CRM on the Mac
If there is one area where the Mac platform is weak, it’s database management, specifically CRM-type solutions. Managing contacts is an amazingly arduous process on the Mac, particularly considering we’re living in an era where everyone acknowledges that social networking is absolutely essential to your success. Why is maintaining customer, or even personal databases, so difficult ... Read More
Apple New iPad
So many tech products are called “revolutionary,” but rarely truly are. The new Apple iPad ($500-$830) is an exception. The new iPad makes your computer feel outdated, how’s that for “resolutionary?”
Macintosh Apps List
Despite all the great reviews Macintosh computers have garnered over the years, we rarely see it said that Apple’s groundbreaking platform has attracted some of the best designed software on the market today. In fact, we would venture to say that with few exceptions, the Mac has the best possible software for the task at ... Read More
D-Link Mobile Companion
The D-Link DIR-505 Mobile Companion ($75) is a travel router with built-in power plug, USB port and Ethernet jack that lets you turn any wired connection into an instant wireless one. The size of a mouse, the USB port can charge devices too.
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Logitech Cube
The Logitech Cube ($70) is a portable mouse that also functions as a presentation remote. It has touch sensors for clicking and detects when it’s held in the air. Relies on a rechargeable battery and equally diminutive “unifying” USB receiver.
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Samsung AirPlay Dock
The retro Samsung DA-E750 AirPlay dock features a hybrid design: vacuum tube pre-amp, 100-watt solid-state amp packaged in a high-gloss wood case. The 2.1 speaker system and built-in subwoofer handle Galaxy and iPhone.
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Unicorn Magnum Plus
The best peppermill does not hail from France, as you might suspect. The Magnum Plus ($45) is made right here in the U.S.A. and comes in “pro black” and is the best high-capacity peppermill money can buy.
Romisen MXDL RC-G2
LED lights are all the rage and will soon replace just about all conventional lighting. You can’t do better than the Romisen MXDL RC-G2 ($12), which packs an enormous beam of light in a small package and runs on just one AA battery.
Zippo Outdoor Utility Lighter
The Zippo Outdoor Utility Lighter ($14) features a built-in LED light, protective cap and wind-resistant dual flame to better light up your BBQ or cigar and is well-designed, as this hands-on YouTube video shows.
Audioengine 5+
The Audioengine 5 (black/white: $400; bamboo wood: $470) has great bass, handcrafted wood cabinets or high-gloss finish, built-in amplifier plus a USB port for your iDevice. Just connect one speaker to another and plug in.
Denon RCD-N7
What’s an audio receiver like today? The Denon RCD-N7 ($600) has built-in Wi-Fi and supports AirPlay’s wireless playback. This 65-watt receiver also plays CDs and comes in black or white to match your digital lifestyle.
Sonos PLAY:3
Since 2005 Sonos has set the standard in wireless music. The Sonos PLAY:3 speaker ($300) has sleek design and three built-in amplifiers. Use it as a standalone for internet radio or your own music, or pair it for a formidable stereo.
Bluelounge MiniDock
Designed to coexist peacefully with your Apple USB charger, the Bluelounge MiniDock ($20) turns that lowly plug briquette into a instant, and incredibly convenient, charging dock. Three versions fit either US, UK or EU style adapters.
PhoneSuit Elite
Wish your iPhone battery would last longer? You’re not alone. PhoneSuite Elite ($80) is the best, thinnest iPhone battery case able to fully charge your your 4 or 4S in two hours. Available in black or white to match your iPhone exactly.
PlugBug
The “why didn’t someone think of that before” Twelve South PlugBug ($35) mates a 10-watt USB outlet to your MacBook brick. Charges power-hungry iPads or iPhones while cleverly eliminating the need for two outlets.
BBC Planet Earth
If you just acquired a brand-new HDTV or already own one, you should do yourself a favor and get cool Bu-ray discs to show it off. This holiday you can buy the six-disc BBC Planet Earth Collector’s Edition ($69) in a globe gift package.
Canon PowerShot S100
Want better photos than even your smartphone can take? There’s simply nothing that compares to the compact Canon PowerShot S100 ( $430). Its picture quality blows every other compact digital away says The New York Times.
Navigon North America 2.0
It used to be that you needed a separate GPS device to find your way around. No longer. The latest Navigon North America 2.0 (iOS; $50) update brings a simplified interface to the best graphics experience of any GPS app.
Georg Jensen Fusion
Georg Jensen turned to Danish designer Nina Koppel to create a line of Georg Jensen Fusion rings ($1,500-$16,200) featuring a cutting-edge design. Fusion rings are available in three kinds of 18-carat gold: white, rose or yellow.
Hanky Panky 4811
New York-based Hanky Panky makes what many consider the best thong, the Hanky Panky 4811 ($18). Hanky Panky is popular because it’s made from a “special lace that doesn’t bunch in the wrong places,” says The Wall Street Journal.
Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy
We’re sure you just watched the CBS special, which serves as a timely reminder that you need to get your loved one, or yourself, a nice new bra. Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Miraculous push-up bra (about $60) is highly regarded.
Ford Focus ST
Here’s the best small car for your money. Ford’s first true world car will be the same all over the globe. The 2013 Ford Focus ST ($26,000+), continues to push the envelope with keyless entry and a 250-horsepower engine.
Lian Li PC-U6
If you want to build your own Home Theater PC, check out this Alien complement: Lian Li PC-U6 ($250). You must install chips, drives and graphic boards, but once done, you’ll only be wishing to have Sigourney Weaver over for a drink.
Panago Pizza Restaurants
The pizza business needs innovation. Takes seven minutes to make a pie. Panago does it in five. And their community involvement is groundbreaking. We hope Panago brings this Canadian-based concept to the U.S. to shake things up.
Belkin Chef Stand + Stylus
Old-fashioned cookbooks are so passé. Now you get to look at videos that help you become an expert. But you don’t want to mess up your iPad, so the Belkin Chef Stand + Stylus ($29) comes with a stylus that keeps your tablet tidy.
Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air
Once again Apple has established a standard. If your audio gear is not “AirPlay” enabled, you’re missing being able to wirelessly connect your iPad or iPhone to your stereo. Engadget raved about the Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air ($550).
Samsung UN46D8000 TV
Samsung’s display technology is currently state-of-the-art. The Samsung UN46B8000 ($1590) is widely praised as one of the best TVs today. In terms of black level, color and mind-bending bezel thinness, it can’t be beat.
LaCie Rugged Triple
Need big external disk space? 1TB check. USB 3.0 and FireWire 800? Check. Ruggedized case? Check. Drive that looks like no other gadget with replaceable color accents? Check. The LaCie Rugged Triple USB 3.0 ($250) has it all.
MoMA Key Ring
The best key organizer is without a doubt the MoMA Key Ring Organizer ($12). This little jewel, available exclusively from the Museum of Modern Art store, features instantly detachable keys that are held very securely. The valet boy thanks you.
Nest Learning Thermostat
From the same team that helped design the iPod comes a simple, intelligent thermostat that shows Apple-like innovation is reaching far and wide. The Nest Learning Thermostat ($250) knows what you like and automatically becomes smarter. Hot!
Apple iPod Nano+Lunatik
Here’s the hottest Mickey Mouse watch of the year. Combine an Apple iPod Nano (8GB; $114), featuring 18 new clock faces including Mickey, and a silver LunaTik strap ($80) and you’ll have the most rad wrist adornment, guaranteed.
Audi A6
We understand. Sometimes you simply have to have an import. No brand has made faster inroads among the aficionados than Audi. Consumer Reports says the 2012 Audi A6 ($57,000) is the best mid-sized luxury sedan. Autoblog agrees.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will change air travel. See that large bathroom window? It changes tint automatically, so you cannot be seen using the restroom on the ground. Another first: cabin lighting that fights jet lag. Book ANA to fly it.