2010 Gadget Gift-Giving Guide
From the December 2010 Issue.
It’s beginning to look a lot like …
What? How many shopping days are left? You still don’t have a clue of what to give your boss, your friends or some of your family? Well, as I do each year, I “grudgingly” spend hours looking at and playing with dozens of new tech gadgets and toys, and almost all of them would make great gifts, even if it’s for yourself.
Whether you’re staying connected while on the road or in the air, putting in some extra time in the office, cuddled up with an eBook in front of an HDTV simulated fireplace, or outside throwing snowballs at the neighbor, there’s something in this year’s gift guide for everyone. Some are all about work, but many are more about play.
This online version of the Annual Tech Gift-Giving Guide also includes bonus content! That means extra gadget ideas to help you work/play/relax/whatev! So come on and help spread a little gadgety cheer this holiday season, but also make sure you get out of the office, unplug for awhile, and spend some quality off-line time with your actual, real-life, in-person, non-digital friends and family.
Happy Holidays from CPA & NSA Practice Advisor!
What’s Better than a ScanSnap?
A Free ScanSnap, of course!
With all the hype about the digital office, workflow optimization, tax document automation, etc… you surely have a scanner (or several) in your office. But do you have a mobile full-color scanner? One small enough to take with you to a client office or when traveling? How about one that can instantly create your choice of PDFs, Excel or Word documents and includes document management and business card scanning software? The Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300 does all that, plus it has a 10-page automatic document feeder, can scan up to eight double-sided pages per minute and works with PCs and Macs. To top off the convenience meter, the ScanSnap can get its power from either a USB cable or an AC adapter. At $295, it’s a great deal; but for one of our readers it will be even better … see the box at the bottom of page 21 in our print issue to learn how you can win a free ScanSnap S1300. (www.usfujitsu.com/cpa)
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BUSINESS FIRST 
Safe & Secure
There’s backup, and then there’s protection. Backing up data can keep it safe from IT failures and some hazards, but if it’s backed up on an external hard drive in your office, it may fall victim to the same disaster that makes you need it. But not with the ioSafe SoloPRO, a superfast USB 3.0 external hard drive that helps automate data backup functions and recovery, but also adds active airflow cooling, plus protection against fire (up to 1,550 degrees), and against water damage (up to 10 feet for 72 hours). If that weren’t enough, there’s also added theft protection in the form of a Kensington security slot and anti-theft tab for bolting it down to any surface. This “Super Safe” is also immune to Kryptonite. From $249 (www.iosafe.com)
Backing Up When You’re on the Go
Backing up the data on your computers is important, whether you’re in your office or mobile, and two new “mobile memory solutions” from Lexar make it easier than ever. Where traditional backup solutions can be complex and prone to user error, the Echo ZE and Echo SE automatically keep your important files backed up onto a pocketable, memory stick-sized device that packs a whole lot more punch. The devices, available in capacities from 8GB to 128GB, include a program that immediately starts to encrypt and backup your data when you plug it into a USB port, and it keeps continually backing it up as long as it’s plugged in. You can also easily restore previous file versions, and it helps to prevent accidental overwrites. Both Echo versions support PC and Mac computers. From $49 (www.lexar.com)
