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Best gifts for tech geeks

Gifts For Tech Geeks
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Believe it or not, the holidays are only days away. And that means it’s time to start checking people off your gift list. Often the most difficult person to buy for, however, is the one who seemingly already has all the major gadgets covered. But with this handy list of the best geeky gifts, you’ll have the favorite techie in your life taken care of in no time.

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Root-iPad-2-caseRoot iPad 2 case ($79)

By most accounts, Apple’s iPad 2 tablet is one of the most beautiful gadgets around. Make it look even better with the Walnut iPad 2 case from Root. Constructed from North American walnut wood, this book-like case will keep the device protected in style. The case’s cover stays shut with some strategically placed magnets. When flipped open, the case turns into the perfect stand for watching movies and web videos.

AViiQ-portable-charging-stationAViiQ portable charging station ($80)

One problem with the dizzying array of portable gadgets many tech geeks carry around these days is keeping the dang things charged up. Change all that with the Portable Charging Station from AViiQ, an easy-to-carry battery pack that can charge up to four devices at once via USB ports. A retractable USB cable also allows users to sync connected devices to their PC. The Portable Charging Station is made to keep all the cords organized, and comes with a zip-up bag for easy toting.

Adafruit-ARDX-Experimentation-kit-for-ArduinoAdafruit ARDX Experimentation kit for Arduino ($85)

The hottest thing in cyber-geekdom these days is do-it-yourself electronics projects. At the heart of many of these self-made gizmos is the Arduino open-source microcontroller. To get your budding electronics hobbyist going, pick up the Arduino Experimentation Kit from Adafruit, which includes an Arduino (Uno) microcontroller, and all the necessary accessories to build 11 different projects, along with an experimenter’s guidebook. This gift could keep a super-geek entertained for years.

Cyber-Tool-34-Swiss-Army-KnifeCyber Tool 34 Engraved Swiss Army Knife ($89)

As any techie will tell you, we are constantly fixing things, either for ourselves or our less technically-inclined loved-ones. Help the tech geek in your life get the job done every time with the Cyber Tool 34 Swiss Army Knife. In addition to various sized knives, the Cyber Tool 34 also includes a wire stripper, pliers and a screwdriver with interchangeable bits to take apart any computer or gadget that breaks down over the holidays. To make this gift truly supreme, have your giftee’s name engraved on the blade – do so and this will quickly become his or her favorite thing in the world.

Capture-Camera-ClipCapture Camera Clip ($79)

Even inexpensive DSLR cameras can make the casual photographer feel like a pro. The only downside is their giant bulky bodies, which can make lugging one around on vacation a bit of a drag. With the Capture Camera Clip from Peak Design however, your DSLR (or any camera with a tripod mount) is safely stowed away on a convenient clip that fits on a belt or backpack strap. This frees up the user’s hands while still keeping the camera at his or her fingertips for quick picture-snapping action.

 

Netgear-Universal-Wi-Fi-Range-ExtenderNetgear Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender ($90)

Nearly every popular device these days – from smartphones to game consoles – can connect to Wi-Fi wireless Internet. But a weak Wi-Fi signal can put a damper on all the fun. Help the tech geek in your life avoid a dropped signal from anywhere in the house with the Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender from Netgear. This easy-to-set-up gadget simply plugs into to any b/g/n router, and pumps out a super-strong 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal up to 150 feet away. Sure, it might not be the most exciting gadget ever invented – but for anyone who relies on their Wi-Fi as much as we do, it is one of the most useful.

Gear-TiesGear Ties ($6 for 2)

If there’s one thing techies have enough of already, its cords. Help keep the infuriating tangles to a minimum with the re-usable Gear Ties. Made from a strong, bendable wire and a durable rubber casing, Gear Ties can bend and twist into whatever shape’s needed for the job. If all the cables and power cords are in order, a Gear Tie can even be bent to become a stand for a tablet or smartphone. Gear Ties are waterproof, UV resistant, and come in a variety of colors.

Blurb-Instagram-BookBlurb Instagram Book ($11)

Bring your favorite techie’s digital life back into the real world with a custom-made book from Blurb that features all his or her favorite photos take with the ever-popular Instagram photo-sharing app. The 7-inch-by-7-inch book starts at just $11 for a 20-page edition, and can be customized with a variety of layouts. Photos are automatically upgraded to a maximum resolution, making sure they look good on the printed page. Of course, you’ll have to coyly get access to your giftee’s Instagram log-in details – which, we admit, might be a little tricky, but pulling it off will help make this analog present even more of a surprise.

Aiaiai-Tracks-headphones-with-micAiaiai Tracks headphones with mic ($84)

Nobody can ever have too many headphones – especially when the newest addition to the collection is the Aiaiai Tracks headphones with mic. Sporting sleek, modern design, superior sound quality, a comfortable fit and a cord that wont’ tangle the second you look at it funny, this model of the Tracks headphones also include a mic for stylish, hands-free calling. Based on our tests, these are some of the best headphones you can buy for under $100. The Tracks headphones are available in silver, black, blue and sand. Check out our Aiaiai Tracks Review.

Rocketfish-PadPivotRocketfish PadPivot stands ($40)

Tablets, smartphones and e-readers are incredibly useful devices, but they have a major downside: You have to hold them, constantly. The PadPivot from Rocketfish changes all that. Compatible with “most” tablets (including the iPad and iPad 2), as well as many e-readers and even most smartphones, the PadPivot makes it easy to balance the device of choice on a table, leg or while lying down. And it can even fold down small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
EVs top gas cars in German reliability report — but one weak spot won’t quit
future electric cars 2021 volkswagen id4 official 32

Electric vehicles are quietly crushing old stereotypes about being delicate or unreliable, and the data now backs it up in a big way. According to Germany’s ADAC — Europe’s largest roadside assistance provider — EVs are actually more reliable than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. And this isn’t just a small study — it’s based on a staggering 3.6 million breakdowns in 2024 alone.
For cars registered between 2020 and 2022, EVs averaged just 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, while ICE cars saw more than double that, at 10.4 per 1,000. Even with more EVs hitting the road, they only accounted for 1.2% of total breakdowns — a big win for the battery-powered crowd.
Among standout performers, some cars delivered exceptionally low breakdown rates. The Audi A4 clocked in at just 0.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles for 2022 models, with Tesla’s Model 3 right behind at 0.5. The Volkswagen ID.4, another popular EV, also impressed with a rate of 1.0 – as did the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at 1.3. On the flip side, there were some major outliers: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 showed a surprisingly high 22.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles for its 2022 models, while the hybrid Toyota RAV4 posted 18.4.
Interestingly, the most common issue for both EVs and ICE vehicles was exactly the same: the humble 12-volt battery. Despite all the futuristic tech in EVs, it’s this old-school component that causes 50% of all EV breakdowns, and 45% for gas-powered cars. Meanwhile, EVs shine in categories like engine management and electrical systems — areas where traditional engines are more complex and failure-prone.
But EVs aren’t completely flawless. They had a slightly higher rate of tire-related issues — 1.3 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles compared to 0.9 for ICE cars. That could be due to their heavier weight and high torque, which can accelerate tire wear. Still, this trend is fading in newer EVs as tire tech and vehicle calibration improve.
Now, zooming out beyond Germany: a 2024 Consumer Reports study in the U.S. painted a different picture. It found that EVs, especially newer models, had more reliability issues than gas cars, citing tech glitches and inconsistent build quality. But it’s worth noting that the American data focused more on owner-reported problems, not just roadside breakdowns.
So, while the long-term story is still developing, especially for older EVs, Germany’s data suggests that when it comes to simply keeping you on the road, EVs are pulling ahead — quietly, efficiently, and with far fewer breakdowns than you might expect.

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You can now lease a Hyundai EV on Amazon—and snag that $7,500 tax credit
amazon autos hyundai evs lease ioniq 6 n line seoul mobility show 2025 mk08

Amazon has changed how we shop for just about everything—from books to furniture to groceries. Now, it’s transforming the way we lease cars. Through Amazon Autos, you can now lease a brand-new Hyundai entirely online—and even better, you’ll qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit if you choose an electric model like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, or Kona EV.
Here’s why that matters: As of January 2025, Hyundai’s EVs no longer qualify for the tax credit if you buy them outright, due to strict federal rules about battery sourcing and final assembly. But when you lease, the vehicle is technically owned by the leasing company (Hyundai Capital), which allows it to be classified as a “commercial vehicle” under U.S. tax law—making it eligible for the credit. That savings is typically passed on to you in the form of lower lease payments.
With Amazon’s new setup, you can browse Hyundai’s EV inventory, secure financing, trade in your current vehicle, and schedule a pickup—all without leaving the Amazon ecosystem.
It’s available in 68 markets across the U.S., and pricing is fully transparent—no hidden fees or haggling. While Hyundai is so far the only automaker fully participating, more are expected to join over time.
Pioneered by the likes of Tesla, purchasing or leasing vehicles online has been a growing trend since the Covid pandemic.
A 2024 study by iVendi found that 74% of car buyers expect to use some form of online process for their next purchase. In fact, 75% said online buying met or exceeded expectations, with convenience and access to information cited as top reasons. The 2024 EY Mobility Consumer Index echoed this trend, reporting that 25% of consumers now plan to buy their next vehicle online—up from 18% in 2021. Even among those who still prefer to finalize the purchase at a dealership, 87% use online tools for research beforehand.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals that while 86% of U.S. consumers still want to test-drive a vehicle in person, digital tools are now a critical part of the buying journey.
Bottom line? Amazon is making it easier than ever to lease an EV and claim that tax credit—without the dealership hassle. If you're ready to plug in, it might be time to add to cart.

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Humanoid robots race against humans at unique half-marathon in China
A humanoid robot running in a half marathon.

You may have seen robots dancing like the music icon Mick Jagger, doing parkour, or even painting on a canvas. Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is eagerly anticipated, while Google and Meta are also planning to enter the field. The competition in the East, however, is on a different level altogether.

China just put humanoid robots to the test in the world’s first race of its kind, where they ran alongside humans in a half-marathon. A total of 21 robots lined up for the event in the Yizhuang half-marathon, following a long spell of supervised learning on roads. 

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