Phone
Still, theres a lot of mobile technology that can keep you or your loved ones state of the art without breaking the bank in the process. With that in mind, here are a few stocking-stuffer ideas that are fun or useful, maybe even a bit of both.
If youre looking for a smart phone to give a teenager, consider Palm Inc.s Pixi. The Pixi is the newer, cheaper sibling of the very slick Pre, which was released this year. Like the Pre, the Pixi runs Palms webOS operating system, which allows you to use several applications at once, moving back and forth between them or closing them with a flick of your finger.
The Pixi, which is currently available only for Sprint Nextel Corp.s network, was released this month for $99.99 on a two-year contract and after rebate. Since then, it has become ground zero in a price war between Amazon.com Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which are both selling it for $24.99. Moreover, Sprint data plans are cheaper than those of competitors such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Wireless, adding to the savings.
The Pixi is lightweight without being flimsy, and webOS is a pleasure to use. Teens may have fun with its Web-surfing and soon-to-be-available interchangeable designer backs. Adults, though, would probably find themselves more put out by the sluggish performance, lack of Wi-Fi, limited memory and low-end 2 megapixel camera.
Paucity of Apps
The biggest drawback of all is the paucity of available apps for webOS — fewer than 500, compared with more than 100,000 for Apple Inc.s iPhone and more than 10,000 for phones powered by Google Inc.s Android software. At the Pixis original price, there are better options around. But for $25 and a not-too-demanding user, its just fine.
The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who dont mind walking around chattering to themselves on a Bluetooth headset, and those who do. I am generally in the latter group, but if I werent, the voice-controlled BlueAnt Q1 would stand a good chance of finding itself planted in my ear.
One reason I dont use headsets more is that I dont like fiddling with them. With the Q1, I dont have to. Out of the box, the headset recognized a dozen or so spoken commands, with no need for me to train it to my voice. When a call came in, the headset identified the number, asked me “Answer, or ignore?” and waited for my response.
Phone Commands
Other commands the Q1 recognizes include “Redial,” “Call Speed Dial” and “Check Battery.” If your phone itself supports voice control, you can access it by telling the headset, “Phone Commands.” You can even order the headset to turn itself off.
The sound quality was good if not extraordinary on my end, and most of my conversation partners reported the same conclusion. Theres also a noise-reduction setting for use in loud or windy environments.
Finally, one of the most important pieces of technology in my briefcase is a little gadget called the Ecosol Powerstick. Its a portable charger that allows me to give a mobile device a jolt on the go.
Power to Go
The Powerstick, which costs $49.99, is about the size of an elongated pack of gum. On one end is a cap that reveals a USB connector; plugging it into the USB port of a computer or other source charges the Powerstick. Then, just toss it into your bag or pocket, along with the nine supplied connectors.
When your iPod, wireless phone or digital camera starts to wind down and theres no wall outlet nearby, pick the right connector, plug one end into the Powerstick and the other into your device, and press the start button. The Powerstick immediately begins providing a charge, while allowing you to continue using the device.
Ive used the Powerstick with, among other things, iPhones, iPods, BlackBerrys and even a Kindle e-book reader. On my iPhone 3GS, I may get the battery indicator back up to perhaps a quarter or a third of full. That gives me another couple hours of use — a godsend when I dont have the time or ability to plug it in for a proper recharge.
Besides the iPhone/iPod connector, the Powerstick includes adapters for Mini and Micro USB devices (including the Pixi and BlackBerry), as well as Sony Ericsson, LG, Samsung, Nokia and Palm Treo phones. Its oh so simple — and oh so handy.
(Rich Jaroslovsky is a Bloomberg News columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.)