The iPhone / iTouch 2008 Gift Guide.

GIFT GUDE

 

Hello, it is almost the end of 2008 and with that, the gift season.

The iPhone / iTouch is perhaps one of the most requested items this year. They are extremely popular.

 

The first part of the Article will focus on the basics.

 

DO YOU HAVE OR ARE GOING TO GIVE / RECEIVE AN ITOUCH / IPHONE?

If this is unclear I recommend you check out your local Apple Store immediately and check them out.

 

I can tell you but talking isn’t the same as owning so anyways. The main differences right now are well. 

 

The iPhone 3G requires a phone contract of-course from AT&T, you will also be charged accordingly, the weight is a little heavier on the outside, there are many configurations, black and white, different memory configurations. Also the iPhone other than being a phone has a camera (rather mediocre but oh well) and a mic. (very useful some times)

 

The iTouch though is perfect if you want to focus on the games, on the iPod feature rather than the mic, camera, and phone. The advantages about it, much thinner, a bit more like the original iPhone cosmetically, no extra charges or contracts come included, it actually is ready out of the box (once you register it), so this one is defiantly amazing (if you don’t want the phone.)

 

Overall it depends on your personal preference, they’re both amazing, but like I said there is nothing better than actually going to the Apple store, wait in one of the lines (it will always be packed in there, especially now, trust me on that), and try them out yourself. And if your still not sure talk to a sales rep, or get an appointment. It will defiantly be very worth your time.

 

Now. 

 

Part 2, the accessories.

 

When writing about accessories one must have a good idea of what the person likes.

 

The ultimate accessory right now for the 3G is defiantly the card. 

http://www.apple.com/iphone/gift/buy.html

This is what you should get if your giving an iPhone as a gift, no questions asked.

With music you need headphones.

 

Apple isn’t known for their amazing quality headphones, I actually trashed the ones that came with my iPod classic and switched them for Bose ones, but anyways, something that actually seems convincing, the new Apple ear-buds. They are $80 and actually look quite amazing, defiantly a good cheap ear-bud choice.

 

If you want quality, the name I must mention, of-course, BOSE. Bose is simply breath-taking, trust me, if you were going to give headphones from Bose they would not be disappointed. 

The Best one in the market from Bose right now-  The Quiet Comfort headphones, these headphones literally just blow your mind away. They are simply amazing. That is all I can say about them. They start at around $300. While you shop Bose, you can not turn away from the best iPhone / iPod accessory of them all, the Bose SoundDock. I am not going to even recommend any other Sounddock other than this one, this just with a little volume, blasts the whole room, it is sex in the form of music.

 

Another amazing option in high quality headphones- Monster Beats/ Dr. Dre. This are just funk (in a good way) It is so hard to describe these, they are just a pleasure to listen to. I recommend you hear them for yourself, they are beautiful.

 

Another great accessory you should consider- Travel Radio / Travel charge packs, there are so many to choose from so really just look, this is a necessity if you travel a lot. Defiantly get this.

 

The most luxurious part of owning an iPhone / iTouch, why the cases of-course. 

 

The most luxurious (semi-affordable case out there) the Louis Vuitton case. Now for those who are fashionably-impaired, Louis Vuitton is a huge French luggage and clothing couture designer, and the thing I am beyond obsessed in. Now this case is simply amazing (It is the one I own, and wow, it pampers the iPhone) it is available in the Monogram and Damier Canvas and seasonal collections. (I have the Traditional Monogram) And it is lined with calf skin on some. It is amazing except for one thing, you can’t access the iPhone directly, you have to slip it out. It sells for $250, and you can ONLY (I stress this) get it directly from an LV Boutique or eluxury.com. 

 

Now if you don’t want to spend that much on a case there are other options.

 

Some names I would look for are Griffin, Case-Mate, and Ear leaf, I own a few for my regular iPods and I have to say the protection is amazing on them. They are also much more affordable. And if you want to see more I would so go to the Apple Store and go check out their case shrine. It has a huge selection.

 

Now for the gamer in you.

 

iTunes Gift card (make it $25 or higher if you really want some good games) is the perfect card to get a gamer now that the App store has launched. Perfect way to get some good games.

 

and the most importantly there have been rumors of a Belkin joypad for the iPhone, this is not known yet, but if it does come out you will defiantly have to get it, it will be the ultimate accessory for a gamer.

 

If your going to buy Apps I would also recommend you look towards the newest ones first, they tend to (if they get popular) get a lot more expensive, so I would so recommend you look for some good early ones (ahem cowabunga a few months ago).

 

Now some universal accessories from “Mapple” (pun from Simpsons episode if you don’t know) the Apple Universal Dock, this is a must have, It will make syncing so much more enjoyable. And the latest from Apple for the iPhone, The iPhone bluetooth set. Self Explanatory. 

 

So anyways this might actually have a sequel if I find new and exciting stuff.

 

Happy Holidays.