iPads Tablets & eReaders

      Play More, Do More, Share More with Samsung Galaxy Tablets    

Your kid has finally graduated, is going off into the big wide world, and you’re looking for a grad gift that says “I know you, I love you… but I’m not buying you a car.” Seriously, here are a few suggestions for graduation gifts that your kid will actually use, and have with them everywhere they go.

I recently took the time to visit Microsoft’s first ever Surface Café on Toronto’s Queen Street West. You can read about the session I attended where DC comic book artist (and the guy who currently draws Batman) Francis Manapul showed how Microsoft’s new tablet has become an integral part of his digital workflow. But I wasn’t just at the Surface Café for demonstrations and to see how the Surface Pro 3 went over with an audience largely comprised of creative professionals. This was my chance to get my hands on a Surface Pro 3 to see if it lives up to Microsoft’s claims of being the tablet that can replace your laptop. Here’s what I thought of it.  

Mobile electronics like smartphones and tablets are great, but it doesn’t matter who makes them, they all share one weak spot: the display. That big, bright screen is prone to scratches and with touch operation, it’s a magnet for fingerprints. Annoying as they are, the smudges can at least be cleaned off, but once your display is scratched, it’s scratched. The only real option you have is to replace it —and that is an expensive proposition. The ZAGG Invisible Shield Glass is an ultrathin slab of tempered glass you apply on top of your display for complete protection against scratches and resistance to fingerprints. I tested out versions for the iPad Mini with Retina Display and iPad Air and ZAGG Invisible Shield Glass is now on my must-have list for future device purchases.

If you’re been holiday shopping already this year, chances are you’ve heard the name Kate Spade—whether from one of the brand’s recent collaborations or because you’ve seen their name slowly popping up on every style-conscious student’s wishlist across the nation. Here’s a primer on what happens when the fashion and tech worlds collide. (Spoiler alert: it’s pretty awesome.)  

To complement its two other smaller tablets, Amazon has another one with a larger display in the Fire HD 10—ideal for watching a lot of video.

Who doesn’t love lounging on the beach, reclining by the pool or sitting on the deck reading a book in the summer sun? E-books make the experience even better, but only if you do it the right way. Don’t risk expensive damage or torture your eyes with a smartphone or tablet, use a dedicated e-reader instead and make the most of the reading opportunity.

They did the work, got the grades, and walked down the aisle to receive their diplomas: Your grad has earned an upgrade to their digital life, and a tablet is the perfect gift. But which one is the right one? And what accessories are essential to get the most out of the experience?

Watching streaming video through Netflix or YouTube is easily the most popular and thought of video-related activity people use their tablets for. But your tablet can become an invaluable tool to augment your video entertainment experience in so many ways.

I’ve posted a number of articles about tablets in recent weeks. There’s a reason for that: tablets are one of the most popular and sought-after gifts. I have the opportunity for hands-on time with many of these devices throughout the year and if If I can help someone to make an informed choice between the dozens (of not hundreds) of tablets currently available, I’m happy to do so. I’ve already touched on topics like the best tablet for a specific task or top choices within a price range. This time around, it’s my picks for the best tablets of 2014.