We all have our selection of favorite gear; you know, the equipment we have that we actually keep with us on a regular basis. So spring seemed like a good time to take a renewed look at the gear various members of the GD team actually use. First up — from Gear Diary’s Australian Bureau — Mitchell Oke.

My job takes me on the road a lot, so my laptop bag is never more than a few metres away, packed with all the gear that I might need when I’m out of the office.

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We went hunting for some of the best gifts for mom and dad. We shared them, as well as some special Newsletter Subscriber-Only giveaways, in a special mid-week Gear Diary Newsletter a few days ago. Then we realized that whether you are a newsletter subscriber or not, you may be looking for a great Mother’s Day gift. So… we wanted to share out list with everyone. We hope these great gifts give you some even better ideas.

Judie’s picks for Mother’s Day

Whether inside or out, plants brighten up anyone’s day. Here are some terrific “green gifts” I highly recommend. Mom will love them, and so will you.

If mom wants fresh herbs, but doesn’t have the space to commit to a full garden, then the Growbottle with Basil might be just the thing. Recycled wine bottles are repurposed as miniature grow pots, perfect for keeping in a sunny window. Mom will have freshly homegrown basil, parsley, oregano or mint in no time! If she prefers something a bit more substantial to nosh on, then she’ll enjoy growing her own mushrooms in a Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Kit.

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Last month we were part of Best Buy’s ‘Gift That Do’ promotion. As part of it we held a live Gifts That Do conversation during which we talked about tech gifts, answered questions and gave away four $25 Best Buy Gift Certificates.

Well, we are back for another ‘Gift That Do’ conversation and giveaway, but this time it will be happening on Twitter.

Date & Time: 
January 3, 2013
  7:30-8:30 p.m. CST

#GiftsThatDo

Our goal during the hour-long Twitter chat is to help mobile gift recipients to make the most of the gear they received last month. We’ll look at our #GiftsThatDo recommendations, and we’ll have some tips on how technology can help us reach our personal goals and pursue our passions in 2013.

The Twitter Party is also a chance for us to help. We know that many folks who return electronics gifts do so because they are having “trouble” with the gear. During our Twitter conversation, we will not only have members of the Gear Diary Team on hand to help troubleshoot, but a Best Buy Geek Squad Agent expert will with us to answer technical questions on how to use, support and/or troubleshoot mobile devices issues.

And there’s more. During the Twitter Party we will be giving away four $25 Best Buy gift cards to active chat participants. All you have to do for a chance to win is… join the conversation tonight.

We’ll be using #GiftsThatDo so watch for it along with @geardiarysite, @geardiary and @dmcohen and join the chat.

As we noted in the first part of this post, “Mobility, It Is All About the Ecosystem and #GiftsThatDo“, Best Buy has launched a special Gifts That Do campaign and invited us to serve as one of their mobile technology and gadget experts for this Holiday Season. I put together an extensive list of gear we have reviewed on the site, and that Judie and/or I use on a daily basis, and then I set about shortening the list.

My first post (read it here) began by stating:

I tried to remain platform agnostic, but I ended up with a list that is more than a bit Apple-centric. Thinking about why this is the case presented me with some clarity about the approach I currently take to mobile gear. The bottom line is this: when all of your devices are part of the same ecosystem, when it matters little WHICH device you have with you at any given time since ALL of them work in tandem with the others, then you have truly achieved mobile-nirvana.For example, if I can create a task list on my iPhone and also have it appear on my iPad and MacBook I don’t have to so much as think about which device I bring with me. Similarly, if I were to start this article at home on my MacBook — and then left home, being able to continue to write it on my iPad mini it — once again- matters little which device or devices I am carrying.

In this post, I want to delve more deeply into some of the ways the gifts on the final list can help you do more. First, lets run down the list of items. You can read the details about this list, here, on the “Gifts That Do” promotion page.

On the final list are the iPhone 5, the new iPod touch, the new iPad mini and the MacBook Pro with Retina display. The accessories that help me get the most out of these items include the Jawbone JamBox or the Jabra Solemate (depending upon which I grab on a particular day), the MyCharge Powerstation, the Plantronics Voyager Legend and the SMS Audio STREET by 50 Cent.

This is just about the list the gear I brought with me on vacation, and I thought I would walk through how these items become useful when, for example, I was writing this post while sitting at the pool.

I started this post when I was still in New Jersey; the first rough outline of it was done on my iPhone while I was waiting for an appointment. I used Siri to dictate the approach I planned to take into the stock Apple notes app. While the stock notes app is rather anemic, it does get the job done; thanks to iCloud, my notes are then integrated into all of my Apple devices.

Tip: Whenever possible, I use dictation. It is fast and mostly accurate. And I've found that the more you use it, the better you will get at dictating in a manner that can yield the best possible options.

Tip: I always prefer apps that integrate with iCloud over those that are “standalone” apps. When an app is integrated with iCloud I get the dual benefits of knowing my work is backed up (iCloud isn't a backup system by design, but it does save your work to the cloud so it no longer resides ONLY on your device). I also enjoy being able to work on the same version of a document regardless of which device I pick up, thanks to iCloud.

Tip: I realize that using Siri to dictate is a learned skill; I've found that it works best when I speak slowly and over-articulate my speech. Yes, I do sound a bit robotic but speaking this way tends to yield better results. Dictating in a quiet environment is always best, but regardless of the setting I have had better results when I used a headset. I love the easy and comfort of the Plantronics Voyager Legend and the style of the SMS Audio STREET by 50 Cent. In other words, headsets aren't just for privacy and safety, they can also be used to enhance your dictation. If you want these iOS gifts to Do More, it is worth trying a few different headsets.

Although I began this post at home, I am now in Aruba for the week finishing the first draft. My iPhone is now turned off and in the hotel safe. While I know I can turn off the cellular data and not incur any of AT&T's insane international roaming charges, I always find that the best and safest approach is to shut it down entirely. Because my work was saved in iCloud, I was able to take out my iPad mini, turn it on, log into the hotel's WiFi and… bam… the work I did at home on the iPhone was right here on the mini.

The iPad mini comes everywhere with me now. When I first ordered it, I expected it to augment my 9.7″ iPad. But as I recently noted in a post, the iPad mini is seeing far more use than the larger tablet. It is light, portable, fast, and it gets amazing battery life. The ONLY downside of the mini when compared to the larger iPad is the lack of a retina screen and, quite honestly, I have quickly gotten used to it. Best of all, I don't find the mini slows me down a bit; to the contrary, because it is with me all the time I actually get more done with the mini than I ever did with the full iPad.

Before we left home, I picked up a ZaggKEYS FLEX at BestBUY.

The keyboard is letting me work just as quickly on the mini as I wold on a laptop. I love the fact tht the FLEX comes with a protective case that doubles as a stand. I also appreciate how it works with both iOS and Android devices. I am pretty centered on iOS devices right now, but I always like to remain as open as possible for review purposes. I am also finding that I can type as quickly on the FLEX as I can on any other keyboard; the entire set up is pretty impressive.

Tip: If you are going to use your smartphone or tablet for productivity, invest in a Bluetooth keyboard. It will let you get much more done on the go without adding too much bulk or weight.

I did bring my MacBook down with me, and — like my iPhone and iPad — it is fully integrated into iCloud and functions as part of the larger ecosystem. And while I could have gotten away with carrying just the iPad, I wanted the MacBook with me for batch editing of photos; otherwise, I expect that it will see little to no use this week. That also speaks to the power of Apple's mobile devices and their ability to works seamlessly together.

And speaking of photos, Apple's PhotoStream is yet another reason to work within a single device ecosystem. PhotoStream means that any picture I take on any of my devices will also be available on all of my iOS and Mac OS X devices within seconds. In other words, PhotoStream does for pictures what iCloud does for notes.

With iOS 6.0, the new mobile operating system that is on all currently shipping iOS devices, you can share PhotoStreams. That means I can invite Judie, Carly and Mike to share a single stream of images. Why would I want to do this? Think about this: with Shared PhotoStreams, I can write the text of a post and simply drop the relevant pictures into the shared stream. That lets the other Gear Diary editors have complete access to them and, as a result, we can work collaboratively on posts.

Finally lets talk about speakers. I debated whether I should bring the JawBone JamBox or the Jabra SoleMate with me. I finally decided on the SoleMate because of its rugged construction, water-resistant design, and “play-through” carry bag. The SoleMate is perfect to use at the pool or the beach. What does this have to do with “doing more”? Nothing. And that's the point. Sometimes doing more means doing less.

We have a live chat coming up tonight, Wednesday Dec. 12 at 8:30pm EST during which we'll discuss these gifts and some of the apps that will help make you more productive on the go. Best Buy will also be providing us with four $25 Best Buy gift cards that we'll give away during the chat. Watch for more details.

You can check out our #GiftsthatDo Pinterest Board, here.

Best Buy has launched a special Gifts That Do campaign and invited us to serve as one of their mobile technology and gadget experts for this Holiday Season. I put together an extensive list of gear we have reviewed on the site and/or Judie and I use on a daily basis. Then I set about shortening the list.

I tried to remain platform agnostic, but I ended up with a list that is more than a bit Apple-centric. Thinking about why this is the case presented me with some clarity about the approach I currently take to mobile gear. The bottom line is this: when all of your devices are part of the same ecosystem, when it matters little WHICH device you have with you at any given time since ALL of them work in tandem with the others, then you have truly achieved mobile-nirvana.

For example, if I can create a task list on my iPhone and have it appear on my iPad and MacBook too, then I don’t have to so much as think about which device I bring with me. Similarly, if I were to started this article at home on my MacBook — but then left home while being able to continue writing it on my iPad mini it — once again, matters little which device or devices I am carrying.

When all of your devices are part of the same ecosystem, it becomes possible for all of your work and files to not only be accessible on all devices — no matter where you are — but you can also continue working on them regardless of what you are doing. And that holds true for any ecosystem. That’s why someone who has an Android phone is going to benefit from using an Android tablet. And it is why my list of mobility gifts is centered on Cupertino.

So let’s jump into it.

We begin with the cornerstone of any mobile life, the smartphone. More than a phone, a smartphone is now a pocketable computer with more power than the first few computers many of us owned. My top recommendation is, of course, the iPhone 5. It is a fantastic phone that provides access to a library of hundreds of thousands of apps. When buying one I strongly urge you to consider getting at least a 32GB iPhone. Apps have grown larger and the devices shoot pictures and video that can quickly consume space on the device. 32GB will give you the elbow room you need if you are, for example, taking a trip and want media to enjoy and space to capture memories. I have and use an iPhone 5, and I absolutely love the device. Check it out.

Media Players: If you don’t need or want a phone but want access to the iTunes App Store, then you might want to consider the iPod touch. More than an iPhone-training wheel device, the new 5th generation iPod touch is a great piece of mobile gear in its own right. It sports the same screen at the iPhone 5, it has a camera that is good for both video AND pictures, and provides access to Siri. Plus it offers “The Loop”, a special accessory that brings a wrist strap to the touch! The touch can serve as your media device, your point and shoot camera, and as a pocketable computer.

Use It: The new iPod touch might be a bit pricey but it is a great first iOS device to give a younger person. This one gift gives them a gaming device, a media player, a camera, a web browser and access to apps that make learning, and playing, a blast. Check it out.

Accessories: The best phone, media player or tablet can be made even better with the right accessories. I’ve broken my list down into a few main categories.

Speakers: You can’t go wrong with either the Jawbone JamBox or the Jabra Solemate. We’ve reviewed both on Gear Diary. These small speakers pack a punch. They are portable, they have great sound, and hours and hours of mobile playback make them a terrific gift you a loved one… or yourself. I’m going to go with the JamBox for my list, simply because it is smaller and lighter. That gives it the slight edge when we are talking about mobility.

Use It: Grab the JamBox when you are headed to the beach. I know I’ll be bringing it along when I head to Aruba next month. Check it out.

Power: While devices have become more powerful the battery technology used to power them has lagged behind. I always carry an external battery with me. They are great in a pinch and make for a terrific gift that the recipient might not think to buy for him or herself. The Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation has a sleek look, and it packs a charging punch for under $80. The MyCharge Peak Portable Battery isn’t quite as refined, but it does have a 6000 mAh battery inside, and it can charge three devices at once. My pick for this list? The MyCharge Powerstation thanks to its built-in connectivity.

Use It: During the recent power outage here in New Jersey this power pack came in quite handy keeping my iPhone running. If you are traveling and don’t know when you’ll be near a power source this is a must have. Check it out.

Headphones: There are lots of great headphones and headsets currently available, and we have reviewed many on the site. Picking just a few was a challenge, but here they are.

For a headset I pick the Plantronics Voyager Legend. This is Plantronics’ latest generation Bluetooth headset. It builds on the already-impressive Voyager line and adds even more call clarity, power, and features. It is the headset I use and, were it to be lost, I would buy another without hesitation.

Use It: If you drive you need this headset. It sounds great and lets you answer (or reject) calls without having to take your hands off the steering wheel and eyes off the road. Check it out.

For wired headphones, the SMS Audio STREET by 50 Cent makes my list. These headphones look good, sound good, and they are comfortable to wear for extended periods. Excellent sound isolation means you won’t need to pump the volume up quite as high while listening; your ears will thank you.

Use It: Walking down the street of New York and want your tunes blasting? These headphones let you enjoy your music and not look like a lemming with white earbuds hanging from your ears. Check it out.

Your iPhone 5 needs protection, and I’m putting the Lifeproof case for iPhone 5 on my list. This case is waterproof, dustproof, and… well, lifeproof. If you need to protect your iPhone as much as possible, then this is the way to GO!

Use It: If your kids love to play with your iPhone you want this case. Seriously, when the iPhone sits in its LifeProof case they can drop it, kick it, toss it in the tub and it will still be good as new. I know my in-laws will be protecting their new iPhone 5s in them when they travel to Antarctica next month. Best Buy also carries their amazing Nuud case for the iPad. Check it out.

Tablets: Tablets make a great gift. When they were first announced people called them “consumption devices”. While many use them that way, thanks to a plethora of apps tablets are now serious work devices too. If you can afford it go for the new iPad. Its retina display is gorgeous and access to Siri makes it a workhorse. If you want something a bit smaller, lighter and cheaper check out the new iPad mini. While it doesn’t have the gorgeous retina display, it does offer 10 hour battery life and it has Siri too. I would opt for one of these over the iPad 2 which lacks both the retina display and Siri.

Use It: The iPad mini is the ideal tablet for a student looking to carry fewer backs and still have textbooks handy. Then, when class is in session they can use it to take notes and record the lecture. Check it out.

For something thin and light, you should check out the Sena Florence Portfolio. We reviewed this case extensively and, in fact, helped the company refine it through the three iterations that led to the current, awesome, version.

Use It: If a loved one uses their iPad at work this is a great way for them to look both stylish and professional while also keeping their iPad safe. Nothing says “classy” better than a refined leather case like this. Check it out.

Notebooks: Finally, for ultimate computing get the 15” MacBook pro with Retina Display. This is my current computer, and it is by far the best computing experience I have ever had. The screen is amazing, the power and speed are fantastic, and the experience of using one? I love it! The MacBook Pro Retina makes my list.

Use It: The MacBook Pro with Retina display is great for the professional who does a lot of writing but it is also ideal for the creative person who needs to edit pictures and movies. Everything looks fantastic on the gorgeous screen and, thanks to the solid state drive, the computer will likely be the fastest you have every used.Check it out.

You can check out our #GiftsthatDo Pinterest Board, here; you can see all the #GiftsthatDo, here.