Top 5 in Tech for the 2012 Holiday Season

Hey there!  Have no idea what to get your technology inclined loved one or friend?  No worries!  We have you covered!  I have teamed with the great GeekGirlDythia over at Just a Dash of Geek to have all of your holiday shopping covered!  Though there are many of tech gadgets out on the market, we're going to limit this list to the top 5 that I believe every techie must have.  The items below are in no particular order.

Ipad 3

At this point in time, there is no brand that is more synonymous with high quality technology products than Apple.  That's why Apple has dominated tablet sales since their first release of the ever so popular iPad.  Now, the iPad 3, stands as one of the most sought after tablets out there.  With it's stunning 9.7 inch retina display, this is an ideal tablet to watch HD movies in.  With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can take it on the go and take some great pictures and video with it's built in 5MP iSight camera.  It's no wonder that you see more and more iPads out and about in the city!

Ipad Mini

iPad Mini in black.  iPad 3 in white.

Apple may be winning the war but it has lost a few battles to Google and Amazon when it comes to smaller sized tablets.  Although the 9.7 inch iPad is king, any screen smaller than that is up for grabs.  Apple was smart enough to know that and introduced the iPad Mini.  A smaller version of their iPad (and lower price) displays one great looking 7.9 inch screen and is poised to take sales away from the newcomers in tablets, Google and Amazon.

Kindle Fire HD

Amazon has done a stand up job with their first entry into the tablet market.  Their Kindle Fire was a huge success and they have followed it up with a worthy successor.  The Kindle Fire HD comes in 7 inch and 8.9 inch models and their 8.9 inch model is still more affordable that the iPad 3.  I know that price can be a big deal with the US economy being the way it is.  The $200 price tag of the 7 inch Kindle Fire HD is tempting enough but couple that with the great features (1280x800 HD display, first ever dual band wifi antenna for faster internet and download speeds and a front facing HD camera that is perfect for Skype) make it a serious contender in the "tablet wars!"  And speaking of contenders...

Google Nexus 7

Google's tablet is also up to the challenge to dethrone the powerful Apple.  The Google Nexus 7 boast a beautiful 7 inch 1280x800 HD display, Android 4.1 OS, a scratch resistance glass, and a 1.2 MP camera.  If you love Android and all it has to offer, this may be the tablet for you.  It has everything you need from a tablet and considering that it's sitting on the lower end of the price range.  The only real knock on this tablet is the camera.  Smartphones have a better camera than the Nexus 7 if that is not an issue for you, the Google Nexus 7 may be just what the techie in your live may want!

MacBook Pro

No tech list would be complete without a MacBook Pro.  If the techie in your life claims that they do not want one, they are LYING!  The MacBook Pro boasts an awesome retina display, 2 high speed thunderbolt USB ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports, flash based architecture, a HD camera, Intel Core i7 Quad Core Proecessing, and much, much more.  Plus it comes with a free Mountain Lion OS upgrade if you act fast!  If you are unsure of why you should get this laptop, here is the #1 reason why:  Automatic Graphic Switching!  The MacBook Pro has 2 video processors.  1 to handle all of the everyday workload of a computer such as websurfing and what not.  The second one is for the heavy duty workload such as 3D gaming and HD video.  AND IT DOES IT AUTOMATICALLY!!!  No need to fumble through settings each time.  I absolutely LOVE that about the MacBook Pro!

So what you going to get your techie inclined loved one?!  There are many choices to choose from, but anything from these five will generate a huge smile and a thank you from them.  Happy shopping!!!  Later!