One of the year’s biggest technology presents doesn’t need batteries or chargers.
Gift cards.
Sixty percent of respondents to a survey by The National Retail Federation said they’d like to receive gift cards this year. That’s more than those who want clothes (51 percent) or electronics (36 percent).
And more consumers are buying more gift cards. A recent survey by Prosper Insight & Analytics showed that 81 percent of respondents said they plan to buy at least one gift card this Christmas season. The number of those who buy at least three cards continues to grow and has risen to about 20 percent of gift card buyers.
Why are gift cards so popular? Experts say it may be, in part, because more people are expecting or hoping to get them as gifts.
“They’re slightly less impersonal than cash,” said Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business.
“They show the person really tried to give something a bit more personal to the recipient.”
Gift cards also can boost sales. A recipient, Deck says, often “discovers they want more than what the gift card will pay.”
Some tech-related cards include those for Google Playstore, the App Store, iTunes and those for specific consoles and console games.
Some great tech gifts are made in Arkansas.
Klipsch, a company founded in Hope, produces speakers, headphones and other audio products.
While their products are high-end, they do have items that provide great sound at a lower price than some competitors.
One of these items is the Image One (II) Stereo Headphones. The upgrade to the original One headphones includes thick foam earpieces and padding on the headband for added comfort. A single wire from one headphone, instead of wires from both, means less tangling. The headphones come in white or black and have a list price of $99. They can be ordered directly from the company at klipsch.com.
For anyone who has a hard time using a tablet computer in their lap, Springdale-based Veyl Products LLC has a solution - the ePillow.
The ePillow is a fluffy little lap pillow with a half frame that holds the tablet computer upright. It makes it very easy and very comfortable to use tablet computers in the lap while watching television or reading a book on it. The best part is, the ePillow is a lot cheaper than most tablet stands. It costs $10 and can be found on the company’s website, epillow.net.
TABLETS AND MORE
Tablet computers are again a hot item. A couple of base models slip in under the $300 price tag. Those wanting an iPad can choose the iPad Mini (not the Retina Display model). The base model Mini retails for $299 and has 16GB of memory and Internet access via Wi-Fi. Access to a cellular network is extra, but with so many wireless hot spots and cellphones that can create hot spots, Wi-Fi-only tablets aren’t such a bad thing.
Amazon’s newest Kindle Fire HD and HDX 7-inch tablet offer cheaper alternatives. The Kindle Fire HD, based on the older Kindle Fire, retails for $139 for 8GB; $169 for 16GB. The 16GB HDX model retails for $229. The HD doesn’t have the speed, power or Mayday button of the HDX, but it still gets the job done. In addition to being an e-reader, the tablet can be used to view videos and photos, use Android-based applications and surf the Internet. The HDX can do the same, but with a faster processor, better battery and more display resolution.
Battery wearing down in that cellphone? If you can’t get to a plug, take the charger with you. Jackery Air is a thin, powerful backup battery. It takes about six hours to charge fully, but it can recharge many phone models up to twice on one Jackery Air charge. It also can charge some tablet computers, such as the iPad Mini and the Nook HD+. The battery includes an LED light that changes color to let you know how much charge is left. The Jackery Air (jackeryusa.com) retails for $99, but is discounted for Christmas sales at many major retailers.
Several cases came out for iPhones this year that promised to be dust-proof, shockproof and waterproof. One case stood out. The Griffin Technology Survivor+Catalyst Waterproof Case sailed through water tests. Whether it soaked for half an hour or was held under running water for several minutes, the case never leaked. It’s made of a clear plastic, so it protects the phone and shows it off at the same time. The list price is $69, but several retailers are selling it at a discounted price.
Finally, if the camera on the cellphone isn’t doing enough, and a big fancy camera is just too much, then a small point and-shoot might fit the bill.
The Nikon Coolpix S02 bucks the trend by being small, of good quality and less than $200. The S02 retails for $179, but Nikon (nikonusa.com) is offering rebates. The tiny camera fits in the palm of the hand, so it has no problem sliding into a pocket or purse. Its basic controls are easy to navigate, and the touch screen makes it even easier. The small camera delivers surprisingly sharp images, even in low light. At 13.2 megapixels, it has more picture quality than standard cellphone cameras. The 8GB of memory and built-in battery mean you don’t have to keep up with a lot of extras - or purchase them.
Style, Pages 43 on 12/08/2013