Gifts you should have given - 2012 edition
For the second time in the history of this blog, I'm getting my holiday gift recommendations out before Christmas (I know, amazing).
Full disclosure: I work for Microsoft. But for me personally, the Surface is the tablet I've been waiting for -- one that allows me to work and play on one device.
There are two types of Surface tablets:
This one uses ARM architecture (like most smart phones and tablets), which makes it possible to get 8-10 hours of battery life. While you can't install Intel-based programs on the Surface RT, it does come pre-loaded with Office 2013 Home and Student edition.
Here are the things I like about the Surface:
- It's designed to be used with a keyboard, which attaches magnetically to the bottom of the device
- It has a built-in kickstand, which disappears when closed
- It contains a microSDXC slot, allowing you to add up to 64 GB of extra storage
- It includes a full-size USB port that allows a memory stick, mouse, or whatever you want to plug in.
- It has a mini-HDMI port (requires purchasing an extra adapter): Lets you project your Surface onto an HDTV.
I mostly use my Surface to surf the web or play games, but I've been able to do a fair amount of work on it as well. I recently traveled to Phoenix with only my Surface (no laptop), and I was able to do most everything I wanted.
Even though the screen isn't full HD (1080p), it's still sharp and brilliant at 1366 x768 pixels.
Read a CNET review about the Surface RT.
Surface Pro (Avail Jan 2013): $899 - $999
Surface Pro can run older Windows Desktop programs. From what I've read, the big differences between Surface Pro and Surface RT are:
- Size and weight: 14mm (instead of 9.4mm for Surface RT) and weighing "less than 2 pounds" (instead of "less than 1.5 pounds")
- Intel architecture: Allows you to install and run Windows Desktop apps using Windows 8 Professional
- Digitizer and pen support
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Touch: 10-point multi-touch (instead of 5-point)
- USB 3.0 (faster) instead of 2.0
- Mini-display port (VGA) instead of HDMI
- Battery life - "approximately half the battery life of Surface RT"
There are two types of keyboards that connect to both Surface models:
Surface Touch Cover ($119.99) - The thinnest keyboard I've ever used, with keys that don't move. (It works much better than you would expect.) Note that this keyboard has a track pad as well, like what you find on laptops.
Surface Type Cover ($129.99) - This keyboard is closer to an actual laptop keyboard. It's still surprisingly thin.
Bose AE2 Headphones ($135)
These headphones have continued to be my first choice and are actually better than many noise cancelling headphones that I've used.
What continues to impress me:
- Rich, powerful sound
- Comfort: I could wear these for hours and they never hurt my ears.
- Durability: Many of the components are replaceable, like the cord and the headphone cushions
Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker II ($299.00)
After my stereo system broke this year, I decided it was time to get a portable Bluetooth speaker that I could connect to my PC, phone, and Surface. So far, like other Bose speakers, the SoundLink packs a lot of punch for a compact speaker. And with its rechargeable, Lithium-Ion battery, this is a speaker you can bring with you.
Nokia Lumia 920 4G Windows Phone, Black (AT&T) ($39.99 - Price varies based on service type)
This is, quite simply, the best smartphone I've ever used (I've had a Samsung Focus, Samsung Jack, and Palm Treo). Sure, it's bigger and heavier than what you might expect, but I actually prefer a larger screen. And this screen is gorgeous.
Nokia's apps are also top-of-the-line. The Drive app is superb -- in terms of accuracy and ease of use. But the thing that really makes this phone stand out is the camera. For the first time, I feel like I might be able to leave my Canon G9 at home. Don't believe me? Check out this photo I took at our family holiday party a few weeks ago:
Philips Sonicare HX9332/05 DiamondClean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush ($166.80)
My cheaper Sonicare model recently bit the dust, so I was interested in a higher-end model this time. This one is definitely a higher end model. ($166.80 at Amazon)
The most unique thing about this tooth brush is the "charging glass." Instead of putting the toothbrush on a charging station, you place it in the glass -- and it charges wirelessly. And the deluxe travel case also doubles as a charger (even via USB!).
Sony BDP-S390 Blu-ray Disc Player with Wi-Fi (Black) ($97.77)
With four people in my house, I was starting to feel the need for another TV; so I bought a smaller Samsung LED TV. The only problem was the bedroom didn't have a cable outlet. I knew that the new Xbox 360 has wireless built-in, but I didn't want to spend that much.
Instead I bought a Sony Blu-ray player with wireless capability. I have to say, this little Blu-ray player does almost everything I want it to do, including:
- Blu-ray disc support
- Netflix
- Amazon Instant Video
- YouTube
Steven Spielberg Blu-ray recommendations ($16.97 - $57.84)
This year, there have been quite a few Spielberg films released on Blu-ray. Here are some of my favorites from this year, as well as one from a few years ago:
Wabash Valley Farms Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper ($21.97)
I probably use this popper 2-3 times per week. This is still the best popcorn popper I've ever used. Here's why:
- It uses a manual hand crank to stir the popcorn, so you the popcorn is less likely to burn -- and you pop more of the kernels.
- The vents on top of the popper let the steam escape, which makes for perfect popcorn.
- The popper heats up quickly and only takes about 3 minutes to pop 6 quarts of popcorn.
Vic Firth 8" Federal Pepper Mill, Black $46.00)
Looking for a nice pepper mill? Check out this model by drumstick manufacturer Vic Firth.
BackJoy Relief Cushion (Black, 120-300-Pound) ($39.99)
When my back started hurting for a few weeks, I saw this cushion at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and thought I'd give it a try. It's amazing that sitting on something like this could have such an effect on your back, but it does.
You can read more about how Backjoy works here.
Labels: Gifts
