Gadgets and Gifts for 2012, Part II

Keep the Gadget Giving Going… Last Minute Tech Ideas for the Holidays

From the January 2013 issue.

In the December issue (www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com/10823599), I wrote about more than a dozen tech gadgets that would make great presents or stocking stuffers. They ranged from high-end audio devices to smart phone and tablet cases, remote controlled cars and even a mobile device-enabled bar-b-que controller. There was even the decidedly non-tech, but tasty, gourmet designer marshmallows.

Yes, that’s a pretty wide range of gifts ideas, with some geared much more for play than for any kind of work. But that’s just fine with me. They only problem - there’s just never enough room for me to showcase all of the things that have caught my eye. I just can’t get enough tech!

Fortunately, as the editor, I’ve found a way to remedy that situation. How? By continuing the gift guide into this January issue which, conveniently, prints and goes online about two weeks before the end of the year… just in time for some last minute ideas.

From everyone at CPA Practice Advisor, a toast to holidays of family cheer and a New Year of health and prosperity!

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Get Your BlackBerry Fix in Tablet Format

If you don’t have a tablet yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. The best news is, the pricing has come down on even trusted brands like the BlackBerry Playbook. The PlayBook has an awesome high-resolution touch screen for perfect gaming and movies, dual-side cameras for video calls, up to 64GB of memory, built-in wi-fi, optional 4G data connectivity and Bluetooth support. Unlike the iPad, it also fully supports Flash for the tons of games and work apps that are available. The 7” tablet is lightweight and light on the pocketbook, and even comes with a free case. (http://us.blackberry.com/playbook-tablet; From $149. Also at major retailers.)

Smarter, Simpler Soda… Make it At Home

If you love soda and sparkling water, but have a distaste for the increasing prices and potential new soda taxes, check out the SodaStream. The almost magical devices lets you turn ordinary water into carbonated water in 30 seconds, and has more than 60 available flavors that rival and even beat the leading regular and diet brands. With dishwasher-safe bottles, the SodaStream can also help reduce the waste involved with cans and plastic containers. It’s available in several styles for matching home décor and quantity. (www.sodastreamusa.com; Starting at $79.95)

Elegant Accessories for the Fashionable Techie

For the man of style and technology, these Ravi Ratan USB cuff links may just be the perfect fit. Available in numerous styles and metals for every taste, each cuff link includes a 2GB or 4GB USB flash drive, providing the gentleman with the convenience of mobile technology storage, but as a stylish accessory. (www.CuffLinks.com; www.RaviRatan.com; From $100.)

Conquer the Cold

For winter sports enthusiasts, or those who face the extreme cold for work, keeping your hands warm is not just an issue of comfort, it’s a matter of safety. The new Chaval Response-XRT gloves include a built-in rechargeable heating element that’s as simple to use as charging a phone, and includes “alphaHEAT" technology that automatically adjusts glove temperature to any specified heat level.

The heat technology also helps save battery life and, as a result, the battery charge lasts all day, up to three times longer than other brands. These may be high tech, but make no mistake, they’re ready for serious work, and are hand-stitched from high quality, durable leather. (www.ChavalUSA.com; $389)

Keep Your iPad and Keyboard Together

If your iPad is becoming almost a replacement for your computer, then you’ve probably added the wireless Apple Bluetooth keyboard for better functionality. Unfortunately, most iPad cases ignore that the user might also have that keyboard. The Touchtype, however, was designed with both the iPad and keyboard in mind. Available in slate gray and a beautiful tooled leather portfolio style cases, the Touchtype can hold any iPad model in either landscape or portrait positions, and includes a pouch for the keyboard, helping you keep it just as protected as the tablet. (www.touchtypecase.com; From $37.)