Valentine’s Day: Tech gifts for Him and Her

If you think greeting cards, chocolates and flowers are passé this Valentine’s Day, then it’s time to surprise your beloved with a techie gift. We’ve listed down funky yet useful gadgets that would also go easy on your pocket. Here are a few gifts priced around Rs 5,000.   Gifts for Her Microware Heart Shape 16 GB Pen Drive [caption id=“attachment_218123” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  A blend of style and technology[/caption] The Microware pen drive appears to be a perfect blend of style and technology. The heart-shaped trinket seems apt for the occasion, given it can be used as a pendant. Moreover, it doesn’t seem too heavy to tag along, weighing in at a mere 50 grams. It isn’t just about good looks as the device also packs packs in 16GB of storage. It is available online priced around Rs 1,300.   Apple iPod 2GB shuffle [caption id=“attachment_218121” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Continues to be a great option[/caption] If your partner is a music fiend, then the fourth generation iPod Shuffle could be great option. You could opt for the 2GB model that is priced a little over Rs 3,000. It is available online at varying prices and also offers a variety of colours to choose from. However, do not expect additional features such as an equaliser, FM or voice recorder from this device. Shuffle is a simple music player known for its uber-portability and comes with a cool Voice Over feature, a good option while traveling or jogging as it can be clipped to your sleeves too. We would recommend the purple shade rather than the clichéd pink.   Cowon EM1 in-ear earphones [caption id=“attachment_218120” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Classy and efficient[/caption] The Cowon EM1 is one of the best options in the budget IEM (in-ear monitor) segment. Everything about the Cowon’s performance, from timbre accuracy to soundstage and imaging, is several notches above what’s available at its price. These are, by far, the best budget IEMs money can buy. Read our **Cowon EM1 review** to know more. You can either pick the classy white or black, or could also opt for the red shade given the occasion.   Gifts for Him Belkin Power pack [caption id=“attachment_218119” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  For prolonged battery life[/caption] A high-end smartphone nowadays can act as a camera, music player and so on, but only as long as the battery can handle it, or rather the battery is one of the most neglected aspects of the phone. This makes an external power pack a very useful device and also a great gifting option. While you have ample of choices in the market, one such option could be Belkin’s F8M159qe 2000mAh Power Pack. It is available online at varying prices, and you can even find it for as low as Rs 1,100.   Sennheiser HD 229 headphone [caption id=“attachment_218124” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Great at functionality and funky[/caption] Yet another cool option is the Sennheiser HD 229 headphone. It has a closed-back on-the-ear design that blocks ambient noise for use on-the-move. For compact storage the headphone flaps fold while the cable is tangle free. Priced at Rs 4,499, it offers massive bass response and is available in several colour options.   Logitech PowerShell Controller and Battery [caption id=“attachment_218122” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Controller + battery[/caption] The newly-launched Logitech PowerShell Controller and Battery provides console-style game controls and increasing gameplay time on iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, or iPod touch running iOS 7. A great option if your gaming-freak partner owns one of these compatible iDevices. One has to simply insert compatible iPhone or iPod touch into the controller to start using it. It is highly portable despite its 1500mAh in-built battery. Though priced slightly higher than our Rs 5,000 limit (it is retailing for Rs 8,995), we just couldn’t it keep it off our list.   You could also check out the DDR Dance Mat – for him as well as her - that is compatible with PCs as well as PlayStation. If your partner is a Counter Strike fan, then you could also take a look at the CS: Go Edition mousepad. For Android fans, there’s the Android-shaped 16Gb USB drive.