Wondering what to get the tech lover in your life this year? Here’s a quick list of what’s hot and where you can find it locally.
1) Curved Ultra HD TVs ($999-2499)
The next generation of home theatre! Watch your favorite movies and shows in stunning high-definition but with a twist: an curved screen that makes you feel more like you are “there.”
Ra-Lin’s on Burnet Avenue is currently running their Black Friday specials now! Pick up a 49” for only $999 or a 65” for $2499.
2) Roku Streaming Stick ($49.99)
How about adding 1,500 channels to your TV for under $50 including Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, and more? Check out Best Buy, Target, or CNet.
3) Amazon’s Echo ($99 for Prime members; $199 for Non-Prime Members)
Not yet in stores, this standing cousin of Siri tells jokes, the weather, spells words for your kids, and is all sorts of useful – without raising your voice from any point in the room at the command of a code word you choose. It’s invite only (you can request one online) and retails for $99 for Prime subscribers, $199 for the rest of us.
4) GoPro ($499.99)
The popular waterproof HD adventure camcorder, nicknamed “Hero” for a reason. It’s perfect for the adventurer on your list! They will have a blast. Who knows, maybe you will have to buy one for yourself also (“from Santa”)?
5) New Smartphones (prices vary)
Of course, there is the onslaught of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, and this year’s 5c sales. The 6s have larger screens and are basically the updated versions of what’s always come out. The 5c is retailing for free with the phone plans this Christmas and is set to be a hot item for that reason. Apple Pay doesn’t seem to be a big seller in the CNY markets since it hasn’t hit the masses yet.
The Motorola Turbo is also red hot, with a 21 megapixel camera and a two day battery to make iPhone users jealous. The Galaxy S5 (which is water resistant) and Note 4 are also going to jump off the shelves. The Note’s stylus activates with the screen even from a short distance, making it convenient for busy businesspeople. The phones as a whole have the Android “I can use it as I want and not as Apple says” unwritten mantra.
6) Tablets (prices vary)
Again the new iPads are thinner and nice – perfect for the guy or gal on your list deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem.
However, a few others out there could do more for you if you explore them. The Samsung GALAXY TabPRO 10.1 is selling very well, as well as the LG G Pad.
But if money is no option, for about a grand you can get sick Galaxy Tab Pro that works similarly to the Note phone with stylus. They’re saying “it’s gorgeous.” All of the above-mentioned phones and tablets are available at your local Universe Cellular and Dish.
7) Laptops (prices vary)
LaptopMag published this great quick rundown of the best laptops this year. Check out your local Apple, Microsoft, or Best Buy for local availability.
8) Apple Watch?
Not yet. Make it your New Year’s resolution perhaps. PC Magazine reviewed a few smart watches that are now on the market. Check them out at your local tech store today.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
