5 absolute last-minute gifts for Apple lovers on your list

Dave Greenbaum — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:47:25 +0000

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of disappointment ran through your head because you waited until the very very last minute to buy gifts. Hanukkah observers still have a few more days, but probably not enough time to get something shipped. Here’s a list of great last-minute gifts you can still buy at this late hour, and most even allow you to print an attractive card or certificate.

1. iTunes gift certificates and apps. If you have an app, TV show, or songs you’d like to share, you can quickly and easily gift them to someone right from iTunes. Generic iTunes gift certificates are available in amounts of $10 to $50 in $10 increments if you’re not sure of a person’s exact tastes.

2. Online backup. Nothing says “I love you” like the gift of preventing data loss. If someone you’re buying for hasn’t developed an onsite backup strategy, you can both give a gift and do a good deed. Both CrashPlan and Backblaze (two of my favorite online backup services) offer gift subscriptions for $50. Sure, it isn’t a very fun gift, but it’s practical, and when a recipient accidentally lose a file, they’ll hopefully remember how you helped them.

3. Audible. I’ve been an Audible fan for a very long time. Someone who has a long commute to work will appreciate the wide variety of books that they can listen to via the service. You can give an individual book (the geek on your list will love “Ready, Player One” narrated by Wil Wheaton) or give a monthly subscription that allows for multiple purchases. Three month subscriptions start at $45.

4. Pandora One. For the audiophile who loves their custom stations and playlists but winces when they hear an ad, how about a gift subscription to Pandora? No more pink cupcakes. I’d suggest Spotify, but gift subscriptions aren’t available in the U.S. yet. Coal in that company’s stocking for sure.

5. Hulu+ or Netflix. If the hard-to-shop-for person on your list loves TV or movies, a gift subscription of Hulu+ or Netflix will allow for streaming of video content to their iPad, iPhone, and desktop. Unfortunately Hulu+ doesn’t work directly on the Apple TV, so Netflix would be a better choice for users of that device. Both products have gift subscriptions that start at $7.99, and both give you a choice of attractive gift certificates to print at home.

There you have it. You didn’t procrastinate, you were simply waiting for the perfect gift, and now you have a great list. Happy holidays and next time, plan ahead!

Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.

Apple Store Gets A Facelift

Matt Radel — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:50:06 +0000

Apple launched a revamped online store on Wednesday, giving it a refreshed look and just the polish it deserves. Product categorization is greatly improved, making it much easier to visually make connections between products and accessories. More emphasis is being put on new and top selling products (taking a cue from Amazon perhaps?), and alot of the tabs and buttons got really big. Navigation has also greatly improved, with an obvious breadcrumb trail at the top of each page.

But overall the store just looks and feels rock solid. It’s big, beautiful and welcoming. I’ve always had issues with the organization (or seemingly lack thereof) and aesthetic of the online store in the past, and have cited it as the weakest part of the Apple online experience. It’s nice to finally see Apple rectify that and make a place where I want to shop even more.

Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.

GigaOM » Apple

5 absolute last-minute gifts for Apple lovers on your list

Apple Store Gets A Facelift