Apple iPod Touch: So let’s say you have a cell phone you’re happy with and maybe aren’t looking to have an all-in-one gadget that you could lose in one fell swoop in the washing machine — then this is the thing for you. One step up from a basic video iPod and one down from the iPhone, this handy little 3.5-inch wonder has perfected touch screen capabilities as we know them, seamlessly surfing the internet while of course playing music, photos and video. $400.
Apple iPod Nano (3rd generation): Not to toot Apple’s horn too much, but the new Nano is wicked. If you don’t need the internet access, but covet the video feature, this tiny little 2.75- x 2.06-inch gizmo will give you everything you need and a fabulous price. $• (4gb)/$199 (8gb).
Garmin nuvi 760: “Loaded and wide,” this sleek GPS unit is trimmer and slicker than the previous model for the same price. With an easy-to-use interface similar to that of the iPod Touch, you can glide to your next destination using new multi-segment routing for those tricky hikes. Then again, if you’ve just had a rough day and can’t find your car in the grocery store parking lot, the “last position” feature will mean more to you than anything. If you’ve got money to burn, here’s an interesting way to do it. $799.
Canon Powershot 67: 10 megapixels, 6x optical zoom, manual and auto capabilities, ISO up to 1600 … what more is there to say? This pocketsize camera has better specs than the everyday user would ever need. If you’re not looking to be a professional, but want quality images, go this route. No doubt, it’s worth the $500.
Wowwee Flytech Dragonfly: For the purely fantastical side of you, this is the best adult toy on the market. Have hours of fun maneuvering this modern, android-looking dragonfly around an open field on a sunny day, watching it flap its gargantuan wings to stay afloat. It charges from its own remote and is, for now, only available at RadioShack. $40.
iGo everywhere 85: Just as the name says, this 4.8- x 2.7- x 1-inch charger weighing in at 8 oz. allows you to take all of the gadgets above on the road and still maintain power. It comes with both AC (home) and DC (for airplanes) power capabilities and promises to both power and charge at least one major and one minor gadget at a time. It’s also a great alternative to replacing a computer charger, since it does much more at a similar price. All this and it’ll store all of your cords for you. It’ll make you wonder how you went anywhere without it. $129.
Whether you’re impulse buying or shopping for the impossible to buy for, there are plenty of toys out there this year that you never knew you needed — some practical, few necessary but all good fun. This list, at least, should get you started.
Not sure whether technology is necessary, evil, both or neither, Christine Heinz perpetuates this love/hate relationship every day as a photographer, graphic designer and educator.