8 Gifts for the Tech Geek in Your Life

What do you get for someone who works in technology, or who’s been using connected devices since they were young? More technology of course! Whether you’re looking for something fun, a new device for the home or a toy to play with the kids, we've got some great gift ideas for you.

1. Asus Transformer Pad TF701

Using the right technology can save you hours when you’re on deadline. For those times when you need both a laptop and a tablet for portability, the Asus Transformer Pad TF701 shines. It’s an Android tablet that turns into a laptop when you attach it to a keyboard dock.

The 10-inch tablet has an amazingly crisp high res display (2,560 x 1,600) and runs on Nvidia’s Tegra 4 processor. You’ll get around 13 hours of battery life depending on use, a 5-megapixel rear camera and 32GB of internal storage. The tablet also has a Micro HDMI port as well as a MicroSD card slot.

The dock (sold separately for $140) has a full QWERTY keyboard, touch pad, SD slot and USB 3.0 port.  The tablet attaches to the keyboard via a sturdy hinge that lets you open and close the device just like a laptop. When your work is done, and you’re ready to hit the road with your tablet, just detach it and leave the keyboard behind.

2. Sony MDR-10 RNC Headphones

Those of us who work in an environment with an open floor plan know all too well the benefits of noise-canceling headphones. Sony’s MDR-10’s are over-the-ear style so they’re comfortable and lightweight for wearing much of the day. They do a great job shutting out ambient noise and come with two detachable audio cables--one of which has an inline remote and microphone so you can make calls.

$219.00

3. Lynda.com Tutorials

The great thing about technology is there’s always something new to learn. Whether you want to learn to develop mobile apps, or are determined to master Final Cut Pro, Lynda.com offers online video tutorials designed to teach at your own pace. This is a great gift idea for someone who wants to refresh their skills or learn something completely new.

4. Sphero 2

 

Who knew playing ball with the kids could be so much fun? It is when you’re playing with Sphero, the robotic balls you control with your smartphone. Using an iOS or Android app, you control the movement of the ball through a series of games. The more games you play, the faster you can make it go. The 2.0 version has multicolor LED’s for playing after the sun goes down.

$129.00

5. Nest Protect

It may seem odd recommending a smoke detector as a holiday gift but the Nest Protect should be in every smart home today. It’s a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm that completely changes the way you think about safety. If you burn something on the stove, rather than setting off that shrill alarm that only makes you take the batteries out of the unit, the Protect flashes a yellow light and speaks to you in a human voice, telling you where smoke is detected. No need to frantically wave a towel in front to turn it off, instead you simply stand under it and wave so it detects you.

$129.00

6. ChargeCard Nomad

When you’re connected all day, whether it’s on your smartphone or tablet, at some point you’re going to need to recharge. If you have the ChargeCard in your wallet, you always have a cable with you. It’s a super-thin credit card-shaped USB cable with a Lightning tip for iPhone 5/5S or  30-pin connector for iPhone 4/4s. ChargeCard also makes a microUSB tip so as long you can find a laptop, computer or TV to plug in, you can charge up.

$25.00

 7. iGrillmini

When you’re used to watching a computer screen all day, it can be somewhat jolting to live an untethered life. If backyard barbeque duty makes you itching for your iPhone, use the iGrillmini next time you’re searing a steak.

It’s a smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone with Bluetooth and monitors what’s cooking on the grill. When the steak reaches the desired temperature, you get notified on your phone via the iOS app. An Android app is coming soon.

$39.99

8. Novelty T-Shirt

You work at a computer all day, fixing bugs and solving tech issues. You’re the go-to guy for tech support at home. Over the holidays you probably want –even deserve - a little break from technology. That’s why you need this “No, I will not fix your computer” t-shirt. Buy it before you head home for the holidays where all your relatives have been saving up their burning tech questions for you.

$26.99

 

 

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Andrea Smith is an award-winning news and technology journalist. She was most recently Lifestyle Channel Editor at Mashable. Prior to that, Andrea spent more than a decade as Technology Producer at ABC News as an on-air, on-radio reporter and expert covering all things digital. Andrea is able to break down the latest technology trends, turning tech talk into easy-to-understand concepts. She's also a frequent contributor to many national television shows including, ABC News, CNBC and Anderson Cooper.