Holiday gift guide 2016: The best tech under $1,000
Finding high-end tech gadgets at bargain-basement prices over the holidays sounds like an easy endeavor, but it can actually be tricky, if not impossible, if you don't know where to look.
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Top-of-the-line cameras, notebooks and consoles don't come cheap, and they can do serious damage to your bank account.
Thankfully if you're looking for tech — whether for yourself or someone you love — on a budget this year, there are tons of options available. Keep scrolling for our list of amazing tech under $1,000 (before tax).
Cameras
Panasonic Lumix LX10: $697.99
This tiny camera packs a punch: It features a 20 megapixel sensor, 4K ultra HD video recording and 3-inch touch monitor that moves 180 degrees to help you snap the perfect selfie.
Fast-action focusing also means it's possible to take photos with little effort and the 4K photo mode lets you select images from recordings so you don't miss a shot.
Nikon D3300: $449.99
This entry-level camera is great for beginners looking to shoot high-quality photos. The full-bodied device comes with an AF-S DX NIKKOR VR II lens and 24.2MP sensors as well as the ability to shoot fast-action shots at five frames per second.
Best Buy shoppers will also go home with a complementary Nikon wireless mobile adapter, so you can easily share photos with connected phones or tablets, and the choice between a $20 gift card or photo book.
Panasonic Lumix ZS100 kit: $714.99
Photographers looking for more than just a body and lens should find everything they need with this kit from Walmart: A tripod, cards, case, backpack, screen protectors and flash all come with purchase.
The camera itself features 4K video recoding, 20 megapixels — which delivers brighter photos in a variety of settings — Wi-Fi connectivity and a digital viewfinder.
Gaming consoles
Alienware Alpha: $499.99
This desktop console includes Steam Big Picture mode and offers up better usability (no keyboards or mouse necessary), the ability to easily download games and the option to access features remotely by phone.
Gamers not content with standard features also have the ability to update the CPU and memory. Shoppers who purchase this device from Best Buy can also take advantage of the store's free shipping on select items.
Xbox One S Battlefield 1 Bundle: $287.95
If you're fully committed to staying within the Microsoft universe and looking for a gaming console on the cheap, this is it.
This Amazon bundle includes a complementary 14-day access to Xbox Live gold, a controller and can act as a Blu-ray player. Subscribers who sign up for the the e-retailer's Amazon Prime Video service can also stream its selection of movies and television shows via the device.
PlayStation Slim Uncharted 4 bundle: $269
Gaming consoles were a hot commodity on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you missed your chance to snag one during this year's retail frenzy, don't worry, there are still deals to be had.
The PS4 slim — which also doubles as a Blue-ray player — is one of the better deals available. The console comes with the newly released Uncharted 4 and a free DualShock controller.
Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition: $264.99
At one point the NES Classic system was only $59 but, sigh, those days are over.
Since the console's November launch prices for the old-school platform have skyrocketed. Nostalgic gamers will likely love everything this mini system has to offer, which includes 30 pre-installed games (like Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros. and Final Fantasy) and HDMI ports so it's compatible with modern TVs.
Smartwatches, tablets, laptops and more
13-inch Apple MacBook Pro: $947.99
You'd be hard pressed to find a better deal on the new MacBook Pro than what's being currently offered at Walmart. The discount store is knocking $251 off the normal retail price of the laptop, which is packed with goodies like a 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core processor, two USB 3 ports, Thunderbolt port, HD camera and more.
Samsung Galaxy TabPro S: $799.99
The TabPro is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops in its class. For under $1,000, consumers can get a lightweight device that has a 12-inch sAMOLED screen, 128 GB of memory and runs Windows 10.
Galaxy smartphone owners can also sync up their device to the Pro so that it can answer phone notifications on demand and more.
14-inch Lenovo 2-in-1 laptop: $699.99
This multimedia notebook includes 360 degree flip-and-fold design, built-in media reader, HD webcam, Windows 10 operating system and seventh generation Intel core processor.
One of the best parts of this holiday deal is that it qualifies for the Best Buy's price-matching feature, so shoppers can score lower price points for the same product in addition to the store's free two-day shipping for online purchases.
Apple Watch 2: $369
The newest Apple smartwatch is definitely an improvement over its predecessor. Shoppers willing to shell out more money for the device can look forward to faster processing speeds, improved GPS and waterproof casing that lasts up to 50 meters. The fitness-inclined wrist companion can also act as a workout tracker. For a complete list of this year's top smartwatch-fitness trackers click here.
Apple Watch 1: $299.99
Apple's release of the Apple Watch 2 earlier this year means that third-party retailers, like Target, are slashing prices on the company's first generation smartwatches.
Apple's series 1 watches are a great gift, and the recent WatchOS updates provide a lot great improvements for users. Target shoppers will also get a free $50 gift card with purchase.
TVs and gadgets
55-inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2016 Model): $428
Owning your own high-definition smart television is definitely possible this year, although you'll have to order it as soon as possible to beat out competing shoppers.
This TV set includes an impressive 55-inch display, built-in Roku platform and digital tuner as well as Wi-Fi functionality and HDMI ports.
40-inch Samsung LED Smart HDTV: $249.99
Smart HDTV for only $249.99? Yes, please.
The Samsung 5200 series has almost everything you could want in a modern television set. Wi-Fi functionality makes it easy to watch cable or stream content via the internet comfortably, while two HDMI ports make it easy to watch TV and movies on, day or night.
DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter: $869
There are a slew of drones on the market today, but the DJI Phantom 3 gives the competition a good run for its money. The flying device has GPS tracking, automatic flight logs and real-time footage control so you can get the best shots.
iRobot Roomba 960 vacuum: $699
The iRobot is the mechanical butler every person deserves in their life. It can run for up to 75 minutes and is small enough to fit under most furniture, while built-in sensors can detect surrounding items giving it the ability to navigate an entire house without bumping into anything.
(Editor's note: Prices and product availability are subject to change throughout the holidays.)
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