WASHINGTON — It’s hard to keep up with the rapid changes in electronics and technology. Every year the Consumer Electronics Association finds out which tech gifts are the most popular, and this year the tablet came in at the top.
They’re followed by laptops, televisions and smartphones, and video game consoles round out the CEA’s top five.
The CEA’s Digital Answerman, Jim Barry, says video game console are not only for kids — many people in their 40s have game consoles on their holiday wish list.
When it comes to tablets, Barry says, Apple is still on top, but companies that use the Android operating system, such as Samsung, are catching up. And four years since the release of the iPad, Windows tablets from DELL and HP are also getting a lot of attention. Tablets range in price from $200 to $800, and Barry says screen sizes vary from 7 to 11 inches.
Barry says Apple has been forced to be more competitive: “A few years ago you didn’t see those discounted even at the holidays, but we see them now,” he said.
Smartphone are also a must-have for many people, Barry says. They are also relied on heavily during the shopping process — “whether to actually buy online using the phone, or in the stores to compare shops.”
Looking for some holiday gift ideas? Barry has some options:
- The Charger Leash — A phone-charger alarm that will beep to remind you if you forget it. They cost around $20.
- speeCup — If you don’t have a newer car or have a beach chair with a cup holder, the speeCup is a neat option. The Bluetooth speaker sits in the cup holder, allowing you to listen to your music from your smartphone. It costs about $120.
- Lenovo’s Yoga Laptop Series — The laptop meets the tablet with this Windows tablet. It runs on Windows 8 and costs around $1,200.
Jim Barry at WTOP:
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