Cri8ive.it's guide to Christmas Shopping
Christmas shopping is drawing to a close, and Cri8ive has selected some nifty gift ideas for creatives everywhere.
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| Christmas gifts are your personal bane? Cri8ive's here to help. |
12/22/2024: I am terribly sorry for taking so long to publish this post. It should have gone up last week, and with just a few days left before Christmas it feels all kinds of anticlimatic to put it up now - but I had promised it'd go live and Cri8ive keeps her word. Unfortunately, these days have been pretty hectic and I'v not been physicaly able to finish it before.
We're almost there, gang - less than a week to Christmas, and the shopping rush is drawing to a close. However, shopkeepers and retailers all over the world may tell you tha these last few days are by far the most frantic. Some customer will wait until the very last minute, numbed by having to choose between so many options; others may have to last-minute shop for an unforeseen and unprogrammed present, and some may just as well wait for the best deals. Choosing the perfect Christmas gift is no easy feat; there's no such thing as a a fit-for-all answer.
Still, it's nice to have some sort of guidance, and Cri8ive has selected a handful of the coolest gift ideas for creatives out there. Of course, this isn't - this can't be - a comprehensive listing; I've merely collected some of the newest or most noteworthy products I could find. However there's a lot more where these came from, and even if you can't find anything of interest, perhaps this article will direct your inquiries in a new direction or two.
Cri8ive holiday offers
At the risk of sounding very self-conceited, the first gift idea I'm gonna tell you about are my very own XMAS Promo offers on Cri8ive.it (you can find the full article here). Because you see, December is perhaps the best month for advertising your business. December is the month of sales and clearances. It is a month ripe with events. Most importantly, it is a positively bustling month for clientele. The earliest you advertise, the higher your chances will be to stand out amidst competitors.
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| Cri8ive.it's four XMAS Promo |
Hence Cri8ive's XMAS Promo sets out to cater to a wide range of audience; small business (XMAS WEB), hotels, cafes and restaurants (XMAS SHOP), musical artists and record labels (XMAS MUSIC) as well as anyone who might be looking for a custom gift (XMAS ART). The offers may be combined and are valid thru December 31rst, 2024, (I think they might make for cool New Year gifts too!)
Also, I'd llike to make a personal conisideration. Cri8ive is an individual project - the labor, dedication and life's work of just one person. As someone who is essentially self-employed, I speak from experience when I say that new works are the greatest gift for all my fellow freelancers.
Hi-tech Christmas Shopping
Personal Computer
Technology has the lion's share when it comes to Christmas shopping, but what does the market hold in store for hi-tech creatives? A new computer might be an excellent place to start.
MacBook Pro 16'' M4
Many a creative all over the world will confirm that Mac computers are by far one of the best picks for graphics and design. The newest MacBook Pro 16'' M4 did quite a good job living up to expectations.
This top of the line notebook from the Cupertino-based manufacturer can easily hold its ground against most desktop computers. The M4 chip allows for an efficient and comfortable workflow even when handling heavy graphics and 3D animations. With a powerful SSD hard disk, you may store from 512 GB to a full 8TB of data; conversely, its 24GB of RAM may be expanded up to 128GB, and the CPU ranging from 14-core to 16-core enables users to anage large graphic and video files with the utmost ease.
The only downside may very well be its weight. The MacBook Pro 16'' M4 is quite sturdy at 2,15 kg, bulkier than average and not the most comfortable option for creatives who are always on the move. To compensate this minor flaw, its powerful battery can reach up to 24 hours of video streaming. The Liquid Retina XDR display offers a superior color reproduction, with bright hues and full blacks. The elegant case is available in both sideral black and silver. All in all, what I consider the greatest issue of this model is that Apple has also jumped on the annoying Artificial Intelligence bandwagon, which feels completely unnecessary and bothersome.
As may be expected from a top of the line product, the MacBook Pro 16'' M4 isn't cheap; prices range from 1946 euro for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration. The cost, however, is fully justified by its rich performances, effectively making this computer the very best Macintosh product out there.
Asus Zenbook Pro Duo OLED
An alternative Christmas gift idea for long-time Windows aficionados is Asus's Zenbook Pro Duo OLED. No less than Apple, Asus has gone all out to develop an ideal laptop for professional creatives. Multitasking has never been quite so easy; with 32 GB RAM and 2TB storage space, even the most labor-intensive workflows will run smoothly and sans lags of any kind.
But there's more. As the name itself hints, one of the new features of Zenbook Pro Duo OLED is its double screen. The main display can be folded out with an additional 14 inches, full 3K OLED touchscreen panel to boot. With its 500nit brightness, colors are always bright and vivid, as is the spectacular reproduction of blacks.
Weighing only 1,65 kg, but reliable and sturdy nonetheless, this computer is the perfect option for professional who are always on the move after the newest creative trends. The connection experience is high profile with its support to WiFi 6E, and while the battery might not be outstanding, it easily reaches a full 8 hours. With its powerful Intel Core Ultra processor, the performances are nothing short of groundbreaking.
Weighing only 1,65 kg, but reliable and sturdy nonetheless, this computer is the perfect option for professional who are always on the move after the newest creative trends. The connection experience is high profile with its support to WiFi 6E, and while the battery might not be outstanding, it easily reaches a full 8 hours. With its powerful Intel Core Ultra processor, the performances are nothing short of groundbreaking.
Let's get it straight, this is no cheap laptop either - prices start from as high as 2299 euro on. But with its advanced tech specs and the utmost adaptability to all working endeavors, the Zenbook Pro Duo OLED is one of the best deals for creatives and content creators out on the fast lane.
Smartphones
When it comes to Christmas shopping, smartphones are a sure hit where you can very rarely go wrong. Let's face it - smartphones have become a necessity in everyday life, all the more so for creatives and promoters. And the holidays might just be the best time of the year for looking into new mobile gifts for friends, or perhaps for yourself as well.
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhones were the groundbreakers of smart technology, and remain some of the best-selling devices of all times - as shown by the long queues outside of Apple Stores at every new iPhone release. Now with the latest version - the sixteenth - Apple has especially catered to the market of creators and influencers with a stunning and versatile new phone.
With its built-in Dolby Vision 4K system, the new iPhone is the perfect device for professional photshoots and video reels. Its 48 MB Fusion camera has three synchronized sensors and a 5x objective; managing the multiple objectives has never been quite so easy thanks to the new Camera Control feature. And images will never look better than on its huge (6,3'' in the base version, and 6'9'' in the iPhone 16 Max) Super Retina XDR display.
Apple has worked hard to improve the battery as well, and the new iPhone 16 can easily reach up to 27 hours of video footage. The merit goes to its powerful A18 Pro Chipset, which was - unfortunately - developed to handle the heavy energetic requirements of the Artificial Intelligence. The "plague" of AI will be a recurring constant in the next iPhone models but, at least for now, the italian iPhone 16 are still devoid of this cumbersome (and quite unncecessary) addition. Regardless, the full potential of Apple's new chip makes this phone a powerful working tool for creatives.
The prices range from 1200 euro for the iPhone 16 Pro to about 1440 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max (with 256 GB memory). The titanium case is available in various colorings; black, white, sable and natural (smoky).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
With its octa-core MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra and up from 8 to 123 GB RAM (and 512 GB storage space, which can be expanded to 1TB), Xiaomi's new masterpiece is a versatile and powerful ally for creators. Its wide 6,67'' AMOLED display is extremely bright and the color reproduction is at a time captivating and bold.
Snapshots will never look better than through the objective of Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G's triple camera, joustling three powerful objectives (200MP, 8MP and 2MP). Equipped with OIS anti-shake technology, this phone lends itself perfectly to the capture of breath-taking photos and the shooting of realistic and spectacular videos in any light or atmospheric condition. Its powerful 500 mAh battery fully recharges in 45 minutes, and ensures up to 19 hours of video streaming.
The built-in fingerprint reader, the sleek water-resistent case and the Dolby Atmos double speakers are just further proof, if need there be, of the high-profile technology that Xiaomi has packed in this phone. At a convenient price, too - conidering the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G only costs 269 euro. The phone is available in three elegant colorings; Midnight Black, Forest Green and Lavender Purple.
More ideas for hi-tech Christmas shopping
Technology is not just limited to pc or smartphones, though. Stores - online or physical - are brimming with last-minute Christmas shopping ideas that will make any creative leap with joy. Below you will find some of the most interesting new releases - but keep in mind there are simpl too many out there to list.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw
This printer stands out for its diminutive size - 42 x 42,17 x 33,41 cm - which make it both nimble and compact. Perfect for and office endeavors, underneath the sleek and elegant exteriors it packs some stury technology; the color reproduction is nothing short of spectacular, with bright contrasts for professional-looking prints on all supports. Its speed is also noticeworthy as it easily prints up to 22 pages in a minute.
But there's more. With this powerful multipurpose printer you may scan and copy from books, magazines and all sorts of documents; the touchscreen front panel has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, guiding you throug the process. And you may share the contents acquired with any household device - pc, smartphone or even smart TV - through the Ethernet or WiFI connectivity. Its advanced features make the retail price of 629 euro one of the best deals out there.
Canon PowerShot SX740
The rise of smartphones to heights never before reached has taken a deep toll on reflex cameras and nowadays their market thrives mostly off professonal and amateur photographers. However, in the last few years there has been a strong nostalgia effect for technoogy that had long been deemed "vintage", and compact camera producers were quick to jump onthe bandwagon.
Such, for examle, is the case of Canon. The "historic" brand aplty took the challenge with a retro-looking evice just packed with states-of-the-art technology. Canon PowerShot SX740 may not be the most professional camera ever made, but is perfect for starters and aspiring photographers who need a reliable and powerful device for learning the ropes. Its most interesting feature is the 40x zoom, allowing for the most breath-taking magnification of even the minutest detail. With a full 4K resolution, your photos will look flawless even in conditions of poor sight (notwithstanding a flash that is somewhat sub-par).
Practical and extremely easy to use, with its pleasantly classic design the Canon powerShot SX740 is an ideal travel mate. It's available in two different colors, black and silver; the price ranges from about 419 euro, which is more than adequate for a camera this resourceful.
24/12/2024: At the time I'm typing this the camera appears to be Momentarily Unavailable on the official Canon store, and sold out on most other online stores. My advice for who might want to buy it is to call on physical stores and ask for any remaining availability.
Huion Kamvas 20
When you speak of graphic and design you think graphic tablets. These devices are a must have for all digital creatives, and some of the most sough-after gifts in this time of the year. And while it's udoubtedy true that Wacom remains one of the best selling and most loved brand, in recent years other competing brands have gained the audience's favor. Starting from Huion, whose newest release, the Kamvas 20, offers a professional alternative choice to graphics looking for a good tablet.
In the wake of Wacom's Cintiq technology, which has since become a standard, Huion's Kamvas 20 is equipped with a powerful 19,5'' display with built-in screen on which you can see what you paint. The spectacular 1920 x 108 resolution and 16,7k colors sRGB 120% chromatic scale translate into a dazzling color reproduction.
The anti-glare screen does not wear out your sight and makes the drawing experience extremely similar to drawing traditionally - on paper. Part of the merit goes to the stylus: adjusting the pen's angle you may achieve a seires of different shading effects that take full advantage of the high-quality pressure sensitivity levels. Additionally, you can adjust the dock from 20 to 80 degrees for maximum drawing ease.
All in all, Huion's Kamvas 20 is an ergonomic and reliable device that will not disappoint even the most demanding creatives. The tablet isn't available on Huion's official site, but it may be purchased on Amazon and all the most popular online stores at about 320 euro.
Lastly, before I wrap up this long-overdue post, a question; what will YOU be shopping for this Christmas, or what would you like to receive? Let me know in the comments below what you think of the devices I have reviewed and what gifts are in your very own Christmas wishlist!
When you speak of graphic and design you think graphic tablets. These devices are a must have for all digital creatives, and some of the most sough-after gifts in this time of the year. And while it's udoubtedy true that Wacom remains one of the best selling and most loved brand, in recent years other competing brands have gained the audience's favor. Starting from Huion, whose newest release, the Kamvas 20, offers a professional alternative choice to graphics looking for a good tablet.
In the wake of Wacom's Cintiq technology, which has since become a standard, Huion's Kamvas 20 is equipped with a powerful 19,5'' display with built-in screen on which you can see what you paint. The spectacular 1920 x 108 resolution and 16,7k colors sRGB 120% chromatic scale translate into a dazzling color reproduction.
The anti-glare screen does not wear out your sight and makes the drawing experience extremely similar to drawing traditionally - on paper. Part of the merit goes to the stylus: adjusting the pen's angle you may achieve a seires of different shading effects that take full advantage of the high-quality pressure sensitivity levels. Additionally, you can adjust the dock from 20 to 80 degrees for maximum drawing ease.
All in all, Huion's Kamvas 20 is an ergonomic and reliable device that will not disappoint even the most demanding creatives. The tablet isn't available on Huion's official site, but it may be purchased on Amazon and all the most popular online stores at about 320 euro.
Lastly, before I wrap up this long-overdue post, a question; what will YOU be shopping for this Christmas, or what would you like to receive? Let me know in the comments below what you think of the devices I have reviewed and what gifts are in your very own Christmas wishlist!
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