This month’s technology review is a little different from previous issues. With only a few shopping days left in this festive holiday season, we thought we would offer some last minute technology gift selections for those of you still searching for the perfect holiday gift for a loved one, coworker, or yourself.

iPad

The iPad is Apple’s game changing tablet device is the technology hit of the year. No wonder, considering what a great piece of equipment it is. We reviewed this previously, so read our complete analysis if you want all the details. Check out all the iPad options online to figure out which one is right. We can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be delighted to receive one this holiday season. ($499 and up)

iPad Accessories

If your recipient already has an iPad, then iPad accessories are a great idea. There are dozens of good case options, but our favorite iPad case is the Truss by Targus. It’s real leather, provides great shatter protection for your screen, and doubles as a sturdy viewing stand for watching movies. It comes with a lifetime warranty ($45). The electrical cord that comes with the iPad is fairly short, and it’s nice to have a spare for traveling. Apple sells a spare with a 6-foot cord that will be appreciated by any iPad owner ($29). And of course, there is always the option of an iTunes gift certificate, available in many denominations, which will allow anyone with an iPad or iPhone to stock up on apps!

Amazon Kindle 3

If you know someone who is an avid reader, then the Amazon Kindle would be a great gift. The iPad is the ultimate media consumption device, but when it comes to reading books the Kindle kills the iPad. The screen looks like reading real ink on paper – it’s that good. When it’s time to read, my iPad gets turned off and I break out the Kindle. Besides the huge selection of reasonably priced Kindle books, there are a ton of classics available for download free of charge. ($139-189)

Roku Streaming Player

The Roku box allows you to stream video to your TV. Using it’s built-in wireless and wired Internet connectivity, it uses your high-speed Internet connection to stream video from Netflix, Amazon Video-on-Demand, Hulu Plus (all pay services) and several other video sources, as well as streaming music from Pandora and your own iTunes playlists. It takes about 10 minutes to set up with no technical expertise required. I got one recently and was accessing my Netflix account and watching a movie within minutes. This device is a real indication of how we could all be watching TV and movies in the near future. ($79)

Jumbo computer monitor

Screen size has increased as prices have decreased, making a large flat panel monitor a perfect and affordable gift for any computer user. I recently switched to twin 28” monitors on my desk, and it has made a huge improvement in my productivity. The ability to have multiple programs open and visible simultaneously produces immediate benefits, and the increase in the size of images and text is dramatic. Monitors of 24” and up come in a huge range of prices starting around $175.

High quality headphones

For music lovers or frequent flyers, the switch from cheap headphones to the “good stuff” is like a revelation. Whether you are looking for ear buds, over-the-ear models or noise cancelling headphones, there is something out there for every taste and budget. For frequent flyers, the Bose noise cancelling headphones are the most commonly used to reduce ambient noise, although they’re not necessarily the best for music. For serious audiophiles looking for the best possible music sound, in-ear “ear buds” from Shure, Klipsch or Ultimate Ears and over-the-ear “cans” from Grado, Sennheiser and Ultrasone will make your music sound better than you ever imagined. Google these names to learn more. Be sure to get a decent headphone amp for the best sound if you have an iPod or other low wattage device as your music source. ($75 – $2,000)

Upgraded computer speakers

If someone on your list listens to music on the computer frequently and still uses the standard speakers that came with their system, an upgrade will make a big difference in sound quality. Look for models with desktop satellite speakers and a subwoofer that sits under the desk. You’ll find excellent products from Altec Lansing, Harman/Kardon, JBL, Bose and many others in a large range of prices. The sound upgrade does wonders for web conferences too when desktop speakers are involved. ($50-400)

Digital SLR Camera

Digital cameras are everywhere these days, from your cell phone to the small pocket/purse digicams. But if you are shopping for someone who really loves to take photos, it’s impossible to beat a digital SLR (single lens reflex camera). Think of a cell phone camera as a plastic toy, and an SLR as the Nikon with the interchangeable lens that the pros carry– because, well, that’s what they are. Good SLR cameras with a good “kit” zoom lens are available from many makers, but I recommend you stick with either Nikon or Canon since they have the largest and best systems of available lenses. The Nikon “D” series and the Canon Rebel lines are good places to start. You’ll spend a lot more money over the years on the lenses than the camera, and a camera is, after all, only a box that records what the lens sees. ($500-5,000)

Portable GPS

If you know someone who doesn’t have a GPS yet, then do them a favor and buy them one – they will be indebted to you forever. I’m not sure how we ever found things in the days before GPS, but I wouldn’t want to drive without one now. No matter whether I’m getting in a rental car in Chicago or driving around my hometown, my GPS is always with me. I have one built into my car, and a Garmin portable unit the size of a pack of cigarettes that travels with me. Good portable units from Garmin and TomTom are easy to use and very easy on the budget. ($75-$200)

ClientLook subscription

If you’re looking for a cost-effective all-in-one gift for you, your business and your clients, then look no further than a subscription to ClientLook. You’ll get our popular cloud-based project management system now to manage all your assignments with ease. You’ll also receive a free upgrade to the upcoming ClientLook CRM that adds contact tracking, calendaring, mobile sync, file sharing and corporate social networking. Everything comes with our legendary customer service and support. It could be the most rewarding gift you’ve given in years. ($29.95/mo)

Everyone at ClientLook wishes you a safe and Happy Holidays, and the best of success in the New Year!