of the Google TV include Google Music access, Pandora radio streaming, and access to Google + photos and videos/Picasa Web Albums content through an app interface.
Logitech Revue:
I currently use the Logitech Revue, one of the first options to offer Google TV functionality. Overall it has been a decent device to give me a taste of what Google TV has to offer.
The keyboard works well, is full size for typing ease, and has a touchpad for mousing. The nice thing about the keyboard is it’s light weight and minimal battery drain. I have only replaced them once in over a year of use. The one thing missing is a backlight for the keys. It is nice to have the full size keyboard for typing and I am happy to say my three year old does well to use it for playing and pausing Netflix.
The problem with the Logitech Revue is that Logitech discontinued its production. You can still get one, but there is no updated device support offered and the cost is much more than the $99 I paid last year. It’s on Amazon for $219! A bit steep in my opinion.
Sony NSZ-GS7:
Griptioneer Mike has the Sony NSZ-GS7. Aside from the confusing name choice, it has been a decent device. The keyboard is smaller than the Logitech one (full size) and it has a touchpad for mousing capability. The internal specs are better than the Logitech and the price much lower at $136 on Amazon. The interface is the same as with any of the devices running the Android Google TV OS, so the benefit in choosing this would be the better tech specs, smaller keyboard, and lower price.
Vizio Co-Star:
The next option to consider is the Vizio Co-Star. It is the cheapest price of the three options, but has mixed reviews on Amazon. With over 600 customer reviews on Amazon and only a 3 star total, I would hesitate to buy this. I still mention it here because it has some features that stand out to me, such as its small size compared to the other two options (more like the Roku or Apple TV).
The reviews are divided, but with media streaming devices there are many variables that can lead to a poor user experience (slow Internet speeds for example) thus, triggering a poor review of the device when in reality its just one of the variables, not the device itself.
Why choose this one? It’s smaller in size, the remote has a comparable keyboard and touchpad to the Sony model which we know functions well, and it’s the cheapest option of the three. It offers a decent introduction to the Google TV functionality.
My Pick: The Sony NSZ-GS7, due to it’s in between pricing, slick design, decent internal specs, nice remote/keyboard and reputable brand name. Plus, Griptioneer Mike likes it, which is enough to make me like it too!
Google Chromecast:
I still have to mention Google Chromecast as decent option for media streaming since it basically turns your TV into a Smart TV using a small, pluggable device priced at only 35 bucks on Amazon. It works like the Apple TV in the sense that it allows you to view and stream content from you Apple or Android devices on your TV. I am planning to purchase one for testing within the next few weeks-maybe another gift from Santa, so stay tuned for a review on this soon. Check out the 6000+ reviews on Amazon to decide if you want one for Christmas too!
5. Incipio phone case for iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S4
Incipio makes cases that provide ultimate gription to your device. I have used a few different styles through the years and they are awesome! The Stowaway is one I reviewed a while back. Check it out for more info.
This is my current iPhone 5S case: Incipio, Dual Pro.
I bought my wife one as well for her iPhone 4S and she loves it!
I love the extra grip it provides to the otherwise slick aluminum iPhone exterior. I love the iPhone design, but a case has proven critical in protecting my devices as they inevitably find a way to kiss the concrete a few times a year.
The Incipio Dual Pro provides a soft silicone core to wrap the device, covered by a colored hard shell. They have a variety of nice color options as well. You can buy this for an iPhone 4 or 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S4. With almost 3,000 customer reviews and a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, you can’t go wrong with this case for yourself or as a gift.
These 5 gift ideas are great options for anyone, any time of the year. They will not disappoint. Consider these as you finish up your holiday shopping, or to help you get started if you haven’t already.
1. iPad Air or iPad Mini
2. Keyboard case for iPad (Zagg or Sharkk)
3. Bluedio R+ Bluetooth headphones
4. Media streaming device: Apple TV, Roku, Google TV, Google Chromecast
5. Incipio Dual Pro phone case for iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S4
If you have any questions before or after purchasing any of these items, post a comment or send us an email. We are happy to help!
Happy shopping!
-Griptioneer Dan
