Holiday Shopping Suggestions

Here are some ideas for technology gift giving during the holiday season:

iPad and tablet accessories:

• A stylus for easier typing.
• A case to protect your tablet from damage.
• An adapter so you can use your older iPad sync cable with newer iPad and mini iPads.
• A microfiber cloth to keep screen clean.
• Attach a keyboard for a laptop-like experience.
• A docking station that charges your tablet and lets you wake up to your iTunes.
• Nicer headphones to replace the stock headphones that came with the tablet.
• Take a look at these articles on must-have tablet accessories (http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/2011/12/accessories-for-ipadandroid-tablet-you.html,  http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/2012/04/ipadtablets-must-have-accessories-part.html).
• Not sure what tablet to buy? Read this blog (http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/2012/10/time-to-throw-laptop-away-and-use.html, http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/2011/11/tablet-review.html)
• How about a gift certificate for setup and training? http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/p/gift-certifications.html

 iPhone:

• A case to make sure your screen doesn't get cracked.
• An adapter so you can use your older iPad sync cable with newer iPad and mini iPads.
• Remove smudges with a microfiber cloth to keep your screen looking clean.
• A docking station for a custom alarm clock experience.
• More comfortable headphones to replace the stock headphones that came with the iPhone.
• A gift certificate for setup and training. http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/p/gift-certifications.html

Ideas on where to buy laptops
With Apple introducing new versions of their iPad, iPhone, laptops and desktop computers, used equipment that others have sold is a bargain.

• Know your seller. eBay and Craigslist are not great sources.
• Vendors that buy gear also sell gear. I have sold 3 or 4 cellphones to Gazelle (www.gazelle.com). I have been very happy with the process. Consider buying previously used tech gear from them.
• Considering buying a new Windows PC? Here is a blog comparing various computer manufacturers (http://hthcatlanta.blogspot.com/2012/09/windows-computer-manufacturer.html).
• Apple offers discounts to college students and teachers (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/campaigns/education_pricing). Borrow your college student's id for the discount.
• Microsoft offers discounts on Office products to students (http://www.microsoft.com/education/en-us/buy/Pages/academicsavings.aspx).
• See a deal online or from your next door neighbor? Call High Tech House Calls for a free evaluation at 404.229.0839 or email us at carlthorne@hthcatlanta.com.

Carl Thorne

Expert Computer Consulting 

voice: 404.229.0839 email: carlthorne@hthcatlanta.com
web: hthcatlanta.com blog: hthcatlanta.blogspot.com