geeksugar -- Geek is chic.

A Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea!

geeksugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:35:34 -0700

Looking for a last-minute gadget to get your mom for Mother's Day?

This digital picture converter by Hammacher Schlemmer is a great way to bring your mom into the 21st century! Easier then a conventional scanner, this nifty device will back up all your mom's photos into digital format, so she'll never have to worry about losing negatives or prints again!

By placing photos in a tray that slides into a converter, the pictures will be recorded with the touch of a button. The converter is connected to your computer via a USB cable and unfortunately is for PCs only. It's priced at $150, which isn't totally outrageous considering you can scan all your albums in a short amount of time!

Mother's Day Roundup!

geeksugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:36 -0700

As you probably already know, Mother's Day is only two short days away!

I've been sharing my tips, tricks and product suggestions over the past couple of weeks to help get you prepped for the big day, but in case you missed some of my geek chic ideas, here's a roundup of everything you'll need to make your mom feel super special this Sunday!

Source

How Tech Savvy Is Your Mom?

geeksugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:00:26 -0700

lilsugar posted the Today Show interview yesterday in which Heather "Dooce" Armstrong, of the award-winning blog Dooce, explained to Kathie Lee Gifford about the trials of blogging about her young daughter. Kathie Lee questioned Dooce for posting pictures of her daughter on the Internet, Lil questioned the hypocrisy, and me? I questioned the hilariously out-of-touch soundbytes about tech that Kathie Lee and her co-host Hoda Kotb provided. When Hoda asked Heather, "Is it all moms who are on your blogosphere?" I giggled, but when Kathie Lee said, "I don't know enough about computers, obviously," that obviously bothered me. Why, because she's older? Because my mom is an eBay shopper, a TeamSugar user, an iPod rocker-outer, and she's an older mom like Kathie Lee! Not to mention my grandma and her sisters who email me regularly.I think Kathie Lee needs to bone up on the ways of the world and stop fearing computers, as she says, because I know the tech mommies can represent! And the ones who aren't quite on Heather Armstrong's level can at least provide us with awesome stories. So tell me, on a scale of 1-5, how tech savvy is your mom?

How Tech Savvy Is Your Mom?

5 — My mom is super tech savvy!

4 — My mom can hold her own with the TiVo, online shopping, etc.

3 — She knows how to use Google!

2 — My mom could use some help, but she uses email.

1 — She "fears computer" like Kathie Lee.

Mother's Day: Get Her a Laptop Bag!

geeksugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:00:43 -0700

If your mommy is a tech savvy lady and already has a laptop, an easy and pleasing gift to give her is a new laptop bag or sleeve. Since it's for Mother's Day, make it fun and cute, and be very her! Whether she's a girly-girl or girly-woman, or an eco-warrior or both, I've put together a collection for you in this slideshow! Check 'em out!

AT&T's Mother's Day Ad Is Artistically Adorable

geeksugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:02:20 -0700

Fresh, floral, and fun is the best way I can describe AT&T's latest Mother's Day ad. Produced by Kudos to 1stAveMachine, this commercial beautifully displays various new Samsung headsets in blooming flowers — a short and very sweet visual experience indeed. And if you're digging the background music as well, the song is called Daydreamin’ and is performed by Jill Scott. Aren't the bright new colors delicious?

Walgreens Dishes Out Another Sweet Deal

geeksugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:30:52 -0700

Here's a super cheap last minute Mother's Day gift idea that will totally rock your mom's world! On Tax Day, Walgreens offered 15 free 4x6 prints to customers, well today, you can order a free 8x10 print thanks to who else, but Walgreens! Wondering how to get your free jumbo photo? Just log-in to your Walgreens photo account, select the picture you want developed and blown up, and once you get to the checkout, enter the code 4MOM to redeem your print. Throw it in a lovely frame and voila! Your mom will love it!

If you want your pic shipped to you, keep in mind that the discount does not apply toward taxes or shipping charge. Also, not all Walgreens locations offer the 8x10 print format. . . So double check to make sure! Orders must be placed by logged-in customers by May 7, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. central time to qualify.

Mother's Day Video eCards: Like Hugging Mom Over the Internet

geeksugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:00:24 -0700

Even though my mom isn't the most technologically hip mom on the block, I still like to toss a nice eCard into the mix every holiday. The more practice she can get "spinning up" her own email — the better! And even though I'll be far away from my mom this coming Sunday, I can make her feel like I'm right there beside her with a video eCard.

By using free sites like eVcards, or Motionbox, you can upload your custom videos and send them to mom on her special day. If you're looking for something with a little more production value (and something without you as the star), Rattlebox offers up a gaggle of funny and totally touching video eCards that you can send straight to her inbox with your own personalized message.

Not into the whole "webcamming" of yourself and would rather send a more subtle eCard? I have a few more ideas up my sleeve when you

Mother's Day Geek Gift Slideshow: From High to Low!

geeksugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:30:08 -0700

Mother's Day is upon us, and if you don't have your gift in the mail, you better get on it! Not sure what to get her? Well, the nice thing about being a geek is that there's always a new gadget to get someone who has everything, or else you can use it as an opportunity to move your analog mom a little further into the future. Here are my geeky gift suggestions for your mommas, from low-priced to high-priced to cater to a variety of budgets!

Mix It Up This Mother's Day With Recordable Cards

geeksugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:00:22 -0700

With Mother's Day right around the corner (May 11), it's time for us to start thinking of some creative ways to really impress our moms this year. Regular, bland paper cards are so old school, and why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary, right?! Here's a simple yet fun way to put a smile on your mom's face. . . . Hallmark Recordable Cards! Just select what card you want, press and hold the button to record a 10-second message, and then when she opens her card she'll hear your personal message introducing a song! Cards cost around $6, which is a bargain deal for a personalized card like this.

What Did You Get Your Mother For Mother's Day?

geeksugar — Sun, 13 May 2007 08:26:32 -0700

Happy Mother's Day! Sooo... do tell...how did you spoil your mom this year? Did you take some of my gift suggestions and surprise your mom with a new gadget? Maybe you sent her twenty free text messages from T-Mobile, or gave her the gift of gab thanks to Skype. From laptop bags and engraved iPods, to digital media players, headphones and digital photo frames, I'm curious to know what you gave (or what you received) this Mother's Day. Gifts or no gifts, I hope the sun is shining wherever you are and you are showering those who are close to you with lots of love!

What Did You Get Your Mother For Mother's Day?

A laptop bag

A digital photo frame or a kodak photo book

A digital media player

Headphones

I spoiled her with text messages and a phone call

Something else. See my comments below!

Mother's Day Gift Guide Roundup

geeksugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:00:27 -0700

Mother's Day may just be days away, but you still have plenty of time to get your mom - or mother figure - a techie gift she can cherish not just because you gave it to her, but because it's actually useful. I put together a few guides this week so you don't have to head out into the shopping abyss without a plan.

Digital Picture Frames
Digital Media Players
Laptop Bags
Great Headphones

Not going to be with mom this Sunday? T-Mobile will be giving their customers free text messaging all day in honor of Mother's Day.

T-Mobile Offers Free Messaging On Mother's Day

geeksugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 14:02:32 -0700

If you are miles away from your mom this Mother's Day, you'll be happy to know that on May 13th, T-Mobile will be giving their customers free messaging all day in honor of Mother's Day. Be sure to send a text telling her how much you love her, and that you don't need her to send money.
Thanks to generous companies like Skype and T-Mobile, you'll be able to spoil your mom with phone calls and lovey dovey messages all day long... no excuses! Still wondering what to get your mom? Check out some of geeksugar's Mother's Day gift guides here.

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Laptop Bags

geeksugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 09:00:54 -0700

Wanting to get your mom something for Mother's Day that's stylish, functional and affordable? Well these laptop bags are not only just that, but they are the perfect accessory for summer. If your mom needs a new laptop carrier, spoil her with one of these cute bags... which just so happen to be three of my favorites as well!

Sea Blue Laptop Bag

This bright floral laptop bag is super light and extremely durable. The exterior is polyester which makes it easy to wipe-off and the interior is fully padded with lots of compartments for all your mom's gadgets. Each bag fits up to 14.1" laptops and includes a long shoulder strap. Priced at $55.

Thin Mustard Laptop Carrier

If your mom likes sleek purses and totes, she may enjoy this thin sleeve carrier by Pinder. Each sleeve has a tough, water repelling exterior with lots of compartments inside for pens or a power cord. What's great about this carrier is the fact that it can be used many ways..you can carry it by the handles, attach the included shoulder strap, or put it in another bag or backpack. Many sizes available and a variety of colors if you don't fancy the mustard. Priced at $35.

Stephanie Metropolitan Laptop Bag

I love this butterfly laptop tote because it reminds me of a stylin' beach bag. But if you look closely you'll notice that it is a fully padded bag, perfect for any laptop! With luxurious leather trim woven and burlap fabric, this metropolitan bag features two padded pockets and metal feet on the bottom. Priced at $188.

Love It or Leave It? Rhinestone Studded Mouse and Calculator

geeksugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:01:34 -0700

These may not be desk accessories covered with Swarovski crystals, but they are glittery pink and studded with rhinestones. Featured on Uber Review, this rhinestone mouse and matching rhinestone calculator make the perfect Mother's Day gifts. Priced at only $20 for the mouse and $18 for the calculator, you can go all out and get both if you'd like. And if you really want to spoil your ma, go wild and include the matching stapler! What do you think? Would you give this to your mother?

Love It or Leave It? Rhinestone Studded Mouse and Calculator

Love It

Leave It

Something else. See my comment below!

Give The Gift Of Captured Memories This Mother's Day

geeksugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 14:30:32 -0700

Still wondering what to get your mom this Mother's Day? Send her the gift of memories and special moments with a digital photo frame or photo book. I've compiled three of my favorites below which are all timeless gifts that your mom will cherish for years to come. Just a small token of your love and appreciation (and your geeky touch)!

Digital Photo Frame With Sound

Surprise your mom this Mother's Day with a digital photo frame with sound from Brookstone! You can jam pack this frame with pictures, digital home movies and even songs in Mp3 format. No PC required...as you can directly download from your PC or camera via a USB. Great features include sideshow capability, LCD screen and an included remote control...all for a grand total of $300.

Momento Wireless Digital Picture Frame

Share your moments instantly with Momento Live. Now you can send and receive pics directly to any Momento picture frame in the world. Just upload and send images from your computer or a camera phone to one or many Momento picture frames at once. Even if you're miles away from your mom this Mother's Day, you can send her images on her new Momento picture frame instantly. Gotta love technology! A free trial subscription of Momento Live is included with the purchase of the wireless frame. Click here to purchase for $200.

Kodak Photo Books

Take your digital images and transfer them to a lovely album for your mom this Mother's Day. Kodak's Photo Books come in a variety of styles and colors to suit your mom's taste. Each one includes a front window, is extra heavy and uses archival-quality, acid-free photo paper and professional binding. Choose layouts, write captions and let Kodak do the rest! Prices range from $7 to $70.

Slap A Lapschtick Onto Your Laptop

geeksugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 13:00:01 -0700

Bring a slice of summer right to your laptop with these vinyl schtickers by Kolobags!

Lapschtickers are great because they add color and style to your laptop while protecting the top from scratches. And if you get bored of a particular print, you can easily remove the current Lapschtick and switch it up...which I must say is far less risky than permanently tattooing your laptop.

One size fits all as you can trim to fit almost all laptops and the price is $20. Check out all the fun patterns below, which include: red blossom, pink gerber daisy, black skull, blue snappy stripes, black racy and green asterisk (shown here).

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Digital Media Players

geeksugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 10:08:38 -0700

Yesterday, I suggested you consider getting your mother (or mother figure) a set of great headphones, for Mother's Day, but what if she doesn't have anything to plug those headphones into? It might be time to hook her up with a suitable MP3 player.

The Insignia 4-Gigabyte MP3 and Video Player has gained praise recently - namely from The New York Times - for its Bluetooth capabilities, which are still pretty rare in the MP3 player world. The player can transmit stereo MP3 music and video soundtracks to your headphones or speakers via a wireless Bluetooth connection, which means freedom from wires. It features 4GB internal flash storage that holds up to 1,000 songs, 4,000 photos, 50 audiobooks or 14 movies, is just over 0.6" thin and weighs 2.4 ounces and supports MP3 formats and most image and video formats. $160

For all you non-iPod folks, the Microsoft Zune 30 GB device, is available in four colors and stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 100 hours of video. It also features wireless Zune to Zune sharing, a 3-inch screen and a FM radio, which isn't always the case with MP3 players.

It comes with some preloaded content, but the rest has to be purchased from the Zune marketplace. The device has received great praise and criticism because of its "sharing" features, if you've done your research and think it fits your mom's wants and needs the new pastel colors are pretty fly. $219.99

For additional ideas,

Pastel Sports Jacket for Your Shuffle

geeksugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 14:05:56 -0700

These soft silicone Shuffle Sports Jackets by Belkin are perfect for working out as they will keep your iPod protected and scratch free. If you prefer the sleek white color of your shuffle, these cases are great because they add a hint of color to the standard white encasing. For an online deal of $25, you get a pack which includes clear, baby blue and pink so you can mix and match. These are super cute, and maybe a good idea for Mother's Day, I just wish they'd make them in mini shuffle sizes.

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Great Headphones

geeksugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 11:00:12 -0700

If your mom already has an MP3 player or iPod, but you want to get her something techie and useful, consider upgrading her standard headphones to ones with better function and sound for Mother's Day. Upgrading to a better headphone model will not only do wonders for her ears (anyone else suffering from the painful free in-ear headphones you got with your MP3 player?), but every time she goes to listen to music she'll think of you and how thoughtful you are. I've shared two of my favorite models below, but there are a whole variety of cute and colorful and even retractable models she'd probably love.

Sony Bud-Style Stereo Earphones

These light Sony earphones deliver great sound and are so comfortable she'll forget she is wearing them. They're small enough to fit snug in her ear, and will stay in during an intense workout. Get them here for $36.

Shure E3c Sound Isolating Earphones

The Rolls-Royce of headphones, these lightweight babies offer stellar sound isolation and crystal clear sound. She'll feel like a DJ without the huge dorky headset. Get them here for $199.

Mother's Day Gift Of Gab On Skype

geeksugar — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:01:43 -0700

Thanks to the peer-to-peer Internet telephony network Skype, you can now surprise your mom this Mother's Day with a phone call.

Skype will be offering free global calls from May 13th from 5am (EST) to May 14th at 5am (EST) for calls placed from the US and Canada. Before you get all excited and call your friends in Australia and Hong Kong, make sure that first call goes to your mom, as calls are limited to 200 minutes during the offer period.. And if you have a ma like me, you can never guesstimate how long she wants to chit-chat for.

New to Skype and want to learn more? Check out my closer look at Skype.

Apple Offers Free iPod Engraving For Mother's Day

geeksugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:09:04 -0700

Shopping for Mother's Day just got a whole lot easier thanks to Apple! This year Apple will be offering free laser iPod engraving, free signature gift wrapping and free shipping on all gift guide items until May 13th.

You can write a personalized message 23 characters in length on 2 lines to be engraved on the back of an iPod. Apple suggest to 'Make it personal. Make it unforgettable.' Or do what I did to this one and make it fun and cheeky!

For more info and to get started, click here.