MW A laptop you can repair yourself - and other smart tech gifts for the holidays
By Jurica Dujmovic
5 can't-miss personal-tech devices that would even keep Santa at home
Most tech products seem to follow the same playbook - more features, more connectivity, more data collection - but some creators and companies choose a different path. While these alternatives might not make headlines like the latest smartphone or smartwatch, they offer something increasingly rare: thoughtful design that puts users first. From laptops you can actually repair yourself to smartphones that let you decide what data to share, these devices prove that cutting-edge technology can still come with meaningful choices.
For this holiday season, I've curated a list of products that dare to be different. Each one challenges conventional wisdom about what modern tech "has to be," whether through innovative privacy features, unprecedented repairability, or clever dual-use designs. These five picks show there's always another way to think about personal technology. And as with a recent column highlighting personal-tech devices, I have no financial interest or affiliation with any of the products chosen or their manufacturers.
1. Framework laptop
In a world where laptops are increasingly becoming sealed boxes of mystery, and right-to-repair movements face constant pushback from manufacturers, the Framework laptop stands out. It makes a statement about what personal computing should be: transparent; repairable, and completely under your control. Framework lets you choose exactly what goes into (and out of) your machine.
What sets the Framework laptop apart is its modular design: you can swap ports in seconds; upgrade components without a computer science degree, and even remove the webcam when you want privacy. Running Windows or any Linux distribution you prefer, the Framework device is both powerful enough for daily work and sufficiently customizable for privacy enthusiasts. Best of all? When something needs upgrading, you don't need to buy a new laptop - just upgrade that specific part.
2. BraX3 privacy smartphone
Remember when phones were just for calling and texting? Those simple days are long gone, but the BraX3 brings back something even more valuable: peace of mind.
Built on Android 14 AOSP, this "de-Googled" smartphone eliminates data harvesting while maintaining functionality through its Lunar App Store. Despite its privacy focus, the BraX3 packs more than decent specs: a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor; 5,000 mAh battery; 5G support, and a crisp 6.56-inch display.
What truly sets BraX3 apart is the innovative Lunar Network for location services. Unlike traditional GPS tracking that creates a permanent record of your movements, Lunar Network is a temporary tour guide that provides precise navigation and wipes the slate clean afterward.
BraX3 won't work with every communications provider (Verizon users are shut out, for example), and its release through crowdfunding platform Indiegogo might raise eyebrows. But the phone's creator, Rob Braxman, brings credibility through his established reputation in the privacy community and a successful track record with the BraX2.
3. Steam Deck OLED
Remember when "portable gaming" meant compromising between decent graphics and being able to carry the device? Valve's Steam Deck OLED just solved that problem. With a new screen boasting true blacks, vibrant colors, and 1,000 nits of brightness, combined with a 30%-50% boost in battery life, you can finally game properly anywhere without constantly hunting for a charger.
Starting at $549 for the 512GB version (or $649 for 1TB), this handheld gaming PC is not just for hardcore gamers - it runs everything from indie gems to AAA titles and offers better graphics than the Nintendo Switch and more flexibility than a gaming laptop. But here's what seals the deal: you can hook it up to any TV for big-screen gaming, and power users can even dual-boot it into Windows or better yet, a privacy-oriented Linux distribution, effectively turning it into a secure personal computer. It's like getting a gaming console and a PC in one portable package.
4. Garmin Smartwatches
Let's talk about the elephant in the fitness room: most health trackers are data vacuum cleaners in disguise. They promise to count your steps but end up counting everything else too - and sharing it with who knows who. This is where Garmin $(GRMN)$ stands out, earning the Mozilla Foundation's seal of approval for privacy.
The best part? You decide how much data to share. Want to track your activities without connecting to servers? Done. Need heart-rate monitoring without cloud uploads? Possible. While you lose some advanced features when going offline, the core tracking functions work properly on the watch.
Even if you do use its app, Garmin sets everything private by default, doesn't sell your data, and actually asks before sharing anything. Finally, a fitness companion that respects your boundaries - it's there when you need it, but won't gossip about you behind your back.
5. Withings Body Smart Scale
December's indulgent holiday feasts become January's mindful approach to health. Enter the Withings Body Smart Scale - your privacy-conscious companion for post-holiday wellness that proves you don't need to compromise your personal data for sophisticated health tracking.
What sets this scale apart is its honest approach to data handling. Unlike some other companies that treat your measurements (and more) as shareable commodities, Withings respects your data. The scale works perfectly offline, displaying everything from weight to body composition right on its screen. When you do choose to sync with its Health Mate app, the company claims that your data stays encrypted and anonymous.
But don't let the privacy focus fool you - this is still a powerhouse of health tracking. Depending on the model you buy, the Withings scale measures everything from weight and body fat to muscle mass, water percentage and even heart rate.
The real gift: Tech that puts users first
What started as a hunt for interesting gadgets led to something unexpected: a collection of devices daring to be different. While mainstream tech keeps pushing toward more connectivity and data collection by default, these alternatives show there's always another way.
It's refreshing to know these options exist. Whether you're drawn to the Steam Deck's versatility, Garmin's user-first approach to fitness tracking, or Withings' thoughtful balance of features and control, these devices prove that cutting-edge technology doesn't have to follow the crowd. They might be exceptions in today's market, but they're powerful examples of what's possible when products are designed with user choice at their core.
More: Here are the best gifts to help your loved ones build wealth, whether your budget is $100 - or $1 million
Plus: 6 tech devices that this expert can't be without
-Jurica Dujmovic
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 21, 2024 10:21 ET (15:21 GMT)
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