Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/99887
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Editor Gadgets & Gifts 2012, Part II Keep the Gadget Giving Going… Last Minute Tech Ideas for the Holidays I n the December issue (www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com/10823599), I wrote about more than a dozen tech gadgets that would make great presents or stocking stufers. Tey ranged from high-end audio devices to smart phone and tablet cases, remote controlled cars and even a mobile device-enabled bar-b-que controller. Tere was even the decidedly non-tech, but tasty, gourmet designer marshmallows. Yes, that's a prety wide range of gifs ideas, with some geared much more for play than for any kind of work. But that's just fne with me. Te only problem - there's just never enough room for me to showcase all of the things that have caught my eye. I just can't get enough tech! Fortunately, as the editor, I've found a way to remedy that situa- tion. How? By continuing the gif Isaac is the Editor for CPA Practice Advisor, having joined the publication in September 2002. Trough his experience in the areas of consumer and professionallevel sofware and peripherals, as well as knowledge of the public accounting feld, he provides reviews of technologies used by accountants and their business clients as well as contributing a regular column that provides helpful information that ranges fom improving search techniques to when to upgrade a computer to computing security issues. He can be reached at isaac. obannon@cpapracticeadvisor.com. guide into this January issue which, conveniently, prints and goes online about two weeks before the end of the year… just in time for some last minute ideas. From everyone at CPA Practice Advisor, a toast to holidays of family cheer and a New Year of health and prosperity! TIPS & TRICKS ELEGANT ACCESSORIES FOR THE FASHIONABLE TECHIE GET YOUR BLACKBERRY FIX IN TABLET FORMAT If you don't have a tablet yet, you don't know what you're missing. Te best news is, the pricing has come down on even trusted brands like the BlackBerry Playbook. The PlayBook has an awesome highresolution touch screen for perfect ga m i ng a nd mov ies, dua l-side cameras for video calls, up to 64GB of memory, built-in wi-f, optional 4G data connectivity and Bluetooth support. Unlike the iPad, it also fully supports Flash for the tons of games and work apps that are available. Te 7" tablet is lightweight and light on the pocketbook, and even comes with a free case. (http://us.blackberry.com/playbook-tablet; From $149. Also at major retailers.) SMARTER, SIMPLER SODA… MAKE IT AT HOME If you love soda and sparkling water, but have a distaste for the increasing prices and potential new soda taxes, check out the SodaStream. The almost magical devices lets you turn ordinary water into carbonated water in 30 seconds, and has more than 60 available favors that rival and even beat the leading regular and diet brands. With dishwashersafe bottles, the SodaStream can also help reduce the waste involved with cans and plastic containers. It's av a i lable i n severa l st y les for matching home décor and quantity. (www.sodastreamusa.com; Starting at $79.95) For t he m a n o f s t y l e a nd t e c h nology, these Ravi R atan USB cuff links may just be t he per fec t f it. Available in numerous st yles a nd meta ls for every taste, each cuf link includes a 2GB or 4GB USB fash drive, providing the gentleman with the convenience of mobile technology storage, but as a stylish accessory. (www.Cuff Links.com; www.RaviRatan.com; From $100.) KEEP YOUR IPAD COZY, COMFORTABLE AND FASHIONABLE iPad and tablet cases don't have to be boring. As evidence, I present Art Bird Cozy Sleeves, a collection of unique and artful cases in styles that i nclude bi rd d e s i g n s (o f course), as well as fowers, retro phones, travel t hemes, collages and others. A ll of the cases are made with thick neoprene lining with cozy coton fannel that will make your iPad or tablet the most comfortable and best-dressed, while sporting the awesome, retrostyle art. Fits all iPad models and most other tablets. (www.ArtBird. com; From $29.95) KEEP YOUR IPAD AND KEYBOARD TOGETHER If your iPad is becoming almost a replacement for your computer, then you've probably added the wireless Apple Bluetooth keyboard for better functionality. January 2013 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com 11