Family Technology Gift Ideas

by Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates

Most family technology users already have a laptop, a cell phone, and an iPod.  Here are several gift ideas that every family member can enjoy.

1) Wireless Range Expander
If you have a wireless network and your signal does not extend well throughout your home, get the Linksys Wireless Range Expander for $99.  With the simple press of an auto-configuration button, all members of your household will be able to take advantage of wireless Internet access.  Requires a ‘G’ wireless router.

2) Digital video camera
There is nothing like videos of your family events.  I recently uncovered VHS tapes of my kids growing up from the early 1980s.  Now, twenty years later, I am digitizing these videos and turning these memories into DVDs.  Wow!  Any digital video camera will do – prices start around $300.

3) All in one printer
For as little as $99, you can get a single device that can print, scan, fax, and copy.  The perfect gift for the home office.  HP is king.

4) Keychain drive
These little USB devices can store up to a gig-byte of info for less than $100.  Perfect for backing up important files.  Any brand will do.

5) iPod FM transmitter
Everybody has an iPod.  My challenge was how to enjoy my iPod songs in my car.  Several manufacturers now make a device that will plug into your lighter-outlet for power and transmit your songs over unused FM channels, typically FM88.1.  Priced around $75. 

6) Flat Panel Monitor
Replace your tube monitor with a 17” or 19” flat panel monitor.  The quality of these monitors has improved greatly.  Most importantly, they are only 4” deep versus your old tube monitor that is typically 18” deep.  Priced from $250-$400.  Dell is the best.

7) Wireless keyboard and mouse
If you hate wires, a wireless keyboard and mouse will do the trick.  Microsoft and Logitech are the major brands.  A smaller wireless mouse is available for laptop users.  Priced from $59 to $99.

8) Analog Video Converter
For less than $150 you can convert your old videotapes (VHS, 8mm, and Hi8) in digital files that can be edited and turned into DVDs.  The Dazzle 150 by Pinnacle does a great job.  This is the prefect gift for the high school student who wants to learn to edit movies.

9) Adobe Photoshop Album
You’re probably thinking about organizing all of the digital photos you have taken.  Maybe you’re thinking about creating a photo album or calendar based on these photos.  Adobe makes a series of photo editing programs.  Their Photoshop Album product is perfect for the ‘newbie’ who wants to get started with an easy to use program.  Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 is for intermediate users, and Adobe Photoshop CS is for your experienced home picture editors.

10) Verizon DSL for $14.95/month
Verizon now offers a ‘half speed’ broadband plan that is perfect for dialup users.  They say it’s half the speed of full broadband, but you’d never know it.  It’s great.  If you get this Verizon plan and still want to keep your AOL account, AOL will lower your monthly rate to $8.95/month.  Wow!

This article may be reproduced with permission of Fred Litt, Family Technology Associates. Contact Fred at 201-315-4943 fred@FamilyTechnology.com for details.