TMCNet: Gadgets

[December 12, 2012]

Gadgets

Dec 12, 2012 (Reading Eagle - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Tablets Surf the Internet, try out apps and enjoy online content on a 7-inch tablet for as little as $200. Looking for something bigger Most full-size tablets start at around $500, but you may want to check out 9-inch Nook and Kindle models that cost less than $300.


Vacuum cleaners Looking for a cleaning tool that makes a home look good when it isn't even being used The stylish, popular Dyson Ball could be the ticket. Another great gift idea: A robotic vacuum by Roomba or Neato that cleans on its own. Just be sure it won't be interpreted as a subtle hint about the recipient's housekeeping.

Keurig coffee makers The number of available brands and flavors seems to be multiplying, making these single-cup machines hotter than ever. Prices start at about $100 for a simple machine. For the real coffee junkie with money to spare and access to a plumber, try the $900 commercial-grade model that plugs into a water line.

- Mark Nemirow Reading Eagle Kid stuff It might not be a good idea to hand a $500 iPad to a 5-year-old. Consider the $100 LeapPad 2 or the $80 VTech Innotap tablets, which are geared toward young hands and minds.

Roku Know someone who isn't sitting in front of your TV enough already For as little as $50 you can bring popular Internet services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus and Pandora to the big screen. All that's required is a wireless Internet connection.

E-readers Looking for something simpler for the reader in your life A no-frills Amazon Kindle costs just $69. Spend $100 or more and the options and features improve. Be sure to compare Kindle and Nook products to see what works best for you.

Smartphones Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3 are this year's hottest phones. Just remember that smartphones cost more to own than they do to buy, and that something better will come along in a matter of months.

Apple iPod Yes, they still make these, and they're still a great source of mobile entertainment for people don't need a smartphone. The iPod nano plays music and video and costs just $149. The Touch does almost everything an iPhone does for as little as $200 with no monthly bill to pay. And the $250 classic iPod now holds a whopping 160 gigabytes of data. That's 40,000 songs.

- Mark Nemirow Reading Eagle ___ (c)2012 the Reading Eagle (Reading, Pa.) Visit the Reading Eagle (Reading, Pa.) at readingeagle.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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