Nine tech gifts that are actually useful
From the Still shopping? Our gift guide has something for everyone on your list series
Nine tech items that you and your family might actually use, from new phones to top-notch wireless headphones.
Intro
Technology can be ridiculous. Every year, companies come up with kooky, eye-catching new gadgets that no one in their right mind would actually buy. They might be fun to look at, but how many would you actually buy? Instead, we've rounded up nine tech items that you and your family might actually use, from new phones to top-notch wireless headphones.
Jabra Elite 65t wireless earbuds
Most people were left scrambling to adapt to our bold new wireless future when Apple and Android phones got rid of the beloved headphone jack. If you didn't have an iPhone, options were lackluster. In the last two years, technology has caught up quickly, and Jabra has emerged as a formidable maker of great-sounding headphones. The Jabra Elite 65t wireless earbuds, in particular, have garnered rave reviews for their compact size, simple controls, sweet sound and wide compatibility. $169.99, Amazon (Jabra)
Roku Streaming Stick+
At this point, if you're a Netflix subscriber, you probably have your smart TV setup hacked together. But if you want to add another TV, or you're tired of your wheezing old Xbox 360, Roku's Streaming Stick+ is the best choice to make your household smarter. No box required - it plugs right into your TV, and if your TV has a USB port, the Roku can probably power itself without going anywhere near that scary power strip mentioned earlier. Also, it does 4K, if you care about that. $59 on Amazon (Sarah Tew/CNET)
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a year and a half old, which in video game terms, means it's approaching obsolescence. But Nintendo knows how to entertain kids in inventive new ways: It invented an ingenious kit called the Nintendo Labo, which kids use to build stuff with cardboard that attaches to the game system. Go fishing, play the piano, drive a car, pretend to be a robot - it's all the fun of a refrigerator box combined with a healthy does of STEM. Starts at $59.99 at Amazon (Nintendo of America)
Echo Dot
Amazon brands the Echo Dot as a smart speaker, and sure, you could plop it in your kitchen and play music through its little speakers. But it'll really shine if you hook it up to your existing stereo setup. That's because it has an auxiliary jack, which you can use to turn your hi-fi into a Spotify-playing machine (and order stuff from Amazon too). $49.99, Amazon (Amazon)
Apple HomePod
It's safe to say, anyone who knows Siri has a love-hate relationship with Apple's personal assistant. In an era when Alexa can buy a load of groceries without your having to look at a screen and Google can basically read your mind, Siri is lackluster. But Apple's HomePod makes up for her shortcomings with amazing, rich sound that can fill a room. If music is your priority, snag this speaker. $349, apple.com (Tyler Lizenby/CNET/TNS)
Google Pixel 3
So you’ve decided to go with an Android cellphone, bucking the ranks of mindless Apple devotees for a little bit more flexibility. Well, if you're going to give all your personal information to Google's ad-selling machine, you might as well go right to the source for a phone that's got the latest bells and whistles: The Google Pixel 3 pairs one of the best cameras ever put on a smartphone with some seriously impressive artificial intelligence. Starts at $799, store.google.com (Google)
iPhone XR
When Apple rolled out its usual batch of iPhones this year, it was a little confusing: All the new devices have a screen that takes up the entire front of the phone, but one of the models - the iPhone XR - cost $250 less. So what’s the catch? There isn't one, unless you want a few fancy camera features. This is the iPhone to buy this year. Starts at $749, apple.com (Apple)
HP Sprocket
OK, this one might not be a necessity, but in the age of the Instagram/Snapchat story, there's still something profoundly satisfying about holding a printed photo in your hand. The HP Sprocket photo printer can spit out 2-by-3-inch pictures on the spot, and it comes in cool colors too. Stick it in your pocket or your bag, and you'll be the life of the party. $129.99 at Amazon. (HP)
Anker PowerPort II
Everyone has that one power strip in their bedroom or under their desk: a cluster of chargers with a wild tangle of fraying cables. You can reclaim your outlet space and your sanity by getting a combo charger like the Anker PowerPort II series. The highly regarded accessory-maker offers wall chargers with between one and four USB ports, including the option of a USB-C port that can charge your laptop. Starts at $10.99, Amazon (Anker)
Deadlines for getting your gifts in time for Christmas are here. Whether you're shopping for a child, grandparent, foodie, tech-lover or anyon…