Laura Marie Meyers
Editorial Assistant
Geek gear

11 Tech Items to Consider For Your Wedding Registry

Technology may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your wedding registry, but the gifting possibilities go beyond traditional fine china, fancy flatware, and bedding.

Technology may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your wedding registry, but the gifting possibilities go beyond traditional fine china, fancy flatware, and bedding. If you depend on geeky gadgets on a day-to-day basis, feel free to add a few to your list. This isn't to say that you should go nuts at Best Buy scanning each and every dream gift, but it's important to include items that you genuinely want and need.

A good place to start: learn the proper registry protocol. Etiquette experts at Emily Post offer smart wedding registry rules to help you navigate the formalities. Anna Post confirms that it's perfectly OK to create a more unconventional registry with camping or tech items, but you should also provide guests with a more traditional list, too. Hoping to include some technology, but not sure where to start? Here are a few basic items to consider:

  • DSLR camera, like the Nikon D800
  • Laptop
  • iPad
  • Flatscreen TV
  • Record player, like this affordable Wood Turntable
  • iPod speakers
  • Blu-Ray player
  • Gaming system
  • Stereo system with surround sound
  • The Nest Thermostat
  • High-tech washer/dryer

Current and former brides-to-be: Did you include any technology on your registry? If so, which items? Share your suggestions in the comments below!

Tech Style

Bachelorette Party Destinations For the Geek Girl and Crew

For a geeky bride's bachelorette bash, skip the standard Sin City routine and head for a nerd-friendly spots instead.

For a geeky bride's bachelorette bash, skip the standard Sin City routine and head for a nerd-friendly spots instead. Whether she's a hardcore Harry Potter nerd or a science enthusiast with a passion for astronomy, we've picked a variety of party destinations to suit her style. Check out these six cities to get inspired for a creative weekend where the bride and crew can let their geek flags fly.

Editor's Pick

10 Favorite Geeks From '90s TV Shows

Some of our all-time favorite geeks come from classic '90s television shows.

Some of our all-time favorite geeks come from classic '90s television shows. Whether it was their supersize specs or their strange, silly mannerisms, these nerds managed to win our hearts with their quirky, lovable personalities. From Steve Urkel to Screech Powers, here are 10 TV geeks we couldn't help but adore.

digital culture

Vintage Camera Apps Beyond Instagram

All about the photo filters, but craving some new tricks?

All about the photo filters, but craving some new tricks? These cool vintage camera apps can help you create fun, retro snaps with an old-school vibe without always defaulting to Valencia. From unique effects to mix-and-match lens and film combinations, you'll have access to hundreds of photo possibilities. To step up your smartphone snaps, check out these eight vintage camera app options.

Wedding Decor

From Capes to Comic Books: Creative Ideas For a Superhero Wedding

When it comes to fun, playful wedding ideas, a superhero theme is every comic fan's dream come true.

When it comes to fun, playful wedding ideas, a superhero theme is every comic fan's dream come true. Whether you're hoping for simple, subtle touches or all-out comic book mania, we've rounded up creative ideas to help you channel your favorite characters. From real wedding inspiration to affordable Etsy finds, here are 20 festive ways to channel your favorite superheroes on the big day.

Eco

5 Apps to Track Your Carbon Footprint

Looking for a great, simple way to go extra green this Spring?

Looking for a great, simple way to go extra green this Spring? Try calculating your carbon footprint on a regular basis with one of these straightforward, easy-to-use iPhone apps. Whether you're looking for an elaborate tracking method or a basic way to monitor fuel efficiency, here are five apps to help you become more eco-conscious.

Geek gear

Celebrate 3.14 With These Quirky Pi Products

Did you know that March 14 (3.14) is National Pi Day?

Did you know that March 14 (3.14) is National Pi Day? First found by San Francisco Exploratorium physicist and “Prince of Pi” Larry Shaw 25 years ago, this holiday is celebrated by number lovers all over the world. Get festive on this geekiest of days by checking out these fun pi products. From a polished pi flask to a cheeky pi pie pan (ha!), here are 10 great items to help you get in the mathematical spirit.

digital life

Get Crafty With These Must-Have DIY Apps

If you're all about the at-home design projects, then there's one item that definitely belongs in your toolbox: your smartphone.

If you're all about the at-home design projects, then there's one item that definitely belongs in your toolbox: your smartphone. With apps that cover everything from inspiration to measurements to step-by-step instructions, you'll develop a smoother, more efficient DIY routine. Whether you need a fresh new color palette or a cool project idea, these apps will help you make it happen. Hoping to step up your arts and crafts habit? Check out these eight must-have DIY apps to kickstart your creativity.

Grammys

Rock Out With These Cool Karaoke Apps

Whether you're a pitch-perfect singer or just a fun-loving karaoke enthusiast, we're celebrating the Grammys with apps that'll have you channeling your inner superstar.

Whether you're a pitch-perfect singer or just a fun-loving karaoke enthusiast, we're celebrating the Grammys with apps that'll have you channeling your inner superstar. We've found various apps to suit your singing style, with features ranging from advanced Auto-Tune to creative music video options. Love to perform? Check out these seven karaoke apps to amp up your recordings.

Geek Fitness

12 Apps For (Almost) Every Kind of Fitness Regimen

As you look to push your fitness routine this year, combine your love for technology and health with fitness apps that boost your training.

As you look to push your fitness routine this year, combine your love for technology and health with fitness apps that boost your training. Whether you're pushing to improve your run times or hoping to find a new cycling route, we've rounded up 12 of the best apps to enhance your workout experience and get you moving with a purpose.

Editor's Pick

Celebrate GIF's Word of the Year Honor, Make Your Own

You go, GIF! The word — actually an acronym short for Graphics Interchange Format, but things move fast online — has been given the honor of Word of the Year 2012 by Oxford Dictionaries USA.

You go, GIF! The word — actually an acronym short for Graphics Interchange Format, but things move fast online — has been given the honor of Word of the Year 2012 by Oxford Dictionaries USA. GIF has had a big year linguistically; moving from noun to verb, Oxford now defines it as "to create a GIF file of (an image or video sequence, especially relating to an event)."

To celebrate GIFs approval by word purists, why not play around and design your own? Whether you're a hardcore techie or a beginner who prefers to keep things simple, we've rounded up a variety of apps and websites to help you make a creative GIF.

digital life

5 Spooky Playlists to Stream This Halloween

Hosting a Halloween party for your pals?


Hosting a Halloween party for your pals? Thanks to these free online playlists, you can skip the hassle of creating your own party mix and check music off your to-do list. Whether you want playful tunes or more modern music picks, you're sure to find a suitable playlist from our selection. Check them out, and then let us know: which songs would you consider must haves for a festive Halloween bash?

  1. Rhapsody's Halloween Playlist: With more than two hours of music to stream through your computer or smartphone, the Rhapsody selection is a must have for your party. Don't have a Rhapsody account? Access the playlist through a free 30-day trial, and you'll get access to this mix featuring Michael Jackson, The Who, David Bowie, and more.
  2. Pandora's Halloween Party Radio: From "Witch Doctor" to music from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pandora's playlist features a wide variety of songs to suit any Halloween crowd.
  3. BuzzSugar's Monster Mash-Up: The BuzzSugar editors curated a cool, eclectic mix of songs for your Halloween party, with everything from "Teeth" by Lady Gaga to "Howlin' For You" by The Black Keys.
  4. Halloween Radio on Slacker Radio: Old-school classics and rock anthems reign supreme in Slacker's selection. You'll hear "People Are Strange" by The Doors and "Halloween Parade" by Lou Reed.
  5. Top 100s Radio's Top 100 Halloween Songs: Listen to the 100 most festive Halloween songs with this list, which features a wide range of artists and genres to satisfy the whole crowd.
Geek Tip

Gadgets, Cords, and Apps: 11 Summer Travel Tech Essentials

As your gadgets accumulate, so do the number of cords, chargers, and adapters that you need to pack each and every time you travel.


As your gadgets accumulate, so do the number of cords, chargers, and adapters that you need to pack each and every time you travel. Avoid the midtrip panic that occurs when you realize an essential plug was left behind, and get travel-tech-savvy. Beyond your phone and all the standard chargers, here's a quick list of must-pack items to ensure all your technology needs are met when you're on the go.

  • Airline adapter — Anyone who's ever suffered from a power outage midflight will be thrilled to have the Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter ($49). Although it doesn't actually charge your device, the adapter plugs into the seat power port to keep devices up and running.
  • iPad — Let's be honest: sometimes, you just need to read email or watch shows on a screen that's larger than your iPhone.
  • Portable speakers — From spontaneous dance parties to hilarious YouTube videos, you just never know when portable speakers may be needed to amp up the sound during your travels.
  • Car mount — If you like to use your phone as a GPS system, then be safe while you drive by installing it with a car mount for hands-free navigation help.
  • Noise-canceling headphones — Whether you're trying to zone out fellow passengers on the plane or stay focused in your own hotel room, headphones are a must.
  • Laptop lock — Plan to leave your computer in the room while you're out? Prevent theft by using a laptop lock, like the Kensington Combination Ultra Laptop Lock ($40).
  • Ereader — Rather than haul a load of books and magazines in your tote, opt for an electronic version.
  • Audio input cord — On the off chance that your hotel room has a plug-in for your mp3 player, it's worth bringing a minijack cord.
  • DVDs — Skip the sky-high prices of in-room rentals and bring your own favorite films instead.
  • Plug adapters — Some hotels may provide international plug adapters, but just in case, it's smart to have your own set so that you don't damage any of your tools.

Also, don't forget to download before you go! From last-minute hotel reservations to cheaper gas prices, general travel apps can save the day when you're in a new environment. Relevant local apps will help you navigate the destination city and have you feeling like a real local.

Source: Flickr user Freakland - フリークランド

Editor's Pick

8 Great Summer Reads For Geeks

We're running out of time to finish up our Summer reading!

We're running out of time to finish up our Summer reading! If you need help deciding what to tackle next, we've rounded up a list of must reads for geeks this season. From comics and biographies to novels and how-to guides, these picks are sure to keep you entertained. Bring out your inner bookworm this season with these eight great reads, and tell us your geeky book suggestions.

Geek tips

Creating a Website: Everything You Need to Know

The business of building your own website may seem a bit daunting, but we've outlined some of the key steps to make it a simpler, more streamlined process.

The business of building your own website may seem a bit daunting, but we've outlined some of the key steps to make it a simpler, more streamlined process. Whether you're starting a personal blog or designing a site to go along with a product or business, these tips are sure to help you through the task. Take on your piece of the Internet with our guide on everything from picking a platform to copyrighting a domain name.

  1. Choose a platform — First and foremost, you should research and decide on an appropriate site platform. If you're writing a blog, then you may want to consider WordPress, OnSugar, or Blogger. For a more universal platform, try free sites like Webs and Webnode.
  2. Brainstorm branding and content — Before you launch your site, narrow down your vision. What are your goals? What would you like it to become as time goes on? Keeping your plans specific will help you develop a fitting name and relevant, related content.
  3. Consider the domain name — When you're deciding on a URL, it's important to think about wording, spelling, and length. Make sure to choose a domain that visitors will be able to remember, and pick a phrase that suits your material. Once you've settled on a name, follow our tips for registering the domain to secure your slice of the web.
  4. Look into trademark and copyright options — Educate yourself on the nature and purpose of copyright and trademark opportunities, then do a bit of research to see if it's something you may want to pursue. This is especially valuable if you're planning to share your own creative content, like stories or photography.

Read on for more tips to create a website.

Editor's Pick

10 Essential Apps For College Students

College may be a blast, but it certainly doesn't come without its stressors.

College may be a blast, but it certainly doesn't come without its stressors. Whether you're anxious about money matters, cafeteria food, or a heavy workload, we've rounded up the best apps to help you manage it all. From cooking to note-taking, these downloads are sure to make your life a bit easier. Click through to see the 10 apps every college student should download.

Editor's Pick

Superheroes on a Stick: Comic-Inspired Popsicle Prints

The combination of two seemingly random things can sometimes create a fresh, unexpectedly cool result — and that's definitely the case with Dutch artist Vincent Vermeil's superhero Popsicle prints.

The combination of two seemingly random things can sometimes create a fresh, unexpectedly cool result — and that's definitely the case with Dutch artist Vincent Vermeil's superhero Popsicle prints. Using the classic uniforms of our favorite comic book heroes, he's created a sweet series of colorful artwork. Printed on natural white, matte cotton rag, the pieces are custom trimmed with a one-inch border for framing. Click through the slideshow to see the full series, then choose your favorite to add some superhero sweetness to your space.

iPhone Apps

8 Creative Apps We're Loving Now

Perhaps you'd like to step up your social-media game or gather design inspiration?

Perhaps you'd like to step up your social-media game or gather design inspiration? We've rounded up some of our favorite must-have apps. Hoping to organize some of your favorite outfits — and categorize them according to weather conditions? There's an app for that. Would you like to create moving, cinematic photos? There's one for that, too. Check out the week's eight essential downloads, from movie apps to gaming picks.