Christmas Gifts For Guy With Almost Everything

 
 
 
By: Andrea Eldridge.

I’d wager that just about everyone has a video game lover on their holiday list this year. From the armchair commando hunting down fellow players on Xbox live to the dedicated World of Warcraft dwarf, gaming has become a recreation activity for at least one or two members of most American households. As one of the few holdouts in my family that is not active in this virtual community, it can be challenging to find the perfect gift for the gamers in my life. After much polling and research, here are my suggestions to please just about any gamer, no game strategy guide book required.

Apparently the path to gaming nirvana for most console (Xbox, PS3, etc) and PC gamers is paved with discarded sub-par audio equipment. To truly immerse in the game, without disturbing the rest of your house (or neighbors, for that matter), a gamer is constantly searching for a great pair of headphones. One of the very best Christmas game gifts is a great pair of headphones. As a devoted WoW player, Heather (Nerd researcher) has tried out her fair share of headphones and settled on the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 ( $60) which works with both PC and Xbox. While not wireless, the sound quality is constantly reviewed as outstanding and their lightweight design allows for hours of comfortable game play. Players that want to ditch the wires and hear every stealth footstep approaching from behind them in 7.1 surround sound may be happier with the pricier Turtle Beach Ear Force X41 (available at Amazon for $140). They are heavier and some users complain that there is occasional audio breakup (likely due to WiFi router interference). They also require two AAA batteries, which heavy gamers will blow through quickly. However, you won’t find a better wireless headset for under $150, at least according to the wealth of rave reviews.

Like Netflix for console gamers, GameFLY offers over 8,000 games for Xbox, PS3, Wii, PSP and more, delivered to your door with no late fees. For less than the cost of a typical new release, you can gift the gamer in your life three months of two games out at a time (which will run you about $50) so they can try out all the games on their wish list without shelling out $60 or so per game. Gift certificates are available in one, two, three, six, or twelve month increments, and plans can be for one or two games out at a time. Games in a member’s queue are automatically shipped out upon receipt of a returned game, so you can gift a constant supply of new games without having to puzzle over whether they’d prefer Assassin’s Creed Revelations or Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Instead of heading to the store for the must-have game, expansion pack, or strategy guide on your PC gamer’s list, consider gifting through Steam Powerd. Gift recipients must have an active Steam account, but if you suggest that they create a free account online and set up a “wishlist”, you won’t be left guessing which version of Call of Duty they want. Over 1,100 games and expansion packs are available for instant download and once installed Steam will keep them up to date with automatic patch and game updates, all with no monthly fee. Games purchased through Steam never expire and can be downloaded as often as needed to any computer with an internet connection. Members can take advantage of pre-release discounts, free play weekends, and a network of other gamers in the Steam community that they can group with, set up tournaments, or just strategize about how to overcome that nasty boss battle.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Links to all my holiday gift recommendations can be found at www.nerdsecret.com. If you’re still struggling to narrow down the perfect gift for your gamer, email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com. The sea of gamers that surrounds us has a virtually never-ending wish list of gamer delights for any platform.

 

Christmas Gift Ideas For Her.

One of the sweetest parts of giving a gift to someone you care about is that excited, “I love it!” response, especially when you know that it’s genuine. Sadly, it can be surprisingly elusive this time of year. With so many gadgets on your loved one’s must-have lists, how’s a holiday shopper to find the perfect gift that won’t get added to the return or exchange pile? Don’t resign yourself to that tired gift card. I humbly offer for your consideration my “Buy This, Not That” picks for the women in your life. Not to worry if your husband is harder to buy for than your mailman, next week will be dedicated to the gentlemen.

If your lady loves to curl up on the couch with her TIVO and surround sound, but curses when she’s trying remember that the stereo needs to be set to Video 1, don’t pick up just any universal remote. Make her love you more every time she turns on the TV and get her the Logitech Harmony 700 universal remote ( $90). Push the button labeled "Watch a Movie" and the remote turns on your TV, stereo and DVD player. Even better, it turns them all to the right channels and inputs. If something isn’t working correctly, press the "Help" button for a series of easy questions to solve the problem. The remote buttons also automatically control the correct device. For example, if you press the volume button it will adjust the stereo, not the TV. Press "channel up" while watching TV and it knows to change the channel on your DVR, not the TV. Switch from watching a movie to watching TV by pressing one button. The Logitech Harmony 700 Remote is simply the best universal remote you can buy for under $100. It recognizes up to six devices, has rechargeable batteries, and a sleek ergonomic design.

---

 

 

 

 

 

Every year her New Year's Resolution is to shave off those "last 5 pounds," but short of taking the doughnut out of her hand (and possibly getting bitten in the process) is there any way to help her meet her goal? Instead of sessions with a personal trainer, consider the Fitbit Ultra ($100). The small, 3D clip-on exercise monitor tracks all of your daily activities, from steps taken to distance travelled, even number of floors climbed. The data is converted into an activity score based on goals you set, and seeing your score is surprisingly motivating. Wear it to bed to track sleep patterns, or use the Smartphone app to quickly record what you ate for lunch, and your overall health is translated into charts and graphs, including calories burned vs. calories consumed. Your data uploads wirelessly so you can track your progress over time and compare your stats with friends or the Fitbit Online community. I tested it out last year and found that it really did encourage me to take the stairs instead of the elevator, just to see my improved stats at the end of the day.

For the woman who has a bevy of gadgets (and these days, who doesn’t?), don’t just grab a universal charger at the electronic store check-out counter. The XeMilo ( $100) and perfect for anyone needing reliable power for an iPad (or other tablet), Smartphone, MP3 player, or any of more than 3,000 other gadgets. Charge up to two devices at once using an outlet, car, computer or even the sun. Smaller than the average paperback, it will likely fit in her purse. Need something beefier? Revolve is promising the release of the XeMax any day now, which will be the smallest universal battery charger capable of boosting a laptop (a rare find) and will retail at about $130. Never running out of power on a car trip with a cranky toddler may just be the best gift she gets this year.

Andrea Eldridge is CEO of Nerds on Call, which offers on-site computer and home theater set-up and repair. Based in Redding, Calif., it has locations in five states. Contact Eldridge at www.callnerds.com/andrea

 photo by:APM Alex

 

 

Holiday shopping for electronics? Nook vs Fire

 
 
 

One of the hottest items on many a gadget lover's holiday list is a tablet PC, often the iPad. Just in time to muddy the waters, two more budget-friendly tablet e-readers have arrived on the market. I'll review their pros and cons.

The primary draw of Amazon's Kindle Fire and Barnes and Noble's Nook tablet is undoubtedly price. The Kindle Fire starts at $199 and the Nook starts at $249 -- both considerably less than Apple's iPad2, which this week could be found online for $541 and up.

Both e-readers offer ultra-clear, 7-inch, full-color touch screens and weigh about 14 ounces.

Both devices have limitations. They're meant primarily for entertainment: reading e-books, streaming videos or music, and surfing the Internet. Unlike some versions of Apple's iPad, neither can access the Internet over 3G, so users will need an open WiFi network to take advantage of the device's full capabilities.

The Kindle Fire packs some impressive benefits at the lowest price on the market for a tablet alternative. Users can purchase virtually any media content -- music, movies, books -- from Amazon Marketplace, which has a broad selection comparable to the iTunes store. The Amazon Appstore for Android, an established alternative to the Android Market, offers most of the popular apps, including free daily downloads.

The Fire's main drawback is limited onboard storage -- a mere 8GB, of which only 6GB is available to the user. But Amazon-purchased content can be stored for free in the Amazon Cloud.

The Nook, costs $50 more than the Kindle Fire, carries some added benefits for the investment. It boasts twice the RAM (1GB vs. Kindle Fire's 512MB) and twice the onboard storage (16GB). Even better, it has a micro SD card slot, so users can expand the storage capability up to 32GB. Its USB slot lets users upload their own video, music, photo and text files. The device supports PDF and Word, so there's some added work-friendly functionality.

The Nook's main drawback is its lack of access to a large content source other than for e-books. Music and video have to be streamed through Netflix, Hulu or Pandora, or uploaded from your own library.

In choosing among tablets, your decision will come down to what you want to do with the device and whether you already have an established content library with Amazon or Barnes and Noble. To watch videos and hear music you already own, go with the Nook. However, the Kindle Fire makes it far easier to purchase new music and video content, and its app store has a huge selection of games and applications.

I'd put my money on the Kindle Fire, for the simple fact that tablets are entertainment-driven and Amazon offers a great selection at reasonable prices.

 

Windows 8 Preview

 
 
 
I’m not a big fan of change. It took me five years with the same haircut to finally try bangs. When Microsoft announced at their developer’s conference on September 13th that they are releasing a new version of Windows, I received the news less enthusiastically than my nerdy cohorts. However, just as my Keurig coffeemaker took some getting used to before I discovered its awesomeness, change can sometimes be well worth it. I took Windows 8 developer’s preview out for a spin to see if it’s something I can drag my stubborn self on board for.

Windows 8 is significantly different from Windows 7, in layout, appearance, navigation and performance. It was built with tablet computing in mind and it feels more on par with the iPad’s operating system than the Window’s desktop version we’re used to. It sports a significantly faster load time, booting up in just under 20 seconds while your current Windows machine likely takes one to two minutes. The login screen is prettier and more functional, displaying useful information such as date, time, WiFi signal strength, and battery life (if applicable) where user accounts used to be listed.

When I discovered that the desktop screen I’m used to (you know, background image, icons for programs and files saved to my desktop, and start bar) is nowhere to be found, I realized that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The Windows 8 interface is called Metro, and it’s based on the type of navigation you find on a Windows phone or tablet. There are tiles instead of icons and each tile represents an application such as Internet Explorer, a news reader, or games. These tiles aren’t shortcuts; they give you instant information, like desktop widgets, about the weather, stocks, email, etc. You can customize tile groups by category or resize them to make important ones stand out. You can add apps and programs to your heart’s content, but this can quickly make finding an app difficult. Microsoft anticipated this by making searching for items easier: instead of hunting down a search box, you just start typing.

I discovered that the desktop I’m used to is still there, it’s just another tile. Selecting it brings up the comfy old start button and desktop icons. Yet even the page meant to be familiar is different. “Start” returns you to the Metro tiles. The way files and programs display when you launch applications or open folders (Windows Explorer) has also received a makeover. I was expecting to see the usual file, edit, and search options, but instead there is a new ribbon menu, similar to the one in Microsoft Office. Often used functions like copy and paste are placed in the menu bar for quick access. Less used functions are smaller or grayed out depending on the type of file. Microsoft insists this system highlights functions people didn’t know they had, increasing productivity.

Just as Apple supports synching and integration of all your various i-devices, Windows 8 is designed to seamlessly sync all devices running Windows 8, such as your Windows phone and/or tablet. Your Windows Live user ID will link all the data across all of your devices that are running Windows 8 so you’ll no longer need to sync by hand. Microsoft is even introducing a Windows app store, allowing users to purchase small widget-like apps or larger programs like Office or Quicken.

The developer’s preview isn’t a complete version, so there are lots of bugs that will likely be fixed before it comes to market. There’s no release date yet and it will likely be at least a year before it’s available for purchase. In the meantime, I will keep reminding myself that change can be good.

If you’re eager to check out your Windows future, leave us a comment and ask for a link to the developer’s preview.

Andrea Eldridge is CEO of Nerds on Call, which offers on-site computer and home theater set-up and repair. Based in Redding, Calif., it has locations in five states. Contact Eldridge at www.callnerds.com/andrea

The Best Free Downloads In The World

Though my job is to discover new things technology can do to make life easier, I am a creature of habit. I rarely deviate from using the same few programs and applications. Just like when I was 7 and my mom finally convinced me to try broccoli again, sometimes branching out from a comfort zone can lead to wonderful discoveries. This week and next, I'm suggesting some downloadable programs that are worth taste testing. In my opinion, these are the best free downloads in the world.

#1 Download: Google Chrome.  If you're still surfing the net using the old, familiar Internet Explorer that came loaded on your Windows machine, it's time to graduate to Google Chrome. It's fast and less vulnerable to virus attacks than Internet Explorer (and websites look better on Google Chrome, so you will actually enjoy a higher quality internet experience). Chrome will import your settings from the browser you're using now, and it's intuitive, so it won't take long to get used to. If you rely on the login info and passwords you've saved in your browser to get into sites you frequent, it will even import cookies, temporary Internet files and saved passwords. Google Chrome is our favorite browser, and it definitely deserves to rank first place on our list of the world's best downloads!

#2 Download: Crash Plan. (disclaimer, Crash Plan offers a one month free trial, and after the trial is over, you will have to pay. So, why did we add it to our list of the World's Best FREE Downloads? Mostly because it's prices are so low, it's almost free, keep reading to find out more) We all know we should have an automatic data backup process to protect data that would be hard or impossible to replace in the event of system failure, but most of us figure we'll take care of it tomorrow -- just like flossing. If tomorrow has turned into never, Code 42's CrashPlan is a super-easy system to set up, I promise. You can schedule automatic backups to another computer, external hard drive, or -- for prices starting at $1.50 a month per computer -- to its remote server. Though you may hesitate to consider the cloud backup option, keep in mind that fire or theft could imperil your computer and backup simultaneously if they are in the same location. Downloading Crash Plan can save you a lot of heart ache in a "worst case senario" situation.

#3 Download: VLC Player.  If you've seethed about compatibility issues while trying to get a video to play with Windows Media Player, you may love me for introducing you to VLC, a free multimedia player that will handle just about any type of video or audio file. It's from VideoLAN Project, part of the open-source community, so fixes and improvements are released quickly and regularly. In my opinion, VLC is the best media free media player you can download.

#4 Download: Skype.  Even if you've never checked out the video-chat capabilities of Skype, I'd bet you know someone who uses it. Since it's free, consider installing it to cut back on your long-distance or cell-minute use for those long calls to your friend in London or grandma in Des Moines. If you have kids, try video chat. You'll be amazed by how much easier it is for them to connect with the person on the other end of the call when they can see them. This is especially great if you ever have to travel without the kids.

#5 Download: Recuva. There's nothing like the flood of panic when you realize you've accidentally deleted the most up-to-date version of the report you need to turn in to your boss tomorrow. If you've already installed Recuva, from Piriform, the software often can recover the missing document for you. You don't have anything to lose with this free application. It's a great tool in case of emergency, and your stomach will thank you.

Stay tuned next week for more of the world's best free downloads. If you have any questions about our list of free downloads, send me a note through my contact form.

5 Easy Steps To A Clean Computer

A Clean Computer In 5 Easy Steps

Long summer days with the kids downloading all manner of Internet sludge has likely left your computer with the technology equivalent of a hangover. Before you give in to your kids' pleas to replace your old reliable, try a few simple things to help you get back to a clean computer. After all, your computer needs to run smoothly for schoolwork (at least until winter break).

Clean Computer Tip #1 Run your antivirus and antispyware:

I know, I know, you're probably tired of me saying it. However, when the kids have been wreaking havoc on your system all summer, it's highly likely that viruses and spyware are slowing it down.One of the best suggestions to help your computer is to run regular and through virus scans, bu before you click "Run Scan" and assume all is good, make sure you download the most current updates. If your protection programs have expired, consider downloading Microsoft's free all-in-one solution, Microsoft Security Essentials (www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/). Once you've installed it, it will automatically update itself and run regular scans without much more interaction from you. The best protection is the one you can forget you have.

Clean Computer Tip #2 Remove unwanted programs:

Your teenager may think the program he installed to download and share music with his friends is imperative, but I bet you don't need it running in the background slowing down your system. Go to your control panel's "Add or Remove Programs" option to remove programs that have mysteriously popped up over the summer.

Clean Computer Tip #4 Activate parental controls:

Both Windows 7 & Windows Vista operating systems have embedded parental control options that will allow you to limit your child's screen time and control Internet access and downloads.

Clean Computer Tip #5 Install a Firewall:

One of the most reliable ways to help your computer, is to install a hardware firewall. Most users access the Internet through some sort of broadband connection (cable and DSL are the most common). While they're far speedier than dial-up Internet access, the lines also let malicious software more easily access and attack your system if you don't install some sort of firewall on the connection. Windows has a software firewall you can (and should) activate. But a better line of defense is to also install a hardware version.

Installing a basic router will adequately protect most home-based users. Make sure that it's configured per the manufacturer's recommendations, that you change the router's default password settings and that you keep the firmware updated.

If your kids protest these measures, tell them they'll have to make it through high school without Internet access. I would love to hear any other clean computer suggestions that you have tried. Drop a note in the comments below.


[transcript]
Hi, I'm Ryan from Nerds on Call, and today we're going to talk about securing your PC.

I've said it a million times, run your anti-virus and your anti-spyware. If you don't have one, go to Microsoft.com and download Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, it's easy to use, and it'll run in the background and not take up a lot of resources.

Next, you're going to want to remove unwanted programs. Now, they do more than just take up space on your hard drive. A lot of times, different programs have security risks. For example, you ever wonder why Microsoft Office always needs an update? It's because people find different ways to exploit problems in their code in order to attack your system. So, you want to go through and clean out programs you don't ever use.

Next, you're going to want to set up user accounts. Don't ever run as an administrator. Set up one administrator account, and then set up a different account for everyone else that's a limited user. The reason you want to so this is, one, you can customize your experience. Have different desktops, different program for every single user without anybody having to cross-infect anybody else if one person happens to download a virus.

Next, you want to activate parental controls in Windows 7. The reason you want to do this is because there's no reason why you want your kids going to some of those unwanted websites. And a lot of times, those are infected with all kinds of stuff, and all of a sudden your computer is running slow and not working right.

Last, you want to install a hardware firewall. Now, an unsecured connection like DSL or cable, that is perfect for hacker to use to attack other computers, and a lot of times you won't even know it's happening. Go down to the store and buy a cheap hardware firewall or a wireless router, and attach that to your system and you'll stay more protected.
[/transcript]

TDAY69V7BG99