Feature

      We have done quite a number of TV reviews or detailed overviews this year, so I thought it would be good to look back at all that investigation and identify what I think are the best TVs this year. If you are shopping for a new TV it is a hard decision to make because there are so many brands and models to choose from. Here are my top picks for 2014, and each for different reasons.

Is there anything a tablet can’t do? Tablets today are extremely versatile. You can use them for video games, taking photos, listening to music, surfing the web—even controlling your home automation. But one of the coolest things you can do with a tablet is turn it into a handheld HDTV. There is a lot of high quality streaming video content available, thought thanks to cross-border media licensing complications finding content is a little more difficult in Canada than it is in the US. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of some great streaming video sources.

Like many people who own a tablet, I love mine. I use it every day, often for hours at a time. And just as many of those other tablet fans do, I frequently find the experience can be improved with accessories. Just in time for last-minute holiday shopping, here are some suggestions for gifts that will help those on your list get the most from their tablets.

We’re officially getting down to the wire for holiday shopping and the big day is almost here, but that doesn’t mean the best gifts have passed you by. There are still so many great last minute gifts for everyone on your list, you’ll wonder why you even stressed about finishing your shopping. Here are a few that will be favourites for you and the person you’re giving them to.

What do you get the person who has everything? Tough question, but if they have a smartphone —and chances are they do— checking that name off your holiday shopping list just got easier. Mobile phone accessories offer virtually unlimited gift ideas with options to fit any budget. They range from high tech to high fashion and everything in between. Here are some suggestions for holiday gifts that are certain to make their mobile phone even better and sure to please.

Most of us Dads (and even our dads) are closet tech nuts, excited over tech, pretty much any tech. 10 years ago, I could’ve cared less about controlling the temperature of my house through my phone, but 2 months ago as I was having a smart thermostat installed, I couldn’t wait. With little things like this in mind, here’s my take on some gadgets that interest me as a first time dad, and might provide you some inspiration for yours less than one week away from Christmas day.

Hey, it’s Debra again. You don’t want to be THAT neighbour, whose dog has a full-on bark-appaloosa concert every time the wind blows.The wonderful scientists, and general smarty-pants, over at Motorola have now created the MOTOPET 200. It’s a new, gentler system to train dogs using “static correction” using vibrations rather than a shock collar. MOTOPET 200 is lightweight and waterproof and looks cute on almost every dog. Who knows, maybe you can even teach him to Moto-roll-over!

Golfers are always interested in tightening up their games and making them that much better. Fortunately, for your budding PGA Tour Pro (or yourself,) there’s the Arccos Golf GPS and Stat Tracker, now available at Best Buy. Use the Arccos to monitor your golfing progress (so you don’t have to) and have it measure your distances, greens in regulation and so many other things that you never thought you’d need to know.  Come take a look!

TVs keep getting bigger with a clearer, richer picture and Christmas or Boxing Day is a very popular time for people to upgrade their technology. If you are getting a new TV, and even if you aren’t, it is also a great time to get those accessories that will make any TV experience a lot better. These must-have accessories make great Christmas presents and if Santa was not so nice, Boxing Day sales are sure to give you a second chance.

Have someone on your holiday shopping list who uses a desktop PC? There are tons of gifts you could give that will make their computer better, more fun to use and even add years of life to it. I’ve put together a list of suggestions to help them to get the most from their desktop PC this holiday season.