The holiday season is upon us, and what better gifts for IT pros (to give and receive) than the hottest tech gadgets in the market? Here are our picks for ESP’s annual “Holiday Tech Gadget Gift Guide”:
For the versatile pro:
Motorola Moto X
The Android-operated Moto X is Motorola’s first smartphone since being acquired by Google in 2011. With a 4.7-inch display (bigger than the iPhone but smaller than the massive Galaxy Note 3), it fits nicely in both small and big hands. The Moto X is “ready when you are” — the touchless control function allows it to respond to your voice, which it can learn to recognize. You can wake the device, call, text, set an alarm, and more without touching the screen. It also has a twist and take function that lets you snap a photo (10-MP) with just a twist of your wrist. Another bonus? You can customize the design of the phone using Moto Maker.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
As we’ve mentioned, the Galaxy Note 3 is a big phone. With a 5.7-inch Full HD Super AMOLED® display, it’s the best of both phone and tablet. Despite its size, the updated design is thinner, lighter, and sleeker. Jot down a name, number, or address with the enhanced S Pen™ and instantly save it as a new contact. The large display also allows for a multi window function — you can run two apps side by side, and move content from one window to another. The 13-MP camera, increased touch sensitivity mode (recognizing finger input even while the user is wearing gloves), and fast data-processing capabilities also make the Galaxy Note 3 a hot Android gift this season.
For the ‘HBO Go’ pro:
Google Chromecast
Chromecast is a convenient and affordable ($35) way to stream all the entertainment content you love on your HD TV. Plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect it to your home’s WiFi connection, and enjoy movies, TV shows, music, and more from NetFlix, YouTube, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Google Play, and Chrome. Chromecast is remote-free — browse, control playback, and adjust volume using the wireless devices you already own (including smartphones, tablets, and laptops).
Roku 3
Roku 3 supports more services more quickly than any of its streaming-video box competitors. Connect it to your TV’s HDMI port and gain access to over 1000 online channels, including NetFlix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, Pandora, MLB.TV, Amazon Cloud Player, and Vudu. Brownie points for its motion-control remote with built-in headphone jack — allowing you to play games or watch a flick without disturbing the household.
For the pro on the go:
Pebble Smartwatch
The Pebble Smartwatch is compatible with both Androids and iPhones. See who’s calling, texting, or emailing; change music tracks; activate voice navigation, track your runs, and even get notifications when your favorite team scores without pulling your phone out of your pocket or bag (or checking it from across the room!). The watch is waterproof and design-customizable — with vibrating alarms that can either wake you up or give you a subtle nudge without anyone else noticing, and a battery life of up to a full week.
Fitbit Force
The Fitbit Force is lightweight, comfortable, waterproof, and one of the best fitness gadgets out there. With a sleek OLED display, it tracks your steps taken, stairs climbed, distance traveled, calories burned, and active minutes. Worn overnight, it can track your sleep patterns to help you get a good night’s rest. Its Silent Wake technology includes a vibrating alarm that gets you up without disrupting others. The watch also syncs wirelessly with your computer, iPhone, and select Android devices.
What do you think of our picks? Let us know! After all, one of the best things about being an IT pro during this time of year is having the inside scoop on the latest tech gadgets. Happy holiday shopping!
