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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, December 12, 2009

These tech gifts are affordable, fun and appreciated

Advertiser Staff

Gifting something digital doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. Great tech gifts can be found to fit any budget. Here are some ideas to please the tech enthusiasts on your list.

ITUNES MUSIC

iTunes gift certificates ($10 to $50) are always popular. You can buy one at the supermarket or convenience store, or buy and print a gift certificate from iTunes. On the iTunes home page, click Buy iTunes Gifts under Quick Links and follow the prompts.

'WII SPORTS RESORT'

"Wii Sports Resort" ($50) is the sequel to Nintendo's "Wii Sports" for the Nintendo Wii video game system. The game lets you compete with up to three other players in a tropical paradise. You can skydive, play water sports and even swordfight.

"Wii Sports Resort" requires the Wii MotionPlus. The add-on dongle makes the motion-sensitive Wii remote controller more responsive. One MotionPlus dongle is included with "Wii Sports Resort." You can buy additional MotionPlus dongles for $20 each.

NIKE+ SPORTBAND

The Nike+ SportBand ($59) is a great gift for runners. It tracks distance, time and calories. Data is viewable on the bracelet.

The SportBand attaches to a USB port. Workouts can be tracked over time via the Nike+ Web site.

'BEATLES ROCK BAND'

Old and young alike will love "The Beatles Rock Band" ($60). This music game lets you jam to classic Beatles songs on your Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 or Microsoft Xbox 360. You can even use your current "Rock Band" controllers.

BAMBOO PEN, TOUCH

Wacom's Bamboo Pen and Touch tablet ($99) is ideal for photo buffs and artists. You can use the pen for precise control when editing photos or drawing freehand.

The tablet also responds to hand gestures. This is great for surfing the Web or manipulating images. Adobe Photoshop Elements is included.

BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER

You don't have to be a movie buff to appreciate a Blu-ray Disc player. Blu-ray provides exceptional video quality. Select a player with BD Live for access to online-only content.

List prices for Blu-ray players start around $200, but you'll find prices around $100 in stores.

Another way to get a Blu-ray player is to buy a Sony PlayStation 3 ($299), which gives you a high-definition video game system and Blu-ray player with BD Live all in one.

RIVIERA CAMCORDER

DXG's Riviera camcorder ($150) is aimed at fashion-conscious women. It is available in several colors. Capture videos in 720p high-definition on an SD card. Or, shoot 8-megapixel still images. If you're shopping for a man, consider DXG's 579VR ($130).

Reach Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.