Gadgets: The best tech buys for Diwali

Diwali tech buys

For the Smart gear buff

Pebble Time Steel smartwatch
If you dig owning a smartwatch, your decision can often be based on the OS of your phone. However, with Pebble
smartwatches this is not the case. They support both Android as well as iOS devices. The latest Pebble smartwatch, Time Steel, is an absolute beauty and lasts nearly 10 days on single recharge. It also comes with an always on e-ink display, accelerometer and support for apps.
Price: Rs 28,999
Available On: Amazon.in

You can also buy
>> Sony SmartWatch 3 (for Android users)
>> Apple iWatch (for iPhone users)

For the budget-shopper

Asus Zenfone Laser 2
Irrespective of the cost, an ideal phone should offer at least day-long battery backup, have a scratch-proof display with minimum HD resolution, and pack decent hardware and cameras that give fuss-free performance. For R9,999, the Asus Zenfone Laser 2 manages to offer all that and in a nattily-designed body. If you are looking for a budget phone to gift, don't look beyond the Laser 2.
Price: Rs 9,999
Available on: Flipkart.com

You can also buy
>> One Plus One and Huawei Honor 7 (premium smartphone in a budget)
>> Moto E 4G (well-built phone in a budget)

Asus Eeebook X205TA
The Asus X205TA is an absolute delight for those looking for a lightweight laptop with a long-lasting battery on a budget. Powered by the Intel Atom Bay Trail Z3735F processor, 32GB built-in storage (expandable up to 128GB via a microSD slot), 2GB RAM and 10-hour battery, it can do most of your everyday tasks including editing text, video chats, browsing, and playing HD videos. It weighs less than a kg and looks stunning. The device comes with two USB ports, a mini HDMI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The 1366x768 display is also impressive. It's perfect for parents, teachers and students with everyday computing needs as long as you aren't big on hard core gaming.
Price: Rs 14,990
Available on: Flipkart.com

For the gamer

XBox One
The question most console gamers ask is whether they should opt for PS4 or the XBox One. Which is better and why? The point is, each gaming console comes with a set of pros and cons, but what's worth keeping in mind is if you're keen to buy new games, or, do you want to be able to play your old games on the new console? Unfortunately, Sony's PS4 doesn't support backward compatibility (and it doesn't seem it will ever get one), which means you can't play your PS2 or PS3 games in the PS4. However, Microsoft's XBox One can play all your XBox 360 games, and this is what makes it a better choice, whether you already own an XBox or not. But, if you are not concerned about playing old console games, then PS4 it is.
Price: Rs 34,990
Available at: All Microsoft Reseller stores

For the high spender

Bowers & Wilkins P3
We have been using the Bowers & Wilkins P3 for a while now, and though a similar headphone would have given up with our rough usage (which includes falling asleep with these on), the B&W P3 is still going strong. The sound quality is superb and its integrated remote is compatible across gadgets (however, some have complained about non-Apple phones). Released in 2012, the B&W P3 hi-fi headphone is lightweight and foldable, and comes with a tough plastic case for travels. An extra set of wires keep you protected from unfortunate tears.
Price: Rs 9,990
Available on: Amazon.in

You can also buy
>> Creative Sound Blaster Jam (wireless on-ear headphone)
>> RHA T10i (in-ear headphone)

Creative Sound Blaster Roar
If you're wondering what an absolute Bluetooth speaker looks like, the Creative Sound Blaster Roar is it. It's neatly crafted metal body and superior hardware is sure to grab attention. For R16K, you get the punch of a boom box that competes with big boys like Bose. The Roar also comes with an SD card reader (up to 32GB), built-in mic with recorder, and can connect with two Bluetooth devices at one go. The latest model, Roar 2 supports HD audio as well, but costs another 5K.
Price: Rs 15,999
Available On: Amazon.in

iPhone 6S Plus
Though we still feel Apple devices are priced way too high for Indian users, if money is not an issue, you shouldn't be looking anywhere beyond the iPhone 6S Plus. The latest phablet in the market has left all smartphones behind in terms of performance, looks as well as quality.
Price: Rs 65,999 onwards
Available at: All major e-retailers

You can also buy
>> Samsung S6 Edge Plus (for the style conscious)
>> Sony Xperia Z3 compact (for mobile shutterbugs)
>> Blackberry Classic (for keypad lovers)
>> Nexus 6P (for Android nerds)