Ten essential gifts for the Mac, iPhone and iPad user in your life
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10:59AM Tweet 
It's that time of year again where geese continue to overindulge and shopping turns into an ordeal akin to trench warfare. In an attempt to make this year's gift purchasing that little bit easier, I present you with my top ten gifts for the Mac, iPhone and iPad user in your life. This, of course, could well be you. If that's the case and you don't have the funds to splurge on everything I've mentioned here, I suggest sharing a link to this post with anyone you think may be planning on buying you a present. For the less technologically-inclined folk like parents or partners built in the 60s and 70s, there's even a link on this page that allows you to print out the post so you can casually leave it around the house, stick it to the fridge or blow it up to poster size and frame it.
1. iWork
I regularly write tutorials for MacFormat magazine covering all of the iWork apps which provides me with a constant reminder of how good this package is. Comprising Pages, Numbers and Keynote for word processing and page layout, spreadsheets and presentations, iWork isn't a new suite of apps but has been updated recently and offers such a refreshing change to Microsoft Office. With the recent launch of iCloud, you can even share iWork documents between all your devices (albeit in a pretty odd way for now) and there'll be more cloud-based features coming soon, I'm sure. I also recently saw a Windows advert that showcased exactly the kind of hideous, clip-art-esque horror that comes from productivity packages built without a single care for the final look of the documents you create. iWork avoids all this while still offering power and functionality.
2. AppleTV
Again, not a new device but one I can't live without. For just £99, the AppleTV not only allows you to rent movies, browse YouTube and stream all of your iTunes media to your TV, but it can turn any speaker or television in your home into an AirPlay device with a simple audio or HDMI connection. This means you can stream music to any room in your home without having to fork out for an expensive solution like Sonos. If you consider that most AirPlay-enabled speakers cost more than two hundred pounds, an AppleTV can be a cost-effective solution when creating a wireless home.
3. JBL On Air Speaker Dock
Ignoring completely what I said above regarding the AppleTV, if you want a sexy looking and great sounding AirPlay speaker for your home, you can't go far wrong with this expensive yet downright brilliant wireless option.
JBL On Air Speaker Dock - £299
4. The iPad for Photographers
Oh come on, it's Christmas. Let me plug one of my own products! If you're into photography and own an iPad or you know someone who fits that criteria, this book makes a great gift. Completely updated for the iPad 2, The iPad for Photographers is one of three books I've written this year and will help out any iOS-based photographer from beginner to pro.
The iPad for Photographers by Ben Harvell - £9.99
5. iPhone 4S
The best piece of kit I've bought this year by far. While Siri might be the most talked about feature, I love the updates to the camera and the ability to dictate text messages and emails. The iPhone 4S is a pricey gift but one that anyone will appreciate. UK users might find Siri a bit of a letdown until it can actually answer questions relating to their location but I'm assured that's coming soon, likely early 2012.
6. I-Helicopter
Last year I included the more expensive Parrot AR Drone in my list but this year I've chosen a cheaper iPhone-controlled helicopter. The I-Helicopter can be controlled using the iPhone or iPad's accelerometer or via touch and is sure to wow friends and family this Christmas.
7. iPod nano/watch strap
This one is for the über-geeks. Wearing the new iPod nano on your wrist is now a possibility with a range of straps and new clock faces available. I've been wearing mine this year and, despite having to push a button to view the time, have found it a very convenient solution. In fact, a girl in the supermarket recently validated the status of my wrist adornment with the phrase: "Oh, that's cool. Your iPod is on your wrist."
8. MacBook Air
Making the list for the second year, I can't find fault with the new MacBook Air. With meatier processors, Thunderbolt connection and the much revered back-lit keyboard, the eleven or thirteen inch models are the height of portability and ideal for those who work on the move. This is the second best piece of kit I bought this year.
9. Monster Beats by Dre Studio headphones
Not only does the namesake of these cans lend a high level of cool by association, they also look and sound great. Audio quality isn't something to scrimp on when it comes to headphones and these are a superb option. They may cost as much as Dr Dre gets paid per minute, but if they help you make music as good as his, they might just be worth it. If not, at least you can guarantee that the music you're listening to sounds as good as it possibly can.
Monster Beats by Dr. Dre - £279
10. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
No true Apple fan should be without this exclusive biography that serves as a fascinating insight and lasting memory to the man behind Apple. I'm half way through the book and am looking forward to finishing it over the holiday period. Think what you want about the man and his ways, but I think we can all agree that his life and legacy is one that should be celebrated.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - £25
Reader Comments (3)
And, if you've already got your iPad, and you're into cameras so you've bough Ben's ace book (item 4) you'll definitely love Photographer's i Magazine – just launched by the same team that published his book. Check it out (and it's only £1.49 for the full length first issue).
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