The holidays are all about tradition, and one of our very favorites is unveiling the Techsperts' Holiday Gift Guide. Wondering what to get the geek in your family who's already got everything? From know-it-all to noob, this list's got something for everyone.
Expensive-ish
Apple is still making the MacBook Pro, but the latest MacBook Air laptop has many techies wondering why. The latest Air iteration comes with between 64GB and 256GB of flash storage, depending on the model, with either a 1.6 GHz or 1.7 GHz dual-core i5 processor. The 11-inch model starts at $999 and is just .68 inches at its thickest point. Did we mention it comes with a back-lit keyboard?
Is your current personal submersible watercraft just not cutting it? With a 260 horsepower supercharged engine and an aggressive shark-like body, the Seabreacher X will let you finally show those dolphins who's boss. If you're wondering about the price, you probably can't afford it.
If it weren't for your family's noisy holiday political discussion, kicking back to enjoy some nog and your favorite yuletide tunes would be a breeze. Make Uncle Jack's bombast a thing of the past with the AKG K172 HD noise-blocking headphones. They're the ideal gift for the audiophile in your family, and the 2-year manufacturer's warranty comes free!
Moderately Priced
Who says Americans are too aggressive? Prove them wrong with the iLaunch Thunder. Controlled wirelessly with your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, this foam missile launcher's got a 270° horizontal rotation, a vertical flexibility of more than 40° and a shooting distance of around 25 feet -- more than enough to strike fear into the hearts and minds of the tyrants in the next cubicle.
Sure, the iPad's pretty great, but is it big, boxey and preloaded with Frogger? Worry no more! The iCADE Arcade Cabinet is here to transform your sleek, slim tablet. Missile Command comes free on the Atari iPad App, but you'll have to shell out $14.99 for more than 100 other classic games.
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a remote-controlled, inflatable flying shark! Do we really need to say more?
Perfect for Any Budget
Let's just come out and say it: Loose-leaf tea is delicious. You can share that deliciousness with the geekiest in your brood with the stainless steel Kikkerland Robot Tea Infuser. His arms and hands adjust to fit any size mug and he'll rest patiently on his drip tray when your tea is steeped. Danger, Will Robinson -- your tea is hot!
Who could be more helpful when scraping your windshield than the hammer-wielding Norse powerhouse, Thor? Make that pesky layer of ice pay with the Thor Ice Scraper. It's tricked-out with a telescoping handle, a front plow and multiple grips. This two-bladed beast also allows you to dispatch ice with forward and backward motions. Have at you!
At some point or another, we've all wished we could attach a LEGO castle to the back of our iPhone. That most quixotic of dreams is now attainable with the iPhone Brick Case. Tough, durable and completely compatible with those LEGOs you've got stored away in your parents' attic, it's truly the world's most customizable mobile phone case.
If you've ever worked on your computer from a library or coffee shop, you know how serious some people are about their electrical outlets. Bring some peace to the power struggle with the Share-A-Watt, a lightweight, portable power strip that helps any two telecommuters see the light -- and charge their laptops. Your kindergarten teacher would be proud.
Baby, it's cold outside ... but there's no reason for not promptly replying to any and all text messages, Tweets and Facebook invites. Maintain phalangeal toastiness and your robust social status with a set of non-slip smart touch gloves. Good luck finding a new excuse for not checking in on Foursquare!
He built a company that combined great feats of engineering with an unbridled and almost-unmatchable sense of aesthetics. Follow his footsteps with Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs. It pulls no punches, and is perfect for the tech geek or business guru in your life.
