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![For the Music Lover]()
Fret not, there’s still time to buy a stocking stuffer. How about a gadget to fill in the gap? We've got suggestions for everyone on your list — especially those who may not be the technology type — to get you thinking in new directions and help you finish your holiday shopping ahead of schedule this year. Have a music lover on your list who's not ready to navigate iTunes or some other music download site, let along try to figure out how to rip their CD collection and get it onto an MP3 player? Sansa has the answer with the slotRadio ($79.95, www.slotradio.com), a tiny 2-inch square that can clip onto your pocket or shirt collar or whatever. It comes complete with a memory card, preloaded with 1,000 songs.![For the Procrastinator]()
Every family has one. The procrastinator: "I don’t have time to charge my (fill in the blank: cell phone, MP3 player, Bluetooth headset, etc.). But I’ll do it tonight." And they head out the door and go dark immediately because their favorite gadget is out of juice. There are lots of quick charge devices available that use a rechargeable battery ... but then you have to remember to keep that device charged. That's why I like the Rayport ($39.99, www.rayvolution.com): You can recharge the Rayport by plugging it into the wall or your computer’s USB port, but you can also just recharge it by leaving it lying in the sun.![For the Grandparents]()
Fortunately, there are more satisfying solutions, thanks to Skype, Windows Live Messenger and other free services that let you make video phone calls from one computer to another at no cost aside from your Internet connection. You’ll need high speed broadband service at both ends — which many people already have — and a Web cam for each computer. You can get a simple camera, or a fancy one like Microsoft’s LifeCam Cinema ($79.95, www.microsoft.com/hardware). It has high-definition 720p resolution and automatic focus, and even smoothes out the image in low light conditions.![For the Poor Speller]()
My Merriam-Webster dictionary is always close by, but I’d hate to have to lug it to class or the library. Fortunately, you can find electronic alternatives that don’t even require you boot up a laptop. For example, the Advanced Dictionary and Thesaurus from Franklin ($59.95, www.franklin.com) is a dictionary the size of a pocket organizer. It's intended for junior-high through graduate students (though I know more than a few adults who would could use one).![For the Gardener]()
Do you know an amateur houseplant executioner? There are lots of gadgets that can help, such as the Easy Bloom from PlantSense ($59.95; www.easybloom.com). Just stick the cute, high-tech flower in the pot or garden bed, and it can tell you when the plant needs to be watered.Holiday Gift Guide: Digital Stocking Stuffers
Gadget stocking stuffers for everyone on your list — especially those who may not be the technology type.
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- Holiday Gift Guide: Digital Stocking Stuffers
