Everyone loves to give and receive the latest and greatest in the world of technology, but so many of the things people want are too expensive to give as a gift, particularly on a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, there are plenty of the hottest, newest gadgets out there that can be had for under $100. These are some of the most popular tech gifts that will please even the pickiest person, without the kind of price tag that makes someone need to take out payday loans to afford it.
Kindle – $79 and $99
The latest Kindle to hit the shelves is the Kindle Fire, a $199 color e-reader and media consumption device. But for those who simply love to read, Amazon has two Kindles for under $100. The Kindle for $79 offers readers the ability to hold up to 1,400 books, all in a package that weighs less than six ounces and has a one-month battery life. For twenty more dollars, the $99 Kindle Touch holds up to 3,000 books, and has a touch screen as well as a two-month battery life. The Kindle Touch also has audio capabilities, offering users the ability to listen to audio books and mp3s, with support for text-to-speech. Both Kindles have built in Wi-Fi and advanced E Ink displays that read just like paper.
iPod Shuffle – $49
The iPod Shuffle is perfect for anyone who enjoys listening to music on the go. With a 2GB hard drive, the iPod Shuffle can hold hundreds of songs in its lightweight package. It easily clips to clothing, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their hands free, has a battery that lasts up to 15 hours, and comes in five bright colors. Additionally, the latest generation of the iPod Shuffle has VoiceOver technology, which allows users to press the VoiceOver button to hear the name of the song, the playlist name, the artist, and how much battery is left. The iPod Shuffle comes with its own headphones and USB cable for recharging, and if purchased directly from the Apple Store, it can be engraved for free with a personalized name or message.
Roku 2 – $99.99, $79.99, and $59.99
Roku 2 comes in three different models, all under $100. The two most expensive models come with a few extra features, but all three do basically the same thing, which is stream content from the web. All three Roku 2 boxes have built-in wireless, allowing users to stream video and audio from online onto their television. There’s no monthly subscription fee, but users can use their Roku 2 with existing subscriptions, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, or Pandora. Barely larger than the size of a coaster, Roku 2 also takes up very little space. It’s a great gift for anyone who’s media-hungry and would prefer watching or listening to their online content on their television.
Author Thomas Hathaway is a financial consultant and content contributor to a payday loans site providing information and advances when you may need money before your regular paycheck arrives.