Wednesday, December 18, 2013

In Depth: Google Drive and Docs tips: 20 expert tricks and shortcuts

In Depth: Google Drive and Docs tips: 20 expert tricks and shortcuts

Google Drive and the Docs suite it incorporates have grown a lot more powerful over the last couple of years.

Desktop syncing, Gmail integration, mobile and offline editing, handwriting recognition, extra storage and a variety of interface tweaks have all come down the pipe to leave Drive looking like a very mature and capable platform indeed.

It still falls short of the raw power of a typical desktop office suite, yet with growing broadband speeds and ever-improving mobile apps it's becoming a part of the workflow for more and more people.

Whether you've only dabbled in Docs and Drive in the past, or you're a long-standing veteran, we've collected 20 of our favourite tips to help you improve your productivity.

1. File types

File types

Let's start with the main Google Drive interface. Click on the downward arrow inside the search box at the top of the screen and you can filter the files shown based on their format, their ownership permissions or their visibility on the Web.

2. Change the view

Change view

There are a couple of useful links on the left of the Google Drive interface that can change the view of the files you're looking at: use Recent to see the most recently opened files at the top of the pile, and Activity to see files that have recently been changed by you or someone else with access permissions.

3. Multiple previews

previews

Do you want to be able to preview multiple files at once, without opening them up? Of course you do. Place ticks next to all the files you want to see in the main Google Drive interface, then press the preview button (an eye symbol). Use the cursor keys or the arrows at the sides to navigate through your files.

4. Drive on the desktop

Drive on desktop

Google Drive's desktop application lets you use the platform as an online backup service for your local files. You can choose specific folders to sync on each machine. Native Google Docs files are shown as web links on your hard drive.

5. Built-in OCR

OCR

Google Drive can use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to parse text in PDF files and images and convert it into a standard Google Docs document. You can choose this option from the upload settings. The original image or PDF is embedded at the top of the document.

6. Paint formats

Paint formats

The Paint format button is to the left of the toolbar in all of the main Docs applications, and you can use it to copy the format of one block of text to another. If you're creating a heading style, for example, you can quickly apply it to the other headings in your document.

7. Set default text

Default text

In the Docs word processor, open up the stylesheets drop-down menu from the toolbar, then select Normal text > Update 'Normal text' to match. This sets the current text style as normal. Choose Options > Save as my default styles to use this new stylesheet on every new document.

8. Link searches

Link searches

If you highlight a block of text and then click the link button on the Docs toolbar, you'll see a list of suggested URLs based on the text you've selected. Matches for the selected word or phrase in your Google Drive file list are also shown, if you want to link between different documents.

9. Research

Research

If you're always switching to and from Google to look up information, you can make use of the Research pane (accessible from the Tools menu in Docs and Slides). Type a search term to see results from the web as well as your Google Drive and Gmail accounts.

10. Image drag

Drag images

You can drag and drop images right into your documents, whether from your local hard drive or a website.

11. Translate documents

Translate

Leverage the power of Google Translate and get your documents swiftly translated from the option on the Tools menu. 46 different languages were available the last time we checked.

12. Email notifications

Get notified

In the Sheets spreadsheet app you can get customised notifications when something is changed on a spreadsheet. Choose Tools > Notification rules to set up your alerts as required.

13. Theme master slides

Theme slides

The themes in Slides help you get your presentation up and running quickly, and in October Google added the option to edit the master slide (and thus the current theme). Open the Slide menu and choose the 'Edit master' option to make changes.

14. Layout tables

Tables

The Docs word processor doesn't have the most advanced design tools, but you can use tables for slightly more unusual layouts. Use the Table menu to create the grid and then change its borders to 0pt width so that they're invisible.

15. Conditional formatting

Conditional formatting

The capabilities and scope of Google's online office suite continues to grow. Via the Format menu in Sheets you can apply specific text and background colours if the cells in a certain range match particular criteria (such as their numerical value).

16. Word Art

Word Art!

The Slides presentation program includes a basic Word Art tool that you can access from the Insert menu. You can change text colour, border colour and border thickness from the toolbar, and Word Art shapes can be useful if you need more flexibility than a standard text box can give you.

17. Scan documents

Scan

If you have the official Google Drive app for Android, you can select the Scan option to use your phone or tablet as a scanner. Snap a physical document with your device's camera and the app converts it to a PDF saved in Google Drive.

18. Find new apps

apps

Many of the apps available in the Chrome Web Store tie right in with Google Drive and add extra capabilities to the service. From the main files list open the settings drop-down menu and choose Manage apps to look at apps you've already connected. Follow the link to browse for new programs, which cover everything from photo editing to online document signing.

19. Start publishing

publish

You can embed a presentation or any other type of file on the web to make it easier for other people to find. Choose Publish to the Web from the File menu to see the available options.

20. Go offline

Go offline

If you're going to be away from a reliable Internet connection for a while, you can still work on your files by utilising Google Drive's offline capabilities. You need to set this up in advance so the necessary caching can be carried out, and you need to be using the Chrome browser: choose the Offline link from the file list to enable the feature. If you haven't already installed the Drive Chrome app, you'll be prompted to do so. If you're running Chrome OS, the feature is enabled automatically.


    






Updated: Canon rumours: what you need to know

Updated: Canon rumours: what you need to know

It seems like barely a day goes by without a new Canon rumour.

Here on this continually updated Canon rumours page, you'll find the latest news and information on what camera is likely to be announced next.

Got any hot tips? Let us know via our Twitter feed or via email.

Canon 7D Mark II rumours

Canon rumours: what you need to know

With the announcement of the Canon 70D out of the way, a good portion of focus has now shifted to another old-timer in Canon's range.

The Canon 7D has been around for over four years now - an absolute age in camera terms. Many photographers are keen to upgrade the model which sits at the very top of the enthusiast line-up - although admittedly some of those customers are likely to be drawn towards the full-frame 6D.

It seems likely that Canon will stick with a crop-factor APS-C sized sensor for the 7D replacement - if such a camera ever appears. It's a bonus for sports and wildlife photographers as it gives extra reach.

That aside though, it seems likely that top-end technology will trickle down on to the enthusiast camera, so we expect to see something packed with lots of exciting extras, such as a touchscreen and Wi-Fi. We could also see the dual pixel technology as seen on the Canon 70D - with a better processor, this could be an exciting addition.

Digic 6 is the latest processing engine from Canon, but it's not found in the latest 70D, which sticks with the Digic 5+ processor. Instead, this processor is reserved for compacts such as the G16, S120 and SX280. Perhaps the 7D successor will be the first DSLR to feature the next generation processor instead.

To differentiate the 7D Mark II from the 70D, we could see improved weather selling, a more advanced AF system and a higher resolution sensor. Canon seems to be playing fairly safe with resolution sizes so far though, so don't necessarily expect Nikonlike high figures.

Canon mirrorless rumours

Canon rumours: what you need to know

Although Canon finally joined the mirrorless party with the Canon EOS M back in July 2012, that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from suggesting what could be the next compact system camera from the company.

It's fair to say that the M hasn't been hugely well received, with many advanced photographers disappointed by the lack of direct controls, buttons and a viewfinder.

There's also a distinct lack of proprietary lenses, and, while you can attach existing EF and EF-S optics via an adapter, sticking a large lens on a small body does somewhat defeat the object. By comparison, the Micro Four Thirds system has over 25 optics, while even the Nikon 1 range is growing slowly.

In Japan and China, Canon is releasing the Canon EOS M2, a slightly upgraded version of the original. However, this camera isn't scheduled for release in the rest of the world.

A recent interview with Masaya Maeda from Canon Japan appears to suggest that a new M body could be on the way in the second half of 2014, with additional lenses.

We might also be treated to a prosumer/professional mirror less camera. With the likes of Sony, Panasonic and Olympus performing well in this field, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Canon showing an interest in this sector of the market too.

Canon high pixel-count camera rumours

Canon rumours: what you need to know

Nikon has pretty much led the way with high resolution cameras, with the Nikon D800 boasting a whopping 36 million pixels. We've also now got the Sony A7R, which uses a 36 million pixel full-frame chip.

Canon on the other hand has been rather more reserved in its equivalent offering, with the 5D Mark III offering the more modest 22 million pixels.

Still, rumours continue to persist that Canon is preparing its own very high resolution model, most likely to feature over 40 million pixels and probably featuring at the very top of Canon's DSLR lineup.

Although it's been running around the rumour mill for some time, it seems likely that we'll be waiting for a while longer for such a model to appear and we're unsure of such a camera's moniker - some have suggested the Canon 1DSx could be a possible name, though.

Canon 5D Mark IV rumours

There were four years between the announcement of the EOS 5D Mark II and the Canon 5D Mark III, but improvements and upgrades tend to move at quicker pace these days, so it's not totally out of the realms of possibility that 2014 could see an upgrade to the Mark III - just two years later.

Canon now has two full-frame models in the "prosumer" section of its line-up, but it seems likely that the 5D line would be replaced before the 6D, the newer model.

Perhaps it will also be more of an incremental increase, a la Nikon D610 vs D600. As the Canon 6D has Wi-Fi, this could also be included, or other extras such as a touchscreen.


    






Updated: Holiday Gift Guide: Tech and Games Galore

Updated: Holiday Gift Guide: Tech and Games Galore

Consoles and handheld gaming devices

The holiday season is usually met with indecision, headaches and a flurry of last-minute shopping as you frantically try to balance life (because it never gives you a break) with finding the perfect gift for your favorite people.

To help you survive the winter madness, TechRadar has put together a 2013 holiday gift guide of the best tech goodies you can get, so you can spend more time knocking back eggnog while watching faces of the people you love light up with joy as they receive an awesome present from you.

After all, that's what the holidays are about right? Having a good time with great people, and giving something to get that smile and squeal of excitement.

So happy holidays from all of us at TechRadar and get some shopping done with our techtastic and gamerific 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!

Consoles and handhelds

The console war between gaming veterans Sony and Microsoft has been amplified this year with the upcoming release of two new next-gen consoles. Other gaming names refuse to be left out though, and have entered their machines into the console race for a chance to sit in your living rooms.

PlayStation 4 - $399

PS4

First up on our list is the Sony PlayStation 4. The system boasts great features like free streaming and recording and the PS4 is more developer-friendly - meaning the list of games will continue to grow allowing more variety.

Along with making gamers as happy as possible, the console has big ambitions to be the most affordable, high-end gaming machine on the market and it looks like the company's hard work is paying off since demand for the PS4 is off the charts.

With its $399 price tag - the PlayStation Eye will be sold separately for a mere $59.99 - it's no surprise pre-orders filled up and nearly disappeared before its Nov. 15 launch date.

However, Sony claims there should be enough to go around as the holidays draw closer, so check this off your holiday gift guide list as this machine will be gone before you know it.

Xbox One - $499

Xbox One

Microsoft's Xbox One is the other crazy popular (and much more controversial) console. Selling for $499, it's a bit pricier than its opposition - but the Kinect comes included with the whole package.

The new One console wants to be your one-stop entertainment solution for the living room by integrating live TV, games, movies and web services such as Skype, all controlled using Kinect's improved voice recognition features.

By getting one person an Xbox One for gaming, you're also picking up a whole entertainment system for the entire family.

Microsoft says with Skype and SkyDrive functions, the system would also make a great platform for businesses.

Essentially, the One is a multipurpose console that could be given to anyone, so you really can't go wrong picking one these guys up.

PS Vita - $199.99

PS Vita

If you've managed to get a PlayStation 4, it only makes sense you pick up an accompanying PS Vita.

Thanks to the new PS Link feature, you can use your Vita to play PS4 games over Wi-Fi. You can try picking up the handheld or a bundle from Amazon for amazingly low prices, or head over to Sony to get the Vita for an even $199 (though you might find a decent bundle pack there as well).

Nvidia Shield - $299

Nvidia Shield

The Nvidia Shield is the first from the famed components company and has proven to be a decent handheld console.

The Tegra 4 quad-core processor and 72-core GeForce GPU powered device can play high-powered Android games as well as PC and Steam titles, all of which are streamed to the 720p screen.

You have to fork over $299 for the Shield, but for the most advanced mobile processor out there, you get what you pay for (plus its price was previously cut).

Mad Catz Mojo - $249

Mad Catz Mojo

Mad Catz is a first time contender in the console war with its Android powered Mojo.

More of a mini console, or "micro-console" to be specific, the Mojo still packs a veritable amount of power which of course means your wallet will be giving up some moolah this holiday - $250 to be exact.

The Mojo comes pre-loaded with TegraZone, Google Play and remains an open platform that will be compatible with various mobile games from several different storefronts.

3DS - $182 up to $195

3DS

Okay, there's a definite sweet spot that you need to maintain if you want that 3D image to remain sharp on a Nintendo 3DS but it's not really that hard to work it out.

Couple this with the extra power and resolution that the 3DS has over its closest ancestor and there's a much better graphical showcase on offer for 2D lovers as well, which is why we can expect bigger and better looking games than what's been possible on the DS to date.

2DS - $129.99

2DS

Thanks to its affordability and durable looking build, the $130 Nintendo 2DS is sure to be a hit with parents looking for a handheld for the younger gamers this holiday season.

The 2DS serves as an introductory gaming system and is definitely geared towards families with multiple kids who all want a handheld.

The 2DS's more expensive predecessors are already a popular bunch on most holiday gift guides and with popular Nintendo-only games like Pokemon and Mario, you really can't go wrong picking up a 2DS.

More gaming gifts to check out!

You can also pick up an "old school" PS3 or Xbox 360 bundled with the latest games for a fraction of the price you'd pay for a next-gen console. Take a gander at the following from Amazon:

These other handhelds would also be a welcome present: PS Vita, 3DS, 3DS XL, Archos GamePad 2, Wii U

Holiday Gift Guide: PC gaming and PC parts

Headphones, gaming mice, laptops and PCs. Whatever you want to spend, there's a PC gaming gift here to suit your budget.

Contrary to the notion that PCs and their things cost a ton of money, if you do a little digging, you can actually find decent parts and peripherals without having to pay too much. But in case you do have the dough to spend, we've added as many fun things to our holiday gift guide we could find that the PC fan in your life would love.

Cyber Acoustics 3 Piece Speaker System - $74.99

Cyber Acoustics 3 Piece Speaker System

The Cyber Acoustics set will rattle you out of your seat - in a good way. The bass is strong and you can turn it way up without hearing any crackle. Your movies will sound perfect, your music will resonate loud and clear and it'll feel like you're right in the middle of a video game.

SteelSeries Siberia V2 Full-Size Gaming Headset - $80

SteelSeries Siberia V2 Full-Size Gaming Headset

Have you had headsets that tend to squish your head in or don't meet your requirements for a great sound experience?

The SteelSeries Siberia V2 Full-Size Gaming Headsetsits comfortably on your noggin thanks to cushy noise reducing ear cups, and of course, are capable of exceptional sound.

Corsair Vengeance M95 - $74

Corsair

If you prefer thinking to shooting, you might appreciate the M95 mouse, which is designed for MMO (massively multiplayer online) and RTS (real-time strategy) titles. You can even create custom button setups for individual games.

Corsair Force GT - $129

Corsair Force GT

Adding an SSD (solid state drive) is an easy way to speed up any PC, whether it's for better in-game performance, or just to get it to boot faster. It can either supplement your PC's mechanical hard drive or replace it completely. This Corsair Force GT is perfect for the task and comes in a range of sizes up to a huge 480GB.

Shogun Bros Ballista MK1 - $52

Shogun Bros Ballista MK1

The Ballista MK1 is a lot of mouse for your cash, with 8,200dpi, accessible buttons that are actually useful, and lights that clearly show you how you've got it configured at any point. The moulding is comfortable to hold, and it glides smoothly on a pad or your desk. Easily the best new mouse we've seen recently.

Roccat Isku Illuminated Gaming Keyboard - $79.99

Roccat Isku Illuminated Gaming Keyboard

The Roccat Isku looks basic but as always, looks are deceiving. With this gaming keyboard you'll have 36 easily-customizable macros, ice blue backlighting with 6 adjustable brightness levels, an Easy-Shift[+] key as a one-stop short-cut that makes giving orders quicker and easier and more.

Mad Catz R.A.T. 7 - $97

Rat

The R.A.T. 7 changes everything, with its adjustable plates and Batmobile design. It's comfortable in most hands, the build quality is beautiful and the 6,400dpi accuracy is plenty. Unfortunately, such tweakery does comes at a price, and with the release of the M65 and Ballista MK1, it has some heavy competition.

Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 9 - $133.99

RAT 9

If you really want to get a 'lil crazy, you can pick up the most iteration of the Mad Catz mouse - the R.A.T. 9. It'll run you a lot higher on your credit card bill but it may just be worth it for more extreme customization for maximum comfort during your recipient's gaming sessions.

Creative Sound Blaster EVO Zx - $249.99

Creative Sound Blaster EVO Zx

We're sure you know at least one PC gamer who would appreciate new headphones, especially since they get better every year.

Creative Sound Blaster is a known presence in computer audio and has been making headphones for awhile now. They aren't always perfect, but you'll get decent sound quality from the Creative Sound Blaster EVO Zx.

If this pair isn't up to your standards, or if you don't feel like spending $250 bucks, there are plenty of other gaming headset options out there to choose from.

Philips 298P4QJEB UltraWide 21:9 Display - $599.99

Philips 298P4QJEB UltraWide 21:9 Display

The 21:9 ratio gives you a lot of breadth; you can quite comfortably open two applications and run them side by side on your desktop, without squashing or overlapping. It has four USB 3.0 ports around the back, too, and built-in stereo speakers.

Holiday Gift Guide: Headphones and more

For the audiophile, only the best can be bought for those crisp yet bass-filled beats.

However, that also means you might break you bank buying expensive headsets for your loved ones. But luckily for you, we've also included some decently priced offerings in our holiday gift guide from the music world that don't compromise sound quality.

Oontz Curve Ultra-portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - $29.99

Oontz Curve Speaker

The cleverly named Oontz Curve Ultra portable wireless bluetooth speaker is probably the cheapest device on this list but it doesn't mean it's cheap quality.

At just seven ounces, this little speaker still has a lot of oomph when it comes to sound, plus it's easy to use and nice to look at.

Bose QuietComfort 20i - $299

Bose QuietComfort 20i

Bose QuietComfort 20i (with the "i" standing for the Apple version) in-ear headphones are definitely a must for the audiophile in your life, if you have $300 to spend.

But heart attack inducing price aside, you really get what you pay for - amazing noise canceling tech and incredible sound added to the fact that the QuietComfort 20i is also really quite comfortable.

There's also the neat "Aware Mode" feature which is designed to help you be able to hear important things that the noise canceling may drown out.

Jawbone Mini Jambox - $154.62

Jawbone Mini Jambox

The Jawbone Mini Jambox may seem a bit pricey but it's a well built, solid little speaker that's stylish to boot.

Like its larger brethren, the Mini Jambox is cast from a single piece of anodized aluminum, and available in a selection of nine different bright, vibrant colors, with five different patterns drilled into the grill across the front of the speaker.

Logitech Ultimate Ears BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - $179.99

Logitech Ultimate Ears BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Boy, that's a mouthful: the Logitech Ultimate Ears BOOM Wireless Bluetooth Speakers and the price is a bit steep. But the 360-degree wireless speaker boasts a bold, immersive sound in a slim frame making it hard to miss.

The exterior of the speaker has a plasma skin that makes it water and stain resistant and also includes 5-hour rechargeable lithium batteries. What's more, when you get this wireless speaker, you'll get a micro USB cable and AC power adapter. Other colors include red, green and blue.

Klipsch Image One (II) - $69.95

Klipsch Image One (II)

This is the second edition of Klipsch's Image ONE headphones. The II's keep the same audio specs and performance of the originals, but with an added stylish new gloss-back to the headband, and a higher-end look to the back of the earcups and flat earpads (not cupped, as before) to aid noise isolation.

These headphones have a big, big sound. They're rated 16Hz to 23kHz, and have a 40mm driver. The bass rumbles nicely but the mid tones are a bit muddy, yet higher frequencies are preserved well without sounding shrill.

Razer Electra - $49.99

Razer Electra

Probably the cheapest Razer product you'll ever see, these Razer Electra headphones are still decent, if you're looking to get them for a casual use - i.e. not your die-hard audiophile.

They can be used for both music and gaming - though there's no mic - but it does up their value a bit so you get more use for a low price. The Electra set is also comfy and provides enough bass (though it can be a distracting) and has good sound.

STREET by 50 Cent Over-Ear Headphones - $80.99 to $149.95

Consoles and handheld gaming devicesThe holiday season is usually met with indecision, headaches and a flurry of last-minute shopping as you frantically try to balance life (because it never gives you a break) with finding the perfect gift for your favorite people.To help you survive the winter madness, TechRadar has put together a 2013 holiday gift guide of the best tech goodies you can get, so you can spend more time knocking back eggnog while watching faces of the people you love light up with joy as they receive an awesome present from you.After all, that's what the holidays are about right? Having a good time with great people, and giving something to get that smile and squeal of excitement.So happy holidays from all of us at TechRadar and get some shopping done with our techtastic and gamerific 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!Consoles and handheldsThe console war between gaming veterans Sony and Microsoft has been amplified this year with the upcoming release of two new next-gen consoles. Other gaming names refuse to be left out though, and have entered their machines into the console race for a chance to sit in your living rooms.PlayStation 4 - $399PS4First up on our list is the Sony PlayStation 4. The system boasts great features like free streaming and recording and the PS4 is more developer-friendly - meaning the list of games will continue to grow allowing more variety.Along with making gamers as happy as possible, the console has big ambitions to be the most affordable, high-end gaming machine on the market and it looks like the company's hard work is paying off since demand for the PS4 is off the charts.With its $399 price tag - the PlayStation Eye will be sold separately for a mere $59.99 - it's no surprise pre-orders filled up and nearly disappeared before its Nov. 15 launch date.However, Sony claims there should be enough to go around as the holidays draw closer, so check this off your holiday gift guide list as this machine will be gone before you know it.Check out the PS4 Dualshock 4 hands onXbox One - $499Xbox OneMicrosoft's Xbox One is the other crazy popular (and much more controversial) console. Selling for $499, it's a bit pricier than its opposition - but the Kinect comes included with the whole package.The new One console wants to be your one-stop entertainment solution for the living room by integrating live TV, games, movies and web services such as Skype, all controlled using Kinect's improved voice recognition features.By getting one person an Xbox One for gaming, you're also picking up a whole entertainment system for the entire family.Microsoft says with Skype and SkyDrive functions, the system would also make a great platform for businesses.Essentially, the One is a multipurpose console that could be given to anyone, so you really can't go wrong picking one these guys up.Check out the Xbox One Gamepad hands onPS Vita - $199.99PS VitaIf you've managed to get a PlayStation 4, it only makes sense you pick up an accompanying PS Vita.Thanks to the new PS Link feature, you can use your Vita to play PS4 games over Wi-Fi. You can try picking up the handheld or a bundle from Amazon for amazingly low prices, or head over to Sony to get the Vita for an even $199 (though you might find a decent bundle pack there as well).Read more about the PS VitaNvidia Shield - $299Nvidia ShieldThe Nvidia Shield is the first from the famed components company and has proven to be a decent handheld console.The Tegra 4 quad-core processor and 72-core GeForce GPU powered device can play high-powered Android games as well as PC and Steam titles, all of which are streamed to the 720p screen.You have to fork over $299 for the Shield, but for the most advanced mobile processor out there, you get what you pay for (plus its price was previously cut).Read more about the Nvidia Shield in our hands onMad Catz Mojo - $249Mad Catz MojoMad Catz is a first time contender in the console war with its Android powered Mojo.More of a mini console, or

The only wired cans in 50 Cent's Street range, the STREET by 50 Cent headphones feature earcups that, while feeling comfy, are huge and fairly heavy.

The large and bendy headband makes them feel rather loose, and sound is leaked before it even reaches your ears. What does get through sounds good, but the low-end isn't as beefed up as the Beats. The ones pictured are the most expensive though you can get other iterations for $68.96 cheaper.

Holiday Gift Guide: Mobile phones

Do you know someone in your life who really needs to get rid of their half broken phone? You know, the one with the cracked screen, shoddy battery life and missing on/off button?

With all the great choices available on the market, maybe it's time you help them out and choose a phone from our holiday gift guide.

iPhone 5S - $199.99

iPhone 5S

The iPhone 5S is probably the hottest phone out there (or in the top five at least) and would make a great gift for the Apple fanatic in your life.

Unlike the iPhone 4S, it actually feels like you're getting a brand new phone thanks to the addition of Touch ID, new camera, better battery life and faster guts all around.

Boasting new color choices - black, space grey, gold - the iPhone 5S sales start at $199.99 on a two-year contract.

iPhone 5C - $99

iPhone 5C

If you're looking for something a bit more flashy, Apple's neon array of iPhone 5C's is your best bet.

Hate it or love it, we think its still has a spot on our holiday gift guide. Some feel the phone is a bit childish and cheap because of the colors and its polycarbonate exterior.

But if you know someone desperate for an iPhone 5 but can't afford it, you really can't go wrong picking up the 5C since they're essentially the same phone with a few upgraded tweaks here and there.

Starting off at a low $99 on a two-year contract from most carriers also means you'll still be able to buy more than one person gifts. Huzzah!

Moto G - $179

Moto G

Let's face it: some people just aren't tech-centric and would prefer a budget phone over the latest iPhone 5S.

Thank goodness for the Motorola Moto G then! It's essentially the entry-level phone you can get that won't make you stick out like a sore thumb (i.e. it's not an old school flip phone) - but you can still have decently powerful yet simple device.

It's now unlocked and super cheap from Motorola: an 8GB Moto G is $179 while the 16GB will only cost you $199.

Moto X - $199

Moto X

Another popular handset this year, the Moto X debuted to a hesitant crowd but has proven itself to be a great compact, stylish handset with decent specs and good battery life.

Plus it's polycarbonate like the iPhone 5C which makes it less prone to scratches and scuffs.

Oh, and it likes to talk to you. (Not as creepy as it sounds, we promise.) You can speak to your phone at will, using the phrase "OK, Google Now" and the phone will respond only to your specific voice.

The Moto X starts off at $199.99 on a two-year contract for the 16GB version.

HTC One - $199

HTC One

The HTC One released earlier this year but definitely remains a top dog in the phone arena.

It's full HD screen crammed into 4.7-inches, which brings a 468ppi - making everything you're looking at crisp, clean and swoon worthy. On top of that there's a CPU and RAM combo that is barely bettered, a more-than-enough 32GB of storage and top-end Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G/4G LTE connections.

The HTC One is without a doubt the best phone from the Taiwanese firm, and typically sells for $199 with a two year contract, though you can probably find a much cheaper one nowadays.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - $299

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The latest and greatest from Samsung, the Galaxy Note 3 is a fantastic device, but decidedly not for everyone thanks in part to its hugeness.

It's not going to have the broad appeal of the Galaxy S4, nor catch the eye of the fashion-conscious iPhone 5S purchaser.

But for those with Apple-fatigue and actually would prefer a larger screen (maybe the business types you know?), the 5.7-inches of full HD, 1080 x 1920 Super AMOLED display makes the Galaxy Note 3 is the perfect choice. Just be wary that the big phone means it'll cost you big bucks - around $299 to be exact.

Holiday Gift Guide: Tablets

Almost everyone has a tablet nowadays, so why not pick one up for the person in your life who doesn't have one?

Tablets are more portable and lightweight than laptops but provide the extra screen surface a smartphone can't. Our holiday gift guide wouldn't be complete without the busload of new tablets that came out this year especially since they all seem to be better than the next one, specs-wise and price wise (we wouldn't be surprised if you got one for yourself).

iPad Air - $499

iPad Air

The iPad Air is a surprisingly smooth device. In fact, it's so smooth we gave the tablet a 5-star rating.

It's thinner, lighter (hence the name Air), faster and better with the battery. The range of accessories, the ecosystem and the general speed with which the iPad works, especially when it comes to the heavy lifting, is massively impressive.

We're sure someone in your life would be eternally grateful for an iPad Air, and luckily for you, Apple has kept the price within range of its other products - so while still expensive, just remember that it could be even more costly.

New Nexus 7 - $229

Nexus 7

Google's earlier Asus-made Nexus 7 was already an amazing compact tablet so it's no wonder the new Nexus 7 is also a dream.

With a low starting price, great battery life, powerful performance and beautiful HD screen it hurdles right over the expensive less impressive iPad mini - and for just a little more money, it offers greater functionality than a Kindle Fire HD.

The 16GB or 32GB go for a mere $229 and $269 respectively, with an LTE version selling for $300.

iPad mini 2 with Retina display - $399

iPad mini 2

The iPad mini was missing one little thing to really compete with Google's Nexus 7 powerhouse, and with the newest iteration from Apple, it looks like the search engine giant will have a worthy Cupertino 7-incher.

Actually, the iPad mini 2 measures in at 7.9-inches, exactly the same size as the year-old iPad mini, but the display comes with a resolution boost of 2048 x 1536 meaning that it has a Full HD display. This doubles the original iPad mini's 163ppi to 326ppi.

With the Retina technology on board, the new iPad mini comes with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 meaning that it has a Full HD display. This doubles the original iPad mini's 163ppi to 326ppi.

Surface Pro 2 - $899

Surface Pro 2

Microsoft's latest tablet seems pretty much the same as the previous iteration but in actuality, the 10.6-inch Surface Pro 2 is much more powerful.

The added upgrades really can't be ignored especially if you're looking to get a Windows 8.1 device. Running Intel's latest i5 Haswell chip gives it some appreciated speed and battery life making it almost as quick as an Ultrabook.

The $899 price is steep, especially for a tab, but someone in your life would probably greatly appreciate this well-made machine over its bulkier, even more expensive counterparts.

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch and 8.9-inch - $229 & $379

HDX

The latest editions of the Amazon tablet lineup are the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch and the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 and they're decent enough devices.

In fact they're more than decent - they're downright perfect for movies, books and music, and we can't stress enough the light weight of the device, which really helps in portability and sustained holding/viewing.

Holiday Gift Guide: Grab bag

You've reached the final page of our holiday gift guide! But there's still more to look at so don't just brush it off - you might even find that one last tidbit to neatly tie your presents together.

We've collected an assortment, or grab bag, of tech stuff that can be a stocking stuffer or the one major thing you pick up so peruse away without shopping 'til you drop.

Chromecast - $35

Chromecast

This little dongle sold like hotcakes when it first arrived on the scene and its popularity will only continue to grow thanks to the increasing number of apps being added.

Despite the smart TVs, consoles and set-top boxes, the Google Chromecast seems to beat all those devices to the punch by being simpler, smaller and much more affordable - which is why it would make a great holiday gift.

Fitbit Flex - $99.95

Flex

The Fitbit Flex combines the company's honed pedometer technology, key to its One product (see below), with a convenient wristband that, while not the most stylish of accessories, oozes ruggedness like no other tracker.

Battery life lasts around five days, and although the five LED lights helpfully indicate the number of steps taken in a day, it's the iOS and Android apps that offer a more detailed and extended picture of your activity.

This data can also be shared with other Flex users, all of whom can choose between a range of cool custom band colors.

Get the Fitbit Flex

Fitbit One - $99.88

One

The Fitbit One is a more inconspicuous type of tracker, with a sleek pebble-like design small enough to keep in your pocket or attach to your belt using the supplied clip. During the day it tracks your steps, distance covered, calories burned and even stairs climbed, thanks to its built-in altimeter.

It also tracks the quality and duration of your sleep, and packs a vibrating alarm to wake you. This data is stored minute-by-minute, and is converted to a daily total, which can be viewed on the LED display or through the Fitbit Connect software, which works on both Mac and PC via the supplied cable.

It syncs the stored data from your tracker to your Fitbit.com Dashboard, where you can also record diet, weight and more.

iPad Smart Case - $47.99

Smart Case

A new iPad deserves protection. One way to provide it is with an Apple Smart Case.

Smart Covers are all well and good, but Smart Cases go one better by protecting the back as well as the screen, using aniline-dyed leather and a soft microfibre lining. They also serve a second and third function as a display and keyboard stand.

Let's not forget, Apple is a premium brand. A Smart Cover ain't cheap, but if you've got the spends, we can't not recommend one.

HiRise for iPad mini or iPhone - $34.99

HiRise

HiRise for the iPad mini or the iPhone is a handy little stand for desk use if you're referencing something on your tablet or phone while working alongside a computer. In fact it sits perfectly on any worktop or coffee table if you need your hands free during calls or FaceTime chats, or just want to keep an eye on your favorite app.

The stand sports the company's signature brushed metal aesthetic and steers clear of the mini's ports, speakers and microphone. Lightning cable not included.

Belkin Kitchen Stand and Stylus for Tablets - $17.59

chef stand

This handy stand is a must-have for budding chefs who like to use online recipes to cook up some magic. You can perch your tablet on the stand and then use the included wand to browse the touchscreen, without splashing ingredients all over it.

iPhone 5C case - $29

5C case

Though already coming in a range of vibrant colors, the iPhone 5C is Apple's answer to stylish personal expression. To that end, it also released a range of iPhone 5C cases that are available in six different flavors.

The hole-punch design lets the original color of your iPhone come through, allowing for 30 possible color combinations, from loud pink-on-yellow, to a more restrained black-on-white.

As you would expect from Apple, the protective silicone cases are a perfect fit, with an inside lined with soft microfiber to keep your phone safe from scratches.

Pebble smartwatch - $149.99

Pebble

With all the talk of an iWatch this year, there's been scant evidence of one arriving anytime soon. But that's okay, because Pebble is available to buy today.

Pebble lets you know of incoming calls and text messages without you even looking at your iPhone. In fact it's the only Bluetooth device that makes many iOS features - notifications, music playback, alarms and motion tracking - directly accessible from your wrist.

The LED backlit display allows you to change the clock face style on the fly; it's also water-resistant, and lasts up to a week on a single charge. Expect app support to only increase thanks to a timely Pebble developer pack update.

Nest Learning Thermostat - $249

Nest

Home temperature control has never looked so good. The Nest thermostat sits on your wall and lets you easily adjust the temperature of your home. Nest also learns your ideal conditions and there's a Nest app to control it remotely.