Before we start on our main topic this week, I wanted to relate my recent experiences with the Ofoto (www.ofoto.com) digital printing service. Ofoto is one of the original digital printing services, and I remember using them very successfully a few years ago, before Kodak acquired them. We decided to send holiday cards with a photo this year, and again used Ofoto to print the copies. The price was much more reasonable ($.29 for a 4x6 print) and the quality was just superb. I was amazed at how much better the quality was than I was able to print with my PC printer. So, I resolved two things: 1) Use Ofoto more often, and 2) buy a newer printer! Actually, I think there may be a surprise under my tree.
We broke down this year and bought a video game console, choosing Xbox over PlayStation2. Not sure why, but it seemed to be the more techie choice. The console itself was pretty reasonably priced at $150, but beware that some time in 2005 there will probably be an Xbox 2 released. It seems that every other ad on TV these days is for a video game. Games sell for up to $50, but as with any hi-tech toy, I recommend that you discuss it with the intended to make sure you get the "right" thing. I have to admit that my grandson was addicted the moment he got hold of the control. I also bought a wireless controller by Logitech; my grandson immediately took to it and was moving all over the room in time with his screen character - recommended.
Inkjet printers are good gifts. There are lots of very competent inkjet printers on the market these days. The new ones are so fast, high quality and so inexpensive that if you have a friend or relative with a printer that is more than a couple of years old, they are due for an upgrade. I was always an Epson fan, as were most semi-pro or professional photographers, but Canon is really making strides in the industry. The new one I bought is a Canon. I have also seen some good models from HP; there is a line of inexpensive HP printers that are also scanner/copiers. I have installed a few and they seem to work quite well.
Of course, digital cameras are a great buy these days. But there are so many of them on the market these days that it is very difficult for me to recommend one. Stick with a name brand, and you should probably target a 5 megapixel or more unit. Also, see what memory cards they use, and try to get a camera with a non-proprietary one. Sony makes good cameras, but I am always concerned that their memory stick cards are Sony only. Camera accessories can also make good, inexpensive gifts. A tripod is something that any good photographer needs; extra memory card prices keep falling, and you can't have enough memory - just check to make sure you are buying the right kind for the camera.
Its not very hi-tech, but a good crosscut shredder is a gift that shows you care. In this day of common identity theft, you should shred all paper and forms that you put in the garbage.
17" LCD monitors have fallen to $200 or less with rebate. If you know someone with an old, clapped-out CRT display, this is another thoughtful gift. It often amazes me that the most critical part of the PC - the one you look at, perhaps hours a day - is the one people tend to spend the least on. Do someone a favor and save his or her eyes! Compatibility is usually not an issue as most displays these days support both the older VGA interface and the newer DVI interface. But very few older PCs have DVI, so a normal VGA display should be fine in almost all cases.
External hard drives are also a thoughtful gift. Many people do not backup when they should; some of the external HDs made for backup have one-touch buttons to make it easy.
I haven't kept up with the portable audio units much; the Apple iPod seems to still dominate. But also look at offerings from iRiver and Creative Labs - both are highly rated, but check the ratings on each particular model.
Those small, portable DVD players can make a nice gift. They have 7-10" screens, and cost from $170 on up. The point is: you have already paid for the software (the DVDs themselves), why not watch them when you are away. Check, but I believe they can also play your audio CD too.
Happy Shopping!
Bob Seidel is a local computer consultant in the Southport - Oak Island area. You can visit his Website at www.bobseidel.com or e-mail questions or column ideas to him at bsc@bobseidel.com. For specific inquiries, please call Bob Seidel Consulting, LLC at 278-1007.