Archive for the ‘Gadgets for Men’ Category

Digital Camcorders for Teens

When picking a digital camcorder for a teenager, think compact, easy to use, easy to share. Digital camcorders fit these requirements perfectly. Your teenager can shoot the video, edit it right on the camcorder and instantly share with his friends. Of course, editing on a computer is an option too, but ease of use and short time from production to release is important. Another option worth considering, is a waterproof digital camcorder. If your teen is into snowboarding or swimming – you definitely want a camcorder that can handle moisture.

What makes camcorders a great gift is that they combine video recording and shooting still images. Video is everywhere now – just look at how much time your teenager spends on YouTube. Give them some tools to express themselves an try producing videos on their own.

Surprisingly, giving a camcorder as a gift is not going to break your budget. There are several fantastic options on the market. Let’s go down Amazon’s bestselling list.
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How to pick a digital camera gift for a teenage boy

Teenage boys are not into looks of the cameras. They are not much into cameras, frankly. However, if your teenager is into photography, you are in luck. There are several excellent choices in point-and-shoot cameras that would help your teen boy be creative and produce excellent quality photos at the same time.

When picking a digital camera for a teenage boy, it is all about camera features. The camera needs to be easy to use, obviously, but also allow the teen to express himself by taking exceptional pictures. The camera should be durable. It should have good low light picture quality, sports mode, and video.

Here are good point-and-shoot cameras that will not make a huge dent in your pocket and make your gift useful and memorable. All of them have resolution of 10 megapixels or higher; some of them have video capabilities (including HD video). All cameras perform well in low light conditions. All of the cameras are point-and-shoot; they favor automatic modes, not manual.

Canon PowerShot D10 | Digital Camera for TeensCanon PowerShot D10
Specs: 12.1 megapixels of resolution; 3x optical stabilized zoom
Pros: waterproof, cold resistant, shockproof; optical image stabilizer; great picture quality
Cons: no lens cap; microphone is sensitive; camera is a little bulky; no setting for action shots
List Price: $329.99
Price: $281.75
You Save: $48.24 (15%)
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Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard

Logitech G13 Gameboard | Gadget Gifts for MenG13 Gameboard is quite comfortable to use. A non-slip surface on the bottom of the board keps the device in place. The pad is large – anybody with large hands will have no problem using it. Keys are easy to locate by touch.

The LCD is very bright with adjustable lighting. In dim conditions, you can use built-in backlight: you can see the buttons easily. Customizable LCD display will show game stats (if supported) as well as system info and communications from fellow players.

Customize your experience and save up to 5 ready-to-play profiles. The G13 gameboard offers pre-configured settings for many popular games, including World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade, Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and many others. G13 comes with its own software. Scan your computer for compatible games and enjoy a pre-configured gaming profile. Of course, you can create your own profile from scratch. After you create your profile, you can customize your keys: assign key combinations, macros or scripts easily. There are 25 programmable keys available. G13 has LUA scripting language available for hard core gamers.

Buy it for $75.88

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Canon PowerShot S90IS

Canon PowerShot S90IS | Gadget GiftsThis new 10-megapixel camera with High Sensitivity System is a very impressive little point-and-shoot gadget. The new model is slimmer and lighter. A spacious image sensor is packed in a small point-and-shoot camera body. It is perfect for people who are serious about photography and would like a worthy pocket substitute for a professional camera. Despite its size, the camera feels solid in your hand.

PowerShot S90IS has new High Sensitivity System and higher ISO speeds to ensure great image quality. It has Canon’s famous DIGIC 4 Image Processor paired with a bright f/2.0 lens and produces superior quality images even in low-light conditions (noise is not really visible until ISO 800). The S90 lens is very fast and you do not have to rely on ISO so much. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for the ultimate in sharpness and clarity.

At the base of the lens barrel, there is a new control ring allowing for a manual control. By turning the ring, you adjust the main setting in each mode, for example, shutter speed in shutter priority. The ring function button at the top of the camera will allow you to adjust almost any parameter. Adjusting itself takes some time to get used to because of the small size of the camera, but the ability to control so many parameters is remarkable.

PowerShot S90 has 25 Shooting Modes. It features Canon’s precision 28mm Wide-Angle Lens that allows you to shoot any scene from wide-angle to telephoto. The camera has 3.8x optical zoom with Canon Optical Image Stabilizer. S90 sports an f/2.0 aperture, perfect for creating enticing portraits, by drawing attention to the face and blurring the background with its impressively shallow depth-of-field. For close-up photography use Macro setting.

PowerShot S90 has no viewfinder, but the 3 inch LCD screen makes up for it. You can shoot in JPEG or RAW modes – simultaneously. Small battery allows you to take over 200 shots on a single charge.

The camera price is $430. It is a little more expensive than most cameras in its category. However, it is worth it for the compact size packed with features and the picture quality you are getting. PowerShot S90IS is available now. Order from Amazon.

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Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV | Gadgets for MenCanon just came out with a new professional EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR. Since the release of the original 1D series in 2001, it has been the camera of choice for many professional photographers because of its great image quality, high speed performance, reliability and waterproof construction. Canon improved all these qualities in this new model.

1D Mk IV is big and heavy (1.2 kilograms) even without the lens. It has improved ergonomic body. The handgrip feels very secure and comfortable in both vertical and horizontal positions. The controls are positioned perfectly under the fingers.

The improved three-inch LCD monitor has a 920,000-dot screen and 170 degree viewing angle. The construction of the monitor produces a sharp picture in all lighting conditions. The ISO ranges from 100 to 12,800 and is expandable to an incredible 50 – 102,400 ISO – the highest sensitivity of any current DSLR camera.

The most significant improvement is the new APS-H sized 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor. It measures 27.9mm x 18.6mm and gives a crop factor of 1.3x compared to a 35mm camera. The new sensor is coupled with the same dual DIGIC 4 processors as in EOS 5D Mk II. The camera will produce full-resolution shots at 10 frames per second in continuous shooting mode with full continuous autofocus. The buffer is capable of storing a sequence of 121 shots.

The new 45-point autofocus system is extremely fast and its tracking function seems to have no problem focusing in low light conditions. It includes 39 cross-type AF points with f/2.8 support. Photographers can select their own default focus point through either the camera’s Multi-controller or Main Dial/Quick Control Dial. To get the most out of sports photography, it is possible to choose to have primary focus supported by adjacent focus points.

An advanced noise reduction system helps ensure sharp, low-noise images. Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast during impage processing and is available in most shooting modes.

If fantastic pictures are not enough, the EOS-1D Mark IV features HD video recording as well. It will shoot full 1080p video at different frame rates. Stereo audio can be recorded through an optional external microphone. The camera connects to your HD TV though an HDMI jack for playback. For slow motion effects, use 720p or VGA resolutions at higher frame rates. The camera allows full manual exposure control to avoid blown highlights, achieve depth of field adjustment an other creative effects.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is expected to come out in the end of December. Already in high demand, it is available for pre-order now for $4,999.99.

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Kingston MobileLite G2 Card Reader

MobileLiteG2 Card Reader | Christmas Gift IdeasUseful, portable, light, durable, reliable – all applies to this MobileLite 9-in-1 Card Reader from Kingston. It is plug and play. No power source required. Protective wings cover the card slot and USB connector: throw it in your bag or pocket – you will not damage the reader or your card. MobileLite Reader comes with a key chain if you prefer to attach it to something.

The reader has USB 2.0 connector and memory expansion slots for 9 different types of SD and MMC flash memory cards. It has expansion slots on both sides. When you plug it into your computer, it shows up as 3 drives. You can attach SD cards to both sides and transfer files either to your computer or move them from one card to the other. Great for sharing your photos, music – whatever! The slot on side A supports SD/SDHC, MMC, MMCmobile, RS MMC, and MMCplus card formats. The 2 slots on side B support microSD, MMCmicro, and miniSD card formats. The three slots come with a slider — push the slider to take out the card.

You know what else is great about this reader? The price! You can get a MobileLite G2 Reader for $8.61. MobileLite Reader with 2GB card goes for $59.99.

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Bose QuietComfort 15

Bose QuietComfort 15 | Gadget Gifts for MenBose is known for excellent quality headphones. QuietComfort 15 are absolutely fantastic for noise-canceling qualities and sound. Frequent flyers – listen up!

Bose QuietComfort 15 will make you forget you are on an airplane. These over-the-ear headphones have microphones inside and outside the ear cup to sense and eliminate noise and sounds. This model is a drastic improvement over previous models. Shut off the distractions and noise around you and enjoy your music. All outside sounds disappear. No joke – all of them: road construction, crying children, telephone conversations, etc.

The sound quality is exceptional. Compared to previous models, it has better response in deep bass and less resonance in 80-150 HZ range. QC-15 have great battery life and detachable cable. If you do not want to listen to the music, just get rid of the noise around you, it is a great option.

Get your Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones for $299.95

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Top 5 MP3 Players

CNET editors unveiled a list of top 5 MP3 players. Here it is in all its glory.

  1. Sony X-Series WalkmanSony X-Series Walkman | Girlfriend Gift Ideas

    This MP3 player supports MP3, WMA, ACC and L-PCM audio formats; AVC(H.264/AVC), MPEG-4, and WMV DRM video formats; JPEG image files. The sound is very good. You can operate the Walkman using both “touch panel” and buttons. The button design makes it easy to navigate without even looking at your player. The user interface is easy and intuitive. It works with Rhapsody To Go subscription or Napster. It sports a wi-fi connection, integration with YouTube, etc.

    Sony X-Series Walkman is an excellent choice for audio files, 3 inch OLED touch screen and loads of features. It comes in 32GB and 16GB versions.

  2. SanDisk Sansa Clip PlusSanDisk Sansa Clip Plus | Girlfriend Gift Ideas

    SanDisk Sansa Cip Plus has five colors to choose from. It is lightweight with good sound. And with its smart design, you can clip your Sansa Clip player to your bag, pants or sleeves. It has built-in microphone for spontaneous recording. Transfer your files to your PC later through a USB connection. The Sansa Clip player plays MP3, WMA, secure WMA and Audible file formats.

    Overall, this small capacity durable take-it-everywhere music player is a good choice for a mobile user. And, unlike others in its category, it has good sound quality and a screen.

  3. Zune HDZune HD | Girlfriend Gift Ideas

    We have reviewed Zune HD on this blog. Our verdict: the best music player out there. The bottom line, Zune HD design is beautiful. The player has an OLED display, HD raido and outputs HD video to your TV. It lacks apps and games, but it is one of the best music and video experiences you can buy.

  4. Apple iPod NanoiPod Nano | Girlfriend Gift Ideas

    iPod Nano is a portable player with a larger screen. Nano is packed with features. It includes an FM radio player, a video camera, and a pedometer. Video camera is more of a toy, however. There are two new features – iTunes Tagging and Live Pause. The new Genius Mixes feature acts as your personal DJ.

  5. Apple iPod TouchiPod Touch | Girlfriend Gift Ideas

    Apple iPod Touch is the 3rd generation of its kind. 3.5-inch widescreen Multi-Touch display with 480 x 320 pixel resolution makes watching videos a great experience. It has integrated bluetooth, shake-to shuffle, Genius playlists, wi-fi, voice control, and is easy to use. One absolutely unique feature that no other mp3 player has – iTunes app store.

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Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation

Flip Video MinoHD - Gadget GiftsFlip video is shipping 2nd generation, upgraded, “premium” version of its MinoHD pocket camcorder. It has a sleeker design with rounded corners and brushed-metal front – does not attract fingerprints. The new form factor makes the camcorder feel solid in your hand. Like the first generation model, it has solid 720p video (@30fps, 120 min) recorded as MP4 files, slim design and rechargeable battery. Battery life is slightly improved. The video quality is amazing. It is also super easy to use.

Unlike the previous model, the LCD screen is larger (2 inch), the internal memory is doubled (8GB vs. 4GB) and the upgraded FlipShare software now allows you to directly upload your video to Facebook, YouTube, etc. You can also share privately with your family and friends. Keep in mind though, that the uploaded video will not be in high definition, just HQ quality. You can still do it, but will have to upload the file from your computer, not directly from MinoHD camcorder.

The camcorder has a new Movie Magic mode that arranges your clips into a movie. Add your own music to provide a more personal touch. Freeze-frame capabilities allow you to grab snapshots. MinoHD 2nd Generation has HDMI output. It is compatible with both Macs and Windows. Connect to your computer through a flip-out USB arm.

The new MinoHD is fairly pricey. Unfortunately, there is no SD/MMC card expansion slot. And if you want to play your video on your TV, you will need to provide your own cable. Power adapter is not included, but the camcoder will charge from your computer if it is connected.

The botoom line, this new generation MinoHD is one of the nicest models available. For the same price as the original model, you get better design, double the memory and an HDMI output. It might not be worth upgrading, but if you are looking for a portable HD camcorder, this new model might fit the bill.

Buy it for $229.99

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Nikon’s AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm F/3.5G VR

Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro Nikkor Lens | Gifts for menNew Nikon image-stabilized micro lens is very impressive and is coming soon to the Internet near you. This lens is perfect for close-up, nature, portrait and general photography. This 85mm f/3.5G lens fits Nikon DSLR cameras like the D90 and D5000.

This lens is compact and lightweight. The lens has an impressive list of features. It is motorized for fast silent autofocus without changing the length of the lens.

It cures shaky hands with second-generation vibration reduction (VR II) system. This system provides both a steady viewfinder image for composition and sharper results at slow shutter speeds – up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible. As a result you get noticeably sharper images.

With a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 127.5mm in FX/35mm format, it extends options beyond those offered by standard kit lenses, ideal for portraits. Quickly enhance the look of your photographs with background blur by utilizing the rounded nine blade diaphragm. You get more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements. This lens gives 1:1 magnification and minimum focus distance of 28cm. This lens gives a flattering perspective for portraits.

If you were trying to break into close-up photography without spending a lot of money on the glass, this lens could be your ticket to extreme macro photography.

The lens is available for pre-order for $529.95

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Logitech Squeezebox Radio

Squeezebox Radio | Gadgets for menSqueezebox is a new wi-fi radio from Logitech. It is a step down from Squeezebox Boom but has more to offer than your standard wi-fi radio. Just so we all on the same page, it plays internet radio and music without being connected to a computer. And it will play music stored on your computer too. All you need to have is a wi-fi connection at home. You turn the Squeezebox Radio on and it finds and connects to the network.

The radio is global and gives you access to stations from all over the world. And that, my friends, include all sports channels too. Let me tell ya – you will be addicted.

The design is fantastic. Many radios try to combine navigation and volume in one knob which can get confusing. Not this radio. There is a big wheel for navigation and a separate knob for volume. All buttons on the front are intelligently placed.

The front LCD display is full of information goodness. You get info about radio stations, music tracks and even album art on the display. Like any wi-fi radio, Squeezebox can access thousands freely available internet radio stations. It supports online music streaming services, like Pandora, Rhapsody, Last.fm, Slacker and SIRIUS Internet Radio. Of course, it will play the music stored on your computer. Squeeze Center software comes with the radio and works with Mac, PC, and Linux. And if that is not enough – plug your iPod in it and enjoy.

Made of plastic, Sqeezebox has a glossy black finish, which will attract fingerprints. There is a little handle in the back which makes it easy to carry it around. On the bottom of the radio there is a battery pack compartment. The remote and battery pack are sold separately.

Squeezebox Radio has an app gallery (new feature). You can download different apps – Flickr, Facebook, etc. You can recommend music to your Facebook friends instantly from your Squeezebox. If you are still not impressed, I see your point. Maybe, it is not too useful just yet, but having apps on Squeezebox opens the door for Logitech to expand these features in the future.

All gadgets come complete with their own website these days. Logitech Squeezebox Radio is no exception. Navigate to mysqueezebox.com online service, sign up for free, and select your favorite stations and artists. Your tastes will become the tastes of your Squeezebox in the matter of seconds.

As an alarm clock, it is really customizable. You can set which days you want the alarms to go off. There is support for multiple alarms. If you get bored with all the standard waking sirens, Squeezebox has a huge bank of sounds you can select from as your alarm ringer. In addition, you can queue up a song or pick a radio station you want to get turned on in the morning. If you cannot keep the days of the week straight, choose a different station for every day of the week as a reminder.

For an ultra-compact radio, the sound is very good. You will not get distortion when you turn it all the way up, like you might find on a lot of other wi-fi radios.

This is one of the best wi-fi radios on the market right now and the most fun to play with.

Pre-order it on Amazon for $199.99.

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Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini Docking Speaker for iPod

B&W Zeppelin Mini | Gadget Gifts for MenB&W Zeppelin devices are known for the sound quality, award-winning design and advanced technology. Say hello to the new Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system. It has a very compact and attractive design – perfect for smaller spaces. Attach any iPod or iPhone to the dock and you are ready to rock. A docking arm rotates 90 degrees and is handy for watching videos. If past performance is any indicator, the sound should be pretty spectacular. Zeppelin Mini has DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology to thank for it. Two digital amplifiers provide plenty of power.

You don’t need to use iPod with the sound system – you can easily stream music from your PC through the USB socket. The sound system comes with dual full-range, 3-inch glass fiber drivers, aux input jack, and a 2.0 USB port. Use a remote to change tracks, volume, and mode. Sync your iTunes and the docked iPod. You even get firmware upgrades. And if you take it to another country, it automatically adjusts to a different voltages. What can I say – B&W Zeppelin Mini is an ultimate gift for an audiophile.

The new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system is rumored to be released in early November. Available for pre-order from Amazon for $399.95.

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VholdR ContourHD 1080p Full HD Wearable Camera

ContourHD 1080p Wearable Camera | Gadgets for MenSkiers, boarders and bikers – all your dreams come true with this wearable camera. Shooting video on the slopes, capturing wow! moments in the terrain park or documenting a trip will be easy as pie if you use ContourHD. And did I mention, it is HD? Yes, it is the only full HD wearable camera on the market. It features four HD settings (1080p, 960p, and two at 720p) with two frame rates (30fps and 60fps) and four configurable settings (metering, contrast, exposure, and microphone sensitivity). You can upload your videos to VholdR.com and share them with your friends and family. The camera comes with video edit software.

CoutourHD camera fits nicely in the palm of your head. The body is made of aluminum keeping overall weight at 4.3 ounces. It also makes the camera water resistant. I would not attempt to use it while diving, however. ContourHD fits onto a series of mounts for your goggles, helmet, handle bars, vehicle or anywhere else you want.

The lens has a wide angle and dual lasers for alignment. Lasers! The lens itself rotates 180 degrees to accommodate different mounting positions. And the lasers will let you know where the camera is pointing and how it is oriented, since it is mounted on your head and all. Turn on the lasers and rotate the lens until they are horizontal. That’s it! You have lined up your shot.

Using the camera cannot be easier. All you need is a single (huge!) button on top of it. Slide it forward and begin recording. Slide it back when you are done. The video is captured to an internal MicroSD memory card (compatible up to a 16GB card) – 8 hours of video.

Connect your camera to the PC (or Mac) using a USB cord. Estimated battery life is about 3 hours. Re-charging takes about 4 hours.

Well, skiers and fellow enthusiasts? Are you excited? The camera will be available on November 16 for $329.99 You can pre-order it on Amazon right now.

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The Altec Lansing iMT620 inMotion Classic

iMT620 iPod Dock | gadget gifts for menThe Altec Lansing iMT620 inMotion Classic is a very attractive portable stereo system. It is iPod and iPhone compatible and also includes digital FM radio (no AM radio). It has a battery that will give you 5 hours of music if you take the system on the road.

The angular design of the speakers is quite modern. Silver plastic runs around the edges. The quality is very good – there is no flexing or creaking. There are large buttons on top of the system to control playback, volume, and for chosing audio source. High-contrast LCD shows the song and artist information. It is clear enough to read from afar. However, you might find that you don’t use the LCD display very often.

The system comes with a remote control which is very well-designed. It repeats the controls from the top of the speaker and has additional buttons to navigate your iPod and for 4 radio presets. Unfortunately, there is no button to jump to the next album/artist. Do not try to use the remote from too far away – does not work very well. The remote itself is quite small and might not be very comfortable to use for some people with bigger hands.

Kick-stand folds up or down and will work as a handle. It is quite sturdy, but don’t use it with your iPod: there is nothing to prevent it falling out of the dock. When you swing the handle under the speakers, it will prevent the system from turning on accidentally.

The iMT620 system utilizes Expanded Sound Stage technology. At the touch of a button you can widen the sound field. The sound is clear and rich. Don’t look for a strong baseline however. It is a portable system, after all. The good news is that there is a wide range of volume. Radio pickup is quite good too. Interestingly, when you put your iPod into the speakers, it immediately starts playing a random song. I am not a big fan of this spontaneous entertainment.

All in all, it is a great system. But its power and sonic range makes it better for a bedroom or a kitchen, not a family room. Rechargable battery makes it easy to take the speakers anywhere you want to go and get 5 hours of music. Customers complained that the performance is spotty with iPod Touch. Another oddity is that if you are using your iPhone with the speakers and your iPhone auto locks, you will not be able to use the remote to navigate through menus: the remote is not all-powerful afterall, and will not unock your iPhone. I’d call it a work-out feature because you have to get up and manually unlock your iPhone to empower the remote control to navigate your iPhone. It does not look like that iPods got this work-out feature.

Get yours for $112.39 on Amazon.

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