Last Minute Gifts
By Brad M. Pransky

The holidays are but days away and we just don't know what to get our favorite 'gadgeteer'. We've put together a short list of 3 items that are sure to fill the gaps in your holiday shopping list and get a rousing chorus of 'oohoos and aaahhhs'.

 

For The Dorm Guy (or Girl)

Aver Media TVBox-9

You're looking for that great gift that won't take up space (dorms are cramped enough as they are) but will really bump up the lifestyle a notch or two. Since you've already invested in the 17" or 19" flat panel monitor for the computer, and the last 2 square feet in the corner were taken up by the fridge, where do you put the TV??? How about in a little 1" by 6" package?

The TVBox-9 from Aver Media is the ultimate external TV tuner is a tight little package. Plug one end into your display and the other into your computer, attach the antenna or cable to the connector and you're ready to watch "The Simpsons" with a touch of the provided remote control. Because of the VGA pass through design, you can use the picture-in-picture (PIP) feature to watch TV as you work on the PC. Designed with a multitude of inputs, you can also use this little wonder with your favorite computer game devices. All in all, at $179 (msrp) it's a great addition to any system.

We also found that it works quite well on dual monitor equipped systems as an added feature for that second monitor when it's not being used to generate unwieldy spreadsheets.

For the Office Guy (or Girl)

GN Netcom 9330

So you've got this wonderful multi-line phone on your desk that does everything except answer your email…..or let you walk more than six feet from your desk. That wire on the handset suddenly seems like a shackle to the wall. The speaker phone sounds like you're in 'echo canyon' and you just wish there was a way you could talk on the phone, use both your index fingers to type and maybe even walk down the hall to grab another cup of coffee. The 9000 series from GN Netcom is your dream come true.

We tested the GN 9330 (pictured above) and found it to be invaluable. This wireless wonder plugs in between the handset and the phone to allow you complete freedom of movement no matter what incoming line is in use. The simple controls allow you to adjust the volume of both the earpiece and the microphone and with a simple press, mute it. This is a great plus if you are doing several things at once while trying to listen to your caller (or phone conference). When used in conjunction with the GN 1000 remote lifter, which lifts and hangs up the telephone handset, you have the ability to answer and hang up calls as you march up and down the halls. The GN 9330 is rated to have a 200' range, but our tests took it well past that limit.

The sound is crisp and clear on both ends (none of our callers suspected we were using a wireless headset even when asked) and, although not the cheapest gift on your list at about $229 ($65 more for the GN1000), it is worth every penny in saved time, convenience and the distinct drop in the aggravation quotient.

Also available is its bigger brother, the GN 9350, which can also be used for IP Telephony through a built in USB port.

 

For the Home Theater Buff

Belkin's AV24502

So over the last few years you've invested quite a little bundle into your home theater system. The 42" flat panel, the 6.1 surround sound receiver, Tivo, cable, satellite, a media PC that you have attached with a DVI to HDMI cable to give you the best picture possible, and then you get that new upconvert DVD player with the HDMI interface. You've got everything….except the ability to plug it into your system. Your receiver is only two years old, it sounds great, but it's not equipped to handle HDMI switching.

Your flat panel is gorgeous but it only has one HDMI input. Rumor has it you're getting a MovieBeam too! How will you attach it all??? Well, you'll just have to tell your spouse that you need to go out and buy some new equipment. A few thousand dollars should cover it for that new 50" LCD flat panel with the 2 HDMI inputs. Or maybe you could find something in a new receiver that can do the switching. Shouldn't cost much more. And maybe while you're at it, you could find a good divorce attorney or book a room at the motel down the street. Relax. Belkin's PureAV division has a marriage and home theater saving device built just for you. It's the AV24502 HDMI interface 3-to-1 video switch.

This little gem, with an MSRP of only $199 (see how fast that saved your marriage?) will let you attach up to three (3) separate HDMI devices to your display. Hook up is as simple as plugging in the cables (Belkin has a complete selection of HDMI cables available) and attaching the provided AC power adapter. It comes with a slim remote control so you can switch between devices at the push of a button. This little piece of middleware is going to be indispensable over the next few months as new devices leapfrog existing capacity. You may want to buy a few to give to your gadget crazy friends.

Ho Ho Ho….Whatever

These three devices won't cover everybody, but they should bring a smile to your tech crazy and harried friends and relatives. Have a great holiday season. We'll let you know what new gadgets we see at this years CES (Consumer Electronics Show).