Top Tech Gadgets for the Holiday Season

By Katie Gaskin, Assistant Account Executive, Austin

With the beginning of fall comes the inevitable stress surrounding holiday shopping. What to get for the person who has everything, or the tech geek in the family? In the digital world we live in, gadgets that allow for multitasking and provide the latest technology and fastest connectivity are highly sought after, making them ideal holiday gifts. Consumers are constantly seeking the newest, greatest and fastest technology as soon as it’s available, a trend exemplified by the craze surrounding Apple’s release of an updated iPhone each fall. Fortunately, a crop of cool gadgets has recently debuted, just in time to avoid any holiday shopping woes. Read on for some of the latest tech gadgets to hit the market.

iPhone 5
This is a given. If you know someone who wasn’t one of the 2 million-plus people to pre-order the iPhone 5 within the first 24 hours it was available, consider it a sure-to-please holiday present.  A 4-inch retina display, faster than ever Wi-Fi and a battery that manages to be more powerful while conserving battery life make the iPhone 5 a must-have for the mobile minded.

The HP Envy Sleekbook 6z
With features like Rapid Smart and Smart Response technology, and perks such as dual speakers and a subwoofer through the Beats Audio system, it’s hard to believe that the HP Envy Sleekbook 6 is only 19.8mm thick. The Sleekbook is the ideal size for transporting and has a battery life of up to 9 hours, allowing you to work all day without ever having to search for a plug to recharge.

iPad Mini
While Apple has not officially announced the iPad Mini, the device is hitting the rumor mill hard. The tech blog Gizmodo published pictures of a working device, while InformationWeek revealed specs for the gadget, which should measure 7.8 inches in diameter, similar in size to a Kindle and other Android tablets. Bloggers expect Apple to make an official announcement this month, so until then, keep this item in the back of your mind while doing any early shopping, as it is sure to top holiday wish lists this year.

Samsung Galaxy Camera
The Galaxy Camera by Samsung marks the first camera to offer 3G and 4G data connections in addition to Wi-Fi. Perfect for photography buffs or those who are constantly on the go, the Galaxy Camera presents the first real challenge to the portability and convenience of the smartphone. Other features include GPS, Bluetooth, the ability to download apps through Google Play and, of course, a 21x optical zoom, 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS image sensor as well as a 4.77-inch LCD screen.

Toys R Us Tabeo Tablet
Not to forget the kiddos on everyone’s holiday list, the new Tabeo tablet released by Toys R Us is designed specifically for children. The 7-inch Android powered tablet is equipped with Wi-Fi (with plenty of parental controls), an HDMI port to connect to a TV and 50 preloaded games, educational apps and books. Last but not least, the tablet has a drop-safe bumper to protect it from any bumps and bruises. The Tabeo hits stores on October 21 and is available for pre-order on the Toys R Us website.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon’s newest e-reader, the Paperwhite, features higher resolution and contrast, an 8 week battery life and a patented built-in light. The Kindle’s screen lighting is its distinguishing feature from other tablets, allowing for optimal reading conditions without glare, even in the brightest of sunlight. The Paperwhite takes this feature to the next level with adjustable brightness that provides the perfect amount of light for reading in bed or relaxing by the pool. No additional reading lamp is needed.