With big screens and more video options than ever before, iPods, iPads, and iPhones are great mobile platforms for watching movies and TV shows. Whether it's commuting work or taking longer trips - on a bus across the country or flying at 35,000 feet - an iPod or iPad packed with movies and TV shows can be a great way to pass the time. If you've got a big movie or TV fan in your life, here are some ideas for great presents this holiday season.
1. iPod touch
image copyright Apple Inc.
The iPod touch is a great option for movie fans thanks to its 3.5-inch, high-resolution Retina Display screen. The iPod touch displays movies in widescreen format, improving the viewing experience. With up to 64 GB of storage (enough for 40-80 hours of video) and the ability to record HD video on the 4th generation model, the iPod touch is a terrific little package for movie lovers. Combine this with a great music player and options at the App Store like Apple's iMovie video editor, you've got erverything you need.
2. iPad
image copyright Apple Inc.
3. Apple TV
image copyright Apple Inc.
Got someone on your gift list who watches a lot of movies via iTunes or Netflix? This little box may be the right thing for them. It allows users to stream video over the Internet and play it at 720p HD on their HDTVs. There's not a lot more functionality here (though the advent of AirPlay Mirroring is changing that), but at $99 it's a pretty good deal.
4. iPod Video-out Cables
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iPods don't just display video on their built-in screens. They can also output video to TVs. While obviously not a good alternative for watching video while traveling, if your videos live on your iPod, or you want to bring a big selection of movies to friends' houses, these cables are great. The cables cost from about US$20 to about $75.
5. iPad-to-HDMI Adapter
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6. Peel Universal Remote
image copyright Peel Technologies Inc.
7. iPod Video Docks
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If your traveling movie fan wants a bigger screen to watch, but doesn't have a TV handy, a video dock could be the key. These docks, which house an iPod Classic, iPod touch, iPod nano, or iPhone, have larger screens than the iPod (usually a 7 or 8-inch LCD) and built-in speakers. They also tend to be small, sometimes foldable, and almost always portable. Expect to pay around $100-$150 for these.
8. DVD Ripping software
For movie fans with big DVD libraries, these programs can help them convert DVDs into iPod-compatible video files. There are many programs that do this, ranging from free to those that cost $20-$40. They vary in output quality, so try a free download or read reviews before buying.
9. iTunes Gift Card
image copyright Apple Inc.
Every iPod owner can do well with an iTunes Store gift card. With that card, they can buy music and videos for download. Though the selection of movies at the iTunes Store is smaller than its selection of music, more movies and TV shows are being added all the time. An iTunes gift card is a perfect accompaniment to any gift of an iPod model.
10. 5th Generation iPod nano
image copyright Apple Inc.
If your movie fan not only likes watching movies, but also making them, consider picking them up the 5th generation iPod nano (this isn't the current model, though, so it may be a little trickier to find). While also offering all the traditional iPod features, this nano adds a video camera capable of taking 640 x 480 video at up to 30 frames per second and offers 15 built-in special effects modes. While the movies aren't HD quality, they're solid for short, fun memory-making.
