Gadgets and Gifts for 2012, Part II

A Man Cave Must

I miss "gaming" the way it used to be: With consoles at the arcade, pizza joint or the bar. But while they are mostly disappearing from those venues, you can still get the full arcade experience at home with Dream Arcades collection of pre-built and assembly kit games. Virtually all of the old classics and newer favorites are available, as well as multi-game units, available in stand-up and table-top models. The company even offers customized ones: How about a video game with a built-in keg refrigerator and taps? They've got it! The Inebriation Station. (www.DreamArcades.com; Starting at $1,600.)

Clean Up a Smoker’s Habit

We all know that smoking is unhealthy and stinks, and yet millions of Americans still do it. Even smokers know this, and try to be conscientious about it. Now there’s a way to be even more polite, and get rid of the smoke, ash and smell, without quitting. EverSmoke eCigarettes are a USB rechargeable electronic cigarette. The smoker gets their nicotine, but none of the tar, ammonia, carbon monoxide and other toxic additives. And for everyone around them, there’s no smell, no flame and no smoke, only a water vapor mist. They also cost about 50 percent less (depending on state) of what regular cigarettes cost. (www.EverSmoke.com; Available in various strengths and flavors; Prices as low as $2.66 per pack-equivalent cartridge.)

Shades with a Unique View

Whether racing down the slopes or burning rubber on the track, everybody loves sharing video of the action. That used to require carrying a bulky camcorder around, then came better mobile video tech that allowed a small camera to be mounted. But even that's oldschool now that Pivothead Eyewear is here.

Combining sleek sunglasses with a built-in HD video camera, the shades gi ve a perfect first-person perspective, with hands-free video and audio. The most advanced imaging device for its size, the Pivothead comes in four models and 17 hip to chic styles. It's also available for users with prescription lenses. With the optional Air Pivothead WiFi Drive, users can also wirelessly upload, download and stream vidoes, photos and music. (www.Pivothead.com; $299)

Boost Your Audio

Your favorite tunes deserve real stereo output, but in an age of mini-devices, most people don't want the hassle of a big and complicated receiver for their home sound systems. To really get the groove on, though, you need more power. That's where Orb Audio's new Booster amplifier steps up to kick it up! The Booster brings high performance sound to up to four audio sources, featuring an easy-to-use remote control, beautiful extruded aluminum cabinet and professional quality speaker connectors. Additionally, Booster is designed with a subwoofer output and small/large speaker size selector. Booster is also very small, measuring just six inches wide, six inches deep and one and three quarters inches high. (www.orbaudio.com; $164)

An Elegant Way to Carry Your Laptop

Most latop cases are boring plasstic or leather designs that all look the same. The Booq Mamba Courier series, however, gives professionals an elegant messenger-style shoulder bag that was specifically designed to carry all of a professional's tech essentials in style.

The cases have an exterior construction made of innovative natural fibers that are all-natural, waterproof and organically dyed. The result is a smooth but rugged feel that is extremely lightweight and strong, providing a luxuriously rugged elegance.

The inside of the cases include dense padding to protect the gear, and each one comes with a Terralinq serial number that helps you recover your bag if it is lost. (www.booqbags.com; From $99)

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Be sure to check out the first part of the gift guide, which appeared in the December 2012 issue. From everyone at CPA Practice Advisor, We wish you the Happiest of Holidays and a prosperous New Year.