I have always maintained that an eBook reader makes a lot of economical and ecological sense. Reading books in their electronic form means that you are buying and creating that much less demand for paper and ink books, saving trees and other resources used in the manufacturing process.

Then there is the fact that an eBook can be cheaper to buy and always easier to carry than the hundreds of books it can contain! Also the benefit of being able to not just read books but, magazines, broadsheets and tabloids on there; and being able to refer to the dictionary and encyclopedia while you’re at it!

The top recommended eBook readers are the Amazon Kindle Touch, the Amazon Kindle Fire, the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple, the Kobo and the Sony eBook readers.

Features to look for I am looking for something that has a lot of content available from the dedicated service that the reader is available from. Then I have to figure out whether I want the e-ink technology (lets you read easily in the sunlight) or the LCD screen. Then I have to figure out whether it is a touch screen that I want or not. Battery life is another crucial factor to look at. Another thing to look at is the additional features that the reader has: does it have audio? Does it support 3G? Browsing? Can I listen to music as well?

The Amazon Kindle has three versions: The Basic Kindle (or Kindle Keyboard for $79), Kindle Touch ($99) and Kindle Fire ($199). The basic Kindle doesn’t have the touch screen, but when you look at the price you are able to forgive quite a lot. The Kindle Touch has text to speech, audio books and mp3 support. You can also look up historical references, difficult words and phrases, and a whole lot besides.

Kindle fire has web browsing, a lot of apps including games access to movies and a lot else such as graphic novels and magazines in full color.

If you don’t want ads you have to pay extra with Kindle.

The Barnes and Noble eBook Reader and Kobo are also competitively priced at $99, but they do not have 3G or audio support. They do have an expandable memory slot however.

The Sony costs $129 and has audio support. All the eBook readers have battery life of more than one month (except fire, which is actually a fully fledged tablet and not just a reader).

So clearly there are plusses and minuses in each case. As of now I am genuinely confused. Thoughts?

Here are some eco friendly gadgets that recently caught my eye:

I liked this solar power flashlight cum radio that has a list price of $40 but is down to $22 99 after a 43% discount. A flash light is always a useful thing to have around. If you charge the device using solar light for about 3 hours, you get about 3 hours of light from the LED light bulbs or about 2 hours of radio play, if you want to use both at once, you can use it for about an hour. And just in case there’s no sun, you can still recharge it from a wall outlet.

The Bedol Water Power Clock is, as the name suggests, actually powered by water! Sounds rather unbelievable, but this amazing little gadget claims to use no batteries or electricity. You simply open the cap, fill in water and you’re ready to go! The water ions are converted into clean energy for powering the clock. No wires needed and it’s recyclable as well!

The premium solar charger is a device that all gadget geeks should have: a solar powered backup battery and charger for cell phones, iPhones, iPods, and most USB powered devices which includes built-in led reading light and window / windshield suction cups so that you never have to run out of juice again, even when you’re on the move. The sale price is $27.99 down from 60 dollars, netting you a discount of over 50%.

The Robomower is an electric cordless, automatic lawnmower that does its job without you in attendance. It uses no gas or oil and so there are no fumes, emissions or smell, making this a great non-polluting gadget. Now this item is not cheap at over 1600 dollars but this is down from the list price of 2000 at a 19% discount and does save you a lot of time, effort and since the cuttings are evenly distributed onto the land, it is that much more environment friendly.

So here are my financial New Year resolutions for the year 2012:

1. Getting out of debt. I am lucky that I do not have a lot of debt but I want to clear what debt I have and be very careful about the bills that I run up. What I plan to do is give up all except one credit card. This way there are fewer bills to keep track of and simpler and easier to make payments. There is less chance of an oversight that increases the debt.
2. I am going to pay more attention to savings and am going to try and diversify my savings portfolio in a way that offers better returns. I am thinking in terms of buying gold (can’t go wrong with this; global gold prices are going through the roof) which is something that I have learnt from certain traditional societies who invest all their wealth in jewelry. I am also thinking in terms of getting some mutual funds.
3. I am also considering taking some courses to learn some new skills to add to my skill set. This will help me have better and more marketable qualifications, which in the end should translate into a better income. This is a long term plan however which I still need to give a lot of thought to.
4. I resolve to eat out less. This is good for me in so many different ways. Not only do I save a packet by not eating out and cooking at home, I am less likely to overeat at home which is good for my health. When I cook at home I know exactly what goes into the meal so I know not to put too much sugar, salt and fat into what I eat.
5. I resolve to be a savvy shopper. You may well say that I am already a savvy shopper, which I am, but I shall be more circumspect in the amount that I buy and shall be more vigilant about trawling the net to find the best deals for all of that which I plan to buy.

Hopefully my financial new year resolutions may inspire some more out there: any more ideas?

Now that we’ve established that there are enough excuses for guilt-free re gifting, here are some re-gifting dos and don’ts:

1. Check the manufacturing date. Food items have an expiration date, and so, in a sense do electronics and gadgets which get outdated so very quickly. You certainly don’t want the recipient to know that your re-gift was lying around your closet or pantry for a while before nestling into the folds of wrapping paper. 
2. Be thoughtful. Just because you don’t want that particular bottle of wine you got, doesn’t mean you gift it to you teetotal uncle. And just because you are a rocker rather than a country ballad sort, it doesn’t mean that you give that Kenny Rogers CD to someone who only listens to classical music!
3. Check the gift over thoroughly before rewrapping. You don’t want to give a book that is already dedicated to you, or a coffee machine that has its previous Best Compliments card still attached to it. Honesty is all very well but it is best not to let the recipient know that you’re giving them this purple vase because you got it from someone but you really have no use for it yourself.
4. Check the package or box. If it looks worn or dog-eared, it is not gift worthy.
5. Never re-gift anything that is even slightly used. That is just bad manners. This applies even if you don’t have a gift at the last moment. Even grabbing a bottle of wine or a box of generic chocolates from the closest store is better.
6. Don’t ever re-gift to the giver. Here’s a tip: if you get a gift that you know is destined only for re-gifting, keep the best compliments tag with the gift to help you remember you gave you the gift. That way you don’t ever end up giving the gift back to the one who gave it to you in the first place.
7. Don’t reuse wrapping paper. Seriously now that is just cheap. Besides everyone can tell. Right away.

A survey found that 78% of those asked, thought re-gifting is fine, so if you are a re-gifter, you are in good company… just so long as you follow the above rules of re-gifting.

Here are some unusual gifting ideas for the quirky or the difficult to please individuals in your life:

1. A Piggy Bank that doubles as a décor piece. This can actually be a practical gift for a kid to teach them the rudiments of savings and can also be something that they will happily display on their desk.
2. The adult version of this gift above would be a savings account that you open for someone near and dear to you. You can make the initial deposit into that account and help your friend or relative develop a habit that is pocket friendly. Makes a lot of sense in these lean times. 
3. For those of us who are musically inclined (particularly if a major Beatles fan such as myself), this limited edition print featuring Sir Paul McCartney is a great idea. It is an image made up of 90 of the best songs by the Fab Four.
4. The complete BBC series of Planet Earth is a fascinating collection that anyone would enjoy receiving. This is a classic that is narrated by David Attenborough, a 5 DVD collection that has a running time of 440 minutes.
5. GPS or the Global Positioning System is the ideal gift for someone who likes gadgets. This pin points your position in real time and the maps that are fed into the system tell you the shortest route to get from point A to B.
6. I have probably spoken of this item before, but I think it bears repeating: a flexible, folding illuminated keyboard that connects to the USB port of your laptop or computer. This virtually indestructible item not only rolls up for easy portability, its sealed design also makes sure that it is easy to clean and keeps off the germs.
7. For the germophobe in your life, here is a gift that will really be appreciated: a toothbrush sanitizer.  It may seem a pointless gift to many, but it will be uniquely appreciated by the right person.

Shop Local – This is a good idea for several reasons: it gives a boost to the local economy and helps and encourages local craftsmen. Secondly, if you purchase stuff that is grown or made locally there is less resource expenditure on transportation, preservation, packaging and so on. And local handicrafts and artifacts may be greatly appreciated by the receiver as well.

Shop Seasonal – If its flowers or fruit that you want to gift, pick seasonal produce rather than exotic stuff that is either flown in from distant locales or is artificially grown and artificially ripened.

Buy Organic – Look for genuinely organic stuff that is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides, herbicides and similar poisons. This not only prevents the earth from being further polluted, it also prevents toxins and possible carcinogens from entering our own systems. So whether it is edible produce or clothing that you’re thinking of buying, even soaps, shampoos and other items of personal hygiene; organic is the way to go!

Minimize packaging – Packaging may be colorful and attractive and may add substance to a gift, but think about the fact that all packaging is a waste. The more layers of packaging there are, the more items are added to the land fill. So pick items that have fewer layers of packaging and look for the type of packaging that can actually be recycled. For gift wrapping don’t use those decorative plastic sheets, even though they are resistant to splitting and tearing.

Pick sustainable products and manufacturers – Consider gifts such as potted plants. Consider gifting your services or your time – for instance some babysitting for a harried new mom may be highly appreciated.

Also reward manufacturers and businesses who have sound and sustainable business practices and are known to be ethical, by buying their products. Picking their products over competitors is a simple way of rewarding and encouraging such manufacturers.

When you shop sustainable, you not only do something that is good for the environment, you also have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done your bit. And who knows – it may lessen some of the guilt that splurging often brings with it!

The Shop Savvy app allows you to easily compare the price of an item at every store it is available. To get the prices of an item, you must use the app to take a picture of the bar code. Shop Savvy uses the picture of the bar code to determine what item you are scanning. After the bar code picture is taken, Shop Savvy will display the price of that item all of the major stores in the area. Using Shop Savvy will allow you to never overpay for anything ever again.

Coupon Sherpa

Coupon Sherpa allows you to find if there are any coupons available for an item that you are about to buy. Coupon Sherpa lets you search for coupons at just about every major store. Once you find the appropriate store on Coupon Sherpa, the app will display all of the stores current coupons. The apps pulls coupons from several different sources and even has several coupons that are exclusive to Coupon Sherpa. All of the coupons on the app can be scanned at the cash register of every store. Using Coupon Sherpa allows you to take advantage of the deals at every store, without having to spend hours cutting coupons.

If you use the GasBuddy app, then you will never over pay for gas again. GasBuddy uses the GPS in your smart phone to determine your location. Once your location is determined, GasBuddy will display the price of gas at every gas station near you. This allows you to be able to find the cheapest gas in the area before you leave the house. If you are not sure where the gas station is located, GasBuddy will even give you directions to the gas station from your location. With the rising prices of gas, the ability to save a few cents is very important.

Groupon

While the previous apps allowed you to save money on gas and retail items, Groupon allows you to save on just about everything else. Groupon displays all of the great deals on all of the various restaurants, hotels, spas and other services in your area. None of the deals featured on Groupon can be used as coupons, but they allow you to buy the services at a discounted price. Gift certificates to restaurants and hotel rooms can be purchased for over 50% the normal price. Groupon constantly updates with new deals, and the good deals can go quickly. Having Groupon on your smart phone allows you to constantly search for great deals to make sure that you never miss out on something special.

Kayak

Kayak is one of the most popular travel reservation websites, and you can now get all of the deals from your phone. Kayak finds you the cheapest price on flights, hotels and car rentals for any destination. Kayak searches every travel site to find you the best deal possible, and everything can be booked on the phone through the app. If you plan on traveling, then Kayak will save you a lot of money. You can even track the status of your flight using the Kayak application.

Sim only contracts are great way to reduce the cost of using a smart phone. Why pay the high costs of a regular contract if you do not have to? Combining the contract with these apps allows for your smart phone to pay for itself, and allow you to have more money for your other expenses.

This is a guest article by Ruben Corbo, a freelance writer for technology, travel, and music production topics. When he’s not writing or making music, he’s enjoying a good post-apocalyptic novel or playing RTS Strategy online game. Ruben’s writing resume includes websites like SIM Only where you can get the best Sim Only contracts as well as other websites that help you save on your tech purchases.

Images courtesy of Todd Barnard, sarahintampa, smgoller, Sean MacEntee and Rob Enslin

Fire Sense Stainless Steel Tabletop Heater

Although more of a fall and winter item than spring and summer, this is something no serious outdoor entertainer should be without. This Fire Sense Stainless Steel Tabletop Heater runs off a small propane tank and puts out an impressive 10,000 BTUs, raising the temperature anywhere from 10 to 25 degrees. Value priced at $139, it’s perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or hosting guests on the patio in comfort during the cooler months.

 Austram Classix Hanging Planter

Greenery is essential for any outdoor space, and with a few of these Austram Classix Hanging Planters you’ll have plenty! It’s made from a super strong polypropylene plastic, designed to withstand years of outdoor exposure, and the coco liner in it is a great bonus that will encourage your plants to thrive. And since they’re just $21, you can get a couple and have a beautiful, lush display of plant life around your patio. It is a great combo of form and function.

Smart Solar Portsmouth Solar Birdbath

Solar fountains have exploded in popularity in the last few years, so if you don’t have on around your home then it’s time you get one! This Smart Solar Portsmouth Solar Birdbath uses a solar panel mounted in the basin, so there are no wires and nothing to plug in. Made from high grade resin, it’s light enough for one person to move easily but sturdy enough to stay in place in bad weather. At $139, it gives you all the style and class that comes with an elegant water feature for a fraction of the price.

EHO Studios Patio Conversation Set

Patio furniture sets are one of the most expensive items for the outdoor space, but a quality set is an investment that will last for years. With that said, you won’t find a much better deal than this EHO Studios Patio Conversation Set. Made from rattan, this set has a sofa, 2 chairs, and a table, all designed to hold up in all weather conditions. You even get your choice of free (yes, FREE) red, white, or black cushions! The best part is the price – just $969 for the whole set! It’s an obvious choice for saving money without sacrificing quality and style.

This was a Guest Post by Marissa Alan. She is a writer with Outdoor Living and loves the challenge of designing on a budget, both indoors and out. For more on items like outdoor fountains, decorative planters, patio furniture, or a modern gas fire pit, visit OutdoorLiving.com.

So here are some tips and things to keep in mind that will help to keep you safe when shopping online:

1. Compare prices. This is one of the great advantages of shopping online, so take advantage of it. There is no need to pay more if you get a better deal elsewhere.
2. Read the details about the item properly, particularly if the deal seems too good to be true. There could be hidden charges or you could be agreeing to make certain future purchases without being aware of this (you could be authorizing automatic charging of your credit card each month without being aware of it and so on).
3. Also read the privacy policy of the site to make sure that your email address and other details will never be shared.
4. Check about details such as shipping and handling fees, delivery dates, warranty and return policy and so on. Also check for after sales service such as a chat line, or a helpline number for redress of any problems you may encounter.
5. Don’t shop from a shared computer if possible and make sure that your internet connection is secure. Also buy only from sites that have the “HTTPS” term in their web address (the site may be HTTP to begin with, but will change to HTTPS when making payment). HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure sockets. This indicates that the session is secure and it is safe for you to make online payments.
6. Using a credit card, particularly using a secure payment method such as PayPal can be a secure way to make online payments. Guard PINs, passwords and other details zealously and if a site asks for too many details or any seemingly extraneous personal details, ask why.
7. Look at the merchant or seller details particularly on sites such as eBay and so on, where pervious buyers will have offered their review or recommendation of the seller.
8. Save and/or print the details of the purchase that you make, and any subsequent correspondence so that if there is any discrepancy in the product that you receive, you can take appropriate action.

I freely admit that this Victoria’s Secret velvet blazer is not something that is going to keep me warm this winter, but it is Oh! So smart! It is made from a cotton, rayon and spandex mix, so you can be sure that it will conform rather well to the shape of the body. No buttons or fastenings and a subtle shimmer and a hint of sexy stretch, make this rather desirable in my view.

Another rather attractive number from Victoria’s Secret is this Toggle front coat that is on a discount right now, from 148 dollars down to $118. It’s made from wool and is fully lined, along with a faux fur collar with a zip as well as a toggle fastening option. The front pockets actually make it something that looks and feels good and will be warm as well.

The Out Net is a palace that you get designer coats at discounted prices, as much as 75% discount on certain items. This crepe cardi-coat has a draped front, raw cuffs, buckle-fastening straps at neck and waist, pleats at back, long front pouch pockets, asymmetric hemline. Also very importantly, it is down from 600 bucks to just about 210 which is a 65 % discount!

This Donna Karen double layered cotton trench coat originally costs upward of two thousand which is available however at a whopping 75% discount!

This really warm looking faux shearling coat (no baby goats or sheep died for this one) looked smart and comfy to me, albeit not too sophisticated. The exposed seam detailing and the princess seam with the furry cuffs and collar are very attractive to me, and so is the price at $ 80 down from $ 119. The coat is available in camel, dark chocolate and saddle colors.

There are many more options of course but I leave you to browse some more with these above suggestions that I hope you can use to bundle up before the real winter starts!