Introduction
Introduction
As more and more products are available for use with computers, it's easy to be overwhelmed. With so many choices, how do you pick just the right gift? And, how do you find something that they don't already have? These computer-related gifts represent some of the best products we've seen this year. I have personally tried each of them and often recommend them to family and friends. They were chosen because they are innovative, fun or just plain cool.
Nintendo Wii
If your family doesn't already own a Wii, now is the time. Swiftly becoming "the" platform for families to enjoy together, the Wii has titles that will appeal to everyone from the most casual player to the hardcore gamer. A bonus? You can actually find them in stores now. (Compare Prices)
Pure Digital's Flip Ultra Digital Video Camera
This little camera is perfect for capturing special kid moments, such as first steps, impromptu concerts, dress-up fashion shows and general silliness. It's also handy for more serious pursuits such as digital blogging and sharing your latest adventures on YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. Pure Digital has since released a newer version that has a rechargeable battery and is all sleek and shiny (see my review of the Flip Mino), but the Ultra remains my favorite for family use.
The Mino's touch sensitive buttons and rechargeable battery are OK in an office with adults, but spell disaster out in the field with kids. Plus, you can now buy the 60-minute Ultra for just over $100 ().
World of Goo Video Game
The World of Goo () is unlike anything you have ever seen. Combining stunning graphics, weird sound effects and a whole lot of goo, World of Goo challenges you to build structurally sound bridges, ladders and towers while battling the effects of gravity, fluids and air flow. Since you have to experience it to really understand what it's all about, I recommend downloading the demo. The game is rated E for everyone and will be available for PC, Mac and Linux.
This is truly a game for everyone.
The LeapFrog Tag Reading System is a fun way to engage kids in reading. The optical pen "reads" specially printed books, plays games and quizzes kids on story content. Many of your kids' favorite books are already available, including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,Fancy Nancy and Miss Spider's Tea Party. There are other books with characters such as SpongeBob Square Pants, Disney Princesses and Kung Fu Panda.
Lastly, there are other learning products like the National Geographic Kids Activity Cards that have animal pictures and facts. The Tag Reader is easy to use and fun for kids. It also connects to LeapFrog's Learning Path, so parents can see how their kids are progressing with the learning games and kids can earn special online rewards. There's even a headphone jack - great for car rides!
MIMOBOT USB Flash Drives from Mimoco make storing your files trendy and fun with dozens of characters to choose from. Storage space ranges from 1GB-8GB and each MIMOBOT comes with multimedia files such as wallpaper and sound effects that match its persona. Add a "protoHoodie" to your order and not only will you end up with a stylish MIMOBOT, but you'll be able to clip it to your backpack or jacket.
These are definitely geek-chic. My faves are the Star Wars 'BOTs, but there are other choices ranging from cute to the macabre. I'd recommend these little drives for teens, college students, artists, and any other computer geeks in your midst.
Get your own MIMOBOT ().
As more and more products are available for use with computers, it's easy to be overwhelmed. With so many choices, how do you pick just the right gift? And, how do you find something that they don't already have? These computer-related gifts represent some of the best products we've seen this year. I have personally tried each of them and often recommend them to family and friends. They were chosen because they are innovative, fun or just plain cool.
Nintendo Wii
If your family doesn't already own a Wii, now is the time. Swiftly becoming "the" platform for families to enjoy together, the Wii has titles that will appeal to everyone from the most casual player to the hardcore gamer. A bonus? You can actually find them in stores now. (Compare Prices)
Pure Digital's Flip Ultra Digital Video Camera
This little camera is perfect for capturing special kid moments, such as first steps, impromptu concerts, dress-up fashion shows and general silliness. It's also handy for more serious pursuits such as digital blogging and sharing your latest adventures on YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. Pure Digital has since released a newer version that has a rechargeable battery and is all sleek and shiny (see my review of the Flip Mino), but the Ultra remains my favorite for family use.
The Mino's touch sensitive buttons and rechargeable battery are OK in an office with adults, but spell disaster out in the field with kids. Plus, you can now buy the 60-minute Ultra for just over $100 ().
World of Goo Video Game
The World of Goo () is unlike anything you have ever seen. Combining stunning graphics, weird sound effects and a whole lot of goo, World of Goo challenges you to build structurally sound bridges, ladders and towers while battling the effects of gravity, fluids and air flow. Since you have to experience it to really understand what it's all about, I recommend downloading the demo. The game is rated E for everyone and will be available for PC, Mac and Linux.
This is truly a game for everyone.
- Read the full review
- Buy the boxed version ()
The LeapFrog Tag Reading System is a fun way to engage kids in reading. The optical pen "reads" specially printed books, plays games and quizzes kids on story content. Many of your kids' favorite books are already available, including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,Fancy Nancy and Miss Spider's Tea Party. There are other books with characters such as SpongeBob Square Pants, Disney Princesses and Kung Fu Panda.
Lastly, there are other learning products like the National Geographic Kids Activity Cards that have animal pictures and facts. The Tag Reader is easy to use and fun for kids. It also connects to LeapFrog's Learning Path, so parents can see how their kids are progressing with the learning games and kids can earn special online rewards. There's even a headphone jack - great for car rides!
- Read the full review
- Buy the LeapFrog Tag Reading System ()
MIMOBOT USB Flash Drives from Mimoco make storing your files trendy and fun with dozens of characters to choose from. Storage space ranges from 1GB-8GB and each MIMOBOT comes with multimedia files such as wallpaper and sound effects that match its persona. Add a "protoHoodie" to your order and not only will you end up with a stylish MIMOBOT, but you'll be able to clip it to your backpack or jacket.
These are definitely geek-chic. My faves are the Star Wars 'BOTs, but there are other choices ranging from cute to the macabre. I'd recommend these little drives for teens, college students, artists, and any other computer geeks in your midst.
Get your own MIMOBOT ().
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