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Review W hat's New
Popular Science gifts
Need a present for someone who is difficult to buy for? Try one of our
recommendations - they've all been reviewed here and have that touch of science
and the ability to fascinate. Unlike our book reviews, which include all books
we receive good and bad, our gift reviews only cover the products we highly
recommend.
Bargain Gifts - low budget but still an exciting and different present -
under £12 (under $25)
20Q
Radica
Brilliant "20
questions" AI device that guesses what you are thinking of. Fun to play
with a real "how did it do that?" feel
Electronic Game
Digital camera memory cards
Various
Digital cameras are
great, but rarely have enough memory. Extra memory is now very affordable
- there's little point in going for less than 2Gb -
and makes a great gift
Photographic/electronics
The Global Warming Survival Kit
Brian Clegg
In some ways reminiscent of those "how to
survive a crocodile attack" type books, but on the all-too-realistic threats
posed by climate change. Works both as a gift book and as a useful
reference to have around the house.
Book
Light Years
Brian Clegg
The story of humanity's
exploration of light. Combination of good history with fascinating new light
science. New edition. Very approachable people-centred science book that
makes a great present.
Book
Moon Map
Moon Poster
A very detailed photographic map of the moon,
plus all sorts of information and mini-articles. A poster that would
grace any home observatory, office or bedroom..
Poster
Organizing a Murder
Creativity Unleashed
The ultimate murder mystery party resource -
an ebook with twelve different mysteries to solve, ideal as you can print
off answer sheets, clues etc.. These mystery games seem to appeal
strongly to those interested in science and maths
Downloadable
ebook
Solar Airship
Science Museum
Immense, eight metre
long airship that flies by solar heating. It might be an immense
binliner, but it really is great fun. Needs good weather.
Toy
Rubik's Cube
Winning Moves/Drummond Park
There has never been
a puzzle to beat it, and the classic Rubik's Cube is still an excellent
choice. A new generation is discovering this old favourite.
Puzzle
The Universe Next Door
Marcus Chown
Things to make you go "wow!" in this elegant collection. Strange concepts at the
edge of scientific theories
Book
Wholly Irresponsible Experiments
Sean Connolly
Sixty-five fun science experiments to do in
the home, learn a little science and make a mess while your at it (hence
irresponsible). An excellent gift for parents who like to do things with
their children, or older kids.
Book
Wind-up LED Torch (flashlight)
Active Products/Dynamo
The simple addition of a dynamo to a torch
makes so much sense. Great budget gift that's environmentally friendly
too
Torch
(flashlight)
Why the Toast Always Lands Butter Side Down
Richard Robinson
Subtitled The Science of Murphy's Law. A witty and light
exploration of how our brains fool us to make everything seem to go wrong
Book
Midrange Gifts - presents that make the difference £15-40 ($25-80)
The Egypt Code
Robert Bauval
Don't be put off by the new-agey title:
this is a real thriller of an exploration of the relationship between
Ancient Egyptian buildings and stellar observation.
Book
Encyclopaedia Britannica 2008 Ultimate Edition
Focus
The world's most
famous encyclopaedia in its newest incarnation. So much more useful than
the paper version, with excellent content including Children's Encyclopaedia
if slightly challenged by online rivals.
Software
No Two Alike
Judith Rich Harris
A real page turner as the
author explores how personalities differ, with a style that owes as much to
a murder mystery as a science book
Book
The Oxford Dictionary of Scientific Quotations
W. F. Bynum and
Roy Porter
Massive collection of quotations by scientists and about science. A
surprise on every page in this definitive collection
Book
Redshift 6 Premium Edition
USM/Maris/Focus
A strong
challenger for Starry Night - not quite as good as Starry Night Pro Plus,
but equal to Starry Night Pro, and a bargain.
Includes telescope control. Recommended..
Software &
DVD
Skype phone s
Various
Attractive cordless phones that works both with
your ordinary telephone line and Skype internet calls.
Internet phone
Starry Night Complete Space & Astronomy Pack
Imaginova
Probably the best
planetarium software there is, coupled with an ejoyable DVD More
expensive than Redshift, but the ultimate.
Software &
DVD
Special Gifts - when you want to go that little bit further £60-200
($100-400)
Clix
iRiver
For once a really different looking MP3 player with a clever screen that
doubles as a control. Excellent cradle adding extra fuctionality. You'll
love it or hate it
MP3 player
Digital Photo Frame
Philips
Everyone loves digital cameras, but it's a pain not being able to display
your pictures without printing. These stunning digital frames take the
images direct from your digital camera
Photographic/electronics
New
iPod
Nano
Apple
The ultimate style accessory. Not as good as the Zen as a player for a PC
user, but ideal for Mac users or style lovers.
Good capacity of up to 1000 tracks
MP3 player
Kindle
Amazon
You'll love it or hate it, but you can't ignore Amazon's Kindle 'wireless
reading device.' We haven't a review yet, but it has to be here.
Books, newspapers, web access - all without
connecting to a PC.
Electronic book reader
Max-Joy
Maxfield
Robust, easy to use MP3 player for younger users.
Sounds good and has the ability to accept
memory cards to add extra space cheaply.
MP3 player
Starry Night Pro Plus
Space Software/Avanquest
Superb planetarium software for serious amateur astronomers with a wealth of
features and information and superb detail.
Includes telescope control. Recommended..
Software &
DVD
Tokyo Flash Watches
TechDeals
Totally outrageous watches with unique visual
style. Don't bother if you want a
watch to tell the time - but you can't dispute that they're eye-catching.
Watch
Zen
Creative
Simply the best MP3 player around - all the style of its competitors, plus
better PC compatibility than Apple equivalents
Huge capacity of up to 16,000 tracks, in
credit-card sized player.
MP3 player
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Last update 05 June 2007