Gift Ideas

Well, it's Christmas time/ holiday season, so that means gift cards! And buying gifts for others, of course. So I'm dedicating this post to some gift ideas, whether it's buying for others or yourself. Not for me, but I am a bit biased in that they are things I like....Price range varies.

Books

I like fantasy books mostly, but here are some great suggestions anyway...

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson  

A biography about former head-boss at Apple. Was planned and in progress before he died (finished too?). The fact that he died of course would elevate sales. Either way, it's a hot seller and people have been saying it's great. For tech people / Apple users, mostly.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

King's latest, and one of his best, is about a time travel attempt to save JFK.

Complete Harry Potter Collection by J.K. Rowling

Philosopher’s Stone

Chamber of Secrets

Prisoner of Azkaban

Goblet of Fire

Order of the Phoenix

Half-Blood Prince

Deathly Hallows [finale]

The classic story of the boy wizard. 

Dark Tower by Stephen King

Gunslinger

Drawing of the Three

Waste Lands

Wizard and Glass

Wolves of the Calla

Song of Susannah

Dark Tower [finale]

Stephen King's best books ever? Possibly... 

Camelot Chronicles by Jack Whyte

Skystone

Singing Sword

Eagles' Brood

Saxon Shore
Fort at River's Bend
Metamorphesis
Uther
Clothar the Frank
The Eagle [finale]

What Batman Begins & Casino Royale achieved with 'realism', Jack Whyte shows us how Arthur, Merlyn & Camelot could have / might have existed...

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman

Golden Compass

Subtle Knife

Amber Spyglass [finale]

The anti-Narnia!

Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind

Wizard’s First Rule

Stone of Tears

Blood of the Fold

Temple of the Winds

Soul of the Fire

Faith of the Fallen

Pillars of Creation

Naked Empire

Chainfire

Phantom

Confessor [finale]

More 'adult' fantasy, and better than average run of the mill stuff. A great series with a strong debut.

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

Eye of the World

Great Hunt

Dragon Reborn

Shadow Rising

Fires of Heaven

Lord of Chaos

Crown of Swords

Path of Daggers

Winter’s Heart

Crossroads of Twilight

Knife of Dreams

Gathering Storm (with Brandon Sanderson)

Towers of Midnight (with Brandon Sanderson)

Memory of Light [forthcoming] (with Brandon Sanderson) [finale]

One of the better fantasy series out there, in the same sort of style as Tolkien.

Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

Game of Thrones

Clash of Kings

Storm of Swords 

Feast for Crows

Dance With Dragons

Winds of Winter [forthcoming]

Dream of Spring [forthcoming] [finale]

My favorite series of books (and the HBO show is quite good too). Even more than Tolkien. Even more than Harry Potter. You may have heard of it, too. HBO series is named after book 1. Good reads, well written, and anything can happen. No one is safe.

Tech

Iphone 4S

What can't it do? The only thing is that the touch keypad on the screen may take some getting used to. But baically, if you want or need something, the new iphone is the best at doing it. Not a fan of Apple or iphones? Then get a really good Android. Blackberry is going down the tubes. Fact.

X360

It's THE best gaming system out there, and at a decent price too. Two reasons to get one - Skyrim & Arkham City

Hi-Definition

Ok, so a few pointers in general for getting HD:

- make sure the tv size is not too big or too small for the room.

- get a respectable brand, and warranty. This is an investment.

- adjust all components accordingly. If you have a X360, or HD sat / cable receiver, set the video / audio settings accordingly so you get the full impact.

- HDMI cables! Without these, you don't get HD; and your investment (and components) is useless.

- make sure you get / use the HD channels. Otherwise, you'll be watching everything low quality.

Kobo Vox

I dislike e-readers, but this is prolly the best one - it's touch & color, and does BOOKS the best; which is what it's intended for.