PC Gifts for the Apple Computer Enthusiast

A Selection of PC Related Products For Apple Computer Users

Apple's Time Capsule is a merger of an Airport Extreme wireless access point and an external hard drive unit. The reason is to allow Mac computers running a version the Mac OS X operating system with the Time Machine backup feature to easier back up their computer system over a wireless network. The wireless network features support for the new 802.11n draft wireless along with the older 802.11a/b/g versions as well. It also includes a three port gigabit Ethernet switch for connecting to the device via a wired network. A wide area network port allows the device to share an internet connection ith multiple clients. It is available with either a 1TG or 2TB hard drive. Prices range from $270 to $500.

Essentially, the Apple TV is a network streaming and media storage device for viewing video and audio applications on a home theater system or TV instead of using your computer. It uses either an 802.11 wireless or Ethernet wired network connection to access the internet to stream or download video files to the built-in hard drives for viewing on a TV. It is necessary to either have or setup an iTunes account to fully use the unit. Video titles can either be purchased or rented. A television set with an HDMI, DVI or component video input is required to use the device. Two versions are available with 40GB or 160GB hard drives. Prices range from $200 to $230.

Apple's new LED Cinema is their first of a new generation of LCD monitors that utilizes an LED backlight system instead of a traditional compact florescent. This gives the display a greater range of colors than previous Apple displays and is more environmentally friendly in terms of materials and power consumption. It uses a 24-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 1920x1200. Be aware that it uses the newer DisplayPort interface that works natively with the latest MacBook, MacBook Pro models and iMacs. Older Apple computers currently cannot use it without an adapter. The display also features three USB port hub built-in and a MagSafe connector to power your laptop while it is plugged in. Prices are pretty steep though at $899.

Pretty much every Apple computer built in the past few years has come built-in with a Bluetooth wireless adapter. This is perfect for use with Bluetooth peripheral devices to keep down the wire clutter on the desktop. The new Apple Wireless Keyboard takes on a new ultra-thin profile with aluminum casing found on its entire product line. This is a great item to add to any of the desktop units but is also useful to those looking to use a laptop in a desktop environment with an external keyboard. The only real drawback to the keyboard design is the lack of a numeric keypad. Prices are around $65.

Apple's Mighty Mouse was not well received by consumers as the little nub on it had the tendency of wearing out or not functioning properly. Apple has developed a replacement in the Magic Mouse that is sleaker and comes with a multitouch interface built onto the surface. It is Bluetooth based so it should work with just about any of the current and past few generations of Apple computers without a problem. It certainly makes an excellent replacement for anyone who happens to be using the older Mighty Mouse.

Most people who own a Mac computer also tend to own an iPod. Heck, most people using Windows based machines tend to have iPods. One of the annoying aspects of the latest generation of iPods is that they do not include the docking station anymore. The Apple Universal Dock gives a place for one to connect just about any type of iPod to their computer without having to fumble for cables. The kit includes five adapters for use with iPod Nano, Classic, Video, Touch and iPhone models. It also comes with a universal remote for use with the iPod remotely when it isn't hooked into a PC but attached to speakers or even a TV. Price is around $50.

While most of the Apple computer products have built-in audio, they tend to still leave room for improvement due to their limited size. A set of external stereo speakers can help enhance the audio experience of Apple's computer and even iPod products. The JBL Duet are a set of compact stereo speakers that won't take up much space but have very good audio. The aluminum color also compliments the aluminum designs of Apple's computers. Since it runs off a standard headphone jack for input, they can also be used with an iPod. Price is between $40 and $50.