A hundred bucks won't buy you a
cinema ticket these days. Don't bother saving up for one get these tasty tech
treats instead
Roku LT
Price: $80
Website: www.roku.com
For video streaming on a budget, it's hard
to beat Roku's LT. It might only manage 720p but with iPlayer, Netflix, Vimeo
and built-in Wi-Fi, it's the perfect bedroom streamer. Like the Roku, but want
a little more? The Roku 2 XS is £100 and has 1080p, a remote, and a slot for
memory expansion.
D-Link DIR-505
Price: $50
Website: www.dlink.com
D-Link's SharePort is smarter than your
average plug-socket, capable of turning any internet connection into a Wi-Fi
hotspot, stream files direct from a USB drive to any Wi-Fi connected devices
and charge your iPhone or Android phone (ok, it's a bit like a plugsocket in that respect).
Fitbit Zip
Price: $85
Website: www.fitbit.com
It's unlikely to see much action until
after New Year, but Fitbit's Zip is a little wireless unit which tracks steps
taken, distance travelled and calories burned, then beams them to a smartphone
or computer. You can even compete with other wearers. Just make sure the giftee
doesn't take it the wrong way...
Cardboard Radio
Price: $50
Website: www.cb2.com
It won't replace your Sonos (although a few
around the house will give you multi-room music) but this eco-friendly
cardboard radio is better for the environment than anything you're likely to do
in 2013. It also comes with a 3.5mm input (and cable) for plugging in your
phone or MP3 player.
Black & Decker Gyro Driver
Price: $65
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
A motion-controlled screwdriver that's so
easy to use, even DIYphobes will be home-improving. Tilt it in the direction
you want it to turn, and the motor does all the work. It'll go great under the
tree, by that box shaped like flat packed shelving.
Stocking Fillers under $150
Some extra-special gifts for the
best-behaved boys and girls. Give one of these and it's the last time anyone
will call you Scrooge
Nikon Coolpix
S30
Price: $160
Website: www.europe-nikon.com
Surviving Christmas celebrations become a
case of locking your front door to protect you from the and quaffing mince pies
to survive. But not every gadget makes it. The 10MP S30 is waterproof and
shockproof, giving it a better chance to survive than most.
D-Link DWR-750
Price: $135
Website: www.dlink.com
Because you'll need something with oomph to
power all your shiny new Wi-Fi toys when you're out of the house. D-Link's
latest should do the trick, capable of turning a regular 3G connection into
fast and secure Wireless N Wi-Fi for multiple users at the same time.
Logitech Driving ForceGT
Price: $120
Website: www.logitech.com
This PlayStation compatible wheel is smooth
as silk wrestle the wheel to really cut a bend though and the Logitech really
comes into its own. The force feedback feels like it has a life of its own,
capable of full 900 degree rotation.
eKIasse Spark Tablet
Price: $110
Website: www.sharafdg.com
If you’re after a rough and ready Android
tab that can get the job done (if the job in question is playing Angry Birds)
you can't go wrong with the eKlasse Spark tablet. It runs Ice Cream Sandwich
with 8GB of storage, is powered by a 1.2GHz processor and comes with a bright
7in screen.
Nokia Fatboy Charger
Price: $90
Website: www.sharafdg.com
For the gadget-lover lucky enough to have
already found a Lumia 920 under the tree, this wireless charger goes with
Nokia's latest like a tubby kid and cake. Enter the aptly- named Fatboy
charger, that gives your spankin' new Nokia a comfy red pillow on which to sit
while charging.
