iPad mini

Apple's iPad mini was released last fall, and I continue to be intrigued by its portability, thin-ness, and price. It was designed to compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire, Google's Nexus 7, and Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2, but at $329, it is still the most expensive of the bunch. (The others start at $199.)

I've read a number of reviews from iPad mini owners who say they've left their big iPad behind; most recently, this review from blogger Michael Hyatt. Every device in our lives must fill an appropriate need, and I think the iPad mini would be a fine "meetings gadget." I picture it accompanying my Ecosystem Journal at the conference room table, a spot currently held by my iPhone 5. There I would be able to access my calendars, Basecamp, Evernote, and Things.

Like the iPad 2, I expect there'll come a time (soon) when an iPad mini built to these original specs will retail at $199. At that price it becomes less of a luxury item and a more reasonable complement to my analog notebook, iPhone, and MacBook Pro.

Check it out at Apple →

The Sanctuary Charging Station by Bluelounge

Last week I was pumped to learn that I won The Sanctuary charging station in the 12 Days of Bluelounge holiday contest. It can accommodate the charging needs of thousands of different devices.

I see our iPhones and my wallet landing there. I had the choice of white, black, or this dark wood — I chose the dark wood model pictured here. It looks beautiful, and I can't wait for it to arrive!

Check it out on Amazon →

Withings Smart Baby Monitor

I stumbled across this gem when looking for a WIFI-enabled video baby monitor for our little one. At $299 retail and $249 on Amazon, it's not at all inexpensive. However, for those dollars you do get a premium product. Withings is probably most known for their WIFI-connected bathroom scale (yes, it can tweet your weight) and here they've brought that same innovation to the nursery. The monitor keeps track of motion, temperature, noise, and even humidity, sending that information, as well as live audio and video, to your iOS device.

Again, there are definitely less expensive options out there, but if you're looking for the MacBook Pro of video baby monitors, here it is.

Check it out on Amazon →

Sonic Over Ear Headphones by Incase

I had seen these headphones advertised on Facebook and reviewed on some different blogs, so when they became available on Woot! for the fire sale price of $60, I snagged them. I had been wanting a pair of headphones that I could wear while using my laptop at work, but I also wanted to make sure that I spent enough money to get decent sound quality. These Sonic headphones are really terrific. I love their style, and to my novice ears, the audio quality is excellent. They also don't eliminate so much outside noise that I wouldn't notice a colleague knocking on my door or addressing me from the doorway. For the money, these Sonic Over Ear headphones really do rock.

Check them out on Amazon →

Roku 2 Streaming Player

We actually have one of the older Roku streaming player models, the HD-XR, and it's a key player in our TV watching setup. Our favorite channels are Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, but there are literally hundreds more to choose from, including Hulu Plus, Pandora, and MLB.tv.

The Roku player isn't as integrated into the Apple content ecosystem as the Apple TV, but I find it to be a more versatile option with many more streaming choices available. The Roku 2 XS even includes an enhanced remote with motion control for gaming!

Get the Roku 2 on Amazon »