By Richard Sherwin, Amy Eller, Richard Macias Gary Kaye, Ted Mayo, Christine Eads, Bob Plunkett and Susan Davis

This is Digital Family Advisor’s  biggest seasonal gift guide ever with useful products in myriad categories…with many suggested by you, our readers, viewer and listeners. (also available via podcast at www.momsquadshow.com and tech50plus.com)

Home Security devises

Home Security devises are getting more serious, yet easier and cheaper to use. And families can use these products to monitor their home whether they are home or on the road. One of our favorites is Ring.com which took less than five minutes to set up.

This video based Doorbell/viewer created by James Siminoff notifies homeowners of any visitors, and enables them communicate with arriving guests through their mobile device. If you are not home Ring can be monitored from your smart phone, tablet or PC.

According to data from The Federal Bureau of Investigation – in the United States alone – over 1 million home burglaries occur during daytime hours when homes are unoccupied. With Ring, anyone who rings the bell thinks someone is home, deterring potential burglars. “With our busy professional and personal lives, many people are forced to be away from their most valuable asset – their homes – more than ever,” said James Siminoff, Founder and inventor of the Ring Video Doorbell.

Pet Cube is another under $200 hot new dual audio and video based monitoring system was actually designed to help pet owners monitor their dogs and cats that might be misbehaving. You can also position it to monitor your entrance or walkway, used it as a nanny cam and its two way audio allows you to tell you dog to get off the couch or say hi to your baby.

No Need to overpay for the Apple’s watch or its accessories

Our alternatives to the overpriced Apple watches are the Magellan Echo and the Withings Activite watches. Both are stylish, offer health and training capabilities and are way cheaper than the Apple watch.

Whatever your fitness level or style, the Withings Pulse O2 accessory can help you be more active and improve your health. During the day it captures steps, distance walked, elevation climbed and calories burned. At night, it monitors your sleeping cycles. And when asked, it measures your heart rate and blood oxygen level. This is one of the few smart phone based accessories that doesn’t need a watch at all.

If you prefer the watch only, the Withings Watch also has a half dozen built-in health and fitness disciplines.

We also found the Magellan Echo Watch and its heart rate monitor accessory as easy to use as its award winning GPS devices, and it had the easiest to use App of our tested watches.

Both companies and the hot selling Martian Watch mentioned in previous DFA stories are also attractive time pieces that double as activity and fitness devices.

Did you backup your important personal and business content today? Probably not….

The WD Passport, a very stylish, very serious PC and Mac backup system costs under $80 and has the easiest and safest backup software available. Dubbed  My Passport® Ultra Anniversary Edition, it  celebrates Western Digital’s 10th anniversary. Wherever life takes you, this premium portable drive protects your photos, videos and music with local and Dropbox™ cloud backup and password protection.

PCs going downhill on quality and support?

During our last appearance on the Mom Squad Radio Show many of you were upset about the quality of products and the customer support from the former top PC firms, Dell, HP and Sony.

Well, Sony is now out of the business, and Dell and HP are struggling to maintain their business customer base, so some experts claim, as do our readers and listeners, that it’s harder than ever to find a reliable brand of PC.

But an old friend has made a terrific comeback. Acer is now the fastest growing, most reliable PC, Tablet, Monitor and Projector maker today. They also offer the widest variety of consumer PCs and Tablets on the market. Unlike some of other manufacturers, Acer hasn’t skimped on quality. Their Intel based PCs, from entry level to sophisticated high impact Pro and Gamer-Levels, are getting rave reviews from experts.

I just purchased an Intel based Acer family PC at Costco, which I found to be the best and safest way to buy a PC because of its extra warrantee no matter what the brand.

Hey Dentist! Beam me up!

Beam Family Toothbrush is where the latest Blue Tooth wireless technology enables 2 minutes of brushing your teeth to become an engaging, entertaining, and rewarding experience for just a $29 base price.

The downloadable App adjusts this sonic powered toothbrush for speed and sensitivity while tracking and improving your dental health. The entire family can compete to earn the most stars; you can receive notifications when your kids brush. The Beam uses visualization with music, or quadrant timer while you brush. It also contains multi-user setup to see the whole family on one app. There’s a refill subscription which can ship replacement heads to your door automatically.

Bytes and Important Pieces

Best Buy: the Next Book line of affordable tablets and Hybrid Windows and Android devices (all under $200) are terrific solutions for most families. Available at Walmart and online, these devices have received wonderful reviews…and you can’t beat the price.

Both units contain more Ram that the bigger brands; up to a 64 Gig micro SD card can be easily added and the USB port (not available on most Tablets or IPads) offers even more accessibility and flexibility. The Android version comes with the latest OS, while the Windows 8 version is the simplest Windows 8 unit we’ve tested.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner – Neato Robotics Botvac 85 – This isn’t quite like having the Jetson’s Rosie the Robot, but it’s the next best thing.  The Botvac 85 automatically vacuums all your floors, from wood to tile to carpet, without missing a beat.  You can mark off “no-go” areas as well.  It winds its way around furniture and other objects, and is smart enough to cover its entire assigned area.  If it runs out of power, it remembers where it was so it can find its way back to its charging station and then pick up where it left off.  It has both a rounded edge and a squared edge, so it can get into corners.  Price is just about $600.

Tablet Computer – Apple iPad Air 2.  Yes, we know, there are a ton of tablet computers in the marketplace, but our primarily pro vs. con on this expensive tablet is that  its’ got the whole Apple iOS ecosystem – and that means more options for connecting with health apps, health devices, video services, and just about everything else you  might want.  Pricing starts at $499 for a Wi-Fi connection and 16GB of storage, and it can head upward to $829 for 128GB and cellular connectivity.

Hi Tech Landline Phone –  Clarity Ensemble with Clear Captions – We think this phone has just about all the features that anyone could need.  Here are just some of what if offers:

• Daily check-in feature
• Photo album
• Favorite number list
• Big buttons
• Favorite Internet locations,
• Free captioning
• Speakerphone
• Hearing aid compatible
• Calendar with reminders

The Ensemble was designed so you or another caregiver can set it up and manage it remotely.  Price $75.

Dual Beam Flashlight – Bayco NightStock Dual- Switch Dual-Dual Light – This light has two beams – one is straightforward, while the other is a floodlight that illuminates the ground below so you can both ahead as well as what’s right at your feet. Its compact oval design makes it convenient to use and carry. The water resistant housings are made from engineered polymer and have a soft touch finish.  It comes with a removable pocket/belt clip and costs about $14.

Convertible Computer – Lenovo Yoga 3, 14″ Adaptable Multi-Mode Computer  – This is the biggest screen in the Yoga line, a 14″ Full HD multi-point touch screen display.  Like the rest of the line, you can use it as a laptop with a full keyboard, use a tent or a stand to watch movies or see recipes on the kitchen counter, or as a fully functional Windows 8.1 tablet.  It has stereo JBL speakers and features long battery life.  It also has two USB 3.0 ports and the power port doubles as a USB 2.0 port.  Prices begin at $799.

GPS Emergency Alert Button – Bay Alarm Medical Mobile GPS Help Button – With this little device, you can go anywhere, knowing that if you have a problem, help is only one button away.  The system uses the T-Mobile cellular network, so make sure there’s T-Mobile service in the areas where you  spend time.  Bay Alarm Medical provides 24/7 tracking and monitoring with a push of that button and someone at the other end who can provide help if need by.  The device is $80, and the monthly service fee is just under $30.

HD Wireless Camera with two-way voice – Withings Home HD camera with air quality sensors –  This device is not just a wireless HD security camera.  It has a wide viewing angle and a offers two-way voice communications.  It also monitors some aspects of indoor air quality, specifically the presence of Volatile Organic Compound’s such as those produced by some household cleaners and paint.  It is not a carbon monoxide detector.  Price is about $200. The App is presently only available for iOS devices.

Easy-to-Use Door Lock Handleset – Brinks Push Pull Rotate Rhodes Front Door Handleset Lock – If you frequently have your hands full trying to get into the front door, this lock could be a big help. With an elbow, hip or finger you can open the door by simply pushing on the handset from the outside or pulling on the knob from the inside. You can also rotate the knob the traditional way. Even though they are easy to use, Brinks, which has long been in the security business, says they will keep intruders out and your family and valuables safe. Push Pull Rotate door locks are built on a commercial grade chassis to withstand repeated use and abuse, making them perfect for front and back doors. Price is $174.

 Digital TV Antenna – Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna– Does anyone think they are paying too much for cable TV? Well, now, over the air television is digital, with plenty of HD channels available in many areas.  The Leaf 50 digital television antenna has a range of 50 miles.  In many urban settings the antenna can pick up fifty or more channels. It attaches to the antenna or cable input of your television and, best of all, there’s absolutely no monthly fee.   Price $70.

GPS Enabled Sports and Smartwatch – The Garmin vivoactive is ideal for the active person who does everything and wants a device to keep track. It features:

• Ultra-thin GPS smartwatch with a sunlight-readable, high-resolution color touchscreen
• Built-in sports apps, including GPS-enabled running, biking and golfing plus swimming and activity tracking, let you view your stats even when away from your phone
• Pairs with anyone smartphone to gently vibrate and display alerts for incoming calls, texts, emails and calendar items plus notifications from social media and other mobile apps
• Customize with free watch face designs, widgets and apps from our Connect IQ™ store
• Battery charge lasts through all anyone activities with up to 3 weeks⁵ in watch/activity tracking mode or up to 10 hours using GPS. Price $250

Smartphone – The Samsung Galaxy S6 is the latest full featured flagship phone from Samsung.  It has a stunning 5.1″ AMOLED HD display.  It has a fast processor so you can watch movies on the go or play the latest games online.  The phone is lightweight. It features an advanced 16 MP rear facing camera and a 5 MP front facing camera for selfies. To keep it juiced up, the S6 has Ultra Power Saving Mode, Fast Charging, or Wireless Charging to extend battery life.

External Battery Charger –  PowerIt 10200 mAh Portable Charger – This portable powerhouse will let you keep any smartphone, tablet, and other devices fully charged while on the go.  It is one of the biggest capacity compact chargers on the market, and has two USB outputs so you can charge two devices simultaneously.  Price is about $40.

Convertible Computer – Asus Transformer Book T100  Use this 10″ convertible as either a full featured Windows notebook or as a tablet.  Among its features:

• Ultra-slim 10.1-inch laptop transforms seamlessly into a tablet.
• Brilliant visuals from every angle with ASUS TruVivid technology and an IPS display
• Magnetic hinge offers four creative usage modes—Attached, Detached, Flipped and Tented
•  Fan less design with the all-new Intel® processor is powerful and power-efficient.
• It has a micro USB input, a micro HDMi port, and a Micro SD card reader.
• Pricing begins at $399 with 32 GB of storage, and $449 for 64GB

Laptop Backpack – Hedgren Jamm Backpack – Now you can carry gear in style with this attractive lightweight backpack from Hedgren.  It has a separate padded compartment that will hold a 15.6″ laptop securely and a stylish rectangular design that sets it apart from the run-of-the-mill backpack.  It has three exterior zipper compartments and one interior zipper compartment.  Its comfortable padded straps and handles make it easy to carry and wear.  It comes with heavy duty zippers. Price is $129 .

UV detection device – Netatmo June  – The Netatmo June is a stylish wrist mounted jewel that has sensors to measure the amount of UVA and UVB radiation, and report the results to an app on your iPhone.  The June comes in three colors with both leather and synthetic wrist bands.  Cost is $129.

Vacuum Cleaner – Eureka Brushroll Clean – One of the less pleasant tasks around the home is pulling tangled hair out of the vacuum cleaner brushes.  The Brushroll Clean performs the task automatically with the push of a button.  The company claims the machine does a better job than a much more expensive Dyson.  It has two Eureka-exclusive technologies to amplify suction power and performance, Price is $198.

Runner’s Lighted Vest – NiteIze LED Run Vest – Whether running, or just walking the dog at night, this is a clever way to keep yourself visible.  This lightweight sheer vest has red LED’s in the vest’s front and rear.  It folds into a convenient carrying pouch. The vest uses easily replaced button batteries.  At $36 it’s a pretty inexpensive way to keep you safe, and frankly it’s such a clever device, it might be a good idea to keep one with your car safety kit, just in case.

Wireless Earbuds – Plantronics BackBeat Go2 – Plantronics has a long reputation for making quality Bluetooth headsets.  The company has turned that expertise into these wireless earbuds that will let you enjoy music whether you’re out for a run, or just trying to get some “free” time at home.  Among its features:

• Bluetooth® technology lets anyone connect to your smartphone or tablet for music, movies, and calls.
• The P2i military-grade nano-coating protects the earbuds against sweat, moisture, and spills.
• Inline controls make it easy to take calls, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate Siri, Google Now, or Cortana voice-controlled smartphone assistants..
• Compact design easily slips into your pocket and tangle free cable keeps things simple.
• Enjoy favorite music or movie with up to 4.5 hours of listening and 5 hours of talk time.
• Headset battery meter automatically shows onscreen for iPhone® and iPad®.
• Plantronics Battery Meter widget enables a headset battery meter on Android 3.0 tablets, and Android 4.0 phones and tablets. Price $100.

Speech Recognition Software – Dragon 13 Home – Naturally Speaking from Nuance If you spend a lot of time at the computer writing, doing social media, or sending email, the latest version of Dragon will be a real time saver.  Every new version of the product has become increasingly more accurate, so you can get through correspondence quickly and accurately.  Price is $75.

Activity Tracker – Garmin vivofit 2–  If you don’t want to be bothered with recharging an activity tracker, this is an ideal solution.  The vivofit 2 uses a standard watch battery which lasts for about a year.  The vivofit 2 bundle includes a heart rate monitor as well as large and small straps.  Price is $170. Among its other features:

• Reminds you to stay active with move bar and audible alert
• Learns your activity level and proposes a personalized daily goal
• Shows steps, calories, distance and time of day on backlit display; monitors sleep
• Automatically syncs to Garmin Connect™ to save, plan and share progress

Smartphone – LG G Flex 2 – This is the second curved phone that LG has brought out.  The advantage is that it fits comfortably in your hand.  It has a very sharp OLED full HD display, a big 3000mAh battery, a fast processor, and the latest Android operating system (Lollipop).  It has an impressive 13MP rear facing camera with a laser fast autofocus. Use a large font if you want or tap to zoom in.  It also has a power and volume rocker and power switch in the center of the back panel, making it as easy for righties and lefties.

Insect Repelling Jacket – NosiLife Asmina Jacket from Craghoppers – When you step out of the house are you an instant magnet for mosquitoes, like me? The Nosilife Asmina jacket has insect repellent embedded in the fabric. You won’t smell it but the insects will.  It fuses cooling mesh construction with agile stretch panels for ease of movement. This hooded jacket also offers super-lightweight protection against showers, effectively repelling mosquitos and other insects on and off the trail.  It’s available in several colors.  Price is $75.

• Lightweight DayPack – Eagle Creek 25L Ready Go Pack –  Whether you are  headed off to a day in the woods, or a day at the museum, this lightweight backpack will carry everything you need for a day, or more, on the road.  Price $95.

Among its features:

• Anti-Theft: Lockable, self-repairing zippers on main compartment
• Digital Safe-Zone: e-fleece electronics pocket
• Personal Safety: Reflective accents for dusk and nighttime visibility
• Travel pack has 3L hydration bladder compartment with elastic loop on shoulder strapfor securing hose, or the sleeve can be used as a 15” laptop sleeve
• Contoured moisture-wicking Air Mesh shoulder straps with adjustable removable waistbelt and sternum strap for a comfortable, secure carry
• Bottoms Up™ Compression to cinch and control contents
• Exterior compression straps and daisy chain for gear attachment
• Zippered hood compartment and pockets for quick grab items

Lighted Key Ring – Nite Ize Keylit S-Biner Key Rack Key Ring – This little gadget is proof that good things still do come in small packages, and need not be expensive.  If you have a handful of keys, or are always trying to find something in your backpack, bag or purse, this is a big help.  This LED light is attached to a ring that carries half a dozen different colored carabiners for keys.  And it’s only $5.69.

Automobile Jump Start Power Pack –  Impecca PowerIt 16,500mAh Portable Jump Start – It’s been a long hard winter, and plenty of us had to get our cars inconveniently jump started.  With this brick sized power pack, anyone can carry a jump starter in their car.  The PowerIt can be charged from the wall, or from your car’s 12 volt output.  The Powerkit comes with a set of jacks that will fit many laptops.  It also has USB outputs.  It has four different output settings 5v for USB, 12v along with battery clips for the car, and 16v and 19v for laptops.  Price $160.

Automobile Jump Start Power Pack –  Impecca PowerIt 16,500mAh Portable Jump Start – It’s been a long hard winter, and plenty of us had to get our cars inconveniently jump started.  With this brick sized power pack, anyone can carry a jump starter in their car.  The PowerIt can be charged from the wall, or from your car’s 12 volt output.  The Powerkit comes with a set of jacks that will fit many laptops.  It also has USB outputs.  It has four different output settings 5v for USB, 12v along with battery clips for the car, and 16v and 19v for laptops.  Price $160.

Garden Tool Caddy –  Crawford Safe-Mount Mobile Storage Caddy – If you like to garden, this is an easy way to keep all of your tools together, safe, and out of the way.  The Mobile Storage Caddy has mesh pockets for storing sharp tools.  It has a kneepad for those long hours of planting and weeding, it has a hanging system that will support 25 pounds of gear hung on the garage wall,  and it has a bar that you can use to dry a towel.  Price is about $27.

Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds – Phiaton Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds BT 220 NC – This is a great way to enjoy music, or watch videos on a tablet without disturbing those around you or being disturbed by a noisy environment.  These phones will connect with two Bluetooth devices so, for instance, you could be watching a movie on any tablet, and still take a call on any smartphone.  The active noise cancelling circuitry cuts out up to 95% of the surrounding noise, a great feature for airplane or train travel.  Price is $159.

Media Streaming Device – Roku 3 – Helps you unleash the video that’s all over the Internet and get it onto your television without a cable box, though you still need Internet.  The newest version of this streaming box claims more than 2000 streaming channels (many are audio).  It comes with headphones that plug right into the remote control, and it is able to surf the web with voice commands. You’ll be able to watch High Definition video from your home network, or from almost any device such as an Android tablet or Smartphone.  Price is $100.

For more home technology, financial and lifestyle advice, please visit us at www.digitalfamilyadvisor.com