Technology moves at a lightning pace, which makes the technophile in your life both the easiest and the hardest person to buy for. He can use anything that plugs into a wall, but every present is going to be out of date before you’re done paying for it. He’s already got every gizmo, gubbins, doodad, and whatsit out there, so what can you possibly buy that will be good enough? We’ve dug into the world of tiny screens and confounding gear to bring you some helpful gifts to get any gadget freak.
From incredibly advanced items for the die-hard technology fiend to basic things that will simplify his life and let him spend even more time jacked into the grid, here’s 20 gifts that can fit any budget and light up your technophile’s life.
Google Chromecast
Control the Signal: Watching TV online can be much simpler and cheaper than taking on a satellite or cable subscription, but trying to see all the glory on your tablet or computer is laughable. With the Chromecast, you are able to transmit your online experience to your TV and turn your smartphone, tablet, or laptop into a super sophisticated remote control. [Purchase: $35]
Apple iPad Air 2
Travel Tablet: The most recent addition to the iPad line is the Air 2 and it is ideal for the guy on the go. With a pimped out new weight and size, it feels much more like a truly portable tablet that also gives you nearly all the power of a full-sized without the bulky holiday pounds. [Purchase: $500+]
Nomad Clip
Tough and Tiny: This is the only connector you need for on-the-go charging of your mobile devices. It’s a tough engineering-grade polycarbonate and steel carabiner that is also a USB to Lightning or micro-USB connector that doesn’t waste an inch of space. [Purchase: $39]
DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter
Fly Spy: Know someone that needs to get that perfect aerial camera shot or patrol the grounds without ever leaving the house? Then the Phantom 2 combination action camera and quadcopter drone will give them all the airborne, remote-controlled recording they can handle in a single simple package. [Purchase: $799]
CrashPlan Data Backup
Back Dat Data Up: Never let your technophile lose his precious information ever again by giving him the incomparably simple data backup from CrashPlan. With true unlimited storage and an always-on vigilance that protects him from computer deaths or melted hard drives, it is the present of peace of mind. [Purchase: $60]
LG 34UC97 Cineview Curved Ultrawide LED Monitor
That’s a Wrap: 4K technology allows you to see everything in stunning detail that puts 1080p to shame. It’s time to bring that sweet, eye-popping resolution to the monitor of the man who lives on his computer with the Cineview Curved. At a full 34 inches it’s sure to have him ignoring you in no time. [Purchase: $1,514]
Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker
Unchained Melody: The Soundlink from Bose kicks out room-filling, acoustically beautiful sound that can also be carried wherever you go. With Bluetooth connectivity that works with any mobile device, the nomadic audiophile will never be without his favorite beats. [Purchase: $299]
Logitch Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480
Write Right: No matter how good touchscreen keyboards become, they still can’t quite emulate the real thing. For the multi-device man who needs to be able to write and edit on his phone, tablet, phablet, tabone, or phuterlet the K480 is ready to sync up and offer a smooth typing experience with no bugs. [Purchase: $40]
Aeron Chair by Herman Miller
Sit Tight: The average techie spends more time in their office chair than they do in their car, so giving them one that truly measures up will present them with years of pleasure and save them from office injuries. The graphite body, incredible level of adjustments, and amazing comfort will definitely put a smile on their cheeks. [Purchase: $900]
Bluelounge Soba Cable Director
Wire Wrap: Cords and cables are still a grim reality, even in the digital, wireless age. To stop them from cluttering desks and dangling all over, you need a Soba Cable Director. It allows you to run several cables through it, flexible enough to go wherever it is needed, and still looks classy and professional. [Purchase: $25]
Killspencer Briefcase 2.0
Pro’s Choice: This is more than a briefcase. With Cobra buckles, a Riri zipper with antique silver finish, and a bullhide leather handle and carry strap, it’s a work of art that can also carry your laptop securely along with all your cables, mobile devices, and accessories in a sleek package built for the boardroom. There are several colors to choose from, but the camo really makes a statement. [Purchase: $450]
Beats By Dre Wireless Headphones
Hear Today: Beats is the 3 billion dollar brand with good reason. Each headphone, from the lowliest earbuds to the studio-ready wireless model pump out bumping bass and capture every note in the high and mid ranges in sterling quality no matter what device they are hooked to. [Powerbeats 2 Wireless Earbuds: $200 | Solo 2 Wireless: $300 | Studio Wireless: $379]
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Laptop / Tablet Replacement: There is no reason to continue to use both a laptop and a tablet with the Surface Pro 3. The 4th generation Intel Core processing speed combined with touchscreen capability and a slick silicone keyboard make this the hybrid that is so much more. [Purchase: $800]
KOHLER Showerhead and Speaker
Wet Noise: Getting clean is no excuse to stop listening to the best music or podcast. This showerhead speaker uses a Bluetooth connection to interface with your music device and keep the hits coming in a steady stream. Not a bad showerhead either. [Purchase: $110]
Vizio P-Series 4K UHD TVs
Believe Your Eyes: Vizio has made a name for itself as a premium television maker with bargain-level price tags, and their P-Series of 4K TVs is no exception. At passable prices with incredible displays, you can pick a size and know it will dazzle even the most hardened techno-buff. [Purchase: $1,000+]
Nest 2.0 Learning Thermostat x Nest Protect
Power and Protection: Nest makes home devices that leverage modern technology to make the basic things even simpler. The Protect is an elegant smoke detector that won’t give you fits or chirp away in the middle of the night, while the Nest 2.0 is a brilliant learning thermostat that will keep your home at the perfect temperature. [Nest 2.0: $250 | Nest Protect: $99]
Grovemade Desktop Collection
Desk Machisimo: An amalgamation of accessories made in wood and leather, the Desktop collection contains a hand crafted keyboard tray, wrist pad, mouse pad, monitor stand, planters, desk lamp, ruler, and paper clip holder that will add style and function to any desk setup with a clean, masculine sophistication in either maple of walnut. [Purchase: $29+]
Asus Extreme Wireless Router
Complete Connection: Your home network is only as fast as your wireless router, and this is the fastest router available. At up to 1734 Mbps with 4K UHD video playback and backwards compatibility, this is quicker than thought. [Purchase: $257]
Logitech Wireless Performance Mouse MX
Finger Friendly: This wireless mouse is the last word in comfort and advanced technology. The dark field sensor works on everything, including glass, while the body is built ergonomically for easier browsing, gaming, or office work. [Purchase: $57]
Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display
All in One: No techie will turn his nose up at a Mac. This is perfect for the budding technophile who needs a complete computer system stuffed into a single package so that they can start on the path to glory in the information era. [Purchase: $2,500]
