Filipinos consider September as the start of the holiday season, but we all know the rush to buy Christmas gifts runs as late as December 24. That’s true even for gadget shoppers, who may find the increasing variety of brands and devices confusing.
Here’s a list of recommendations based on my gadget- and tech-related experiences over the past 11 months. If you’re shopping for gadgets as gifts for yourself or your loved ones, consider the five items below:
Apple MacBook Air
Buying a laptop is always about finding a balance between portability, sturdiness, performance, and of course, price. For the first three considerations, the MacBook Air hits the sweet spot — at a cost of wrecking even the budgets of affluent buyers.
Still, if you really need a laptop that you can literally throw like a Frisbee, can stand up to some abuse, and resolves even the most complicated spreadsheets with ease, Apple’s ultraportable is the computer for you. Just be prepared to pay through the nose, with an official SRP of P50,000 for the cheapest variant.
Cheaper alternatives: MSI Wind U270, Asus Eee PC 1215B (both aren’t as portable or sturdy, but still provide decent power at a much lower price point).
Samsung Galaxy S II
It’s the smartphone to beat, months after its launch. The Galaxy S II is really thin, takes full advantage of local 4G networks like that of Globe’s, and still has one of the most powerful processors built into a mobile phone. The integrated camera is good enough that you can leave your point-and-shoot at home.
Even non-geeks will be wowed by the Galaxy S II’s large and brilliant screen. The only issue I’ve encountered with this phone? A relatively weak speaker that you might not hear when buried deep into your pocket. Like the MacBook Air however, the S II is quite expensive. But you really do get what you pay for.
Cheaper alternatives: Lenovo Mobile A60 (only P8,000 but still quite capable), Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V and Xperia Mini (a cheap phone with a QWERTY keyboard).
Apple iPad 2
Tablet PCs like the iPad 2 are wonderful because you don’t have to flip them open to do anything. The only problem? They’re not as versatile as a “full-blown” netbook or laptop. The iPad 2 is a great purchase even if Apple suddenly comes out with an iPad 3 next year.
It’s the standard which other tablets are judged against, and thanks to its user-friendliness, it’s quite a hit for the older generation. If you want to make your parents happy this Christmas, the iPad 2 is a surefire purchase. Even better, compared to worthy opponents like the Asus Eee Pad Transformer and the Samsung Galaxy Tab, the iPad 2 is priced competitively.
Sennheiser PX 100-II
Headphones and earphones are becoming a must-have gadget, for those facing a boring two-hour commute, and people who like watching movies on their laptop, media player, or phone. For a limited budget, both the Koss Porta Pro and Sennheiser PX 100-II are winners.
Neither cost more than P3,000, but these two products feature sound quality comparable to more expensive options, adjust to your head size, and fold up for portability. The only drawback? The Porta Pro and PX 100-II won’t keep background noise out that well. I prefer the latter, because its cord connects at only one point for less clutter.
The CD-R King USB Car Charger
The famous blank-CD-now-cheap-gadget retailer sells a USB car charger for less than P100. You plug one end into your car’s cigarette lighter or charger port, and plug a USB cable into the other. As all USB gadgets — cellphones, tablets, even electronic cigarettes — follow the same standard, you now have the ability to charge any item in your gadget arsenal.
Take note however: if you’re buying this as a gift for someone else, take it out of its CD-R King package and have it wrapped in a new cardboard box (most gift wrappers carry those). That way, you won’t come off as a cheapskate, even if it’s really the thought that counts.
Got other gadgets you think would make great Christmas gifts? Leave a comment below, or email me at rico@mossesgeld.com.