13 Inexpensive Technology Gifts

1.Roku 3 Set-top box is our first choice in the product category of the Internet media set-top box. As a whole, this set-top box is the best choice for online streaming media playback services, such as Netflix, Hulu Plushbo go, Amazon Instant, Vudu, and hundreds of other services--with almost the exception of itunes and YouTube. This is certainly a perfect choice for students who are unable to afford the cost of cable TV services or have just graduated.

CNET Editor Rating: 4 star

Average User Rating: 3.5 star

Starting price: 99.00 USD

Advantages: Roku 3 has a superb new interface and a faster processor that feels faster and has better responsiveness than any other set-top box streaming media player. This set-top box supports more than 750 channels, including Netflix, Amazon Instant, HBO go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and MLB. TV, Amazon Cloud player and Vudu. In addition, this set-top box also has cross-platform search capabilities that can be searched for content in a number of large TV and movie services. In addition, Roku 3 's new remote control also has a built-in headphone interface that allows users to listen alone without fear of disturbing others.

Disadvantage: Roku 3 does not support the official YouTube channel. Compared with other set-top box streaming media players, some of the service interfaces on Roku 3 are somewhat outdated. Apple's TV set-top box is still performing well in Apple's ecosystem. And, if you're primarily trying to stream your personal digital media content, Roku 3 is not a good choice.

Conclusion: Roku 3 is the best set-top box streaming media player, has a large number of content sources, fast speed, innovative remote control also has a built-in headset interface.

2. If you are giving a gift to someone who is "armed to the teeth" by a variety of Apple products, such as the iphone, ipad and Mac, then the Apple TV set-top box may be a better alternative gift than Roku 3.

CNET Editor Rating: 4 star

Average User Rating: 3.5 star

Starting price: 95.98 USD

Advantage: The apple TV set-top box allows you to stream all available movies and TV dramas from the itunes Store through HDTV, whether they are rented or bought, and if they are bought, you can also store them in a cloud service. Apple TV set-top boxes support Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB. TV and a range of other online media services, and users can also play music, videos and photos using airplay streaming. AirPlay mirroring allows users to transfer any network video stream to an Apple TV set-top box, including free Hulu video, provided the user needs a new Mac computer based on the mountain lion system. In addition, the user interface of the Apple TV set-top box is one of the best in the various set-top boxes.

Disadvantages: Roku 3 offers much more content sources (including Amazon instant, etc.), cross-platform search capabilities, and remote controls with built-in headset interfaces. In addition, if the user does not have other Apple devices, then the use of Apple TV set-top boxes will be much less useful.

Conclusion: For consumers willing to buy itunes content and Apple hardware, the Apple TV set-top box is an indispensable living room companion, but for everyone else, the set-top box is not as good as Roku 3.

3. Yes, tablets and smartphones can also be E-book readers, but the Amazon Kindle, priced at $69, has long battery-time and paper screens that are popular with many readers. Unlike most universal devices, the Kindle E-book reader cannot be used to make a phone call or to send text messages. In addition, if you want to be able to paperwhite version of the touchscreen screen, you will need to pay an additional 119 dollars.

CNET Editor Rating: 3.5 star

Starting price: 69.00 USD

Advantages: Entry-level Amazon Kindle is a compact, lightweight and inexpensive e-book reader with an electronic ink display that supports WiFi functionality. This E-book reader allows users to read a large number of books, magazines and newspapers through their familiar Amazon online store, and to borrow Books Online from the local library. The Kindle E-book reader can hold hundreds of books and battery lasts for several weeks.

Disadvantage: Other higher-priced E-book readers have touch-screen and self-lighting capabilities, while entry-level Kindle does not. All accessories, including chargers, are in need of extra purchase.

Conclusion: For anyone willing to give up a built-in light or touch screen, the Amazon Kindle, priced at $69, is an excellent e-book reader that does not provide non-essential services.

4. If Amazon's Kindle is not your "heart-good", then the basic version of the Nook, which is priced at $79, is also a great e-book reader. Unlike Amazon's Kindle, which has a slightly lower price, the Nook has a touch screen and no ads.

CNET Editor Rating: 4.0 Star

Average User Rating: 3.5 star

Starting price: 79.00 USD

Advantage: The 2011 Nook is a compact, lightweight E-book reader with a highly responsive pearl electronic ink touch screen that is fast to flip. This reader supports the built-in WiFi feature, directly connected to the Barnes & Noble's online store, and has a scalable slot for extended memory with a long battery life of up to two months. The Nook supports library E-book lending functions and provides some enhanced social networking features.

Disadvantage: The 2011 Nook E-book Reader does not support audio, does not provide 3G edition, and does not have a Web browser. In addition, the reader is easily glued to the back of the rubber-coated finish.

Conclusion: Compared with previous versions, the new touchscreen Nook has been significantly improved, with a certain advantage over the 2010 Kindle.

5. Idealistic graduates will love Logitech's Wireless solar keyboard K760, an environmentally-friendly, practical keyboard that users can use to access Macs, ipads or iphones, and never have to worry about charging.

CNET Editor Rating: 4 star

Starting price: 62.51 USD

Advantages: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 has a sleek, stylish design that complements Apple's products. An integrated solar panel can charge the keyboard with any light source (including light), so the user does not have to replace the battery. The K760 can be used with Mac, ipad and iphone three devices, and the user will be able to switch between the three devices with just one touch of a key.

Disadvantage: Although K760 has been quite compact in design, it is still slightly bulky, not very suitable for users to carry, and Logitech does not provide a convenient user to carry the protective cover.

Conclusion: With the built-in solar cells, the sleek design of Logitech Wireless Solar keyboard K76 can help you save money in the long run, better than Apple's Bluetooth wireless keyboard.

6. Students will always face a large number of documents, photos, videos and music. Although there is already a cloud storage, a local backup is required, and Seagate Backup Plus provides 1TB (i.e. 1000GB) of storage space for users with a price of less than 100 dollars.

CNET Editor Rating: 4 star

Average User rating: 4 star

Starting price: 89.00 USD

Advantages: Seagate Backup Plus is fast, flexible, and looks good. The backup software for this mobile hard drive is good and easy to use.

Disadvantage: Seagate backup plus removable hard disk has a maximum storage space of 1000GB and could have been lower in price.

Conclusion: Seagate Backup Plus has the flexibility to GoFlex mobile drives and provides more performance and style for mobile storage, and this new mobile drive is selling very well.