Here is a list of some of the most exquisite gadget gifts for your friends and family:

1. Samsung DA-E750 – The Samsung DA-E750 is the most beautiful set of speakers you are ever going to set your eyes on. With the wooden exteriors, they have a distinct old school charm about them, which will work perfectly well with your Christmas decorations. On the technical front, the speakers are compatible with AirPlay, iOS devices, and some Android devices as well. Did we forget to mention that the audio quality is phenomenal. The Samsung DA-E750 is the gift of a lifetime, it will sit perfectly in your living room, adding to the beauty of your home.

2. MacBook Air – The MacBook Air needs no introduction. Its only the most perfect combination of aesthetic design and technical performance. The ultra thin 13-inch laptop comes with a 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB memory. The ultrabook weighs less than 3 pounds and it is an absolute pleasure to work on it. It is thin, it is light and it is simply an epitome of luxury. Go the Mac way this holiday and surprise your friends and family.

3. Nikon D4 – The best memories belong to the holiday season. Therefore, a high quality DSLR camera makes for an ideal holiday season gift. The Nikon D4 is one of the most impressive cameras in the market as of now. Besides producing excellent photographs, the Nikon D4 is the one of the fastest cameras you will ever work with. That means no time lags at all. Additionally, it comes with a high resolution sensor and better video quality.

4. Grado PS1000 – Headphones are available for as cheap as $20. But any music enthusiast knows the difference between these headphones and the high end ones. The latter will alert you to the presence of beats in a song that you had never heard before, transporting you to a different world altogether. The Grado PS1000 is one such pair of headphones. These are extremely comfortable to wear and the ear cups are made of wood and solid metal. The sound quality is excellent as well. All in all, they make for the perfect gift for anyone who likes listening to music.

As the term suggests, noise cancelling headphones work by eliminating all forms of background sounds, making way for a high quality auditory experience. For starters, you won’t be forced to raise the volume repeatedly in order to hear clearly. As the external noise gets blocked, you can hear distinct sound patterns even at low volumes. The next time you are riding the subway, you can just put on your pair of noise cancelling headphones and appreciate the complicated notes of your favorite music, even in the middle of a thousand people.

Today, we have put together a list of some of the best noise cancelling headphones:

1. Bose Quiet Comfort 15 – When it comes to the world of audio devices, Bose needs no introduction. Since decades, the company has produced some of the most high quality audio devices we have ever used. The Bose Quiet Comfort 15 is no exception. These noise cancelling headphones block off the background noise flawlessly. At the same time, they are extremely comfortable on the ears. They might look huge but once you wear them, they don’t feel that heavy at all.  You can also try the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 for a sleeker design.

2. Sony MDR-NC500 – Just like Bose Quiet Comfort series, the Sony MDR-NC500 have been designed to fit over your ears perfectly. In terms of performance, they are quite impressive as the headphones come with three modes of noise cancelling. With the help of the intelligent noise cancelling feature, the adequate mode is switched on according to the kind and intensity of noise in the backdrop.

3. Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio – If you are particular about the appearance and design of your headphones, these ones might be ideal for you. Significantly, the performance is not compromised in the bargain. This pair of noise cancelling headphones offers sharp and distinct sound even among auditory chaos. On the flip side, they run exclusively on batteries which have to be charged regularly.

4. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 – While these Audio Technica headphones might not be as comfortable as the others, the sound quality is unmatched. They come with three levels of noise cancelling which means that they work efficiently in the most noisy of places. Once you put them on, you might just get lost in the isolated world of music.

Razer Tiamat 7.1

While it’s a bit on the pricey side, the Tiamat is unrivaled when it comes to 7.1 channel surround sound quality. Unlike most 7.1 channel headsets on the market, the Tiamat is a true 7.1 channel system, with  front, rear, center, side, and subwoofer drivers in each ear cup. This gives a much more realistic surround sound experience than the virtual 7.1 channel systems most headsets use, processing a 7.1 channel signal into a stereo output. The Tiamat is intended for PCs, but can be used with any system that has 7.1 channel 3.5mm outputs and a USB port for power.

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

If you’re in the market for a wireless headset, the Logitech G930 ought to be one of your first choices. Its virtual surround sound processing technology is developed directly by Dolby Digital and is essentially unparalleled. Its wireless range is also quite impressive, reaching up to 40 feet without distortion. Like most wireless headsets, battery life can be problematic, offering about 10 hours of continuous playback. Fortunately, it’s possible to charge the G930 while it’s in use. Even with its impressive specs, the G930 is fairly reasonably priced for a wireless headset of its caliber. Unfortunately, because if its USB interface, the G930 will only work on a PC.

Turtle Beach Ear Force PX5

Even though it’s depressingly expensive, the Ear Force PX5 offers some amazingly customizable sound quality, perfect for any serious gamer. Designed to work for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the PX5 will also work with any system with an optical output. The headset even has a Bluetooth channel to pair up with PS3 chat or even your cell phone. Turtle Beach also offers downloadable software to create sound profile presets so that you can tune the PX5 for specific situations, such as playing First Person Shooters, watching HD movies, and listening to music. The wireless range is about average (up to 30 feet), but its 15 hour battery life is pretty impressive. The price is steep, but it’s easy to argue why it’s worth it.

Creative Tactic 3D Omega

Creative’s extensive experience with audio technologies definitely shows through with its Tactic 3D Omega headset. Its THX TruStudio Pro surround sound virtualization easily goes toe-to-toe with Logitech’s G930 in terms of sound quality. While the G930 does best it in wireless range, and even price, the Tactic 3D Omega has the major benefit of being compatible with the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and technically any system with composite stereo output. If you’re a multiplatform gamer, the Tactic 3D Omega should definitely be on your list of headsets to check out – although the Turtle Beach Ear Force PX5 certainly poses a tempting (albeit slightly more expensive) alternative.

So, we are giving you a list of the some of the most essential gadgets for college students:

1. Netbook- Netbooks are a miniature version of laptops, they are smaller in size and the range of functions is limited compared to a laptop. In spite of that, a netbook scores over a laptop in several ways. Firstly, a netbook is considerably lighter and smaller in size than a laptop. For a college student, portability is one of the most crucial features in a laptop as he or she has to carry around his or her laptop just about everywhere. This becomes rather unpleasant if you have a bulky laptop. On the other hand, you won’t encounter that problem with a netbook. At the same time, the functions offered by a good netbook are more than sufficient for a college student’s needs.

When it comes to netbooks, the Asus Eee PC 1015PN comes highly recommended. This 10-inch netbook comes with a 1GB RAM, Dual Core Atom CPU, Nvidia Ion Graphics for HD video and gaming and a comfortable touchpad. Asus has also launched the Eee PC 1005PR which comes with an impressive 250 GB RAM. If you are looking for something more affordable, you can also check out the Acer Aspire One Happy 2.

2. Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones- College experience is incomplete without some good music, either at parties or on your iPod. A pair of noise cancelling headphones can enhance the experience of listening to music. Such headphones become a necessity in college where students are surrounded by noise everywhere. After all, there is never a dull moment in college. So, if you want to find some peace in the middle of all the chaos, buy yourself a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

If you are willing to spend a few extra dollars, then nothing can compete with the Bose Quiet Comfort 15. These headphones offer the best noise cancelling feature, the sound is great and they are unbelievably comfortable. Alternatively, Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio also live up to high quality standards.

3. E-Book Readers- As a lot of curriculum books are now available as e-Books, it makes sense to invest in a good e-Book reader. The advantages are obvious- one single gadget can carry a thousand e-Books, saving a lot of space in your dorm room. It also makes books more accessible for college students. A particular book might not be available in your library, but you can always find a soft copy version. The Amazon Kindle Fire offers the best reading experience among such tablets. Amazon employs the E-Ink technology which completely transforms the experience of reading an e-Book, making it surprisingly similar to reading a real book.

These are only some of the gadgets that we believe every college student must have in the present day and age. Besides these, a portable gaming console like the Nintendo 3DS can provide that much-needed breather between classes. Add to this a good pair of iPod Dock speakers like the Altec Lansing Octiv Duo M202 and of course, an iPod, and you should be fully equipped for college.

It is no secret that the gadget industry has undergone some very radical changes in the past few years. In earlier days, a gadget was judged primarily by its functional value while little or no attention was paid to its appearance. But things have come a long way from then. Now, both the functional and aesthetic value of a gadget are equally important. All these factors have led to the production of some suave and exciting gadgets, which can make for perfect gifts for women.

In the last blog post, we gave you a list of the best gadget gifts for men. It’s time to shift attention to women now. Here is our list for the best gadget gifts for women:

1. Jaybird Sportsband 2- This pair of headphones is designed like a headband and it comes in a variety of appealing colors. The inside of the headband is lined with rubber which makes them fit perfectly around the head. The Jaybird Sportsband can also double up as a Bluetooth device, which means that you can also take calls in the middle of listening to music. The controls on the headphone can be used to pause, play or stop music at any time. The best part is that they stick to your head even when you are jogging on the treadmill. And finally the sound is pretty great as well. Put all of this together and we have got ourselves a winner.

2. Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer- True to its name, this little wonder can print photographs instantly. It is tiny enough to fit into a pocket and it prints photos in a jiffy. While the photo size (it can only print 2 by 3 sized photographers) and quality might not be spectacular, it is still a cute gift to give to your girlfriend or sister.

3. Digital Photo Frame- In the older days, we used to frame photos and make collages and gift them to our mothers. Well, things have gone digital now. The digital photo frame is a wonderful, modern take on the traditional idea of making photo collages. It’s time to go looking for old photographs in the attic or the basement, scan them and use them with a digital photo frame. They have a smooth and minimalistic design and you can customize the photo patterns. The design, along with the photographs will add a different dimension to your mom’s living room.

4. iPod Touch- As a part of this series of posts, we have been suggesting one gadget as a back-up gift plan when nothing else seems to fit. The iPod Touch is our suggestion for such a scenario. If you can’t seem to zero in on any other gadget, you can always get the iPod Touch. Powered by the critically approved iOS, the iPod Touch can do a lot more besides playing music, it can record HD video, check e-mail, rent movies, take pictures and what not. There is absolutely no reason why a woman would not want to own this beautiful gadget.

Today, we are going to offer you a magic solution to all your gift problems- gadgets. Yes, that’s right. Get your loved ones some cool and useful gadgets. One can’t say enough about the wide variety of gadgets that are available in the market. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that there is something for everybody out there. And when it comes to men, they seem to have a long affair with gadgets. But, we are not talking about the routine, mundane gadgets. We are going to give you a list of some really suave gadgets which come with a high functional value as well.

Here is a list of the best gadget gifts for him:

1. Amazon Kindle- Amazon stormed the gadget market with their range of e-book readers a few years back, and there has been no looking back ever since. As of now, there are many version of the original e-book reader, the Amazon Kindle Fire, Amazon Kindle Touch, Amazon Kindle DX etc. The Kindle tops our list of amazing gadget gifts because it is a wonderful combination of functionality and looks. The best part about this e-book reader is that it doesn’t feel like a gadget at all. It’s manafacturers have made all possible efforts to ensure that the experience of using a Kindle is just like reading a book. The Kindle is portable, it is useful and it comes with stunning looks- all the ingredients of a perfect gift.

2. X Mini II Capsule Speaker- So, what is it that distinguishes this speaker from the many others out there. True to its name, the X Mini II Capsule is almost the size of a capsule, it is so tiny that it can fit into the palm of your hand. But don’t judge it’s performance based on its size. It comes with a long battery life, the sound quality is great and it is very affordable.

3. Logitech Harmony – All of us have experienced the frustration of those five minutes when we can’t find the remote anywhere. The Logitech Harmony universal remote is the best solution for that. The remote comes with some very exciting features- it has a colored LCD screen with an excellent layout for the buttons, and it is compatible with just about any gadget. To top it all off, you can also program it via Windows or Mac PC.

4. iPod Shuffle- This is the best contingency plan that you can get. So, when you run out of all other gift ideas, it’s time to go to an Apple store and buy an iPod shuffle. There is no way a man wouldn’t want an iPod Shuffle, it is tiny yet it delivers and, it goes without saying that it is a looker. Need we say more?

A good workout is incomplete without the perfect music and you can have the perfect music only when you have the very best headphones. While working out, music can serve both as a distraction and as an energizing force. This post will take you through the criteria for choosing the perfect headphones/earbuds for working out. Based on these very criteria, we have compiled a list of the best headphones for working out available in the market as of now.

While looking for a generic headphone, the audio quality remains the primary criterion and quite rightly so. But when you have a specific purpose in mind i.e. working out, there are some other factors which become equally important. Firstly, you have to look for something which will stay put even as you jog or run on the treadmill. If your headphones keep falling off, it can irritate you immensely, spoiling the entire workout session. Secondly, the external built has to be sturdy and strong to resist any breakdown during physical exercises. Thirdly, the audio range has to be dynamic with a decent bass range so that the audio quality is great for all kinds of music- the loud songs for cardio and the slow ones for yoga etc. And finally, headphones designed specifically for working out come with additional features like sweat-resistance and water-proof external coating. Be sure to look out for these while buying one for yourself.

Considering all of these factors, we have put together a bunch of headphones for working out:

1. Sennheiser PMX80 Sport II Neckband Headphones- These headphones from Sennheiser use the neckband design. Usually, people prefer earbuds to neckband headphones when it comes to workouts and they have substantial reasons for that. But this particular headphone comes with a strong and sturdy neckband which stays on even if you are doing push-ups or other exercises which require extensive body movement. Add to this the excellent audio quality and we have a winner!

2. Sennheiser OMX 680 Sports- This model is the earbud equivalent of the above mentioned neckband design. Everything else remains the same, only the external design changes. The ear clips are completely adjustable, they have been design to align to the contours of the ear and they are extremely light weight. Additionally, they are water and sweat resistant.

3. SoundMAGIC E30 Earphones – These headphones come with the in-ear monitor technology which is usually found in the higher end models. The sound is sharp and clear and the cable design is resilient enough to withstand intensive workout sessions. They come with different sizes of ear clips, so that you can choose conveniently for yourself.

4. H2O Audio Surge 2G- Till now, we have been speaking about work outs which don’t include water sports or swimming. The H2O Audio Surge headphones are designed for under water usage. The ear clips drive the water outwards and the whole earphones are water resistant. So, if you are looking to enjoy a nice, long swim in the pool, you might want to invest in these to make your swimming session more enjoyable.

Circum-aural

Circum-aural headphones are commonly known as “around the ear” headphones. This is because their ear pads encompass the entire ear. This allows for a relatively large speaker – or even an assortment of speakers – in each cup resulting in a high-quality sound.

When comfort is concerned, circum-aural headphones are generally regarded as the most comfortable; however this varies greatly based on the overall quality. Properly designed and well-padded ear pads and headbands are essential for comfort. If you’re looking for comfort, the Sennheiser HD 518 is among the best on the market, as is most of the Sennheiser HD series.

Sound quality is also top par amongst circum-aural headphones. Audiophiles, audio engineers, and musicians often prefer circum-aural headphones because of this fact. The cupping of the entire ear can also allow for isolation from outside noise. Sennheiser’s HD 800 is an excellent example of the unbeatable fidelity circum-aural headphones can produce.

The real downside to a circum-aural design is the weight and size. They really aren’t meant for active use whatsoever.

Supra-aural

Also known as “on the ear” headphones, supra-aural headphones have pads that press against the ears. This allows for some noise isolation as well as a lighter, more minimalist design. The lightness is their real benefit, allowing for moderately active use. Some even come in a headband-less design.

Compared to circum-aural headphones, the sound quality often suffers considerably, though some models do still produce high-quality sound. Advances in earbud and in-ear technology have left supra-aural headphones much less practical; however, they still remain very popular with hip-hop and techno crowds. The Sony MDR-V700DJ is currently one of the trendier models and also performs admirably.

Earbuds

Earbuds are the generally cheap headphones that are bundled with items such as iPods and smartphones (replacing the previously bundled supra-aural headphones). They sit up against the ear canal, but not quite in it. Because the speaker unit is enclosed in the same piece that sits in the outer ear, it is extremely limited in size and range, resulting in somewhat poorer audio quality.

Comfort is often an issue with earbuds because of the way they have to wedge themselves into your ear. Extended wear is almost impossible, especially for those with smaller ears. They also have issues staying in place; however, their small design still keeps them viable for active use, such as running and working out. Nonetheless, their low price is really the only reason this headphone style is appealing. They make great replacement headphones for a temporary situation.

In-Ear

As opposed to earbuds, in-ear headphones actually sit inside the ear canal. This results in two major benefits. First, the driver unit can sit outside of the ear, allowing it to be larger and produce better quality sound. Second, inserting them into the ear canal creates a very effective method of noise isolation. Because they are small and lightweight making them typically more comfortable than earbuds, while still producing excellent sound quality, in-ear headphones are by far the most versatile of the four types.

Of course they vary greatly in terms of audio quality (as well as price).  If you’re willing to spend top dollar, the Shure SE535 offer excellent fidelity and rather surprising bass (often a shortcoming of the in-ear genre). Sennheiser makes a slightly cheaper, high-quality earphone known as the CX 880, though intended for use only with the iPhone. If you’re looking for a balance between cost and performance, the Sennheiser CX300 is an excellent choice.

1: Jawbone Era

When it comes to high-end features and unparalleled audio quality, none does it better than the Jawbone Era. Not only is it capable of producing CD-quality audio, but it also includes features like “tap to answer” and “shake to pair” and other motion based controls; however, its best feature is the ability to receive software updates through Jawbone’s MyTALK platform. You can even get an Android/iPhone/BlackBerry app to tell you its battery level right on your phone’s screen. It lacks slightly in terms of comfort and also a volume button, but if you’re looking for the best in audio quality and useful, unique features, the Era is for you.

2: Plantronics Voyager Pro UC

Plantronics has been in the Bluetooth business for years, and all of their headsets rank among the best. The Voyager Pro, in particular, offers excellent audio quality as well as a plethora of useful features, such as Smart Sensor, which can automatically route calls and play or pause your music. Its weakest link is its price, which is generally more than competing units.

3: BlueAnt Q2

The BlueAnt Q2 is a slightly more affordable alternative to the Era, featuring great voice clarity and even Text-to-Speech and access to Bing-411. The downside is that the physical controls are quite small and therefore cumbersome. This is remedied slightly be the integrated Voice-Command features, but this list of commands is quite long and difficult to memorize.

4: Sound ID 510

The Sound ID 510 may not look like much with its minimalistic design, but it packs a lot of features. Sound quality is on par with other premium headsets, but where it really excels is comfort. Its power toggle switch also works very well (a problem many Bluetooth headsets share); however, its other controls are managed via touch sensor making use while wearing it difficult. The Sound ID 510 also features an app for iPhone and Android users to customize your experience.

5: Jabra EXTREME

Another more affordable option, the Jabra EXTREME offers sound quality that rivals even the Era’s excellence. It also includes all of the features you’d expect from a premium Bluetooth headset, such as A2DP (which all of the units featured in this article include) and noise-cancellation. It isn’t particularly comfortable for extended use, though, and its volume controls are a bit too cramped to use easily while wearing it. Its price still makes it an excellent buy for those who only use Bluetooth on occasion, such as when driving or doing chores.

Hi-Fidelity: For the Ideal Listening Experience

Let’s jump straight to the chase. When you want your music to sound the best, you know you need a solid wired connection and superior noise cancelling technology. That’s exactly what you get with the Bose QuietComfort 15, a comfortable set of headphones with nearly unrivaled sound quality. The QuietComfort 15s do run the misfortune of requiring batteries to operate, though, and active noise cancelling isn’t for everyone (the price can be a “beat” steep as well).

Fortunately, Bose also makes an excellent isolating headphone known as the AE2, which is equally as comfortable and offers similar sound quality for a more affordable price. But if you don’t mind throwing down some serious cash, the Sennheiser HD 800 is currently the best the industry has to offer.

On the Go: Lightweight and Wireless Headphones

When you start looking at compact headphones, sound quality is often the first thing sacrificed, but if you’re not the type to compromise, the Shure SE535s are for you. The only real downside they have is the price, but it’s worth it. The sound quality is absolutely sensational; even the bass (which if often mediocre at best for ear buds) comes through deep and rich.


For those of us who may not be willing to drop a few hundred dollars on a pair of headphones, the Klipsch Image S4i makes an excellent alternative, costing well under $100. The sound quality suffers slightly, but still outshines everything in its price range by a fair margin.


For those that don’t much care for a tangled mess of cords or prefer the freedom to roam about the house while listening to the stereo without disturbing others, wireless headphones are the way to go.
The Sennheiser RS 160 is a great choice, offering excellent comfort and managing over 20 hours of playback on a single charge. While sound quality can often suffer significantly from distortion in the airwaves, the RS 160s have been optimized to eliminate this almost entirely, resulting in a very clean listening experience.

Surround Sound: HD Movies at Their Finest

When it comes to surround sound headphones, your choices are somewhat limited. Generally, you’ll have to limit your search within headsets (headphones with included microphones). For those interested in some surround sound gaming, this is great news, as most of the headsets are geared specifically for gaming. Logitech’s G930 is a fairly well rounded 7.1 channel headset that makes for excellent surround sound gaming but also works well for surround sound movies due to its wireless connection. Unfortunately, its USB connector is suitable for computers only, so most Blu-Ray Players will be incompatible.

A more compatible (though also more expensive) alternative is Turtle Beach’s Ear Force PX5. It too is a wireless headset, capable of True Dolby 7.1 channel surround sound and features a digital optical input, making it suitable for most Blu-Ray Players and home theater setups.