As mentioned in our post ‘3 Cool Tech Gadgets to Review Right Now’, with new gadgets being launched almost every month, it can be difficult to know what new technologies are available and which ones would be great for gifting. So here are some things you might want to consider:
Smartphones
Pew Research Center estimates that more than 5 billion people have mobile devices across the globe, with 50 percent of them being smartphone users. Smartphones like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, have become such an essential part of everyone’s day-to-day lives because they allow us to access practically everything through just a few swipes. When gifting a smartphone, here are some things you should consider:
- Battery. Manufacturers say a lot of things about their phones’ battery life and charging time, so it’s best to compare what manufacturers claim against the results of tests by independent reviewers.
- Processor. Consider how your intended recipient will probably use the phone. If they’re likely to use apps that involve the processing of huge amounts of data, or play games with advanced visuals, then opt for high-end smartphones.
- Security. An article on Business News Daily pointed out that security needs vary from person to person. If you are going for business-class security features, go for established phone manufacturers like Samsung or Apple.
Laptops
While it can be argued that tablets and smartphones have taken over laptops, Worldometer’s real-time data on personal computer sales, now at more than 239 million, goes to show that laptops have continued to be among the leading gadgets people purchase. HP’s guide on the best laptops to give as gifts emphasizes that the biggest factor you need to consider when buying a laptop is who it’s for, as different users will require different specs. So here are some things that are also worth considering when buying a laptop as a gift:
- Size. Before you start looking at specs and prices, it pays to start with figuring out how portable the laptop needs to be. 13- to 14-inch laptops usually provide the right balance between portability and usability.
- Keyboard and touchpad. Even amazing specs can easily be trumped by bad ergonomics. If the person you’re giving the laptop to is using it often for both work and play, pick one that has solid tactile feedback, goes down 1 to 2mm when pressed, and has enough space between keys.
Tablets
The number of tablet users worldwide is expected to rise to around 1.14 billion, according to Statista. Tablets are alternatives to not just phones but also to TV sets, stereos, and computers, which is why they’re great gifts to give your loved ones. There are a number of tablet manufacturers including some of the larger companies like Apple or Microsoft. While the larger brand names may potentially be a more reliable option, some of the smaller manufacturers do make great tablet options. These are highly recommended as a beginner tablet, particularly if you’re gifting it to a child. Here are some things to look for when picking out a tablet:
- Screen size. Screen size isn’t something that you can change after-the-fact, so it’s something to spend time considering. A bigger screen size costs more, but it can be worth it if the tablet is going to be used for watching movies or make professional art. Most popular tablets are sized around 7 to 11 inches, small enough to offer portability without sacrificing their capacity for comfortable long-term use.
- Storage and expandability. Some tablets do not have expandable storage options so put a premium on buying tablets that have enough storage that will last you a long time. Of course, similar to size, more storage means higher costs.
