Some people are harder to get gifts for than others (I'm talking about you, Dad!). Here are some gifts that can help you share your love of technology -- gagdets that stand a chance of being used by the recipient. They're also useful and desirable gifts for gadget lovers too.
1. Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale
Photo © Balanzza
If your gift recipient ever travels, this <$25 (retail price) gadget can help him/her save money by avoiding the excess baggage limit and unexpected overweight fees (which can set you back as much as $150). The luggage scale, which is strong enough to weigh luggage up to 100 lbs., can also be used outside of travel purposes for weighing packages to mail. If you or your gift recipient use it even once, the luggage scale can pay for itself.
There are a couple of different models of digital luggage scales on the market. Shown here: the Balanzza Ergo, which uses the ergonomically-designed body of the scale as the grip and is easy to use with one or both hands.
Perfect for: Travelers
2. Solio Solar Power Charger for Electronic Devices
Photo © user cogdogblog via flickr
Solar-powered chargers can be a lifesaver when you're in an emergency. They can charge electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, and cameras) anywhere, anytime using the power of the sun, and hybrid models can also be charged via USB port or AC adapter. Besides offering peace of mind and dependable power, replacing wall chargers with solar ones can help save the environment.
Shown here: the Solio Hybrid Charger (MSRP: $49.95), which works with over 3200 devices and folds up into a compact travel-friendly device
Perfect for: Road Warriors, Outdoor Adventurers, Travelers
3. Everki Camber Netbook Case/Laptop Stand
Photo © Everki
This netbook and ultraportable laptop (up to 13") case is not just a case -- it is also a portable laptop desk or stand that can hold your netbook at an ergonomic 30 degree angle. It's one of the more clever netbook cases you can find today and good for those who use their netbooks on the go.
Details: Everki Camber netbook case and laptop stand; MSRP $49.99
Perfect for: Commuters, Road Warriors
4. Victorinox Flash USB
Photo © Victorinox Swiss Army
Here's both a practical and geeky tool -- a Swiss Army knife with essential tools (ballpoint pen, LED mini white light, nail file with scewdriver, scissors, blade) and a 4GB removable USB flash drive. As you know, USB thumb drives can be extremely useful, so it makes sense to include this portable storage device on a multi-function tool. Perfect for the tech-capable MacGyver in your life.
Shown here: Victorinox Flash 4GB Ruby, $59.95 MSRP. Other versions available (flight-friendly, up to 32GB versions, flashlight only, additional laser pointer, silver design).
Perfect for: Gadget Geeks, Road Warriors, Executives
5. Prepaid Mobile Broadband from Virgin Wireless
Photo © Novatel Wireless
Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go service offers 3G nationwide wireless Internet for laptops -- without a contract and without monthly fees. After buying the $79.99 USB adapter, you can buy service for $10 (100MB of data that expires in 10 days) or get unlimited data for $40 a month. This makes the high-speed wireless service easy to give as a gift for anyone who could use occasional on-the-go Web access from their laptop without having to find a wi-fi hotspot.
Shown here: Novatel Wireless Ovation MC760, used for Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go service, direct retail price $79.99. The drive also doubles as a flash drive with microSD card reader.
Perfect for: Travelers, Road Warriors, All Mobile Users
