As promised during our recent Holiday Tech Shopping Guide webChat, here are the links and prices of all the products we recommended.
Gift Cards
iTunes, gaming systems (PlayStation, Xbox, Wii), retail stores
Apple iPad
WiFi only – 16GB (499) | 32GB (599) | 64GB (699)
WiFi + 3G – 16GB (629) | 32GB (729) | 64GB (829)
3G model on AT&T and Verizon only
Also check the refurb products section for some decent deals
Amazon Kindle Fire – $199
7in color | multi-touch screen
apps, games, music, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, full Amazon catalog
free cloud storage for all Amazon content
Amazon Silk – new cloud-accelerated browser
HDTV
Depending on how much you plan to spend keep an eye on the Hz
Hz = how many times the screen is refreshed per second. Generally the more the screen is refreshed, the smoother the images will appear. Common values are 60, 120, 240, 600 with the majority of TVs at 60Hz. However, we're seeing the new sweet spot for consumers is now at the 120Hz especially with manufacturers trying to push 3D technology
Size wise – 40 – 60 is the predominant range for living rooms with the 55in being the most popular size
40in Samsung | LED | 60Hz | $497.99 [Model UN40D5003] 40in Sony | LED | 60Hz | $598.99 – Google TV integrated [Model NSX40GT1] 46in Sony | LED | 60Hz | $798.99 – Google TV integrated [Model NSX46GT1]
46in Samsung | LED | 120Hz | $797.99 [Model UN46D6003] 47in LG | LED | 120Hz | $699.99 [Model 47LV4400]
3D bundle
55in LG | LED | 120Hz | $1299.99 – included 3D blu-ray player [Model 55LW5300]
4 pairs of 3D glasses
55in Samsung | LED | 120Hz | $1097.99 [Model UN55D6000S] 51in Samsung | Plasma | 600Hz | $649.99 [Model PN51D530A3]
60in Sharp | LCD | 120Hz | 989.99 [Model LC60E79U]
Blu-ray Player
We feel this product category has become highly commoditized – every major manufacturer has one and you can get great deals for under $100
Some have WiFi integrated (typically referred to as smart devices) allowing for streaming of internet content from such sources as Netflix, Pandora, Facebook, YouTube, and Skype
Samsung – smart blu-ray | $99.99 [Model BD-D5700zA] Sony – blu-ray | $79.99 [Model BDPS185]
3D Blu-ray Player
3D TV is required (obviously)
Note: Many of the 3D blu-ray players don't come with glasses, because the assumption is you already own a 3D TV and have the glasses
Prices range from $100 (Philips) – $500 (Pioneer Elite)
Philips – 3D smart blu-ray | $95.79 [Model BDP5506/F7] Samsung – 3D smart blu-ray | $129.99 [Model BD-D6500ZA]
Roku 2
XS – $99
Connects to any TV | remote control with motion control for playing games (Angry Birds included)
1080p streaming | 300+ channels – Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video | wireless and ethernet connectivity | USB connection
XD – $79
Same as XS but without enhanced motion control remote for games
WiFi only (no ethernet connectivity)
No USB connection
Mobile Broadband
Verizon | Sprint | AT&T | T-mobile
Sold with and without contracts – For mobile broadband, I recommend the contract simply because you don't want to be stuck somewhere, needing to have access and you've run out of minutes on your device – Much simpler to just have the plan and be always ready to go
AT&T
Elevate 4G Mobile Hotspot – $49.99 w/ 2-yr contract
Connect up to 5 devices
Uses AT&T 4G LTE and HSPA+ networks
USBConnect Momentum 4G mobile hotspot – $49.99 w/ 2-yr contract
Plugs into USB slot | only 1 device
Integrated GPS
Built-in microSD slot
Verizon
Novatel – MiFi 4G/3G wifi hotspot – $29.99 w/ 2-yr contract
Connects up to 5 devices
Novatel – 4G modem – $0 w/ 2-yr contract
plugs into USB slot | only 1 device
similar devices on sprint and t-mobile
Keurig
Now that Starbucks is offering coffees in the K-Cup lineup I'm certain more people will be getting these
Mini Brewer – $99.99
Keurig K-Cups for coffee and tea
Personal size so no water reservoir
3 brew sizes (6,8,10 oz)
Keurig – Elite – $119.99
48-oz water reservoir
8 or 10 oz brew sizes
Comes with 12-count variety pack
Digital Camera
Nikon Coolpix S3100 | 14MP | $88.99
5x optical/4x digital zoom
video mode allows 720p HD video
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H7016.1 MP – $155.99
10x optical zoom
3″ LCD monitor
Image stabilization
Supports memory stick duo, SD, SDHC
DSLR
Nikon D3100 | 14.2 MP | body + 18-55mm VR lens – $649.99
3″ LCD monitor
1080p video
Canon EOS Rebel T2i | 18 MP | body + 18-55mm lens – $672.99
1080 video
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