We've all heard the saying "You are what you eat." Well, in our world—the word of technology, that is—that saying could easily be "You are what you carry." Our gear can speak volumes about us—our age, income, job, and yes, even our personality. Of course, first impressions can be wrong…or incomplete. That said, what we lug around can provide a window into the kind of tech user we are.
With this in mind, we started thinking about the many different types of tech users. All kinds of people use tech for all kinds of reasons. For the purposes of this story, we decided to identify the most common tech types. We realize that not everyone fits into these nine categories. The world is much too diverse for that. And we certainly do not want to promote stereotypes—in the words we use or the pictures we have chosen.
What we're showing here is that, over the years, we've discovered that certain types of folks have certain tech needs. The business traveler, for example, requires a lighter notebook than say someone who works in an office 24/7. And moms like to have a camera or pocket camcorder readily available to snap those precious photos of Rose at the playground. This is not to say that mom wouldn't use a laptop. She likely does, but something that's a bit different than what your typical business traveler would use.
Our job here at PCMag is to ensure that you get the tech that's right for you. And that's just what we did for our most popular tech types. In other words, we geared them up. We came up with what we think are the ideal products for these nine folks: Outdoor Enthusiast, Apple Fanboy, Business Traveler, Executive, Gearhead, Tech-Savvy Mom, Gamer, Bargain Shopper, and DIYer.
So, what kind of tech user are you? And what do you carry? Tell us in the comments section.
What kind of tech user best describes you?
Outdoor Enthusiast
Apple Fanboy
Business Traveler
Gamer
Executive
Gearhead
Tech-Savvy Mom
Bargain Shopper
DIYer
GEAR FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
Rugged Laptop: Panasonic Toughbook 53
Price: $1,599 - $2,449 (depending on config)
This semi-rugged laptop features Core i5 or i3 CPU technology, a magnesium alloy case, a spill resistant keyboard, shock-mounted hard drive, and can withstand drops up to 30 inches.
Phone: Apple iPhone 4 (AT&T)
Price: Starting at $199
The best media playing phone, a terrific camera phone, and a truly awesome game-playing phone, the Apple iPhone should keep you informed and entertained while navigating the great outdoors.
Camcorder: Kodak Playsport Zx5 Video Camera
Price: $179.95
If you want to record video outdoors, at the beach, or anywhere else there's water, the compact Kodak Playsport Zx5 pocket camcorder is a top choice.
Camcorder: GoPro HD Helmet Hero
Price: $299.99
The ultra-rugged GoPro HD Helmet Hero camcorder features a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, HD lens and a 2.5-hour lithium-ion battery.
GPS/Watch: Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom
Price: $199.99
It builds all of Nike's popular running software into a watch with TomTom GPS technology inside, allowing you to track and monitor your workouts from your wrist.
Flashlight/Charger: Eton American Red Cross Clipray Charger
Price: $15
This combo LED flashlight/USB cell-phone charger is powered by a hand crank.
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
Price: $399.95
Its tough build and innovative feature set—waterproof up to 40 feet, freezeproof to 14°F, and withstands drops up to 6.6 feet—make this 12-MP pocket camera our favorite rugged outdoor shooter.
Apps:
• Audubon Birds - A Field Guide to North American Birds
• U.S. Army: Survival Guide
• Sports Tracker
GEAR FOR THE APPLE FANBOY
Desktop: Apple iMac 27-inch (Thunderbolt)
Price: 1,999
It has that huge, beautiful high-resolution screen, killer (if aging) design, and it is fast, fast, fast.
Laptop: Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Thunderbolt)
Price: $2,199
This MacBook is at the peak of technology's Mount Olympus, thanks to new Intel architecture, a renewed romance with AMD graphics chips, and a connection technology called Thunderbolt.
Tablet: Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Price: $499 - $829
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, it brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Phone: Apple iPhone 4 (Verizon)
Price: starting at $199
The best media playing phone, a terrific camera phone, and a truly awesome game-playing phone, the Apple iPhone is the phone of choice for Apple lovers…of course.
Gadget: Apple Digital AV Adapter
Price: $39
The Adapter lets you watch videos or photo slideshows, or gaming, from the iPad on your HDTV:
Gadget: Apple iPad Smart Cover
Price: $39 - $69
Apple's innovative, magnetized Smart Cover effectively and elegantly protects your iPad 2 without sacrificing its slim profile.
Media Hub: Apple TV (2010)
Price: $99
Apple got its hobby product right with a smaller footprint, a smaller price, 99-cent TV show rentals, Netflix, and iOS-device streaming.
Mouse: Apple Magic Trackpad
Price: $69
If you're a Mac user who's more comfortable using a trackpad than a mouse, get yourself to your local Apple store and pick this up.
Keyboard: Apple Wireless Keyboard
Price: $69
Mac lovers adore this simple yet elegant keyboard.
Media Hub: Sonos ZonePlayer S5
Price: $399
It wirelessly streams your PC's audio through its built-in speakers—and it can be controlled by an iPhone or an iPod touch.
Headphones: Shure SE215
Price: $99.99
These earphones sound like a more expensive pair (and certainly better than the standard Apple pair), but manage to avoid too much exaggeration in any frequency realm, the typical trademark of affordable earphones.
Apps:
• Apple iTunes 10.3
• Apple iLife '11 (GarageBand '11, iMovie '11, iPhoto '11)
GEAR FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELER
Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X220
Price: Starting at $849
This laptop is an amazing piece of engineering when you factor in all the features it squeezed into a 12-inch frame, including best-in-class battery life and the new Intel Core i5 i5-2520M CPU.
Tablet: Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Price: $499 - $829
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, it brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Phone: BlackBerry Bold 9780 (T-Mobile)
Price: $449.99
It's a smartphone of simple pleasures: clear calls, solid syncing, and sharp Web pages.
GPS: Garmin GTU 10
Price: 199.99
This small gadget can be used to locate someone or something, it comes with a number of clever location features, and pairs nicely with mobile apps.
Router: ZuniConnect Travel Router
Price: $59.95 - $72.95
It not only provides wireless networks for mobile warriors, but it has better throughput than most traditional, single-band routers and does double-duty as a charging station for your gadgets.
Gadget: Powermat Power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery
Price: $49.99
With the ability to charge two devices at one time, it's a handy accessory to carry.
Modem: T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 4G Laptop Stick
Price: $99.99 (with a two-year contract)
It's the best cellular modem for tapping into T-Mobile's HSPA+ network.
Printer: HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer
Price: $279.99
In the world of portable printers, this one stands out for its output quality and its high-yield cartridges that let you print a fair number of pages without running out of ink.
Bluetooth Headset: Aliph Jawbone Era
Price: $129.99
This top-notch Bluetooth headset can run actual apps.
Apps:
• Air Display 1.0.1
• Bento
• Citrix GoToMyPC
• Dragon Dictation
• Evernote FlightTrack
• Laptop Cop
GEAR FOR THE GAMER
Desktop: Digital Storm Black Ops Enix Edition
Price: Starting at $1,129
It's a tall, thin gaming desktop with a clean chic metallic style that even Apple would envy.
Laptop: Alienware M17x (Sandy Bridge)
Price: Starting at $1,499
It's the complete mobile gaming package, as its all-metallic look can stand in the spotlight with its parts.
Tablet: Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Price: $499 - $829
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, it brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Phone: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
Price: $99.99
The Android-based Xperia Play is a unique phone designed for gaming, and it games well.
Console: Nintendo Wii with Wii Remote Plus
Price: $149.99 (package)
The Nintendo Wii is a fun, engaging, wildly innovative game console. The Wii Remote Plus is physically identical to the original Wii Remote, but it includes Wii MotionPlus technology without the need for any add-ons.
Console: Sony PlayStation 3 120GB (PS3 Slim) with Sony PlayStation Move
Price: $299.99 & $99.99
The PS3 is an incredible gaming device that's more compact, sports a roomier 120GB hard drive, and is one of the best Blu-ray players you can find. Move brings motion controls to Sony gamers.
Console: Xbox 360 250GB Console with Kinect
Price: $399.99 (package)
Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360 takes motion gaming to the next level by offering a groundbreaking control scheme that lets you use your body as a controller.
Handheld: Nintendo 3DS
Price: $249.99
A time-tested game system design coupled with innovative, convincing 3D technology, makes the Nintendo 3DS a force to be reckoned with.
Controller: Xgaming X-Arcade Dual Joystick
Price: $129.99
If you want to bring a real arcade experience to your favorite fighting or beat-em-up game, the Xgaming X-Arcade Dual Joystick is the best choice short of building your own arcade cabinet.
Controller: JOYSTICK-IT iPad Arcade Stick
Price: $24.99 - $39.99 (ThinkGeek)
The JOYSTICK-IT provides you with a real physical joystick for increased precision when playing touchscreen-based games.
Gadget: iCADE - iPad Arcade Cabinet
Price: $99.99 (ThinkGeek)
Slide your iPad into the cradle and create a mini retro arcade with buttons and joystick.
Games:
• Portal 2 (PC, Mac, Xbox 360, PS3)
• The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)
• infamous 2 (PS3)
• Fallout: New Vegas (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii)
• 6/19: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)
• 6/28: Resident Evil: The Mercenaries (3DS, iPhone)
• 6/28: Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (PC, Xbox 360, PS3)
• 7/26: Catherine (Xbox 360, PS3)
• 6/21: Shadows of the Damned (Xbox 360, PS3)
GEAR FOR THE EXECUTIVE
Desktop: HP TouchSmart 610-1065qd
Price: $1,789.99
Thanks to some amazing innovations, the quad-core-equipped HP TouchSmart 610-1065qd all-in-one desktop moves the touch screen from the novelty phase to the seriously usable phase.
Laptop: Dell Latitude E6420
Price: $1,788
Dell's latest 14-inch business laptop has every feature and component that a power user could possibly dream up, from the full range of Intel Sandy Bridge processors to the gamut of business-oriented features.
Tablet: Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Price: $499 - $829
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, it brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T)
Price: $799
The finest Android smartphone available today, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S II delivers in almost every way. Thing is, it's so expensive, it almost prices itself out of the market.
Bluetooth Headset: Aliph Jawbone Era
Price: $129.99
This top-notch Bluetooth headset can run actual apps.
Ebook Reader: Barnes & Noble Nook Color
Price: $249
More than an ebook reader, less than a full-blown tablet, the Nook Color's artful compromises make for a compelling, color reading experience that is ideal for both books and magazines.
Printer: Brother MFC-J6710DW
Price: $250
The MFC-J6710DW is the only printer your small office needs for printing at both letter and tabloid size.
Apps:
• Laptop Cop
• MindView 4 Business Edition
• TeamViewer
GEAR FOR THE GEARHEAD
Netbook: HP Pavilion dm1z
Price: Starting at $429.99
The HP Pavilion dm1z and its AMD Fusion APU offer the best of both worlds: faster-than-Atom speeds and great battery life.
Tablet: Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Price: $499 - $829
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, it brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Phone: Nexus S 4G from Google (Sprint)
Price: $199.99 with contract
The elegant Nexus S 4G will appeal to Android purists and software developers.
Camera: Nikon D5100
Price: $899.95
This cam offers a fantastic mix of still-image and video-recording quality, along with plenty of features including top-notch in-camera effects.
Headphones: Denon AH-D1100
Price: $199.99
With a simple design, but superb audio quality, fans of strong-but-not-overwhelming bass response will love Denon's comfortable AH-D1100 headphones.
Media Hub: Boxee Box by D-Link
Price: $219.99
Less expensive than the Logitech Revue with Google TV and pricier than Apple TV, the Boxee Box by D-Link focuses on rounding up Web content on your HDTV.
Remote: Peel Universal Control
Price: $99
The Peel Universal Control uses your iPhone as both a universal remote and a TV guide, and though it won't replace all of your remotes, it's one of the most useful home theater accessories you can buy.
Apps:
• Astaro Security Gateway Version 8 Home Edition
• Crackle
• Facebook
• foursquare
• Hanging With Friends Free
• Hulu Plus
• Scanner Radio
• Twitter
• Yelp
GEAR FOR THE TECH SAVVY MOM
Desktop: Apple iMac 21.5-inch (Thunderbolt)
Price: $1,199
The newest iMac has a second-generation Intel Core processor and Thunderbolt. It's the fastest $1,200 all-in-one desktop PC, period.
Laptop: Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Thunderbolt)
Price: $1,199
This MacBook will continue to be Apple's best selling laptop, thanks to a component overhaul and new technologies like Thunderbolt and FaceTime HD.
Tablet: Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Price: $499 - $829
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, it brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Phone: Apple iPhone 4 (Verizon)
Price: starting at $199
It's the best media playing phone, a terrific camera phone, and a truly awesome game-playing phone.
Ebook Reader: Barnes & Noble Nook Color
Price: $249
More than an ebook reader, less than a full-blown tablet, the Nook Color's artful compromises make for a compelling, color reading experience that is ideal for both books and magazines.
Label Printer: Brother P-touch PT-2730
Price: $110
The PT-2730 can print plastic or fabric labels with or without a computer, and it offers a built-in library of common labels to make printing labels even easier.
Printer: Canon Pixma MX882 Wireless Inkjet Office All-in-One
Price: $199.99
It combines an attractive design with features for both home and office use, and prints great text and photos.
Camera: Nikon D5100
Price: $899.95
It offers a fantastic mix of still-image and video-recording quality, along with plenty of features including top-notch in-camera effects.
Camcorder: Kodak Playsport Zx5 Video Camera
Price: $179.95
If you want to record video outdoors, at the beach, or anywhere else there's water, the compact Kodak Playsport Zx5 pocket camcorder is a top choice.
Kid Headphones: Griffin GB10027 MyPhones Headphones
Price: $29.99
The volume on these headphones only goes up to a certain level, so parents don't have to worry about their kids going deaf while watching Caillou. Also, changeable mix-and-match design makes it more personalized for kids.
Apps/Sites:
• Interactive Alphabet
• Math Bingo
• interactive Om Books
• Skype
• Blueleo
• DoodleDeals
• Facebook
• RetailMeNot.com
GEAR FOR THE BARGAIN SHOPPER
Desktop: HP 100B All-in-One PC
Price: $499.99
With its AMD Fusion APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), the 100B has enough power for day-to-day tasks, (very) light multimedia creation work, and even some video.
Laptop: HP Pavilion dv6-6013cl
Price: $649.99
It was already a great laptop, but the addition of a second generation Intel processor and dramatically improved graphics and gaming capability make it a winner.
Phone: LG Optimus C (Cricket Wireless)
Price: $129.99 after $50 mail-in rebate
The LG Optimus C is not only a great budget smartphone, it's the best smartphone available on Cricket Wireless, period.
Phone: LG Optimus M (MetroPCS)
Price: $149
The LG Optimus M gives MetroPCS customers a real, well-balanced Android smartphone with few compromises, if no outright high-end features.
Phone: LG Optimus V (Virgin Mobile)
Price: $149.99
The LG Optimus V is a just-powerful-enough smartphone for Virgin Mobile that also saves you money every month.
Ebook Reader: Barnes & Noble Nook Touch Reader
Price: $139
Thanks to plenty of upgrades and a laser-sharp focus on the reading experience, the second-gen Barnes & Noble Nook Touch Reader is our new Editors' Choice for ebook readers.
Printer: Kodak ESP C310 All-in-One Printer
Price: $99.99
The Kodak ESP C310 All-in-One Printer lowers the entry cost for taking advantage of Kodak's low cost of ink.
MP3 Player: Apple iPod shuffle
(4th Generation with Click Wheel)
Price: $49
It's hard to get excited about an iPod with no screen, but Apple's inclusion of on-player controls makes the affordable shuffle easier to navigate—and a better value.
Camera: Canon PowerShot A800
Price: $90
This pocket camera comes with compromises, but its price tag and dead-simple operation help balance the Canon PowerShot A800's lack of optical image stabilization and HD-video capture.
Apps/Sites:
• LastPass 1.72
• Ad-Aware FREE Internet Security 9.0
• Cloudmark DesktopOne Basic 1.2
• ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 9.2
• RedLaser scanning app
• Groupon
• LivingSocial
• RetailMeNot.com
GEAR FOR THE DIYer
Phone: Nexus S 4G from Google (Sprint)
Price: $199.99 with contract
The elegant Nexus S 4G will appeal to Android purists and software developers.
Case: NZXT H2
Price: $99.99
Aimed at gamers and enthusiasts who are particularly concerned with noise, the NZXT H2 is a well-equipped PC case that would benefit from some additional polish.
Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K
Price: $216
The Intel Core i5-2500K offers exceptional value and impressive Sandy Bridge–based performance, but you can (and should) do better than this CPU's integrated graphics.
Motherboard: Asus P8P67 Pro
Price: $179.99
If it's lacking some of the flashier features of other P67 Express chipset motherboards, the Asus P8P67 Pro is nonetheless an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want control over every aspect of their PCs.
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6670
Price: $99
Keep your PC's resolution settings modest, and the $99 AMD Radeon HD 6670 can be a good way to play 3D games without breaking the bank.
Networking: Netgear Universal WiFi Range Extender (WN2000RPT)
Price: $69.99
Need to boost your Wi-Fi signal? Netgear's Universal Wi-Fi Extender can help.
Apps:
• BlackBerry Utility: ControlBBanel for Blackberry (v. 1.24.46)
• Backup Utility: CMS BounceBack Server Instant Server Recovery
• Small Business Software: WooEB
• Security Suite: Norton 360 Version 5.0
• Security Software: Identity Finder 5.0