Same old junk nothing new about any of this stuff. you can get way cheaper stuff then these name brands. especially the video games. same game different pics. The only ones who need gifts on christmas is the kids, adults could go buy what they actually want for themselves.

very proud of their product.  I wouldn't be so proud parting with $200.

 

much better choices for $50-60.

Nothing says dork like a phablet. 

What the @)&*(# is a phablet?!

Or check out The Upgrade Place for USEFUL pdts. to enhance and prolong life of your existing tech items.  But if it's a funky stocking stuffer you need---try a NASCAR mouse or favorite NFL version you won't find under any other tree on your block!

Bull, we are not doing better as a country. Try and start a new business.. There are too many regs and no money to help unless you have a good tan or are middle eastern.. sorry , but true..

Every so often, everyone needs to catch up with technology, at least to a point of minimal understanding and capability.  My parents bought a brand new car this fall, their first in about 10 years.  Mom has requested that "I" read the owner's manual, and then sit down with she and Dad to explain how all of the gadgetry works, {the system links, the MP3 port, the OnStar, the Sirius radio, the push button emergency brake, etc...}.  If we hide our heads in the sand, when we finally decide to come back up out of it, we sadly realize that the entire landscape has changed,  :-( 
The E-readers they mention in this article are excellent gifts, advancements in technology, and, yes they are excellent ecological choices.  One can't count the E-readers in a tree, but one can count the trees in an E-reader.  Back to Mom and Dad, who are avid readers; I got the each a basic Kindle E-reader, cause they both need books in larger print, and what they want to read isn't always available in larger print, but the E-readers fix that problem with the adjustable fonts.  Additionally, they are easy to carry around, operate, and in most cases, lighter than than the Hardbound NY-Times bestsellers they prefer to read.  And I get to bring them up to speed on technology.   It's OK to avoid the hassles of modern technology.... if you don't mind sowing with a horse and plow. :-)

So, has technology become nothing but toys and entertainment? 

I think we place too many emphasis on gifts during the holidays! I say buy a digital camera take your holiday pics upload them from your pc and do a slide show and just.....enjoy family time bonding! It has been my experience since the world of techno-gadgets has arrived there has been a break down in family time! no more dinners together at the dinner table everyone grabs a plate and heads for the bedroom to either watch TV or get on their iPads or laptops. But to each his own..so whatever makes you happy go with it!

"Whatever tablets consumers go for, Qualcomm () is going to get richer -- since it sells the chips that power most of them."