Every great holiday gift guide deserves a catchy theme that will grab your attention and inspire you for the gift-giving season. My theme this year? Things I've received to review but haven't made yet, and things I honestly use on a daily basis. What… the smart home gift guide idea is already taken. Seriously, I think this is my favorite list so far.
Table of Contents
- After Steve by Tripp Mickle
- WaterField Slim Tech Folio Backpack
- Cardo Packtalk Pro
- Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS
- Beats Pill (2024)
- Native Union Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger
- NuPhy Halo75/96 V2
- Insta360 X4
- Oura 4 Ring
- Halo 4 Collar
- CarlinKit 5
After Steve, Tripp Mickle
Look, this book came out two years ago, so it's nothing new. However, I really enjoyed reading about the time period it covers when I reviewed it in May 2022. There's the history of Apple — tracking Apple's founding, Steve Jobs's ouster, and the stellar comeback story — and there's the modern history of Apple. After Steve covers the defining decade of transition for the latter period.
WaterField Slim Tech Folio Backpack
From books to book bags, WaterField bags are designed and made in San Francisco, California, giving each bag its own unique personality. I’ve been using the Slim Tech Folio backpack since July, and it remains my favorite backpack for regular use. Opt for the non-thin version if you like the style but want more space. If you’re looking for something minimalist, the Slim Tech Folio is the perfect backpack for an iPad or MacBook, some chargers and accessories, and things that fit in the pockets. It’s not meant to be a weekend backpack. Instead, it’s specifically designed to maintain a flat profile and avoid looking like a tourist when you’re taking your laptop to a coffee shop. See also: WaterField Moto Front Sling (review). They go together beautifully.
Cardo Packtalk Pro
Speaking of motos, this year I got to test out the new Packtalk Pro from Cardo Systems. Simply put, if Apple made an intercom system for your helmet, this would be it. Like all connected devices, it communicates with the iPhone app. But the Apple-ness comes from the Air Mount system. Like many Apple products, it uses magnets to easily attach and detach while still aligning perfectly in place. The Packtalk Pro also emphasizes audio fidelity, pairing 45mm JBL drivers and a hybrid/angle mic for loud music and clear calls. Finally, like modern iPhones, the Packtalk Pro even comes with collision detection. It’s an instant upgrade for any motorcycle helmet and beyond.
Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS
Speaker maker Teufel has teamed up with iconic guitar and amp makers Fender to create a line of Bluetooth speakers worthy of rocking the house. I’ve been using the ROCKSTER CROSS since August, when they were the life of my son’s outdoor birthday party. They have a louder sound than smaller Bluetooth speakers, true stereo sound, and an Outdoor Mode that boosts the bass for larger areas. They’re also designed to be worn on your person. In fact, my son-in-law took it upon himself to become an unofficial DJ, strolling around the park with the included guitar strap and the ROCKSTER CROSS slung over his shoulder. The speaker itself is curved so it feels natural when you’re wearing it. I’ve also used it to pump up the kids at flag football practice and as a beach speaker for tuning in and distracting in the sand.
P.S. If you're a guitar lover like me, be prepared for conversations with other guitarists when they ask if the speaker is an amp. Teufel and Fender actually offer a guitar amp version called the ROCKSTER AIR 2. It's now on my wish list.
Beats Pill (2024)
Did you hear that Apple bought Beats? Like in 2014? Crazy, I know. So this year, Apple’s Beats redesigned and reissued the iconic Beats Pill. If you’re looking for a small Bluetooth speaker, you can’t go wrong with this tried-and-true form factor. I use mine all the time at home, as a shower speaker, and any time I need to boost the sound on my iPhone or iPad. Before getting the 2024 version, I used the discontinued Beats Pill+ for about seven years. These things last a long time. While the outgoing speaker used Lightning for charging and a USB-A output for charging other devices, the current version uses a single USB-C port for both functions. It also has the waterproofing that the previous version lacked, a handy cord for easy hand-free portability, and Find My support. I recommend it for a few days.
Native Union Voyage 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger
It's simple. It's a MagSafe/Qi 2 charging pad with an Apple Watch charger and a compact, foldable design. It's powered by a single USB-C cable and is small enough to fit in your pocket. Power adapter sold separately.
NuPhy Halo75/96 V2
When a friend introduced me to the fun and unusual keyboards from NuPhy, I couldn't help but get my hands on the blue version of the Halo75 V2 (review). Simply put, this keyboard is a light show for your Mac.
I've also spent time with the black variant of the Halo96 V2 since then. More keys and black is my preference.
Insta360 X4
This action camera is a joy to use, and it’s one of those nice-to-have-but-not-needed products that I find to be the best gifts. Check out how I used the Insta360 X4 (review) while testing an electric motorcycle this summer: 2024 Zero S Test Drive: A Fun and Sporty Transition to an Electric Motorcycle.
Oura Ring 4
Categoryed under things I haven’t used yet but am intrigued by: the new Oura Ring 4. Why I’m interested: I wear an Apple Watch and use it to track my sleep, but I like the health data and think a ring could be a good form factor. More potential if I get my hands on the hardware. At the same time, it can be an interesting gift for those who care about their health and performance.
Halo Collar 4
Not to be confused with the classic Halo 4 game, Halo Collar 4 is a smart dog training collar with activity tracking and internet connectivity. At its core, the new Halo Collar 4 is a GPS fence for your pup, allowing your dog to roam freely without being in danger. Dual-frequency GPS means real-time location tracking is as accurate as the marathon-ready Apple Watch Ultra. For serious dog tracking (and training), this is the one for you.
CarlinKit 5
Finally, you can't go wrong with the CarlinKit 5 for turning wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay. Also check out: CarlinKit Ai Box for the most powerful version that turns your screen into a smart TV.
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