Excellent Holiday Gifts For Apple Fans - Part 2

This is part two of a two part list of items that I think will make great gifts for family and friends, not to mention for yourself. Do you give yourself a gift at holiday time?  It's a nice thing to do, you know.

As with Part 1, all of these products are new and have been researched and tested by me so that you don't have to. What can I say? I live to serve. I hope that between Parts one and two you will become inspired with the perfect gift for the Apple fans in your life.

Outback iPad Sleeve from Waterfield. I’m starting this list out with another beautiful option from Waterfield. This custom-fitted sleeve is for the iPad or iPad mini and works with or without a Smart Cover. The iPad mini style is available in horizontal orientation. The iPad version is available in either horizontal or vertical orientation. It’s made from waxed canvas and lined with neoprene. The snapped closure is sturdy and the bag has an old world look to it. It is available in brown with a choice of Chocolate leather or Grizzly leather trim. Like all Waterfield products this sleeve is made to order. Prices start at $39.00. It is really classy looking. Check it out at the company's website

 

AluBase from Just Mobile. In my first gifts column I suggested the very unique AluRack from Just Mobile. It works with iMac and Thunderbolt displays to hold your Mac safe and out of the way because you don’t need it open while using an external display. Many of us don’t have iMac or Thunderbolt displays and the AluBase is designed for us. It functions as a stand to keep your Mac safe and out of the way when you are using an external display. Like all products I've seen from Just Mobile, it is beautiful and seems to be an extension of your Apple related products. It works with MacBook Pros and with MacBook Airs because it includes an extra cushion that can be added for the Air. The MSRP is $49.95. Check it out at the company's website


Pro Fit Wireless Mouse from Kensington. I don’t like trackpads, so sue me. I pretty much take tech changes in stride and the new connectors for the iPads and iPhones didn’t even make me look twice. But trackpads and I do not exist in the same plane of existence. That being the case, I want a wireless mouse that works. Actually, I want one that works more than 3 months and then dies. It is no fun buying them in pairs so you always have a spare because you know you will need it. For the right handed mouse lover in your life, consider the Pro Fit Wireless Mouse. The design is specifically for a right handed user so it is very comfortable. The scroll wheel has click function for speed, there is a low battery indicator, the battery can last up to 12 months, and the grip panel is covered in soft rubber. The MSRP is $29.99. Check it out at the company's website.  It is also available from Amazon

 

PadPivot from Uifit. Do you have a family member who likes to sit around on the floor with an iPad, tablet, or e-reader in their lap? I remember when I could do that. Anyway, the PadPivot is designed just for them. It it small, 4 x 4-in, and lightweight, with a rubberized backing that helps it cling to a rounded surface, such as a leg encased in jeans. It will hold a phone or touch as well. In addition to using in one’s lap, it can be used on a desk or table or a car while traveling. It can be tilted, pivoted and rotated. If the user unscrews the stand from the front, pushes it into the designated hole in the back for safe keeping, he or she can fold two sides together and have a flat object that measures 4 x 2.5-in. In my opinion, one of the best things about this stand is that it allows the user to get it very close when needed and then frees up both hands. The MSRP is $39.99. Check it out at the company website.

iPhone 5 Cases. There are some nice looking iPhone 5 cases starting to show up now that designers have had time to work with the new parameters of the phone. A few of them follow.

Retro iPhone 5 Case from Musubo. This case is designed to mimic the 1950’s radio microphones. It is available in blue, black, red, gray, and white. The case is double-layered. The exterior is made from a strong Polycarbonate and the interior from ultra-durable silicon. There is also a built-in foldable video stand. This phone case is very sturdy. The hard outside fastens over the soft inner layer, providing non-scratch protection as well as bounce protection. There is a cut on the back that allows the Apple logo to show through. The MSRP is $34.99. You can check it out at the company website.  There are a limited number of color options offered on Amazon

 

 

iPhone 5 Cases from x-doria. I was not previously aware of the x-doria brand of cases, but I have to say that they have a lot going for them. For one thing, each style is very sturdy, from the Shield which offers triple layer impact protection, to the Venue which protects with hard polycarbonate in an exceptional, raised, design, to the two Bamboo styles, both with laser-etched patterns and real bamboo. These three, the ones I have actually tested, are but three of 13 styles offered for the iPhone 5. Most are very colorful and offer several color choices. The example included is the Shield. Prices range from $29.99 to $34.99. Check out all the options at the company website


 

 

Storm iPhone 5 Wallet Case from T8. When I first saw this case I wanted to touch it because it is made from handcrafted premium Italian vegetable tanned leather. The inside lining feels like suede. It is a very attractive case, available in tan or black.  It is only .43 inches (11 millimeters) thick and weighs only .67 ounces (19 grams), however, it is very sturdy . There are two slots on the case for caring cards or cash. One unique feature of this case is the option of a lanyard. A red lanyard for the tan case and blue for the black case. This case, which is only available for purchase through the company website sells for $60.00. The lanyard can be added for an additional US$15.00. The Storm iPhone case is also available for the 4/4s iPhones. 


And last, but not least, my favorite recommendation of all. A trip to Macworld 2013. It takes place January 31- February 2, 2013 in San Francisco. Visit the website to get details. There are a several choices for attendees, including just attending the Expo which is amazing. And, of course, you should go along too. You know, a gift for yourself.