At some point in my life, I stopped requesting clothes and jewelry for the holidays and birthdays, and instead asked for technology. I'm not alone. Although we're dealing with some murky data, it seems that women are spending more money on gadgets than they did ten years ago.

So, with that in mind, here are my top five tech products for 2012. Well, it's my top five fun tech products of 2012. I'm not including the boring tech purchases that I made, like the wifi extender. 

1. A Keyboard Case for the iPad
Over the summer, I bought a portable keyboard so I could type up notes when I was at a conference. I needed to turn my iPad into a laptop. I bought a Zagg, but the Logitech ones are also nice. Now, we set up the iPad in the kitchen, so I can check e-mail while making dinner. I also used the handy stand to turn the iPad into a TV, so I could watch 30 Rock, while painting the basement. 

2. the iPhone After Hurricane Sandy, I insisted that my parents upgrade their cellphone, because the cheap-o model stopped working entirely. They bought the iPhone 4 for $1, because Apple is trying to get rid of their old models. I have an ancient iPhone and plan on upgrading to a better model this year. Once you have an iPhone, you can replace the old ones very cheaply. The cases  make for a great stocking stuffer. 

3. Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. I picked out the Nikon D5100 as a birthday present this year. It was a very pricy birthday present, but I rationalized the purchase in several ways. First, I think that every writer has to also be a photographer these days, so it was a work-related expense. A tool of the trade. Second, it was a gift for the whole family since I am the person who documents family history. Third, I needed it. I use this camera every day, so I feel like I'm getting our money's worth from it. 

4. Flat Screen TV. We need one. Jonah is embarrassed by our crappy TV. It's too small to play multi-player video games, so it is interfering with his social life. It would be nice to have a TV that's big enough for superbowl and election parties. We might make this the family gift this year, but will make this purchase when the real sales begin after the holidays. 

5. GPS
We also need a new GPS system. Our old one is tempermental. Over the past few years, I have become so hooked on the GPS that I can no longer drive anywhere without one. My internal orientation skills have withered entirely. I have to rely on Ian to get around. He shouts from the backseat of the car when it's time to turn. Very sad.