ALT-2 Tech Gifts for Moms
When considering a tech gift for mom, we have to be careful that we are not buying wish-fulfillment for ourselves. Well we might wish the iPod, Bluetooth, itunes card, high definition big screen television: but are they your mom's highest priority as well?
First, does your mom spend most of her time in or out of the house? If she spends much of her time at home, odds are a high-tech device designed to enhance the portable experience won't really see much use. If she spends a fair amount of time commuting, an iPod or GPS system for her car might be a good choice. One personalised possibility is a custom-burned CD for the CD player.
Don't forget that tech gifts carry over into the most surprising fields. The race is on to computer-chip just about anything you can imagine. Some applications are fun, some are practical, and some are just plain weird. Then again, sometimes the plain weird is also fun.
If she is a camera buff, the choice becomes easy! Thousands of gadgets are available for both film and digital cameras, ranging from simple tripods and carrying cases to that special telephoto lens she has always wanted. Of course, if she has always wanted a digital camera and doesn't yet have one ... well, you have your gift marked out for you.
A popular related gift is the digital photo frame, which uses an LCD screen to alternate between multiple pictures or small videos. It currently comes in sizes ranging from about 10 to 40 inches, although I have heard persistent rumours of 5" and smaller screens. The technology already exists for foldable screens - used in, of all things, Japanese skirts! - but I don't think it has transferred to this use yet. Some digital photo screens even include audio. Besides size, the relevant factors to consider here are resolution (same criteria as for a digital camera) and memory.
And finally, if you are going to give a digital photo frame, why not include some family pictures as well?
