Tech Gift Ideas and Computer Support

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show

Larry Meiller gets gift ideas for the tech users on your holiday list. Plus, advice for keeping your computer running well.

Featured in this Show

  • Tablets, Tech Accessories Are Popular Holiday Gifts

    Computers, smartphones, tablets and other technology are a part of life. That the Monday after Thanksgiving is known as “Cyber Monday” because of all the online shopping going on is clear proof of that.

    But, not only are people using computers more and more, they are also using them on the move, or in a variety of settings more than people probably ever anticipated. Tablet computers are very popular, and are on the holiday wish lists for users of all ages.

    Peter Greene, who is a computer consultant with InfoStar.com, said he recommends weighing what a person or the gift recipient will use a smaller computer or tablet for in order to choose the right one.

    For example, on the road, or waiting in line, many users like to have a few games on their tablet or even smartphone. Greene said that some games that he plays regularly, like Scrabble or Wheel of Fortune, don’t take much space on the hard drive, and the price is only about $5 for the app.

    In addition, games like that are handy when traveling because as Greene said, “I can’t imagine playing Scrabble the board now because of how interactive the Scrabble tablet game is. … You pass it around, you don’t have a board and you can’t ‘lose’ the pieces, they’re always accounted for. You don’t have to flip them over, and you can quickly go on to the next game.”

    While simple games like that are easy to take along on a tablet, Greene reminded people that other applications are competing for the smaller storage capacity on a tablet.

    “People use (the tablet) for videos, pictures, music and so forth,” Greene said. “So, it’s kind of like a jack of all trades, but it doesn’t do everything perfectly.”

    While a tablet can be a great addition to a tech toolbox, Greene said that it wouldn’t be the best choice for those involved in sophisticated gaming, and probably not for use in detailed work, like bookkeeping.

    For those who already have a tablet, there are accessories that would likely be welcome. Some user miss having an actual keyboard so Greene recommends a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard that can give a tablet user an experience closer to using a standard computer.

    “It almost turns it into a little notebook (computer),” he said.

    Portable speakers that use Bluetooth technology can also enhance the experience for users when they’re enjoying music or even watching videos on their tablets.

    For gamers using a more traditional laptop or desktop computer, an upgraded video card can be a great gift. But Greene recommended checking with the user first to see what they need to best meet their needs.

    For smartphone and tablet users alike, a great gift is a protective case. Some can be personalized with photos, which is especially fun for gift giving. Even better, a person giving the gift of a longer life for the phone, tablet or computer.

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Peter Greene Guest

Related Stories