Must-have tech accessories and products for holiday 2009

I’m not a technology expert, but I am a tech lover and a fan of all things geeky. I constantly look for ways to use technology to streamline activities, improve communication and make my work (and life) a bit more fun. I hope you’ll find an idea or two for yourself and/or a loved one this holiday season. This is my tried and true list of the top tech (or tech-related) products for the 2009 holidays. If I didn’t own an item on the list I requested a sample, purchased the item and/or went to test items in stores like Best Buy, Target, Brookstone and Apple. After months of research, I’m excited to share these recommendations with you.

PLEASE share your product recommendations and/or reviews in the comments below.

I’ve ranked all items using a four-star system (four being the best) by:

• Productivity – The item makes my life easier in some way
• Aesthetically pleasing – The item looks good
• Ease of use – “So easy my grandma could use this.”
• Cost – The cost of the item accurately reflects the perceived worth

**There were no paid or otherwise funded endorsements for my review of these products.
The majority of products I received as a sample I was not required to return.**

ScotteVest (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for $100
This is one of my “top finds” for this post. The ScotteVest is going to be my new traveling companion. The women’s vest (there’s a men’s version too) fits all of my favorite tech products and has a whopping 22 pockets. I doubted that so many pockets would work, but it did. From my iPhone to iPod and Flip to Bluetooth devices, there’s a pocket for everything. I also appreciate the “non-bulky” factor. You’d think that so many pockets would look extremely bulky, but it’s not so. Whatever the pocket magic is in the ScotteVest I don’t need to know, just that it works.  (There is an entire line of products in addition to the vests.) On a side note, the ScotteVest catalog comes complete with photos from real customers and the owner interacts with customers via social networks like Twitter and Facebook.

COOL ALERT! Use coupon code “sarah” to save 15% off anything on the site through 12/31.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Power Mat
Retails for around $100 (depending on which version you purchase)
I’ve tested a few other “power pads” and wasn’t impressed. The Power Mat is great for charging up to three devices at one time (and looks nice, too). The only downside is that may isn’t as easy as drop and charge. You do need to purchase additional accessories. However, once you’re set up, it’s extremely easy to use. You can bet I’ll bring this to conferences with me as a conversation starter and, of course, to convince people to sit next to me and charge their devices. NOTE: Before purchasing make sure the mat accommodates your device(s).

I’m giving away one Power Mat to the first person who tweets “I want a Power Mat” to @PRsarahevans with a link to this post.
UPDATE: Congratulations to @mel_culbertson who won the Power Mat!

Productivity ***
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ***
Cost ****

Chill Pill Mobile Speakers (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for: $ 49.99
I go EVERYWHERE with these speakers (even the pool). I originally thought I’d use these during presentations when I needed sound. However, these little (but mighty) speakers have been used at all kinds of events as an extension of my iPod and iPhone—including a recent photo shoot to get the models pumped up. They get up to six hours of playing time and can be charged from a computer’s USB port. When you’re done listening, the speakers magnetically click together to reduce space. These come with my full recommendation. Now to get them to make a pair in hot pink…

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Plantronics Discovery 975 (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for $129
I have small ears and have spent countless hours trying to find a comfortable Bluetooth device. I found it! I love the sleek design (minimalist works for me) and it charges easily in its carrying case. Not to mention it has great sound. The Discovery was also selected as CNET’s Editor’s Choice for August 2009. (I’ve added this to my holiday wish list.) NOTE: The pairing set up may differ according to the mobile phone you use. The set up was extremely easy with the iPhone.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Incipio iPhone Feather Case
Retails for around $19.99
I’m an iPhone user and purchased this case several months ago. It comes in hot pink (a big selling point for me), is lightweight (1mm thin) and protects your phone from the occasional accident(s). It is the thinnest and most durable case I’ve come across. You do have to be careful to not remove the case too often or it can tear (mine did). If I wasn’t as clumsy as I am, this would be the only case I need.

Productivity **
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Otterbox Defender Series for iPhone
Retails for $49.95
I feel like I’m using the Rambo of iPhone cases right now. This sucker is made for people like me (i.e. drop their phones, put them in their purse or pocket, etc). There are three levels of protection, screen cover, Polycarbonate skeleton and a Silicone skin that absorbs bump and shock. While it’s not the prettiest case (I’m rocking the yellow and black), my iPhone is safe.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing **
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Poken Pulse (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for around $34.95
After trying out the Poken Pulse, I’m a fan of the new and improved version (versus the earlier model). In addition to making networking easier I can upload documents and presentations with the 2GB of memory. I attach my Poken to a key chain or conference badge to easily exchange contact information with other Poken users. Until all mobile phones are able to wirelessly share contact information, this is my favorite way to share information.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR READERS: Go to http://startpoken.com and enter promo code “GiftPoken” and get a Poken Pulse for half off when you purchase one at regular price.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noice Cancelling Headphones
Retails for: $299.95
On the pricey side, they are worth every penny. If you’re a frequent flier and/or traveler or in noisy situations, these babies will give you the quiet you’re looking for. The Bose QC allow you to enjoy music, movies (and more) comfortably while blocking the outside world. They use AAA batteries and get up to 35-hours of use.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ****
Cost ***

Jabra SP700 Bluetooth Speakerphone (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for: $99.99
If you’re like me and don’t own a car older than 2002, you probably don’t have the luxury of built-in smartphone accessories (among other depressingly cool features). Enter Jabra and their smartphone, speakerphone, hands-free, music integration in one little device. The speakerphone can be used on its own or to transmit the calls to your car’s audio system with no installation necessary (and it streams music from your phone). Pair it with your phone and attach it to your visor. That’s it.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizer
Retails for $29.95
This gives me peace of mind. The Zapi kills up to 99.9% of germs like E. coli and staphylococcus with UV technology in seven minutes. I learned all about the gross things that grow on a toothbrush from researching this product. It was also selected as O Magazine’s “Best Pick for the Holidays.” There’s a travel version that is great for frequent travelers who want to stay healthy while on the road (like myself).

COOL ALERT! Violight is giving customers a Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer with EVERY order at this Web site: http://free.violight.com.

Productivity **
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Xentris Universal Windshield Mount
Retails for $24.99
A simple accessory that makes a big difference. The windshield mount fits most wireless, smartphone and GPS devices. Score! I tested this with my iPhone in the Defender case, no case, and several mobile phones. It held them all securely in place. While driving it made accessing my phone easier when paired with my Bluetooth and accessing driving directions. A definite must-have.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Cinemin Swivel Projector for iPod® and iPhone
Retails for: $299.95
I tested this out in a Brookstone store and it was pretty awesome. You literally plug this pocketsize device into your iPhone (or iPod) and get up to 60” of a diagonal screen. It plays movies, slide shows and presentations. (It will also connect to your DVD and gaming stations.) The picture at the store was pretty crisp, but remember that I didn’t test this one at home.

Productivity ***
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ****
Cost ***

Xshot Camera Extender
Retails for $29.95
The owner of Xshot gave one to all presenters at Izeafest this past summer and it was my favorite “freebie.” While it’s designed to fit with your digital camera to let YOU get in your photos, I’ve used it a lot with my video camera to get better views. It’s a simple, ingenious idea that has a lot of potential. They even came out with a cover for the iPhone so you can attach the xshot. (Now to figure out how to work the phone from way up there!)

Productivity ***
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Skinit
Retails for: Varies

While I did not personally create a Skinit I tested out a friend’s and was impressed. She has two young children who constantly touch her electronic equipment and the skins have held up well. This is a fun way to personalize your tech equipment like smart phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth headsets and more. Simply find your product, upload an image (or use a Skinit design) and finalize your order. Create one with your kids, pets or business logo. Right now there’s free shipping on orders $40 or more and you can purchase email gift cards (hint, hint).

I’m giving away one $20 gift certificate to Skinit to the first person who tweets a link to this post and something they’re thankful for to @PRsarahevans.

UPDATE: Congratulations to @JessicaGottlieb who won the gift certificate!

Productivity *
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ***

Apricorn Aegis Padlock
Starts at: $99
When you want to make sure that your information is backed up and secure, this is your go to. I just purchased a new iMac and used the Padlock to transfer a large amount of files. Although I didn’t need the additional password protection, it allowed me to quickly transfer files. However, this is great when I have information I need to bring with me that is sensitive or confidential. There is no software to install  and protects your data, simply.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing **
Ease of use ***
Cost ****

The Grid-it CPS400 Laptop Case
Retails for: $69.99
The only product I didn’t get a chance to review in person but purchased. I have at least five laptop cases, sleeves and other housing devices lying around. None of them completely met my needs. The main rant I have with cases is that my cords never have a good place and always get tangled. This bag offers housing for my laptop and a Grid-it organization system for my smaller gadgets and cords. Love it!

Productivity <unknown>
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use <unknown>
Cost ****

Kensington Wireless Presentation Remote (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for $49.99
A gift from my father-in-law when I started Sevans Strategy, this is an accessory I’ll never be without again. If you ever use Power Point presentations, a presentation remote makes moving the slides during your speech a cinch. This simple device allows you to blackout the screen and has a red laser pointer to highlight important parts of slides. It’s literally plug and play.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Mophie Juice Pack and Mophie Juice Pack Air
Retails for $79.95 and $99.95 respectively
Obviously the mobile phone recommendations are skewed towards iPhone users, since that is what I use. I’m ALWAYS running out of battery life for my iPhone (and the majority of my tech gadgets.) It’s like the battery gods are out to get me. NOT ANYMORE! I consider myself a “super user” so the Air is more my speed. It doubles the battery life of my phone. The downside, I can’t use it with Defender (see Ottberbox review). Oh well, the sacrifices we make.

I’m giving away my Mophie Juice Pack to the first person who tweets a link to this post and “I want a Mophie Juice Pack!” to @PRsarahevans.
UPDATE: Congratulations to @ChrisNalty who won the Juice Pack!

Productivity ***
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Flip Mino HD (60 minutes)
Retails for: $199.99
I’ve been using my Flip for about a year and love it as a quick go to for video needs. No tapes or memory cards, this is the simplest camera I have ever used. A video camera that fits in your pocket. When you’re done filming simply push a button on the side and the USB drive pops out ready to go in your computer. A great investment!

Productivity ***
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ***

Panasonic Digital Camcorder (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for: $399.99
If you’re looking for a bit more out of a video camera, check out this little guy from Panasonic. Another small, but mighty addition to your technology artillery. Love the “non-shaky-hands” feature it offers, along with major zoom and it uploads direct to YouTube. I found this camera via a combination of online reviews, recommendations from knowledgeable sales associates and simply from trying a bunch of cameras. I bought this camera while on the hunt for this post. Don’t say I never did anything for you. During a trip to Best Buy today, I saw the camera on sale for $279.99 (in-store).

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

Survival of the Hippest – Custom Twitter ID Accessories
Retails for: VARIES
Want to really pimp out your Twitter ID? Here’s the place to do it. The team sent me a #beatcancer (yes you can order IDs for hashtags) necklace which I’ll be wearing. All accessories are handcrafted from 925 Sterling Silver, 10k or 14k Gold (there are diamond options, too!). Think of creative ways to give this as a gift this holiday season. If you purchase a product make sure to send a picture of you wearing the accessory to the SOTH peeps.

If you order a #beatcancer necklace, the SOTH team will donate $10 of every necklace towards a #beatcancer charity (TBD).

Productivity *
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ***

Apple iMac (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for: Begins at $1,199
While it’s darn good timing, I didn’t purchase the new iMac just for this post, however I did purchase the 21″. The 27″ monitor is the cream of the crop, but wasn’t necessary for me. This is the best desktop system I’ve ever used. It was essentially plug and play. Simple design, powerful machine, lots of storage with a beautiful monitor and the new Magic Mouse (which comes standard). Not only is the equipment great, the in-person purchasing experience was enjoyable. Did you know if you buy a Mac in store you get $30 off your Mobile Me subscription (or for next year’s in my case)?  The iMac also meets the low power requirements set by the EPA giving it ENERGY STAR 5.0. For the peace of mind and quality of the product, the price was good for me.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

The Hipstery! Mystery T-Shirts
Retails for: Approximately $34
A unique way to give a gift to yourself, or someone else. CAUTION: You won’t know what you’re getting until it arrives. There’s a hilarious online survey to take before placing your order among other quirky details that had me hooked. That’s all I can tell you because I that’s all I know. Besides selecting your shirt size and shipping location the fate of your shirt is left to The Hipstery.

Productivity *
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ***

Sleephones
Retails for $54.95
I live in the Midwest where it’s already getting cold. While this headband is marketed for sleeping, I tested it a few other ways. I made my husband take it on a three-mile run in 50-degree weather. He said that it kept his ears warm and provided great sound (he hooked it up to my iPhone 3G). I tested it while lying down and as a passenger in the car and it was not uncomfortable. I did dock them a few points for the cost of the Sleep Phones System. However, the team has been doing Twitter giveaways.

Productivity ***
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ****
Cost **

Foursquare
Retails for: FREE
I had to include a freebie on this list. A new(er) social network I’m a fan of. I’ll count this as a tech accessory since you can use it on your mobile smartphone. A location-based, competitive network where you can share your favorite local spots. In addition to a weekly revolving leader board (based on points) you can unlock badges to show off. Many towns are now offering Four Square coupons and discounts to patrons, some even have competitions and rewards for the “mayor” (the top attendee). How is this a gift? Register your favorite locations to give them promotion on the network.

Productivity **
Aesthetically pleasing ***
Ease of use ***
Cost ****

BONUS REVIEW FROM KATHY PARKER (@marianslibrary):

Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device (4 stars in all categories)
Retails for: $259.00
Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds, the Kindle holds more books than any e-reader on the market. You can read, be read too (text to speech option), highlight text and email right from the device.  If you purchase a Kindle I highly recommend you also get a leather reading case or something close to the feel of a book. Accessibility and the price for books are less expensive than their paperback counterpart. NOTE 1: If a book you would like to read is not in a Kindle edition you may use a contact form through Amazon to make the request to the publisher. NOTE 2: If you are looking to purchase a Kindle for a college student (i.e. download textbooks), the Kindle DX is the recommended choice.

Productivity ****
Aesthetically pleasing ****
Ease of use ****
Cost ****

BONUS! “Favorite iPhone apps and how they use them”
-From journalists and public relations professionals on the go

From Mike Ettlemyer (@MikeEttlemeyer):
(Apps: Things, Google, Jobs, Tweetie, Tweetdeck, reQuall, Simple Soiree)

“Things – an awesome to-do app (paid) that enables the user to group items under different projects. I do this for each of my clients. It’s a huge time saver (even has a Mac desktop sync option). However, it’s a fantastic stand-alone iPhone app that makes me more productive every day. Jobs — a free app that enables time tracking on client projects. Users can assign a budget, it has a timer for your projects, etc. It’s great. I can even export my client projects to a spreadsheet for invoicing purposes. Google App — This is a must for me. I can look up directions, addresses, anything via Google’s search engine (by voice if I choose!) on the run between client appointments. I can also access my Google Docs where I collaborate with client colleagues on important PR docs. Tweetie and TweetDeck — Essential for the PR pro who has an active Twitter stream (you know this!). Tweetie is better for me because it has a simpler interface. I use it to save favorite Tweets that I can look at anywhere (at a Starbucks, waiting for the train, etc.) to keep up on the latest news and trends. reQuall – a great app that enables me to voice record reminders and to-dos that are then emailed to me for filing/action later. I use this in conjunction with Things. Simple Soirée – a party/event planning app that is incredibly useful for me and for would be for other PR pros that need to host panel discussions on a client’s behalf, business roundtables for clients where media are invited…anything that involves menu planning, shopping lists, guest lists and RSVP tracking, etc. A coming update to the app will enable invitations to guests directly from the app. It’s like eVite in your pocket! It works great for me and there isn’t anything else like it available. Once more PR pros find out about it, they’ll be hooked.”

From Lauren Perkins (@laurenperkins):
(Apps: To do, Evernote, Yelp, Urban Spoon, Twitter, Highrise HQ)

“The “to do” app syncs my daily business and personal errands to my computer so I can always be aware of my tasks and stay on top of my game. The Evernote app is an electronic sticky note which shows up directly on my desktop. This ingenious technological tool not only saves paper, but it organizes my workload and enables me to have constant visual reminders of my most important information. Once the meeting is underway, I use my iPhone throughout to take notes in the Evernote application. During a productive brainstorm, I’ll snap a quickphoto of the whiteboard and email it to meeting attendees right from my phone. Yelp and Urban Spoon help me when I am on the road to find restaurants and drink spots to take clients. I can choose a five star restaurant at the touch of a button (on a screen) and confidently go into a meeting knowing my choice is reliable. The Twitter app allows me to stay up to speed and linked in with my personal and client networks. And at networking events, the Highrise HQ app allows me to enter and look up basic contact information which syncs to my computer. The iPhone is my Superman, it saves the day, saves me time in a day that never seems to have enough of it, and mostly it acts as my second hand, my dependable confidant as I run my company in the most efficient, successful way possible.”

From Kady Widrick (@kwidrick):
(Apps: Mashable, Huffington Post, Reuters, Summizer, Tweetdeck, NPR News)

“As a journalist, I rely heavily on my iPhone to stay up to date on projects, deadlines, etc. One of the biggest parts of my job is staying up to the minute on breaking news, trending topics, etc., so we can provide our members and viewers with stories we’ve done that’s timely and relevant. For example, when Michael Jackson died, I first saw the news on my iPhone, through the Tweetdeck app. I confirmed the news with both Reuters and Huffington Post, and was able to very quickly get a related story on the homepage of GrowingBolder.com. It also allowed us to be the first to reach our contacts that knew Jackson personally, allowing us to set up, produce and publish our story not only before the competition, but much more thoroughly. We also host a weekly Twitter chat, and I rely on those apps to determine what stories people are talking about — and bring them into our weekly discussion. I also recruit new members to the chat, and I often find them through Tweetdeck. Summizer also allows me to track our brand across Twitter (and other online portals) so if someone has a question, comment or other feedback, I can respond immediately — whether I’m at a computer or not. But, to be honest…it’s not an app that makes my job easiest. It’s being able to check my mail on the road, at any hour, at the touch of a button. I have done some of my best work on the iPhone, in an airport, riding in a car or after excusing myself from a meeting — all of which have certainly made a difference in my ability to do my job. I also use the Notes app to jot down story ideas, quotes or even start writing articles/stories if I can’t get to my laptop!”

From Julia Roy (@juliaroy):
(App: Evernote)

“This “Remember Everything” application for your desktop and iPhone is an incredible research tool. But what I think is really cool about the iPhone app is that it allows you to record a voice message up to 5 minutes and it creates an mp3 file that you can email or download to your computer using the sync feature with the desktop app.”

From Steven Frischling:
(Apps: AP StyleBook, AllCountries, Constitution, Your Rights)

“The new iPhone App ‘AP StyleBook‘ has become as essential as my old collection of tattered print editions of the AP StyleBook.  As I am sure you know the AP StyleBook ois essential for all journalists, as well as PR professionals. While the AP StyleBook App is US$28 it is well worth every penny for the journalism and PR professional on the go. The AllCountries App by Evolens is fantastic for quickly accessing vital information regarding nations around the world. Immediate access to Government, Geographic, Economic and Political data allows a journalist or PR pro to quickly assess information, ask questions or make statements while in remote locations when time is a major factor. The “Constitution” and “Your Rights” Apps are also essential for a variety of reasons for any journalist working in the United States.”

From Jeff Rutherford (@jeffrutherford):
(Apps: Gmail, Birdfeed, Tweetdeck, and Twitterific, Instapaper, DirecTV)

From Anne Carr (@boltbuzz108):
(Apps: Tweetie,  Facebook, Mashable, AP Mobile, USA Today, WSJ, BusinessWeek, Time Mobile,  TMZ, Free Wi-Fi, UrbanSpoon, YPMobile

From Mary Deming Barber:
(Apps: Tweetie, Twitpic, Maps, Google, Dictionary, Things, Public Radio, Feeds)