Is there a tech-savvy or gadget-happy individual on your gift list this year? Look no further than our recommendations for geeky gadgets!
ASUS Transformer Book You want the versatility of a tablet but the typing ability and full desktop use of a laptop, but can only afford one or the other? This product is a good choice. Price Varies
Color Cables Color Cables are vibrant 3- or 6-foot cables with a glow-in-the-dark coating. Available in iOS 30-pin, iOS Lightning, and MicroUSB, you’ll find that the price is right, as well. We experienced quick charge times and durable connections. You’ll feel good supporting a small company with this gift idea, too. $15-25
Cricut Explore The latest Cricut model is a high-end workhorse for any crafter. Cut vinyl, fabric, felt, paper, t-shirt transfers, and more. With the web-based Cricut Design software, you can make your own designs to cut. There are so many possibilities for this great machine. $299.99
GoPro Basic Camera For years we’ve had fun with GoPro cameras here at GeekMom, and now there is a streamlined version that’s a perfect fit for families. All of the quality and exceptional footage that you get from a pricier GoPro, but just the basic features. The new family-friendly price makes this a great pick for kids and adults alike. Paired with the free (easy to use) online movie-making program, this will easily be at the top of the favorite gifts list. $129.99
Lenovo Miix 2 8-inch Windows Tablet If a smaller tablet is on your list (and you haven’t invested in one of the giant gadgets that pass for cell phones these days), check out this Lenovo. The tablet runs Windows 8 like a dream and is perfect for watching TV in bed or stashing in your purse for errands. $300
Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard Logitech’s keyboards are always great, but this wireless one can transition from your computer to your tablet to your smartphone. Just turn the dial to switch between three bluetooth devices—and it’s nice and portable. $49.99
Samsung Galaxy Tab S
School Zone’s Little Scholar 8-inch Kids’ Tablet A super quick, durable kids’ tablet with a great quality screen that’s bigger than other kids’ tablets on the market. It runs Android 4.4 and comes loaded with 200 games. It has a straightforward, kid-friendly startup menu that’s easy to configure for your child’s needs and most-used apps. It’s not supported by Google Play, but you can easily get most apps you need from the Amazon app store. It has an SD card slot and an HDMI port. It’s a little big for small hands, but the screen looks great; the larger size is awesome for watching movies and TV shows. $200
Seek Thermal Camera for iPhone and Android Smartphones For the gadget-loving geek, here is a new “toy” that’s sure to impress. The Seek is a small thermal camera that you can connect to your smartphone to detect infrared light. Find the source of air drafts in your house, find your pets outside in the dark, scan a dark parking lot (or house, or backyard) for hidden attackers, play midnight tag—there are so many applications for this gadget. $199
TechShop Membership and Gifts If your tech geek lives in or near San Carlos, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Allen Park, MI; Round Rock, TX; Pittsburgh, PA; Chandler, AZ; or Arlington, VA, they can use the gift of a TechShop membership. A membership would gain your techy access to a wide range of equipment and classes at the TechShop locations. Classes can also be gifted. $125/month
Vivitar XO 7-inch Kids’ Tablet If you’re looking for a small, kid-sized tablet that’s durable and fits nicely in a preschooler’s hand, this is a nice option (and it doesn’t require cartridges). You can have separate accounts for multiple kids, and there’s also a parent mode that’s a full Android tablet linked to Google Play. It has an SD card slot to add additional storage, and it uses a USB charger so you don’t have to carry around a specialized cable. Two models are available, one with all content in English and Spanish and one with everything in English and French. It comes preloaded with more than 100 games and books. The XO is part of the One Laptop Per Child program. $149
Zagg InvisibleShield Glass Screen Protector This extremely protective and smooth-as-glass (um, because it is glass) screen protector works very well and is a great choice for anyone who prefers the feel of glass to the feel of plastic. Price Varies
Dear Cathé,
This is an excellent article—and in a great format for busy, geeky moms, too! Many thanks for the size of the photos and the brief captions under each. Because of this thoughtful layout, multitasking moms can skim and scan quickly and bookmark links for later reading.
You and your “busy mom” readers might also like to know about a new desktop app that is compatible with both the ASUS Transformer and the Lenovo Miix 2 8-inch Windows Tablet above as well as other Windows PCs and Macs. The Reading Focus Cards desktop app (Patent 8,360,779) helps kids and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision and other issues to read digital media with much more focus and comprehension. To learn more, please visit http://bit.ly/1qIHEUY.
Thank you again for the excellent article with very current information and great format for busy, geeky moms like me. Looking forward to your future articles, too!