Top Tech Gift Ideas For Black Friday And Cyber Monday Shoppers

We are almost to the end of yet another wonderfully innovative year in technology. The non-stop innovation of the tech sector has presented us with products and services that deliver more horsepower, lower power consumption, and smaller form factors that deliver more value and features. The tradition of Black Friday began with retail merchants feverishly working over the year to pull their bottom lines out of the "red", and utilizing the US Thanksgiving long holiday weekend to bolster sales and revenue back into the "black." For 65 years value-seeking consumers in the U.S. have been looking forward to today. While most Americans are recovering from excessive levels of tryptophan and many people around the world are putting up their holiday decorations, it’s Black Friday, the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season. 

If you're on the hunt for gloriously geeky gifts for a special someone, we think we've got you covered. The editorial staff here at HotHardware has assembled a list of what we would like to see under our trees this holiday season. From hand gadgets to flagship devices, we’ve put together our top picks.  Have something else on your list that you don’t see here?  Please add your own recommendation in the comments below to help your fellow readers!

Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice Remote - Starting at $69.99

Starting the list is Amazon’s Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa Voice remote.  The handy streamer offers HDMI output with 4K Ultra HD up to 60 fps, High Dynamic Range, and Dolby Atmos audio. It is powered by microUSB and has 802.11ac wireless connectivity. For an additional cost, there is an option for an Ethernet adapter for those who want the speed and reliability of wired internet connection. The device allows you to stream music, use apps or watch one of hundreds of thousands of movies available through Netflix, Amazon Prime or other subscription services.  Got the munchies?  You don't even have to leave the comfort of your couch to order the pizza, just use the remote and Alexa can connect you to local food services like Dominos.

The Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum RGB is a staff mouse favorite. It comes from a long line of gaming mice that gives the consumer the ability to tweak almost everything. It is a corded mouse giving you 100% up-time and you will never run around looking for batteries in the heat of battle. To dial in the best inertial resistance, an access panel on the bottom allows users to adjust critical mass using 3.6g weights. You can also use the software from Logitech to change the function of the G502's 11 buttons, RGB lighting, and even run macros. There is an on-the-fly set of buttons to select up to 5 DPI settings allowing you to switch from fast twitch, down to more precision control.

Moving from gaming to content creation, the Logitech MX ERGO Advanced Wireless Trackball is a modern trackball mouse with increased accuracy, a comfortable design, and lag-free wireless operation. It comes with a long lasting 500mAh rechargeable battery and can be paired with two computers simultaneously. The angle of the mouse can also be adjusted by 20 degrees to accommodate various hand position preferences. For more information you can read our review here.

If you are looking for ultra light-weight Bluetooth headphones with exquisite sound for that audiophile on your list, check out the SoundSport Wireless Headphone by Bose. Weighing in just under an ounce (0.8oz), the lithium-ion battery will keep the tunes rolling for up to 6 hours on a 2 hour charge. It offers Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) connectivity and is sweat and weather resistant. With an audio quality known only from Bose (nothing compares, in our opinion, to Bose's low-end response) and its Stay Hear+ tips, your music lover will have comfort, style and bodacious beats, even during intense athletic activities.

Trying to keep your CPU cool while looking the same? NZXT's Kraken X62 CPU AiO liquid cooling kit can get it done in style and with a 6 year warranty, you know it should endure the test of time. The CPU water block and pump has a high polish finish that can mount to most AMD and Intel processors. Just as reflective is the mirrored front with LED ring which allows the user to chose the lighting for their case. Two 120mm fans push up to 1,800 CFM or can be slowed down to suit your required noise levels (21-38dBA).

The SoundBlasterX Katana Multi-Channel Surround Gaming and Entertainment Soundbar looks as good as it sounds. It fits cleanly under wide screen displays and features an Aurora Reactive programmable lighting system with up to 16.8 million colors and has an IR remote. It features 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range and one long-throwing subwoofer and is certified Dolby 5.1, when connected via optical. When connected via USB, it doubles as a DAC which can deliver customizable 7.1 virtual channel audio (Windows) and 24-bit/96kHz high-definition lossless audio playback. It also can be connected via Bluetooth 4.2, AUX-in, USB Flash Drive, Aux-in, Headphones/Headset-out, Mic-in. 24-bit lossless audio playback from USB Flash Drives. It also sounds pretty dang amazing.