Finding the perfect holiday gift for that special Mac fan in your life can be overwhelming considering how much amazing stuff is out there, so the crew at The Mac Observer put together a list of some cool ideas to help you out. We found some great gear for keeping your Mac safe, along with some other fun tech to trick out your Mac lover's setup.
Twelve South BookBook Travel Journal
The BookBook Travel Journal is an all-in-one leather travel case for all versions of the iPad or iPad mini. Room for all the essentials it can easily fit into most backpacks or bags. The measurements are 8 x 10.3 x 1.9-in (20.32 x 26.16 x 4.83-cm) and it weighs 16 ounces (0.45 kilograms). Want a gift for someone who pilots their own plane and uses an iPad for maps? This might be the perfect answer, and it costs US$99.99.
Logitech Ultrathin Touch Mouse
The Logitech Ultrathin Touch Mouse is a very small, but beautiful, high tech mouse for those who don't want to rely on their Mac's trackpad on the desktop or when traveling. Model T631, white is for Macs, T630, black, for Windows. It's an attractive addition to any notebook or MacBook. With an internal USB-rechargeable battery, you don't need to worry about replacing batteries. It can use two independent Bluetooth channels, has an exceptional click action, features a three year warranty, and is priced at $69.99.
Booq Boa Shift Backpack
Booq makes quality stuff and the Boa Shift backpack for laptops is a prime example. Features include two elastic pop-out iPhone pockets, a densely padded laptop compartment, easy-access side pockets and a big main compartment for document storage and numerous storage pockets. Each bag also includes a Terralinq badge and serial number to help with recovery should it be lost. All that for $149.95.
MintCases Leather Slip Case for MacBook Air
The Leather Slip Case from MintCases is a premium-grade, cow-hide leather slip case for the MacBook Air. It features excellent stitching and is available in several colors plus two styles. The Rustic series uses 3mm premium grade leather, and has a non-abrasive, wool felt interior. The Executive series, while still genuine leather, has a thinner, soft suede lining, and the case is a bit thinner and lighter overall. This is a superb carrying case for the MacBook Air with a touch of class. The rustic style costs $49, and the executive is priced at $39.
Audioengine D3
Audioengine's D3 digital to analog converter, or DAC, ramps up the audio quality from your Mac without forcing you to buy new speakers. It's a 24-bit DAC that connects to an open USB port on your computer as an alternate audio-out source. Just plug in your speakers or headphones, and enjoy the better sounding audio. It's packed into a durable aluminum case that looks good while protecting the DAC's electronics, you don't need any special software or drivers, and it doesn't require an external power source. The D3 is priced at $189.
V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Headphones
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 headphones offer great sound and as a bonus look good, too. TMO's own Bryan Chaffin said they have "great highs, great mids, and great bass with wonderful separation make these the headphones I have been looking for more than a year." They're comfortable, well made, and if you're splurging this year on holiday gifts they make a great companion present with Audioengine's D3 DAC. You can pick them up for $310.
ECBC Poseidon Messenger Bag
The Poseidon Messenger Bag from ECBC is a good looking carry case for 13-inch notebooks, like the MacBook Air. It has a casual look, but hidden inside are a number of features that make this bag a workhorse for busy people who need both their computers and their iPads at the ready. The outside, which is available in five colors, is made from light weight 1000d Kodra abrasion resistance nylon with waterproof coating. Includes plenty of internal pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap for $99.99
HP ENVY 120 Multifunction Printer
If you're looking for a compact all-in-one printer/copier/scanner that doesn't look like a clunky old box sitting on your desk, the HP Envy 120 has you covered. It includes built-in WiFi and easy network setup, the ability to print from memory cards and USB sticks, lets users print remotely via the Web, and offers built-in duplex printing so you don't have to flip pages for your two-sided printouts. When it isn't printing or copying, the Envy 120 automatically covers the paper input and output trays so all you see is a sleek black slab that doesn't detract from your office. It's available at Amazon.com for $187.99.
MacPaw CleanMyMac 2
Sometimes giving a gift to a friend or loved one is like giving a gift to yourself. That's kind of what CleanMyMac 2 is like because it may cut down on the number of calls you get for Mac tech support. CleanMyMac 2 does its best to help keep your Mac running smoothly by getting rid of old log and cache files you no longer need, removing unnecessary application extras, and cleanly removing apps and their support files. It's priced at $39.95.
Interested in holiday gift ideas for iOS users and tech gear fans? The Mac Observer has you covered. Check out our Gift Guides for iPhone and iPad lovers and Tech Gear lovers.