Twelve Days of Christmas, Holiday Gift Ideas: Computer Accessories

The holidays are upon us. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are both over, and the December rush has begun. Whether you're shopping online, through retailers like Amazon.com, Overstock.com, or offline in retail outlets such as Wal*Mart or Target you can be a smart consumer. By using sites like PriceGrabber or Google Product Search or mobile applications like ShopSavvy (Android & iPhone) you can be sure you're getting a good deal.

Of course, the best place to start is to look at who you're buying for, and how much you're willing to spend on them. But to get you started, I've thrown together a list of some of the bigger consumer products of the year. Ranging from the cheaper stocking stuffers, to the more expensive presents this list has a little bit of everything, although it's definitely for the geekier folk.

Computers and Accessories

Apple Keyboard (Wireless) $69

The wireless Apple keyboard is the same thing (from layout to design) as the MacBook line keyboards for the current models. The same low profile keys in a thin, and small, aluminum body. The only way to make this a better keyboard would be to include backlighting like the MacBook Pro's have, for use in the dark. A wired version is also available, as well as one with a full keyboard, with a keypad.

Apple Magic Mouse $69

The Magic Mouse is the latest iteration of Apple's mouse. While their mice have always had their share of negative reviews (the Magic Mouse is no exception), this is definitely an improvement. Rather than having the scroll ball previously in the Mighty Mouse, the entire surface of the Magic Mouse works like the glass trackpad in the MacBook and MacBook Pros; With multi-touch and gestures. It's a bit awkward to get used to, but it's definitely a great mouse, and it should open the way for some better mice from all companies in the future. The wired Mighty Mouse is still available for those who prefer it.

Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard (Wireless) $135

The diNovo Edge is ridiculously thin, has a small circular trackpad, a well designed charging base, and backlit controls. In practice, the circular trackpad is well designed, and placed where you won't accidentally hit it. Using the trackpad for scrolling is a nice feature, although I'd love to have a larger area for it. Typing on the diNovo Edge is pleasant, once you get over the somewhat awkward and illogical layout. In the end though, choosing a keyboard is fairly personal, but if you're looking to give the gift of a slim sleek keyboard, this is a wonderful option. Mac version also available.

Logitech Performance MX Mouse $79

We all know Logitech makes great mice, and the Performance MX is no exception. It's designed to fit in your hand, and it does just that. The scroll wheel is designed for fast scrolling, and the thumb buttons on the side are well placed. And it doesn't eat your batteries, you simply recharge it over USB, which while I'm thinking of it, the USB plug is so small you can leave it in and connect other compatible devices as well.

Microsoft Arc Mouse $39

For the road warrior, the Arc mouse is wonderful. It's very portable, and surprisingly comfortable. No, it's not a smaller mouse, it's a fullsize mouse which folds up when you're not using it. And it looks great. What's not to love?

Wacom Bamboo Touch $59

Wacom has a wide array of tablets for digital artists, but the Bamboo Touch is something different; It's multi-touch. Use all the multi-touch gestures you'd learned just as you'd expect on the surface, just as you would on the glass trackpad's on the MacBook and MacBook Pros. This is a great complement to anyone with a desktop Mac, or who just wants to use multi-touch without buying a new laptop or tablet device.

Data Robotics Drobo S $799

It's an expensive present sure, but the present of data backup and reliability is one of the best. Whether it's for a photographer, video editor, or just for use as a gigantic and safe media server, Data Robotics' Drobo is the best. Have a drive fail? Simply pull it out, and stick a new one in. No matching sizes, or doing work to copy the files over yourself, Drobo does it all for you. Worried about two drives failing at the same time? It can do that too. With 5 drive bays, the Drobo S is capable of 10tb of storage, and beyond.

This is the day six of our Twelve Days of Christmas, Holiday Shopping Ideas from Maverick Revolution.