Holiday Shopping - Budget Buys for the Techie

Top Tech Gifts Under $25
1. Wired magazine is about technology - the people developing the latest products, upcoming trends and changes, industry leaders, and more. It is the one piece of literature every techie should read, so if you know one who doesn't have a subscription - give it to them! - $10.00/year (12 issues)

2. The techie who shares music with friends will love the Belkin Rockstar 5-way music sharer. It connects up to five MP3 players or headphone jacks to share and mix music. Attach it to a stereo system and you'll have the party going in no time. - $13.00

3. A computer-to-TV converter is a simple yet incredibly useful techie gift. The VideoSecu converter is compatible with PC or Mac computers. It's simple to install, too: just connect the VGA cable to your computer and the RCA cable to your TV, then it's ready for your viewing pleasure! Use it for gaming, online movies, or presentations. - $16.00

4. If you know a techie who is also hands-on and inventive you need to feed their curiosity with MAKE magazine. It is filled with instructions on how to build, tweak and transform different technology projects. Skills ranges vary from kids to adults, so there is something for everyone. - $35.00/year (4 issues)

5. A worldwide outlet adapter is a must-have item for the techie who travels the world. We recommend the Sunpak universal travel adapter because it's so simple to use. Just plug a computer or cell phone in to the adapter, then connect the cord for the region of the world you're located in too. That's it - instant power! - $13.00

Top Tech Gifts Under $50
1. An iPod docking station makes the perfect gift for any iPod owner. We like the Cyber Acoustics docking station because it's small and portable and delivers crystal clear sound. It works with any iPod, including the Shuffle or 3G, and runs on a power adapter or batteries for easy transport. - $37.00

2. Techies who love to draw, have an interest in photography, or attend lectures (like the college techie) will get a lot of use out of the Genius MousePen. It comes with a writing tablet, mouse, and pen and can be used for drawing, sketching, handwriting notes, or picture editing. - $44.00

3. Know a techie who loves watching movies on an iPhone or iPod? Buy them the In Your Face holder. The holder brings the iPhone or iPod up close for easy, hands-free viewing. It clamps securely to any surface, so your techie can watch a movie on their iPod or iPhone anytime, anywhere. - $30.00

4. Any techie who totes their computer supplies everywhere could use the Logitech V450 wireless mouse. It is compact, scrolls smoothly, and has a one-year battery life. Side-to-side and zoom scrolling make it easy to view digital photo albums, spreadsheets, and presentations. - $29.00

5. Every iPhone owner should have a monochrome slider case from Incase. It is made of a hard plastic that keeps iPhones safe from cracking, breaking or scratching. The case also has interior rubber guardrails that serve as shock absorbers in the event the phone is dropped. - $34.95

Top Tech Gifts Under $100
1. The Garmin eTrex handheld GPS belongs in the hands of a techie who also loves an adventure in the great outdoors or even the big city. This Garmin pinpoints your exact locations whether you're in a canyon or downtown, and it stores up to 500 places to use as reference points during your journey. - $80.00

2. Take the music outside but leave the MP3 player inside with help from the Sentry wireless speaker. The transmitter plugs in to computers, MP3 players, stereos and more and then sends its signal to the speaker from up to 100 feet away and through walls! It's ideal for backyard or beach parties. - $100.00

3. A Roku digital video player is easy to use and perfect for the movie buff techie. Connect it to a TV, then to the Internet (wired or wireless), and then follow the on-screen instructions. Both Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand libraries are available with the click of a button. - $100.00 (excluding Netflix membership)

4. The gadget geek living in a region that faces frigid winters should not be without a Ready Remote car starter and keyless entry system. The 4-button remote control makes it possible to start or unlock a car from up to 500 feet away. It's great for rainy days too! - $64.00

5. SPLURGE: Have some extra cash to spend this year? Toss out the old recorder and pick up a Flip video camcorder. Record life's moments on the pocket-sized recorder. Choose one of three types with varying memory capacities and capture up to 60 minutes worth of footage. - $110.00+

6. SPLURGE: The Violet Nabaztag/tag Rabbit brings the Internet to life. The robotic rabbit talks, lights up, and moves as it narrates the news, text messages, emails and MP3 songs. Get the Violet Rabbit and give your techie a fun and interactive way to use the Internet! - $145.00 at RobotShop