Five Last-Minute Gift Ideas - Under $50

1) USB stick (thumb drive) - Here's the idea: how about personalizing the gift by pre-loading with music, movies, and/or pictures? 8GB drives have recently been on sale for around $10. Good for backing up data, moving files between computers, or swapping stuff with friends, 8GB is a real bargain for just $10.

2) Webcam - The totally free Skype version 5 now includes 10-way video calling (update - this is a PAID service), and other sites like Ustream and Livestream offer live video broadcasting or private chats with virtually unlimited numbers of people. Most laptops have built-in cameras, but quality webcams go on sale incredibly cheap this time of year as well, around $20 to $30 (regular about $50 to $80).

3) Antivirus - Norton and McAfee internet security & antivirus software has been on sale for around $40, good for installing on three computers. If you know anyone using (horribly slow) free software, do them a huge favor. Or just pitch in with 2 friends and split the cost, a great deal.

4) Car power adapter - Most 12v to 120v car adapters now also have a USB charging port. They can be used for powering laptops, GPS units, and charging cell phones & mp3 players. Not meant for large appliances, but perfect for most electronics. Get a 100-watt or higher model, usually about $30 to $50.

5) Laptop stand - You can get a mesh or plastic laptop stand for around $20 to $50. Overheating is one of the most common causes of laptop failures and crashes. A stand that lifts the laptop off the surface allows better airflow to prevent overheating, because most laptops draw air in through the bottom. For a few extra dollars you can get one that has a fan(s) built in for even better air circulation. Some models are also adjustable, tilting to make the laptop more comfortable to use.

(For any of the above products, compare prices at Tiger.ca, Staples, Walmart, etc.)

Best Digital Camera Ever - Fuji Finepix S1600

I don't even know where to begin, because there are so many reasons you should buy this camera right now, either for yourself or as a gift. But there are two things you should know: 1) I don't write product reviews, and 2) I spent a lot of time comparing features and prices before buying this camera. It has impressed me so much that I genuinely want to tell you about it.

The Fuji FinePix S1600 Digital Camera is the most amazing digital camera you'll ever get for a couple hundred bucks. It has features found in professional SLR (single lens reflex) cameras costing thousands, yet an amateur like myself can turn it on and start taking pictures. (Other cameras at this price have none of these features.)



This camera is perfect for beginners not only for the price, but for the simplicity. The Fuji S1600 is like a photography course in the palm of your hand. I just wanted a decent camera and ended up with a powerhouse that makes photography really fascinating.

You can use the point-and-shoot mode if that's all you need, but if you mess around with other settings you can learn tons about photography without even trying. As you explore various settings you'll discover fun things to try. Of course the manual explains everything in detail, but if you're like me then much of the language is meaningless until you start taking pictures and see the results. Then you'll be stunned to realize what you're holding.



Here's the deal:
- standard point-and-shoot mode
- 12.2 megapixels, giant 3" display
- panorama mode, dual image stabilizer, tripod mount
- face detection, blink detection, red eye removal
- "micro" mode lets you take clear pictures as little as 2cm away
- true HD video with sound (choose from 1280, 640, or 320)
- true 15x optical zoom for amazing close-ups
    (avoid "digital zoom" - that just stretches your picture)
- shutter speed up to 8 seconds (take pics in total darkness)
- 16 automatic modes for situations like night, snow, fireworks, etc.
- if you dare: full control of shutter speed, aperture, white balance...
- use any SD or SDHC card
- software for Windows 7, Vista, and XP

I'm going to stop talking now because this could go on forever. This is the most brilliant camera under $1000, period. If you need a camera for yourself or a gift for someone else, this is it.

You can get the Fuji FinePix S1600 Digital Camera at Tiger Direct dirt cheap. Shipping is normally 2-3 days.

My Main Computer Hardware

For you techies out there, here are the details of my primary system:

MBD - Elite (A780GM-A)
CPU - AMD (quad-core Phenom)
RAM - A-Data (4gig)
P/S - Cooler Master (600w)
HDD - Western Digital (160gig)
Video card - ATI (Radeon HD 4650, 1gig)
Display - two x 22" (Acer x223w)
Keyboard - Logitech Access
Mouse - Logitech Trackman Wheel
Router: D-Link (DIR-615, wireless N)

And never a single hiccup with any of it.