Gift Giving Guy

For the past five years, technology writer Uncle Mark has offered his simple guide for technology gift purchases. He does not give you a top 10 list of computers to mull over. Instead, he flat out recommends a single product in each technology category with a clear rationale (and sometimes a few exceptions). Here are some technology gift picks from Uncle Mark.

• Phone, Camera, Etc.: Apple iPhone ($400)
• Personal Computer: Apple 13-inch MacBook ($1,100 to $1,500)
• Men’s Wristwatch: Casio G-Shock Classic ($50-$90)
• Video Game Console: Nintendo Wii ($550 — Correction: $250 usually, but there has been a recent holiday price increase to $550 due to scarcity) The Wii works for most people, but hardcore gamers may want an Xbox 360 ($350) from Microsoft
• Hand-held Video Games: Nintendo DS Lite ($130)
• Kid’s Tech Gift: Radica 20 Questions Ball ($10)
• DVD Player: Panasonic DVD-S53 ($90-$100)
• Video Camcorder: Panasonic PV-GS300 ($425)
• Digital Video Recorder: TiVo ($250 or $600-$800 for HD)

Plus, he throws in an almanac of sound workplace habits and random useful suggestions. Trying to prevent a sneeze? Think of watermelon. The memory of the taste and texture seems to drive the sneeze away. Now that’s an almanac I can use.

Download Uncle Mark’s 2008 Gift Guide and Almanac (PDF)