Tech gifts that don't empty your wallet

Some gifts for less than $50.

Novelty speakers: The Hasbro I-Dog ($30) is a kids' speaker system for an iPod (or other MP3 player) that runs on two AA batteries.

More specifically, it's a plastic dog that wiggles its ears and head while swaying to the music coming through the speaker on its back. When the music is slow, so is he, and when it's fast, he is, too.

Besides the I-Dog, Hasbro also makes an I-Cat and an I-Fish that do catlike and fishlike movements to the music.

This speaker system is cute, though the sound quality doesn't compare with the far more expensive systems available for older kids and adults.

Discriminating listeners will want to spend more than $50 and connect their iPods to the Apple Hi-Fi speaker system ($349) or the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 ($250), for example, and hear music that sounds significantly better, but without the dancing dog.

Back to the younger set. The I-Dog may be just right for a sleepover, when the kids want to listen to music while lying in their sleeping bags, talking, and trying not to fall asleep.

My daughter thinks this little plastic dog is cute. But I've noticed she doesn't use it when in the mood to really listen to her music.

As the holiday shopping season reaches full swing, I've seen other, similar devices appear on the market, such as the Corgi iCar ($35), a replica of the Cadillac Escalade that reportedly rocks in all directions, flashes colored lights and pumps up the music.

It also can remain parked if the listener wants to hear the music without watching the car rock.

This one needs six AA batteries to perform.

The DJ Bear Personal Speaker System ($40) is 6 inches by 7.5 inches, furry and wears denim overalls. The speakers are in his feet, so when sitting down with his feet in front, the music sounds clear from both speakers. All in all, he sits, gets hugged or carried around (he doesn't dance or rock) while those nearby listen to the music. This speaker system requires four AAA batteries.

A handy label maker: I was introduced to the Brother P-Touch Electronic Labeling System Model PT-65 ($30) while in my audiologist's office. She opened her desk drawer and pulled out the label-making device while describing the cables I was about to start using to connect my Cochlear hearing system to an iPod, TV, and other devices.

She created labels with this little gadget to help me identify the different cables.

While I was watching, I started thinking about all the other labels I'd like to make for things around home.

For example, everyone in our house over 13 has a cellphone, and the charging cables sometimes get mixed up, so a label for each would be helpful.

In addition, I have uncountable pieces of technology sitting in my office, and labels on their various detachable parts could prevent mix-ups and frustration.

Labels on toys that sometimes go to day care, as well as labels on rulers, calculators and other things that go to school, would be a good idea.

In fact, anything that leaves the house with one of the kids is more likely to come home if it's labeled. Same is true of the adults around here, to tell the truth.

So I'm thinking there are a few people I know who might welcome a handy little label maker for Christmas. I order one to try out for myself.

When it arrives, I load the four included AA batteries and labeling tape, turn on the device and begin typing a label. When I'm done, I press Print and use the Scissor button to cut off the finished label

It's easy to read and sticks just fine on my stapler. Now it will be perfectly clear whose stapler someone has "borrowed" and left on his or her desk, not mine.

OK, a plain and simple label is easy to make. Now let's see what else is possible.

Turns out I can change the text size and style (normal, outline, shadow, italic), as well as underline or frame the text (with a rounded, wooden, pointing, candy, or other shape). There's also a collection of symbols and graphics I can add (heart, star, arrow, musical note, and more) for decoration.

All in all, almost anyone over 10 would probably find this little device useful and fun. So, I quickly attach a personal label to keep it near my desk.

Rechargeable battery charger: For people who use digital cameras and other devices that run on four AA batteries, having a device that can easily recharge all four at once, is pretty essential, never mind handy.

The Energizer e2 Rechargeable Easy Charger ($30) is a compact 5 by 4 inches, plugs directly into the wall and charges four AA or AAA NiMH batteries in 8-9 hours.

A red "charging" light glows while the batteries are charging, and a green "done" light goes on when they're fully charged.

There's an automatic on/off safety switch so that the batteries won't overcharge.

Besides including four rechargeable batteries, the charger also comes with three color plates, so that fashion-conscious users can make the charger blend with the wall color (silver, black, and eggshell).

In sum, for those on your shopping list who like practical gifts, both the label maker and battery charger are good choices to stuff in a stocking or put under the tree.

Write Linda Knapp at lknapp@seattletimes.com; to read other Getting Started columns, go to: www.seattletimes.com/gettingstarted