Technology
The Coolest Budget Tech Gifts
With all the economic turmoil that’s led up to the holidays, many shoppers are scaling back their traditionally big gift-giving splurges. But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t give the coolest tech gifts of the season.
Motorola Motopure H-15, $129.99
For the constant cell phone chatterbox on your list, the Motorola Motopure H-15 delivers big sound in a tiny package. Even better, it’s comfortable to wear and has two built-in microphones that enables it to adjust the volume accordingly.
Flip Video, $129.99 for 1GB
It’s the revolutionary shoot and share camcorder that’s small enough to fit into your pocket and (yay!) has an even smaller price tag. Storage sizes range from 1GB to 4GB and prices are between $129.99 and $229.99
HP Photosmart A636, $149.99
Printing and sharing photos has never been easier. With no computer required, simply plug in your digital camera or flash-memory card and you’ve got your very own photo shop!
Computer Backup, from $4.95/month
At roughly 5 bucks a month, there isn’t a more affordable or smart computer gift to give the techie on your list. Online computer backup is the easiest and most convenient way to backup all your important computer files including photos, music, and documents.
Roku Netflix Player, $100
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for a movie buff, look no further! The Roku Netflix Player allows you to get all the latest T.V. shows and movies instantly. Simply connect the player to a high-speed internet line and you’ll have access to Netflix’s entire library through your very own television set.
My Christmas Wish List...
The Japanese company Toto is now offering their “Intelligence Toilet” system which can measure blood pressure, sugar levels, weight, and body fat – all from urine. The results are analyzed and sent electronically to a doctor’s office. And you thought your Toto toilets were impressive.
Watching T.V. on your flat screen in the bathroom is so passé! Get ready while watching television in the mirror designed with an LCD T.V. behind it. Talk about multi-tasking.
I was pretty excited when they came out with refrigerators that had the water and ice dispenser in the door – very high tech. How about a fridge that’s equipped with an advanced climate control that can track food expiration dates? My fridge would be a lot cleaner if it could do this.
Cold toes? Try an electric under-floor mat. Equipped with heating coils woven in, these mats are regulated by a sensor that can be turned on or off anytime. And while the mats themselves are a little spendy ($800 and up), the mats cost less than 10 cents a day to run.
Related: Home, technology
The Worst (or at least Notable) Computer Viruses
A seemingly harmless school prank kicks off years of security headaches, system failures, and an increased awareness for the importance of computer backup.
1. The Infamous School Prank – In 1982, Rich Skrenta was a ninth-grader designing an unforgettable school prank. In actuality, he created what would become regarded as the first ever virus to strike PCs worldwide. Nicknamed “Elk Cloner,” the virus spread through Apple II floppy disks and exhibited a poem written by Skrenta.
2. The Lack of Brains Behind the “Brain” – The first virus to strike computers with a Microsoft OS appeared in 1986, “Brain” was developed by two Pakistani brothers who, before they unleashed it, did not realize the virus left the phone number of their computer repair shop. Brilliant.
3. Popular Melissa – Credited with being the first virus to spread over email, “Melissa” debuted in 1998 and blanketed the globe within mere hours. When users opened an attachment, the virus sent copies of itself to the first 50 people in the email address book.
4. Who Wouldn’t Want a Love Letter? – The creators of the “Love Bug” virus in 2000 cleverly took advantage of human nature by disguising an attachment with the virus as a love letter.
5. Code Red Code Red! – In 2001, “Code Red” became one of the first “network worms” which spread rapidly since it required nothing more than a network connection (as opposed to opening an attachment). The virus exploited a flaw in Microsoft software, one which many users had yet to install a software patch to fix, causing major problems.
6. Cash for the Blaster! – In 2003, two outbreaks known as “Blaster” and “SoBig” took advantages of known flaws in Microsoft software. The computer giant was compelled to offer cash rewards for anyone who could help authorities capture and prosecute the creators of the viruses.
Related: technology, computers
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