Hasta La Gadget!

Navigation apps are hot in the iTunes Store, and–thanks to a price war–are surprisingly affordable. But before you go driving with your iPhone, please get yourself a window mount. You can’t navigate with the iPhone in your cup holder, and holding it by hand is no better.

Three weeks ago, Magellan unveiled its version, the Magellan Premium Car Kit. Now the company says the product will ship on January 7 and is available for pre-order. It’s a good buy if you’re getting an iPhone or iPod Touch as a gift.

Not simply a window mount, the kit includes its own GPS chip so 2nd generation iPod Touches can work as navigators, as well. That chip will also boost the GPS reception of iPhone 3G and 3GS models. The kit includes a car charger, Bluetooth button for call answering, and speakers. I like that it’s size-adjustable, so that users can leave their iPod Touches and iPhones in their cases. I just wish the price was a little lower: at $129.99, it costs far more than the software itself (Magellan RoadMate 2010 North America is currently only $59.99 in the iTunes Store).

Sure, you tell your MacBook Pro that it’s special to you, but how do you show it? Why not treat your favorite laptop to some luxury with the SurfacePad from Twelve South? This thin and soft leather covering both dresses up your computer and protects it.

The SurfacePad comes in both smooth and pattern styles, and fits both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro. The 13-inch model is a one-piece design that covers the keyboard deck, but leaves openings for the trackpad and keyboard. The 15-inch model (shown) is a two-piece design that leaves the speakers uncovered.

Install either model SurfacePad with a special adhesive that leaves no trace or sticky residue. Both sizes sell for $39.99 and are available immediately from Twelve South.

Has any computer product been re-invented as many times as the mouse? The just-launched Jelfin Mouse combines ergonomics and aesthetics in a design that’s pleasing to the eyes and fingers.

The Jelfin is ball-shaped, so the hand wraps around it and the fingers stay curved. Those who find the traditional mouse shape uncomfortable might have an easier time with the Jelfin. The mouse also has a soft gel covering, to further emphasize comfort. It comes in five vibrant colors (cobalt blue, crimson red, cadmium yellow, electric green, and hot pink) and works with both Windows and Macintosh computers. It’s available from Amazon.com for an affordable $34.95.

While I haven’t tried the Jelfin, a video on the site shows that it requires the user to move his or her whole hand to position the cursor, instead of just moving the fingertips as with a standard mouse. While that would be uncomfortable for a lot of us, it’s a good choice for those with repetitive-motion wrist problems.

You’ve got to admit, Target has a flair for creative marketing. Remember last year when it created a gift card that doubled as a digital camera? Those flew off the shelves.

This year, the bargain shopping giant has upped the cool factor with a gift card that doubles as a remote-control shopping cart.

You’ll need to spend at least $25 to get this card, but it’s so worth it. I suspect many geeks will be buying it for themselves.

The recipient punches out the cheese-shaped remote and the shopping cart (with Santa Mouse inside) and is able to drive the cart backwards and forwards. That’s not a lot, but it’s enough to keep the cat entertained. If you want one, I advise you to buy early as these probably aren’t going to last. (Via ChipChick)