With the Christmas season of spending upon us, Technology editor Dene Mackenzie asked some of its regular contacts and suppliers of review devices for some gift ideas.
We asked for a range of devices with varying prices to try to find something for everyone interested in technology. This week we look at the gift ideas supplied by HP and Vodafone. More gift ideas will feature next week.
HP
HP ENVY X2 PC (RRP, $1299)
The HP ENVY offers the power of two devices in one. It's a notebook with a bright, vivid HD touchscreen which slides off to become a tablet when portability is needed. Go beyond the keyboard and mouse and get more from Windows 8 - swipe and tap using multi-touch and the touchscreen.
HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-one (RRP, $349)
The HP PHotosmart allows you to print off Christmas gift vouchers or photos, take a scan of your passport before heading off on holiday, copy those driving directions and send faxes. Access to web content is through a colour touchscreen so you will not have to be connected to a laptop to print out a map or a puzzle to do over breakfast. It also features wireless direct printing, allowing you to print without the need of an internet network or router. HP ePrint allows printing from a smartphone or tablet from virtually anywhere.
HP Pavilion Sleekbooks (from $749)
The Pavilion Sleekbooks 14 and 15 notebook PCs provide affordability, durability and performance.
HP Officejet 150 printer (RRP, $579)
The printer allows for high-quality printing, scanning and copying on the go, making it ideal for the frequent travelling professional. It features built-in wireless Bluetooth for printing from mobile devices and a long-lasting battery that provides enough stored-up power to print as many as 500 pages on the go. HP Snapfish - gift ideas Snapfish provides some gift ideas that could even be stocking fillers.
Photo books ($15.95) let you get creative and personalise a book for someone special using your own photos and captions in one of the many designs and layouts available.
Canvas prints (from $25) are created using Snapfish digital printing to create clear images. They are available in a range of shapes, can be framed and can be displayed on an easel or on a wall.
Photo Blocks (from $14.95) have favourite photos mounted on a sleek wooden block.
VODAFONE
Windows Phone 8S by HTC ($449, or free on selected plans)
This device features the new Windows Phone 8 operating system with great design, studio-quality sound with Beats Audio and a world-class camera. The device has a high-performing battery.
iPad mini ($0 on selected plans)
Vodafone is the only carrier in New Zealand to carry the iPad mini. Apple's newest addition to its tablet range which supports Dual Carrier networks (DC-HSPA) which means customers in DC coverage areas have access to Vodafone's fast network. The iPad mini is a new design that is 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the third-generation iPad. It has 10 hours of battery life.
HTC Desire X ($399 outright)
The device has dual-core power, crisp display and a class-leading camera with simultaneous video and still photo capture.
Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 ($299 outright)
The Mini 2 is aimed at social networkers. It has a larger, sharper display but is still slim and compact. The multimedia is supported by generous storage and battery capacity and it has a 3MP camera. The mini has smartphone functionality, including social hub and Samsung Apps.
Pocket Wi-Fi: Vodafone R208 (RRP, $199)
The product is launched this week and lets users connect up to 10 devices or people with the Pocket Wi-Fi. It is DC-enabled and can connect to the fast network. The devices that can be connected without a USB port include iPads, PCs, Apple Macs, gaming consoles and tablets. It comes bundled with a 2GB prepay SIM card. The device has 10 hours of battery life and the micro-SD allows up to 32GB for easy, safe and secure file-sharing between connected devices.
Top ups
A $20 data top-up as a gift will provide 250MB and 2500 texts, $30 will provide 500MB and 5000 texts.
A $20 talk top-up provides 30 minutes' talking time and 2500 texts and $30 will give 60 minutes and 5000 texts.
Accessories ($59.95)
The Jabra EasyGo Bluetooth headset works with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, providing all the benefits of hands-free conversation at a reasonable price. No driving and using your mobile illegally as you head off on your holidays.
