There is little over a week left until Christmas, which means it is time to get those items on your holiday shopping list checked off as soon as possible. If you have a few Apple owners on your list, we are here to help with a handful of hardware and accessory recommendations that’ll please even the seasoned Apple veteran.
Recommended Full-Sized Tablet: iPad Air ($499)
The iPad Air is Apple’s showcase iOS tablet. It’s smaller than its predecessor, making it the perfect size for tossing in your bag. It is also an awesome tablet for using around the house with a large display that’s great for movies and web browsing. The iPad is powered by Apple’s 64-bit A7 processor and runs iOS 7, making it powerhouse that few tablets can compete with.
Hardware-wise, the iPad Air sports an A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a 9.7-inch Retina Display with 2048×1536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch, 1GB of RAM, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, optional LTE, dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) 802.11n Wi-Fi and MIMO and more.
The WiFi-only version starts at $499 for 16GB of storage, the WiFi + Cellular model tacks $129 on the base cost, cost ing you $629 for the 16GB model. The iPad Air is available online and in stores from Apple and from third-party retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Radio Shack, Target and Staples.
Recommended Medium-Sized tablet: Retina iPad mini ($399)
The Retina iPad mini is tiny, but it packs a punch. It’s about the same size as the original iPad mini, but now the tablet sports a retina display and almost the same internal hardware as its bigger brother, the iPad Air. It’s the right size for using on the go and is the perfect weight for long gaming sessions. Like the iPad Air, the Retina iPad mini is powered by Apple’s 64-bit A7 processor and runs iOS 7.
Hardware-wise, the Retina iPad mini sports an A7 processor, a 7.9-inch Retina Display with 2048×1536 resolution, 1GB of RAM, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, optional LTE, dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) 802.11n Wi-Fi and MIMO and more.
The WiFi-only version starts at $399 for 16GB of storage, the WiFi + Cellular model tacks $129 on the base cost, costing you $529 for the 16GB model. The Retina iPad mini is available online from Apple and from third-party retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Radio Shack, Target and Staples.
Recommended Smartphone: iPhone 5s ($649; $199 with a contract)
Like the iPad Air, the iPhone 5s is Apple’s showcase iOS smartphone. It’s powered by the latest version of iOS and features some extras like a fantastic 8-megapixel camera, a fingerprint sensor, and M7 motion coprocessor.
Hardware-wise, the iPhone 5s sports a 64-bit A7 processor with M7 motion coprocessor, a 4-inch Retina Display with a pixel density of 326 dots per inch (dpi) and 1136X640 resolution, 1GB of RAM, 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture, 1.2-megapixel front-facing FaceTime camera, Touch iD fingerprint sensor, international LTE bands (more LTE bands than any other iPhone or any other smartphone in the world), dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.0. It ships with iOS 7.
The iPhone 5s is available in Apple retail stores and online with a starting price tag of $649 ($199 with contract) for the 16GB model. It’s also available from Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walmart and carriers like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.
Recommended Entry-Level Smartphone: iPhone 5c ($549; $99 with a contract)
The iPhone 5c is Apple’s mid-range iOS smartphone. It’s powered by the latest version of iOS and comes in with a price tag that is a $100 less than its bigger brother, the iPhone 5s. It’s the colorful model, available in five different hues.
Hardware-wise, the iPhone 5c sports an A6 processor, 4-inch retina display, 8-megapixel iSight camera, and improved FaceTime camera, international LTE bands (more LTE bands than any other iPhone or any other smartphone in the world), dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.0. It ships with iOS 7.
The iPhone 5c is available in Apple retail stores and online with a starting price tag of $549 ($99 with contract) for the 16GB model. It’s also available from Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walmart and carriers like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.
Recommended Rugged Case: OtterBox ($25-90)
Otterbox is known for its rugged and durable cases that’ll protect your iOS devices from the elements as well as unexpected falls. They have a variety of options including the Armor series, which is crush-proof, waterproof and dust-proof and the more slim-fitting commuter series that is less bulky, but still offers protection from a fall. The OtterBox cases are pricey, but they are worth the cash if you are the type of person who works or plays in an environment where falls are common.
Recommended Case: Any Griffin Model ($20-50)
Griffin offers a variety of mid-range cases that’ll suit your personal style. It’s most popular model is the Survivor case which is made of shock-absorbing silicone, hard plastic and offers a kickstand. Griffin cases are protective, stylish and won’t break the bank. Prices for the basic hard shell cases start in the $20 range.
Recommended Battery Case: Mophie Juice Pack Plus ($119)
Mophie sells the Juice Pack Plus, an excellent case and backup battery combo that’ll power your iPhone 5/5s for days at a time. It’s great for traveling or for those iPhone owners who live in areas where weak cellular signal drains their battery dry. The case adds some bulk to the iPhone, but it is worth the extra weight to be able to move about without always scanning for a power source. If you prefer a standalone backup battery, Mophie also sells the Powerstation Pro, which will charge an iPhone, iPad and other USB devices.
Recommended Case Alternative: Invisible Shield ($49)
If you prefer to go caseless, you still should consider an Invisible Shield skin to protect your device’s case and screen from unexpected scratches. The Invisible Shield is colorless and adds little to no bulk to the form factor of a device. It has a grippy feel which prevents a device from slipping from your hand. The Invisible Shield comes with a lifetime guarantee for the lifespan of your device.
Recommended Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Force ($129)
The Fitbit Force landed a few months ago and it has quickly become the “must-have” fitness tracker for 2013. The latest entrant in the fitness category includes an LED display, stair counting, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and an improved motion sensor. It retails for a very reasonable $129 and syncs with both your iOS devices and your Mac.
Recommended smartwatch: Pebble ($149)
The Pebble Smartwatch went on sale earlier this year and allows you shuttle data between your phone and your wrist. You can see incoming emails, text messages and caller ID on the wristwatch. It also interacts with some apps allowing you to control music playback and more from the watch.
The Kickstarter Smartwatch is coming into its own with an ongoing set of updates that provide improved notifications, better control of alarms and more. It is available for $149 from Pebble’s website and can also be purchased from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.
Recommended Personal Music System: Bose Soundlink Mini ($199)
The Bose Soundlink Mini is at the top of its class in the ultracompact wireless speaker category. It has a gorgeous design and an excellent sound, despite its small size. It’s small size is its biggest benefit, allowing you to fit the speaker any nook and cranny. It also features a charging cradle that you can always leave plugged in. The Bose Soundlink is available for $199 directly from Bose or retailers like Best Buy, Amazon and others.
Recommended Household Music System: Sonos Play: 1 ($199)
The Sonos Play: 1 is an affordable option for people who want the Sonos audio experience without breaking the bank. The wireless speaker system is priced at $199, though you can get it cheaper if you shop around. It offers near perfect wireless streaming with support for services like Spotify, Pandora and Rdio. Pair the Sonos speaker with the Sonos Controller app to control all your Sonos devices from your smartphone or tablet.
Recommended Home Entertainment device: Apple TV ($99)
The Apple TV connects to your HDTV and allows you to receive streaming content from a variety of sources including Netflix, YouTube, iTunes and more. It also supports AirPlay, allowing you to stream content from your iPad and iPhone to your TV. The Apple TV is simple to install — just plug it in and starting sending videos and more from your smartphone, tablet or computer right to your TV. Just make sure you setup the Remote app for iOS because the included physical remote is easy to lose.
Recommended Mac Accessory: Leap Motion Controller ($79)
The Leap Motion Controller connects to your Mac and allows you to control your computer using in-air hand gestures. You can swipe, pinch, wave, and grab using your hands and fingers and the Leap module will translate those motions into gestures that your Mac can understand. There are over 150 apps in the Leap App Store that support this innovative technology. If someone on your list loves cutting edge technology, then they will love the Leap Motion device.
Recommended Miscellaneous Gift: Apple Store or iTunes Gift Card ($10 – $2000)
An iTunes or Apple Store Gift Card is the perfect gift for the iOS or Mac owner who already has everything. This simple and easy gift will give the recipient a lump of cash that they can use to buy Apple hardware, music, movies, apps and more. Available in a variety of denominations, the gift card can be purchased online from Apple and from retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens, Target, Walmart and more.
[Header image from flickr member zaimoku_woodpile]