Watch CBS News

Tech Gift Ideas: New Tablets And Smartphones

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Finding the right holiday gifts can be a challenge, but tech gifts are at the top of many lists. With the new iPhone out, it's easy to assume that would be the best option. If you're thinking about a laptop as a gift, you may want to consider a tablet.

Samsung has a pair of products out aimed to satisfy any tech geeks need to have the latest gadget.

It's fairer to compare Samsung's new Series 7 Slate tablet to a laptop than other tablets. It looks like a tablet but can do more than its competing products.

"Everything you normally do on your PC you can now do on something small, light-weight, and portable," said Pete Harrington, manager of the Microsoft Store at Mall of America.

Unlike other tablets, the Slate can run multiple programs at once.

With a retail price of $1,299, the Slate costs more than twice as much as a pair of Apple's iPad 2.

Another option is a new Windows phone available from Samsung this holiday season.

The Samsung Focus Flash is advanced enough to carry Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also features "live tiles" on the main screen of the phone that updates Facebook and email messages.

The Samsung Focus Flash retails for $49 with a two-year service agreement.

"It's available on all four (major) carriers," said Harrington.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.