MediaG’s Favorite Gadget List of 2015

Were you lucky enough to receive one of the best-tech gifts of 2015?

What makes a gadget great? Sheer popularity? Sales? Celebrity endorsement? Or usability and practicality?

Here are MediaG’s top 10 gadgets for 2015. Some may come as no surprise, and others you might have never heard about before. The good news? None of these gadgets are ridiculously expensive; we handpicked them because we think these gadgets will make your life easier, more convenient and fun.

Isn’t that the point of technology anyways?

Let’s start with #10.

10. The Apple Watch

The Apple Watch has been available for a little less than a year, but already there are deals on this wearable gadget. This iPhone-compatible smartwatch ranges from $250 to $400 and features Wi-Fi connectivity, Siri capability, email and even a comprehensive fitness tracker. And, yes, of course, it still tells you the time. Why buy the Apple Watch? Well, if you are tired of holding onto your large or extra-large iPhone, having a simplified version on your wrist may be the next best thing. And, the Apple Watch offers custom watch faces, so personalizing this gadget can be a lot of fun, too.

9. Samsung Gear VR Goggles

You can’t put this gadget in your pocket or around your wrist. This gadget requires you to strap it to your face. Although there’s no cord and it’s relatively lightweight, it may not sound too enticing for some. However, it’s the only way to experience video games and watch movies –21st century style. This gadget works like an accessory as one can turn one of four different Samsung phones into a mobile virtual reality. The price is great too – about $99.

Unfortunately, for the masses, consumers still aren’t too clear on what virtual reality is, and how it works. But ask a gamer or check out online reviews, and you’ll be convinced that this is technology to at least try. For example, CNET says it’s “the best virtual reality gadget you can buy now.” Want to swim with sharks? Want to feel like you are in the game that you’re playing? For a relatively small investment, you can feel like you’re there.

8. GoPro Hero4 Session Camera

Sometimes, smaller is better. The Hero4 Session is the name of the revolutionary GoPro camera – 50% smaller and 40% lighter than other Hero4 Cameras. Why go with a GoPro? Well, because it automatically powers off when you’re not recording, can record up to two hours continuously on a full charge, and can be mounted and adjusted in many ways. Want to catch your kids’ faces on their first rollercoaster ride? Want to capture that view when you’re riding high on that wave at Myrtle Beach? How about that challenging, rock strewn mountain-bike path? The tiny GoPro Hero4 can capture it all, and for under $200.

7. Epson ET-2550 EcoTank Printer

It’s a must having a printer at home nowadays to handle those small printing jobs. One frequent annoyance is the expensive ink cartridges that seem to need to be refilled at the most inopportune times. Epson’s new EcoTank printer has a higher price tag ($400) than most light-duty printers, but it’s economical in the way that it includes much more ink, and its replacement ink is priced low – under $13. What’s great is that you can print up to 6,500 pages and with one ink tank. Besides its eco-friendliness, the EcoTank can print, copy, and scan. PC Magazine says that it’s “above par for an inkjet, with above-average text and photos.”

6. Stryker Camera Spy Drone

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, are autonomously controlled, and the big expensive ones, of course, are used for military surveillance purposes. Drones became very popular in 2015; especially those that cost under $100. For people who want to get in on the drone fun, but don’t want to spend a lot, we recommend the Stryker 2.4 GHz RC Camera Spy Drone. Amazon has it available for just under $70. Rated for children 12 and up, the Stryker explores and records by taking up to 50,000 photos or recording 30 minutes of video footage. Who knows – if Fido goes missing, this gadget may come in handy!

5. Mrice E300 Earbuds

If you are tired of using poorly constructed earphones to listen to music or videos, but do not want to spend any more money on this kind of technology staple, we recommend the Mrice earbuds. Made in China, these earbuds received hundreds of positive reviews on Reddit and then made Wired Magazine’s review of one of the best earphones available. For $15, Mrice’s earbuds “outperform some name brand models costing ten times as much.”

4. Windows 10

Like most updates, Microsoft removed the worst bits of Windows 8, brought back what we liked about Windows 7 and added some cool new features. What’s great is that Windows 10 is free for most Windows 7 and 8 users. CNET.com calls it’s a “Goldilocks version” because it offers the familiar dependability of Windows 7 and the touchscreen convenience of Windows 8. Internet Explorer, its default internet platform is called Edge and a new virtual assistant named, Cortana, is Microsoft’s new Siri-like assistant. Windows has certainly grown up, and if you weren’t a Windows fan, you may want to experience 10.

3. Sony KDL-40R510C LED TV

The midsize, full HD Sony Television has gotten a lot of raves in 2015. Tested by the TV experts, this set was rated 93% better than the televisions tested and was rated better than 100% of the televisions tested under $500. Considered an entry level model, Sony didn’t cut corners in style and materials. This model includes two USB 2.0 ports, a hybrid audio and headphones jack, a LAN connection, digital audio out and other cable/antenna connections.

2. FitBit Surge

How many fitness features can they jam into a thin, lightweight wearable? Enough to make people go crazy for it. Surge’s GPS tracking delivers metrics on your distance, pace, elevation climbed, and provides continuous heart rate info. You can also keep track of your workouts and review them with workout summaries, including steps, distance, calories burned, and more.

Sure, this isn’t FitBit’s first product, but they have improved their fitness tracker to look more stylish and be even more comfortable. Weighing less than three ounces, the new Surge is water resistant but not waterproof. Though you can get it dirty and sweaty, make sure you remove it before jumping into the shower or pool. The Surg is on the pricier side for fitness trackers (retails for $249), but we tried virtually all of them, and this one gets our vote.

1. Dell’s new Windows Laptop – Dell XPS 13

Couldn’t we all use a new laptop? According to Gizmodo.com, Dell’s new Windows laptop “isn’t perfect,” it’s “freaking incredible.” Consumers are raving about Dell’s new laptop because it looks like a MacBook Air, it’s so thin and lightweight, but it’s much less expensive. For $800, this Dell offers the cool, modern, ultra-thin style of a MacBook air and runs an Intel Core i5 processor with up to 8 GB of memory. The keyboard is responsive; the touchpad is precise; and the 13-inch 1080 pixel screen reduces glare. “The whole laptop feels finely crafted in a way that MacBook competitors have rarely ever managed” according to Gizmodo.com. Now that’s a laptop to beat.

So there you have it — our favorite gadgets of 2015. Do you have a favorite? Drop us a line and tell us about it. We’d love to hear from you!

Sources:
10. http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/wearables/apple-watch-1264567/review#best-price-article-top
9. http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-gear-vr-2015/
8. http://www.cnet.com/products/gopro-hero4-session/#!
7. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2493477,00.asp
6. http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2015/1213/Where-to-buy-this-year-s-most-Googled-gifts-for-less
5. http://www.wired.com/2015/06/mrice-e300/
4. http://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-windows-10/
3. http://televisions.reviewed.com/content/sony-kdl-40r510c-led-tv-review
2. https://www.bestfitbit.com/fitbit-surge-review.html
1. http://gizmodo.com/dell-xps-13-review-2015-the-windows-laptop-to-beat-1681976712