When GDGT throws a party, we show up. Especially when we’re on the hunt for the best tech toys. This week in San Francisco, journalists gathered at GDGT to get a gander and some hands on time with the latest gadgets. Our Mike Rothman and Julie Blaustein were there — and here’s what’s on their lists. 
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
Anyone with a Macbook Air is going to appreciate the Hitachi G-Drive Slim, pictured below. About the size of a pack of smokes — but thinner and healthier — this is one heck of a stocking stuffer. You get 500GB in a cool-looking aluminum case for about $120. Plug this into your USB 2.0 port and back up your laptop with Time Machine or any other backup software you like.
Photo by Julie Blaustein
Looking for something to help with the eye strain that comes with long hours of staring at your computer screen? Gunnar Optiks Computer Glasses is a decent gift for your eyesight. Designed just for the conditions we geeks endure, Gunner offers its PPK line, either uncorrected or for prescription, in a wide range of styles and designs. Here’s the one we liked — the Attaché Phenom in Onyx, priced at $84, below.
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
Cofounder Adam Wilson and Marketing Manager Chuck Lepley of Orbotix, show off their Sphero gizmos. Priced at $129, the Sphero ships by the end of the month, maybe even by Christmas. What’s it good for? Chasing your cat … for starters.
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
As a photojournalist, Julie knows a good camera when she sees one. And she saw one — this mini camera features interchangeable lenses, takes great pictures and doesn’t cost a fortune. The Olympus Pen E-PM1 12.3 MP CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 14-42mm II lens and three-inch LCD Screen. At 9.9 x 5.6 x 4.1 inches and weighing in at 2 pounds, it fits in the palm of your hand. All this goodness will set you back $450, but you’ll be the envy of every photographer on the block.
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
Meet the Orb. It’s an inexpensive way to stream your favorite digital music sources — including Internet radio, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and Sirius XM — to any stereo in your house. At $79, it allows you to stream music wirelessly from your computer or smartphone. And it’s so tiny and light. Stocking stuffer for sure!
Photo by Julie Blaustein
Finally, we were blown away by the sound quality from these Phiaton MS 400 Headphones, shown with Hyo Lee, below. The design includes a carbon fiber enclosure for high quality audio and the so-called fold-and-go design is travel friendly. Just toss them in your bag.
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
We caught Danielle Hopcus showing off the T-Mobile Springboard 7.5 inch tablet. It’s running Android 2.3 and, at just $180 plus data contract, packs some bang for the buck. Performance was zippy. This little guy features 16GB RAM, expandable via its SD card slot. It also sports cameras front and back for video chatting — you won’t find that on the current version of the Amazon Kindle Fire. Not too shabby.
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
We like a lean-back experience for TV and web viewing — all at once. Dijit didn’t disappoint. The free Dijit remote control app for iOS and Android lets you toss your remotes. Search across live TV listings to watch what’s on TV or stream instantly on Netflix while sharing on social networks – all from the comfort of your very own couch. Dijit works with any infrared device using Beacon from Griffin Technology, a $70 product for iOS and Android, pictured with rep Adam Burg, below.
Photo Credit: Julie Blaustein
[…] Based in San Francisco, Julie Blaustein is a senior photojournalist here at aNewDomain.net. She also contributes to Bub.bliciou.us. A startup addict, Julie has served in various capacities at Photobucket, CitySearch, GeoCities, JamBase and Commission Junction. An avid sailor and triathlete, Julie’s email is jblaustein@aNewDomain.net. Follow Julie @julierb and on Google+ at +Julie Blaustein. Here’s her gift guide — done with our San Francisco-based editor Mike Rothman. […]