Holiday shopping for the techie in your life can be a challenge — just ask my wife.
Starting in mid-October, I get deluged with requests to review gadgets for the holidays, so for the next few weeks, I’m going to feature some things you might consider for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list.
Spree Fitness Monitor/Cap
What it is: A wireless pod you wear while you work out.
The pod fits into a head strap or a baseball cap. It needs to touch your forehead to work.
The Spree talks to your smartphone via Bluetooth to transmit your heart rate, body temperature and movement (distance, speed and elapsed time). You have to have the phone with you while you work out.
Who it’s for: You have to be serious about your workout to wear a strap around your head, so this is for the healthy, yet geeky person on your list.
Cost: $199 | Where can I get it: spreewearables.com
Klipsch R6i in-ear headphones
What it is: Nice-sounding headphones with a flat, tangle-free cable, smartphone-compatible microphone and music controls, oval-shaped earpieces for comfort and a nice case to carry them around.
Who it’s for: Anyone who listens to music or talks on their phone.
Cost: $99.99 |Where to get it: Best Buy, Amazon
Mobile Home
What it is: A button to activate Siri in your car. It looks like a small garage door opener and connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth. When you press the button, Siri is activated on your phone, without your having to look at the screen.
This works best if your phone is linked to your car’s stereo system.
Who it’s for: Anyone who spends a lot of time in the car.
Cost: $79 | Where to get it: Amazon
Justin 3 Port Auto Power Strip
What it is: A plug for your car’s accessory charging port that adds two USB charging outlets. You can charge three devices at once.
Who it’s for: Road warriors or families with multiple kids in the back seat who like to use their phones or iPads when they travel.
Cost: $9.99 | Where to get it: Tractor Supply, Belk
GoalZero Torch250
What it is: An emergency flashlight that can charge your portable devices. The rechargeable battery can be charged from a USB port, a built-in solar panel or a hand crank. You’ll never run out of power or light. It has bright LED lights.
Who it’s for: Anyone. This is a great addition to any home or toolbox. Especially useful in a power outage.
Cost: $79.99 | Where to get it: REI, Goalzero.com
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