One of those stereotypes that’s been kicking around for years is that when it comes to gifts, computers and computer accessories are a guy thing. That’s absolute nonsense. Computers and accessories can make just as great gifts for women. That being said, there can be a difference in expectations. For example, my wife hated the “boat anchor” MacBook Pro I used to lug around, but was absolutely thrilled with a MacBook Air. That laptop was far more stylish, small enough to fit in her bag, and more than capable of covering off her mobile computing needs.
Looking for a computer-related gift for a special woman in your life? I have a few ideas.
Slim and stylish laptops
Let’s kick this list off the way the post started: with a laptop.
Dell’s XPS 13 has been an industry leader in the ultraportable class, with a 13.3-inch InfinityEdge display that banishes bezels and makes for a super sleek form factor. This latest version gets even better, with a Rose Gold/Alpine White aluminum case and a powerful, 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor.
Functional and fashionable laptop bags
Best Buy carries a huge range of laptop cases and bags. They make it more convenient to carry a laptop and accessories, but also protect the device from damage. This includes options that effectively combine style and functionality.
A good example is this TUMI Voyageur Ursula T-Pass Laptop Day Backpack. It has great looks and comfort, and room for all the extras like a water bottle, keys, wallet and smartphone. And it not only protects a laptop up to 15-inches, it meets TSA checkpoint requirements to speed her through airport screening. That’s a big win, especially for frequent travellers.
Wireless mouse
With a few exceptions, the worst part of using most laptops is the trackpad. So take it out of the equation. A compact wireless mouse like the Logitech M187 Wireless Mini Mouse is so tiny it takes up little space (it’s small enough to fit in a pocket). Take it along and it makes using any laptop a more enjoyable experience.
HP Tango X smart wireless inkjet printer
Inkjet printers are incredibly useful, able to print everything from reports to lab-quality photo prints. But they tend to be a tad … ugly? Let’s say big, bulky and often featuring expanses of black plastic.
HP’s Tango X is like the anti-printer. Don’t get me wrong, it offers everything you want from an inkjet printer, including high resolution text and colour output, and wireless connectivity. But look at it! This is a printer that looks nothing like a printer. It features a minimalist design, neutral case colour and even includes an integrated linen cover for when it’s not in use.
Wireless headphones
Wireless headphones are a great computer accessory. My wife and daughter both use their wireless headphones constantly with their laptops and tablets, especially when streaming video. With a good pair of headphones, the audio is far and away superior to the built-in speakers of any laptop. As an added bonus, wearing headphones helps block background noise.
These Beats Solo3 wireless headphones are a great gift choice. They are comfortable, they’re not bulky (and fold for easy carrying), they go for 40 hours on a charge and the colour combinations are pretty cool.
The all-new MacBook Air
In the intro to this post I mentioned my wife’s much loved MacBook Air. The two flaws in that laptop series have been an ancient display and seriously outdated processors. Apple just fixed both of those with the all-new MacBook Air! It finally has a Retina Display. And the CPU is now 8th generation Intel silicon. It also gets other upgrades like a bigger, Force Touch trackpad, 16GB RAM option, USB-C, improved audio and it even sheds a little weight. Perfect for a Mac fan who wants a fashionably slim, affordable laptop that also delivers performance.
These were just a few off-the-cuff suggestions. There are virtually unlimited computer-related gifts to choose from at Best Buy this holiday season, no matter who you’re shopping for.
