Gift
suggestions for the technophile on your Christmas list this year by
Alan Zisman (c) 2007 First published in Business
in VancouverDecember 4-10, 2007; issue 945
High Tech Office column
Satirical 1950s and ’60s
songwriter Tom Lehrer sang: “Christmas time is here by jolly,
disapproval would be folly.” So here’s a collection of gifts for this
Christmas season for fellow high- tech office readers or maybe for
yourself.
Much of the time we spend with technology involves
using keyboards, but far too many of us are using the keyboard that
came with our computer, a choice based on cheapness rather than
comfort, productivity, stylishness or fun. A new keyboard can be an
affordable way to perk up someone’s computing experience.
Some options:
Logitech’s Wave, as the name suggests, is a
curved alternative to
familiar straight keyboard. The design is not as extreme as ergonomic
models like Microsoft’s Natural models, and Logitech isn’t making any
health-related claims. But designed to reflect the fact that fingers
vary in length, the Wave is among the most comfortable keyboards I’ve
ever used. Included software lets its extra buttons be customized as
shortcuts to commonly used commands and applications for Windows and
Mac users. Available in a $50 wired version and a $90 cordless mouse
and keyboard package.
Apple’s new iMac models, released in August,
debuted a new sleek silver
keyboard model. Thinner and quieter than most keyboards, the
low-profile keys are separated from one another, delivering a different
feel from most keyboards. (Some users love it, others hate it.) The new
keyboard is available on its own: $50 for the wired version, $80 for a
shorter wireless model that’s minus the numeric keypad. Either make a
stylish upgrade for older Macs. Another gift for the Mac owners on your
list: Apple’s iLife ’08 software ($80); this bundle replaces the pack
of media programs installed on their Mac with improved versions of
iPhoto, GarageBand music creator and more. The biggest changes are to
iMovie. Apple rewrote iMovie from the ground up to make it quicker and
easier to take footage from a digital camcorder and turn it into a
viewable movie. Or just buy someone a new Mac. The iLife ’08 is
pre-installed on all new Macs; the new keyboard comes with all new
desktop Mac models.
While notebook computers have built-in
keyboards, many notebook users
prefer to plug in a full-sized keyboard. If the Logitech or Apple
models are too bulky to tote around, consider Targus’ Flexible Mobile
Keyboard ($30). This silent, easily transportable full-sized keyboard
can be rolled up or folded and is sealed with a wipeable silicone
covering that keeps dirt and spills from the keys.
With
notebook computers making up an increasing proportion of the computers
we work on, here are a few more gifts aimed at notebook users.
Movie fans may remember the scene in the 1986
Star Trek IV movie when
Scotty, back in the past, picks up a computer mouse and speaks into it.
Now you can do that too with the $50 Notebook Mouse Internet Phone,
also from Targus. Two devices in one, it’s a compact two-button scroll
wheel mouse designed to plug into any notebook’s USB port. Pick it up,
and use it with Internet phone services like Skype or Vonage and
instant messaging services like MSN, via the built-in microphone,
speakerphone and headphone jack. But, no, there’s no keypad for tapping
in the number you need to call.
Microsoft’s $120
Mobility Pack also offers notebook users two devices,
though not in a single gadget. Instead, it bundles the company’s
Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 and LifeCam NX-6000 webcam. The
mouse is small, but not too small, designed for equal comfort used with
right or left hands and able to communicate with a small plug-in
receiver. Features include smooth scrolling, precise tracking and a
four-way scroll wheel, along with up to six-month battery life. The
webcam features 2.0 megapixel video and 7.6 megapixel still images, 3x
digital zoom, a wide-angle lens and a built-in microphone.
With many notebooks
being used for listening to music, watching video
and DVDs and playing games, users will appreciate the ability to
improve their often wimpy sound quality. Creative’s $75 Blaster X-Fi
offers Windows XP or Vista notebook users what the company refers to as
Xtreme Fidelity sound in a small express card that’s easy to plug into
the slot built into most recent notebooks. It enhances the sound of
compressed music and movie file formats and can expand stereo sounds
into 3D space. A $35 optional docking module lets you plug in 5.1 or
7.1 surround sound speaker systems.
Music lovers may appreciate another Creative
product: Aurvana X-Fi
Noise-Canceling Headphones ($300). A big step up from the ear buds
bundled with iPods and other music players, these over-ear padded
headphones eliminate most background noise while using the company’s
X-Fi Crystalizer technology to boost musical highs and lows for a
fuller sound. They can be used with iPhones and other recessed input
jacks; adapters are included for use with one-quarter-inch audio
connectors and airplane jacks. A stylish case lets them travel well.
Music lovers will also be impressed with the
way British high-end audio
manufacturer Meridian has reinvented the tabletop radio. Its F80
Ferrari is a home entertainment system that sits on a shelf, but offers
sound that fills a room and is surprisingly good for such a compact
unit. Packed into the small semi-circular case are a pair of
front-mounted speakers, a back-mounted subwoofer and 80 watts of
amplifier along with a Ferrari logo and colour touches from the Italian
sports car maker. More than just a radio, it also plays audio and
MP3/WMA CDs and DVDs and connects to iPods. There’s even a clock. Like
Meridian’s speaker systems, each F80 is hand-assembled in England. The
price?
For $3,000 it’s Meridian’s most affordable product, and a lot
cheaper than a drivable Ferrari. Available locally from La Scala
Integrated Media. •
Alan
Zisman is a Vancouver educator,
writer, and computer specialist. He
can be reached at E-mail
Alan