According to DigitalTrends.com, this year’s best high tech gifts are the: iPod Nano, HP Mini 311, Kindle DX, Barnes & Noble Nook, Samsung TL 225 Camera, Toshiba Regza SV670 Series 400, Motorola Droid, Dell Adamo, PS3 Slim and the Apple iPhone. We hope that you will receive at least one of these And if you did, in this post, we look at some interesting ways you can gain more value from some of these shiny new gadgets.

As you may know, at IOGEAR, many of our products are designed to give you increased value on products you already own; so we spend a great deal of time thinking about how our products can help you enjoy daily life. We hope these tips provide you with ideas to create more fun and value from your gifts.

Wireless Audio / Video Kit

With this award winning device, you can take your Netbook or Laptop, combined with your HDTV and connect wirelessly from up to 30 feet! So go ahead and take that Dell Adamo or HP Mini and connect wirelessly to your new Toshiba Regza, and not only will you amaze with the latest in wireless technology, but you will be able to blur the lines between home office and entertainment. After all, work is supposed to be fun right?

12-in-1 Pocket Card Reader/Writer

Whether you get that nice new Samsung TL 225 or any other digital camera, you will need an easy way to get your photos and video onto your computer. Most cameras come with their own cable to do this, but it may not always be convenient to carry yet another cable, plus, you can also transfer files from your cellphone, smart phone (such as the Droid) and mp3 player as well with this handy little device.

2-Port USB DVI-D Cable KVM with Audio and Mic

If you have a desktop, but now have added a Netbook and/or Laptop to your collection, you will appreciate the ability to use the same monitor, mouse, keyboard and speaker for both devices simultaneously! Don’t let your nice desktop setup go to waste because you’ve fallen in love with your new Dell Adamo Have the best of both worlds with this KVM.

USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer

Ah, you just added a new Laptop or Netbook to your family of computers, you may even be at the point where you now have multiple Laptops and Netbooks. Well, this little device is a time saver indeed! It allows you to easily switch and transfer files between two computers. We even made the setup easy with Plug & Play and no need for extra cables.

Long Range Wireless Keyboard/Trackball all-in-one

Every new computer deserves a high quality keyboard (your fingers will thank you). Think about how much time you will spend typing in front of your computer; why not make that experience enjoyable? This particular keyboard is slim, ergonomic, wireless and includes a laser trackball. You can use it with your new Laptop, Desktop or Home Theater PC.

Gear Power – Portable Battery for Mobile Devices

Battery power is the nectar of the gods to the tech geek. Electricity is one of those things you can never get enough of, no matter the device. At only $19.95 and in a ultra-slim form factor you may as well pick up several of these. That way, when your battery dies just as you are jammin’ to your favorite song … you can continue to rock on!

What does Santa have in his bag for you this holiday season? Please share some of the tech gifts you receive this holiday season and how you plan to give those gifts a boost in the comments below, on Facebook or via Twitter. Happy Holidays!

With the holiday shopping season here, we want to celebrate the spirit of giving by offering prizes every day from December 12 until December 23, 2009. Anyone who becomes a fan of our Facebook page or is already a fan is eligible. It’s that simple!

Each day winners will be randomly selected from the then current list of IOGEAR Facebook fans and announced on Facebook the following business day. Winners will be announced starting December 14, 2009.

Make sure to take some time and review the contest rules.

Here is a list of the prizes we will give away each day (1 prize per person):

• 12/12/09 – Day 1, 12 Winners
  • JuiceMeter™ – Portable Battery Tester
• 12/13/09 – Day 2, 11 Winners
  • 12-in-1 Pocket Card Reader/Writer
• 12/14/09 – Day 3, 10 Winners
  • 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub
• 12/15/09 – Day 4, 9 Winners
  • 3-Port USB 2.0 Mobile Hub
• 12/16/09 – Day 5, 8 Winners
  • 9.8ft HDMI v.1.3c CAT-2 Series 1000 Cable
• 12/17/09 – Day 6, 7 Winners
  • GearJuice™- Rescue Charger
• 12/18/09 – Day 7, 6 Winners
  • USB Optical Mini Mouse, 800 dpi
• 12/19/09 – Day 8, 5 Winners
  • Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter
• 12/20/09 – Day 9, 4 Winners
  • MiniView™ Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with Audio and Cables
• 12/21/09 – Day 10, 3 Winners
  • 2.4GHz Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel
• 12/22/09 – Day 11, 2 Winners
  • USB 2.0 External DVI Video Card
• 12/23/09 – Day 12, 1 Winner
  • Wireless Audio/Video Kit

What are you waiting for? All you need to do is join us on Facebook today!

During the holidays, it’s a time of reunion and celebration and many gifts will exchange hands. It can be very tough to find that perfect gift for the special people in your life. At IOGEAR, we have put together some gift ideas to help you find that perfect gift for your mom, dad, siblings, co-workers, boss and friends.

Before we get into the ideas, here is one bit of exciting news; be sure to check back on Friday, December 11 at this blog for an exciting giveaway!

For Mother

Bluetooth Stereo Headphones – $69.95



Especially suited for mothers on the go, this device allows her to enjoy music stored on Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, mp3 players and a host of other audio sources wirelessly within a 33-foot range.

Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit – $49.99

Does mom drive often? This device, which mounts on a visor in the car, will help her keep safe while obeying cell phone laws with the freedom to wirelessly place and receive calls.

56-in-1 Memory Card Reader/Writer – $19.95

Does mom take lots of digital photos of her loved ones? This device will make sure she can easily save those photos onto her PC or Mac. With support for all major memory card formats, you can feel safe that her media is supported.

For Dad

Wireless Audio / Video Kit – $299.95

If dad loves his entertainment center and computer with equal love, then with this device he will be in heaven! The Wireless A/V Kit allows dad to connect his PC to a HDTV wirelessly to stream videos, movies and music, all from the comfort of his couch.

4-Port USB Net ShareStation – $99.95



This device allows you to share up to 4 USB devices over a wireless network, a perfect solution for a dad who does not mind sharing their USB devices with the rest of the family. Dad will be extra excited as it does not involve physically moving those devices from computer to computer.

USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer – $49.95

So dad now has a new Netbook or Laptop, but how will he easily transfer files to his desktop home or work PC? The USB Laptop KVM Switch is the answer! This device even has an extra USB port that can be used to attach an external hard drive.

For Your Siblings

Powerline Stereo Audio System – $444.95

Does a multi-room audio home system that is truly DIY sound appealing? Well your sibling may think so! This device allows you to connect an iPod or other audio source and listen anywhere in the home that has a power outlet.

Portable Media Server Player – $349.95

If your sibling is a media-phile, then they must own this device. With storage of up to 34,000 digital photos, 30,000 songs (mp3) and 50 hours of DVD quality video, this device is a media lover’s portable jukebox!

Turbo Powerline Networking Kit – $149.95



Your sibling owns an Xbox 360, Blu-ray Player or Sony Playstation 3, and now they may have discovered that to connect those devices to the Internet, they will need to buy a WiFi adaptor or run an Ethernet cable from the router all the way to the device … not very attractive. This device allows you to use your power outlet as a Ethernet port! No more Ethernet wires running across the living room floor.

For Your Co-Workers

Pocket Card Reader – $7.95

Give your co-worker the gift of being able to take their media with them in their pocket with support for a PC or Mac. They will be able transfer pictures, data and music at USB 2.0 speeds from a device that easily slips into their pocket.

GearPower – Rescue Charger – $9.95

We’ve all experienced the dreaded dead cell phone battery predicament, and usually at the worst times. Save your co-worker from the stress that entails with this convenient rescue charger.

Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter – $22.99

Not all computers come with Bluetooth support, but there exists many useful Bluetooth devices. Allow your co-worker to take advantage, whether it is with a PC or Mac with this tiny unobtrusive device.

For Your Boss

Wireless USB to VGA Kit – $229.95

Your boss is on the road about to give a presentation. She plugs one end of this device into her computer, and the other end into the projector or TV. She then wirelessly transmits her Power Point onto the screen. The client is amazed, the boss smiles and perhaps you have just earned a raise.

Mobile Digital Scribe – $99.95

Allow your boss to reach another level of productivity with the mobile digital scribe. He can take his notes on ordinary paper and then transfer to his PC to store those notes in a digital format.

Wi-Fi Finder – $12.95

Internet access is perhaps the lifeblood of business today. Make it easy for your boss to find out whether a hot spot is nearby without needing to boot up her netbook.

For Your Friends

2.4GHz Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel – $99.95



If your friend has a computer, then he uses a keyboard, but probably the stock keyboard that came with the computer. Upgrade his life with this next level keyboard that sports a built in laser trackball and scroll wheel.

Bluetooth (R) Wireless Stereo Headphones with Built-in Mic – $37.95

Give your friend the gift of wireless audio, and witness her doing the robot without getting entangled in a mess of wires. Whether it is a computer, PDA or MP3 player, this device allows 33 feet of wireless freedom.

GearPower – Portable Battery for Mobile Devices – $19.95



When we need it most, it is not there. Of course, I’m talking about battery power! Don’t let your friend venture out into the world without the necessary power to keep all of his gadgets running. With 5 connectors, your friend can be the MacGyver of batter power!

Please take the time and share some of your gift ideas for this holiday season in the comments below, on Facebook or via Twitter. We can’t wait to hear from you!

We hope that regardless of whether or not you take our ideas to action, that at the very least are inspired to give the one gift that is irreplaceable, your time. Happy Holidays!

This year, Black Friday falls on November 27, 2009, which is the day after Thanksgiving. During a time of belt tightening and recession, it is even more important to find great deals; so at IOGEAR we have rounded up a few resources to help you save money and find great value to start off your holiday shopping activities right. Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Friday 2009 Tips

Here are resources for general purpose tips to help you take the best advantage of Black Friday:

Top 10 Tips to Getting the Best Bargains on Black Friday – About.com
10 Survival Tips for the Friday after Thanksgiving – MSNBC.MSN.com
Top 5 Black Friday Shopping Tips – AOL.com
Top 10 Tips to Bag a Bargain – ConsumerWorld.com
Black Friday Tips – Mahalo.com

Black Friday 2009 Deal & Coupon Sites

Looking for all Black Friday ads, coupons and more in one place? These are the places to look (each of these links take you to a specific section for Black Friday content within their sites):

CheapCheapCheap.com
FatWallet.com
GottaDeal.com

Black Friday 2009 on the iPhone

Are you addicted to your iPhone? You are in luck. There are several apps to help you with your Black Friday activities: (note that these are links to iTunes)

DealNews Black Friday
FatWallet Black Friday
Black Friday Wish
BF Deals
BlackFriday2Go

Black Friday 2009 on Twitter

Do you prefer to receive your Black Friday news in 140 character bite sized pieces? These are the people to follow:

@blackfriday – 1,745 followers
@blackfridayweb – 1,024 followers
@dealnewsbf – 723 followers
@blackfriday_org – 2,185 followers
@blackfriday_fm – 3,282 followers

Don’t forget to follow yours truly! @IOGEAR

Black Friday 2009 on FaceBook

For all of you FaceBookers out there, here are the fan pages you need to join:

Black Friday – 95,053 fans
BlackFriday.info – 202,376 fans
BFAds – 77,893 fans
Black Friday Ads – 6,091 fans
Black Friday Savings – 1,458 fans
Black Friday Deals – 732 fans
TGIBlackFriday – 2,677 fans

While you are taking a break from all of those fantastic deals, be sure to join our FaceBook fan page.

IOGEAR Products

Looking for Great Deals on IOGEAR Goodies? Check out the Black Friday deals some of our re-sellers are offering:

Target – IOGEAR products – Black Friday Deals
Wal-Mart – IOGEAR products – Black Friday Deals
Staples – IOGEAR products – Black Friday Deals
Best Buy – IOGEAR products – Black Friday Deals
OfficeMax – IOGEAR products – Black Friday Deals

What deals are you hungry to find? Have you found any awesome IOGEAR product deals? Do you have any resources we should add to our list? Share them with us at our FaceBook page or here on your comments.

The Wall Street Journal recently published a story predicting that the larger big-ticket technologies will remain on the shelves and consumers will instead go home with the latest gadgets this holiday season. As this article and other industry experts predict, the average consumer will purchase more affordable gadgets and less ‘blockbuster’ devices this season.


So what does this mean? Well, consumers, like you, are prepared and willing to spend $300 or less on tech gadgets this year. With most of today’s most popular consumer electronics (CE) products falling into this price category, it looks like everything from netbooks, to the latest e-book reader and high fidelity speakers might top 2009 Christmas shopping lists.

As we reflect on these predictions and the recent CE trends, we believe that IOGEAR’s Wireless Audio / Video Kit (MSRP @ $299.95) is a perfect fit for this year’s gift exchange.

We offer the Wireless Audio / Video Kit which allows users to stream both audio and video content (up to 720p) wirelessly from their PC to their TV up to 30 feet away. Users can eliminate unnecessary cable clutter and enjoy the best of the Web on their larger TVs from the comforts of their couch. This solution truly gives you or the person receiving this gift the ability to stream wirelessly from PC to TV a reality.

What other gadgets are you looking to put under your tree this holiday season?

Cheers,
The IOGEAR Team

Quarter One for 2009 is coming to an end and it’s been an exciting ride thus far in the computer hardware sector.  With computers being such integral parts in our everyday lifestyle, innovations shining through are getting harder to find.  Here’s a roundup of the best, and a look to what the future may bring.

Today’s Innovations

LaCie iamaKey USB Flash Drive.  Why did it take this long to make a flash drive, commonly called key ring drives, to actually be made of metal and be shaped like a key?  Sure many flash drives can be added to a key ring but they are a bit too bulky and often break apart within a few weeks.  5.5 Designers created this flash drive to be made entirely of metal and it carries a full 2-year warranty.  4GB and 8GB models are available with prices starting at less than $20.

Dymo DiscPainter brings a whole new world of wow to your discs.  The art on a CD or DVD is a dying art, but it doesn’t need to be.  When you burn photos or music to disc for a friend, don’t write on the pre-printed label with a market; use plain white discs and the DiscPainter to create a visually stunning presentation.  This is great for personal or professional use and provides quality second to none.

MSI introduces the Wind Top AE1900, the new line of NetTops, or all-in-one computers.  With a 19” 16:9 monitor and enough processing power to handle all needs, it also sports Bluetooth, 1.3MP web cam, Wi-Fi and a built in card reader.  The AE1900 uses 80% less energy than a traditional desktop, while saving you desk space at the same time.  This elegant new computer is leading the back in the crossover sector of Netbooks moving to Desktops, the NetTop.

Stealth’s LPC-625F Fanless Mini PC might just be the perfect media center.  With more video content coming online, homes are gearing up for a better way to watch them.  Hooking up your old PC to the family plasma won’t cut it, they are loud, big and can’t be stored nicely anywhere.  Stealth’s answer is the bring a Core 2 Duo powered computer in a fanless chassis that holds standard 2.5” SATA drives (up to two), integrated HDMI port for easy connectivity to your TV capable of full HD video playback at 1080p, integrated Gigabit Ethernet (wireless is optional), 7.1 Realtek audio and up to 4GB of memory, all packed inside a tiny aluminum chassis.  Hiding this in your media cabinet or behind the TV shouldn’t be a problem.

IOGear Wireless USB Audio/Video Kit makes hooking the family computer or laptop up to the TV so painless even grandma could do it. Watch anything on your hard drive or streaming over the Internet on your TV that’s up to 30’ away in full 720p resolution.  No more running specialized cables every time you want to watch a Hulu or YouTube video on your TV. This product is available to consumers late Q2.

Future Innovations

jMac and jMac Pro Tower are the next generation computers from Apple.  After running out of products to be created with the standardized “i” that Apple has become so famous for, they’ve moved to the next letter in the alphabet.  This new line will feature AMD powered offerings with a standard 16GB of ram for the jMac and 32GB for the Tower.  2TB solid state hard drives will be standard with an option to upgrade to 10TB by early summer.

Nintendo PowerGlove real world Windows powered PC.  Modeled closely after the iconic PowerGlove introduced for the original NES, this new version will offer an Intel Core Trio powered, 4GB RAM and 32GB SSD hard drive all crammed inside the glove.  Wearers will be able to do all normal computer tasks within a 100’ range of their monitors.  Corporate board meetings once filled with half asleep executives and their laptops will be replaced with the same individuals flailing their arms around, controlling the mouse, typing and communicating.  No official word on what function the middle finger will serve.

Self Stick Bluetooth speakers.  These next generation computer speakers are 12” x 12” and about the same thickness as a piece of construction paper and transparent to boot!  An advanced glue technology allows them to stick to nearly anything and be removed without damage to walls, glass or even people.  A built in Bluetooth device receives music from any computer tied to it and broadcasts it without wires.   These super slim speakers utilize whatever they are stuck to as the woofers to generate sound.

No-scratch Laptop.  In a joint effort, Apple has teamed up with a Swiss designer to start production of plastic based laptops that don’t scratch.  This new polymer is also touted to not stain under the palms or on the white keys from excessive use.  Apple is in talks with Dell, HP and several others to license the technology to them as well.  Several makers of laptop “skins” or protective devices are contemplating a lawsuit, since it will essentially make their over-priced products totally unneeded.  Apple said they started to look into this after the 10 millionth Macbook rolled off the lines, ironically it was the same day the received their 9 million, 999 thousand, 998’th complaint email about how easily their products scratch.

Moving forward, the second quarter promises to bring advances in video cards, internal and external storage options and larger, less power hungry monitors.  Should continue to be an exciting 2009!

…

If you believed our future innovations… well just look at the date this was posted (April 1)

Chocolates, candy, flowers – while all these are fine and dandy, why not give a loved one something more practical, or even better, something that brings you closer together?

IOGEAR has several recommendations to ‘woo’ your significant other this Valentine’s Day:

GearPower: What better way to say I love you than to make sure you can keep in contact with each other, 24/7? GearPower is a lightweight, portable battery that can charge a variety of mobile devices on-the-go, eliminating the need to plug in to a power outlet. Check it out here.

Portable Media Server Player: Watch movies, view pictures and listen to music with your partner anywhere with this versatile and powerful device! The Portable Media Server Player hooks up to any standard definition TV, HDTV or display and has 120GB of internal memory, meaning it can store up to 34,000 digital photos, 30,000 MP3s or nine hours of Digital Video. Load up on your favorite tunes, couple pics and romantic flicks and snuggle up on the couch – the Portable Media Server Player will take care of everything else!

USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer: Since you’re already connected at the hip, you might as well be connected to each other’s USB ports, right? When you’re on your laptops next to each other in bed (don’t deny it!), sync up with IOGEAR’s USB Laptop KVM Switch, which easily facilitates file transfers so you can share music, pictures and documents quickly and efficiently. It also lets you control the secondary computer, so when your significant other needs troubleshooting, you don’t have to move a muscle – just toggle between screens.

Here’s to hoping Cupid’s aim is on target this year!

XOXO,
Your friends at IOGEAR