We see you at the gym with your aqua-colored iPod Mini strapped to your arm. That’s so five years ago, bro. With the holiday season fast approaching, we’re here to save you from purchasing your loved ones outdated tech gadgets that would be oh-so-embarrassing once the wrapping paper came off. Here are some hot new items, starting at $50. Prices and availability are subject to change.
$51-$75
Motorola Talkabout T8500R Two-Way Radios
$53.82 on sale for a pair at amazon.com
You’ll never lose your friends on the ski slopes again with Motorola’s two-way radios. Eighteen-mile range and 22 channels. The radios also deliver NOAA weather alerts.
Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 Web Cam
$69.99 on sale at Best Buy stores
Keep in touch with everybody with this desktop — and laptop — compatible Web cam. Compatible with Windows XP and Vista.
SmartFind Remote Control Key Locator
$60 at Brookstone stores
Always misplacing your keys? This wireless remote control key locator finds keys with an audible alarm from up to 60 feet away.
$76-$100
Quantaray Digital Photo Frames
$79.99 on sale at Ritz and Wolf Camera stores
This concept is similar to the digital photo keychain, only in picture frame format; perfect for the office. It works with SD, MMC, MS and xD Media Cards.
HP Photosmart D5360 photo printer
$99.99 at Office Max stores
You’ve got all of your photos stored on the computer, but what if your hard drive melts down? Print your favorite photos in color right at home.
$101 and up
iPod Touch
$299.99 (8GB) or $399.99 (16GB) at Target
Look, mom, no wheel on my iPod! The iPod Touch sports a wide screen, a multitouch interface and Web browsing with Wi-Fi.
Pure Digital Flipvideo Camcorder
$149.99 at Office Max stores
Perfect for the YouTube junkie, this hand-held video camcorder records up to 60 minutes of daily moments.
FujiFilm FinePix Z10fd Digital Camera
$179.99 at Ritz and Wolf Camera stores after a $20 rebate
Color is in. Choose from a pink, green, orange, blue or black digital camera with 3X optical zoom and a two-and-a-half-inch LCD screen.
TomTom ONE 3rd Edition GPS Portable Navigation System
$249.95 at Sharper Image stores
Never get lost again with this GPS system that has turn-by-turn voice guidance and 2-D and 3-D graphic directions.
Roomba 560 Vacuuming Robot by iRobot
$349.95 at Sharper Image stores
Perfect for the pet-lover who doesn’t have the time (or inclination) to vacuum up the hair every day — the Roomba does it for you.
