With less than 45 days left until Christmas 2017, there’s still time to get the perfect gift for your loved ones. We have tested some gadgets and sifted through the web for some of the best gift ideas for gadgets and tech lovers, so you don’t have to.
Get your wallets ready as we dive straight in! These are some of the best gadgets on the market right now, broken down into categories. Some of them we have tried and tested, some we go by their specs. Feel free to share and we’ll be on Facebook to see which ones you will be buying.
Laptops:
Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and Touch ID is new, and while the design may seem familiar at first, you will notice some subtle changes and should make a good gift idea.
MacBook Pro with Touch IDThe Surface Book is Microsoft’s answer to the Macbook Pro lineup. It’s powerful, can be detached to look like a notebook and comes with a pen to do more. Looking for a gift idea that inspires creativity? look no further.
Microsoft Surface BookThe Dell XPS 13 with Infinity Display is sleek, portable and the display makes you want to just use it all the time even when you have nothing serious to do. With a long battery life and lightweight, it makes a perfect gift idea for gadgets and tech lovers looking for a new Windows laptop.
Dell XPS 13 with Infinity DisplayCompact cameras:
If you need a camera that’s flexible, fixed lens, great for portraits and offer high-resolution images then Leica Q (TYP 116) is one to consider.
Leica Q (TYP 116)The Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 IV carries on from when it first started with a great lens that captures high-quality images even in low light. It even shoots 4K videos and that’s why it makes our gift ideas recommendation.
Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 IVThe Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless is one of the best compact cameras out there as far as mirrorless goes. If you need a camera that is fast (burst), shoots 4K videos without costing an arm and a leg, then you may want to consider this gift idea.
Sony Alpha a6300 MirrorlessDSLR:
The Nikon D810 is a solid camera with a CMOS sensor and no Optical Low-pass filter , you can shoot more details 1080p videos. It’s also got a solid build, so you get a robust DSLR camera that offers a lot of creativity out in the field.
Nikon D810Nikon Df is the thinnest, lightest FX-format DSLR camera from Nikon, so you get a 16.2MP image sensor with three image processing tech too. Put it in Aperture priority mode, and start shooting portraits.
Nikon DFThe Canon EOS 7D Mark II is built for adventure; it’s got a built-in GPS receiver and digital compass, continuous 10 fps shooting for those who likes to take pictures of fast-moving subjects and a dual pixel CMOS AF sensor with live view. It’s definitely not one to disappoint.
Canon EOS 7D Mark IIIf you need a full frame DSLR with a huge ISO range, then the Canon 5D Mark III is one to consider. You can extend it’s ISO from 100 to a whopping 102400 – low light photography is no issue here at all. It can still do the regular stuff too.
Canon 5D Mark IIISmartphones:
Alphabet’s Google Pixel is the best Android smartphone there is. It features the latest Android Nougat, fast processor, pure Android experience and the camera is best in class. It comes in a smaller size too if the large display on the XL is not for you.
Google PixelWith the Note 7 gone, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is definitely a worthy alternative. It’s sleek, offers a gorgeous Super AMOLED display, wireless charging and one of the best smartphone cameras there is, it will give some of the compact cameras out there a run for their money.
Samsung Galaxy S7 EdgeIf you are locked into Apple’s ecosystem, then it’s no brainer that the iPhone 7 or the iPhone 7 plus is the ideal upgrade for you. The camera is better with OIS, you can even capture portraits on the 7 Plus model. Have you see all the colour options available too?
iPhone 7Smartwatches and Fitness trackers:
Although the Samsung Gear S3 Classic or Frontier (pre-order) is only available for pre-order for now, you can still set your eyes on them. It’s one of the few smartwatches out there that actually still looks like a watch on the surface, feels like a watch on the wrist and comes with a good battery life to match.
Samsung Gear S3 ClassicIf you need something that tells the time as well as some sports stats, then the Apple Watch Sport is one to consider, although you will be stay locked in the Apple ecosystem. It costs more to upgrade the straps too if you want to really make it yours.
Apple Watch SportIf you need more than a step counter, the Microsoft Band 2 packs the most amount of sensors you can think of right now. You can even use it to play golf and train your swing! you read that right.
Microsoft Band 2We reviewed the Fitbit Charge 2 recently and we found it to be the best all round fitness gadget there is. It monitors all your exercises, most of them automatically, tracks your sleep, and you can even compete with your friends.
Fitbit Charge 2The Huawei Smartwatch is the sexiest of them all. It’s sleek, uses Android Wear so you can even pair it up with your iPhone if you really want to stick to iOS.
Huawei SmartwatchBluetooth and Wireless speakers:
The Sonos Play 5 looks small, but when the push comes to shove, it can fill a room of most house sizes. The bass and treble sound amazing thanks to some clever technology used and you can even buy a couple so you can pair them up to create a left and right surround effect. Oh, you could also set it up so no matter what way it’s facing, you will never lose quality.
Sonos play 5B&W are not new to the speaker game and the Bowers & Wilkins T7 is no different. It’s compact and don’t let its size full you, this thing is loud, and even over Bluetooth connection, sound quality is not compromised, thanks to B&W’s clever DSP (Digital Sound Processing)
Bowers & Wilkins T7The Naim Muso Qb is not one you will easily find in shops, and that’s because they’re not your average Bluetooth speaker. It’s one of the few to combine style and sound quality in perfect harmony, however, we would recommend more for those into their bassy music.
Naim Muso QbThe Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3 are stylish and would blend in well with a neutral decor and of course, that’s not the only thing they are good at; whether you like to listen to music quietly (says no one ever) or you want to have a house party, add them to your basket.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3Headphones ( Noise cancelling, Hifi and more):
With Active Noise Cancelling, the AKG N60 NC offers the intimacy needed to enjoy your music to the fullest. They look very simple and comes with a carry case for transport.
AKG N60 NCBeats Studio Wireless is one for the Apple phone users we think. It’s very geared towards those who listen to hip hop and RnB as it’s very bassy and may not handle other genres as well. Nonetheless, it’s a great pair with Dr Dre’s backing.
Beats Studio WirelessSennheiser Momentum Wireless are very stylish and will last long. Sound quality is second to none as Sennheiser uses years of R&D and experience to create something that can play all genre with no problem or over-sampling.
Sennheiser Momentum WirelessWe recently reviewed the Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones and they are the best Noise Cancelling headphones money can buy. Pop them over your head and you hear nothing but your music. It also offers a long battery life, enough to go to NYC and back and still have some left.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless HeadphonesJBL E55BT
Launched at IFA in September, the E55BT offers up to 20 hours of wireless music playback, 50mm drivers, connection to multiple devices with a seamless switch between devices, and best off all? It’s only £99.99.
In-ear Headphones:
If the QC35 is not for you, then you may want to consider the Bose QC30. This pair of in-ear headphones will offer the same experience you get with other high-end, premium Bose headphones.
Bose QC30The KEF M100 are ones to reckon with, even though not many will know about them. They are stylish, with various colour offerings, inline remote with microphone and it’s compatible with Apple phones too.
KEF M100The Etymotic HF3 offers a snug fit and with its niche design geared towards getting the sound in your ears, you will almost feel like they have Noise canceling technology too.
Etymotic HF3The Sennheiser M2 IEG Momentum In-Ear Earphones has scooped up so many awards since launch, and the reason for that is that they are comfortable, lightweight and offer great sound quality that will handle most music genres you throw at it.
Sennheiser M2 IEG Momentum In-Ear EarphonesHome speakers:
If you need something that’s loud, capable of playing sound from not just music but movies too without compromise, then the Klipsch RP-280F should be on your list. It’s so loud, you may have to warn your neighbours every time you need to use them.
Klipsch RP-280FThe Bowers and Wilkins 683 S2 loudspeaker by Kalman Rubinson (google him), features a decoupled double-dome tweeter meaning it can handle music frequencies like a boss. You just have to listen to them to fully appreciate them.
Bowers and Wilkins 683 S2Television:
With an average of 4 out of 5 stars on all major review sites, the Sony XBR-65X930D delivers an excellent picture quality, brightness and contrast levels are good, and gamers would love this too. Sony’s TV software is also one of the best out there, with a lot of apps available.
Sony XBR-65X930DThe Vizio 65-inch P-Series is very dynamic when it comes to picture quality, meaning it’s not just geared towards gamers or cinema addicts, it works all round for everyone. It comes with a control that’s a fully functional Android tablet so you get the best of both worlds, with the ability to screencast directly to your TV.
Vizio 65-inch P-SeriesThe Panasonic TX-65DX902B is Panasonic’s flagship TV this year, so it comes loaded with everything Panasonic are capable of and if you have never seen OLED in action before, go and see one, but have your credit card ready as it will grab your attention.
Panasonic TX-65DX902BIf you want to jump on the 4K TV hype, the LG OLED65E6P 4K Smart TV the one for you. Not only does it offer 4K, it’s also HDR with Dolby vision. Blacks are great and even better when watching movies, it feels like your own cinema right in the comfort of your living room.
LG OLED65E6P 4K Smart TVTablets:
If you need something you can read your books on, read emails, do some work on the move with, then you should consider the iPad Mini 4. If you opt for the cellular version, it’s basically an iPhone on steroids in terms of productivity.
iPad Mini 4Android fans know when it comes to an Android device, one from Google direct is better. Why? because you will get the updates as soon as they’re ready, and just like the Pixel, you get a pure Android experience on the Nexus 9
Nexus 9Need to do more on the move, like editing videos? then consider the iPad Pro. This is Apple’s tablet built for the professionals.
iPad ProIf you want something portable, yet powerful, we couldn’t think of anything better than the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. It’s powerful enough to run two 4K monitors, edit movies using Adobe Premier and it’s basically a powerhouse.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4Gaming:
Sony wasn’t messing around when came to the Playstation 4. It’s sleek, the controls are nice and if you want something a bit more like 4K gaming, you can opt for the Pro version too.
Sony Playstation 4There’s always the Xbox versus Playstation debate, but we think they’re both just as powerful and capable, but if you have more friends on the dark side, then opt for the sleek and compact Xbox One S. I mean, look at it in white!
Xbox One SStreaming gadgets:
Roku Streaming Stick is that gadget you buy when you don’t want to get stuck in a contract with Sky or other TV providers. It’s simple, portable and gives you more control.
Roku Streaming StickGoogle Chromecast is the best there is when it comes to streaming content from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. You can mirror your display and play YouTube or Netflix at a touch of a button.
Google ChromecastApple TV (4th Generation) is the latest one from Apple and just like any other Apple devices, it’s perfect for those who are invested in the Apple ecosystem. Having said that, though, you have a wider compatibility option now.
Apple TV (4th Generation)Drones, because why not?
The Mavic Pro is the best consumer drone there is; it’s easy to setup, fly and it’s so compact you can just pop it in your backpack and capture everything. It even offers a follow me feature, so you can concentrate on your adventure.
DJI Mavic Pro DroneRemember the company that showed off a full drone capable of transporting human beings? yes them! they also have this VR drone called the Ehang Ghostdrone 2.0 VR which is capable of following you and probably the easiest to fly and operate out there. You just point to where you want it to go and it goes.
Ehang Ghostdrone 2.0 VR
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