Take photos and videos, for example. It’s been said that the best camera is the one that’s with you. Nothing makes it easier to have a camera with you at all times than a great smartphone, and we recommend the Nokia Lumia 900. It comes with an 8-megapixel camera with a Zeiss lens—among the best optics made—along with full 30 fps 720p video. This means you can capture amazing photos and videos, and share them with the folks at home right away. And the Lumia 900 is super slim, which makes it easy to slip into your pocket and carry around.

If you’ll be traveling with your laptop in tow, we know a mouse you should meet. The Arc Touch Mouse is our most portable to date. To turn it on, pop it up into a comfortable curve. Then, when you’re ready to pack it away, fold it flat. It’s built to stand repeated use, so you can take it on as many trips as you like. It’s also wireless and equipped with BlueTrack Technology, so you can use it almost anywhere* without getting wrapped up in a cord.

*BlueTrack Technology does not work on clear glass or mirrored surfaces.

For those of you planning to pack a bit lighter and leave your laptop at home, the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Slate is a perfect lightweight alternative. The battery lasts up to 8 hours, which means you can watch a movie or two during your flight and still have some juice left to check your email when you land. It also comes with a built-in webcam, so you can stay connected while you’re away.

Which gadgets go with you everywhere? We’d love to hear it in the comments.

*Source: Windows Team Blog

- Hardware Team

The portable nature of laptops—such as the Asus Zenbook and Lenovo ThinkPad (pictured above) paired with a Microsoft mouse—makes them perfect for every-moment use. Whether you’re in the playroom or the kitchen, on vacation or at sea, you’re only a few clicks away from your favorite movies, family photos, or even a video chat with friends or family.

Microsoft mice come in a wide variety of colors and styles to suit every taste. If he’s artistically inclined, maybe he’ll appreciate the unique designs of our Limited Edition Artist Series mice. Or for everyday computing tasks such as web surfing or using spreadsheets, he’ll love the 4-way touch scrolling elegance of Explorer Touch Mouse.

If your family is spread out, a webcam can help you stay connected.  There are a variety of models such as the LifeCam Studio, which gives you superior HD video quality.

With all these gadgets and more, there’s no reason to be stumped for gift ideas. Microsoft Hardware has just the stuff to make dad—and the rest of the family—happy.

- Hardware Team

Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000
“The only keyboard for me”

“This split keyboard took a short time to ‘catch on to’ but now I find it difficult to type on a straight keyboard. It is slightly sloped & has a good rest to elevate the heel of your hands. I find the split keyboard actually improves the speed of my typing as well.”
—Zilla

The Natural Ergo Keyboard is consistently a hit with users, and rates 4.6 out of five stars. In some studies ergonomic keyboards have been found to reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to comfort and support, enjoy easy access to files, folders, and web pages with handy hot keys.

Check out more features and reviews: http://bit.ly/wHhJBf

Arc Touch Mouse
“Best Mouse Ever!”

“I’ve used this mouse daily for almost a year and can honestly say it’s the best mouse I’ve ever used. Works great on ANY surface, feels great in your hand, and the fold-flat feature is perfect for traveling. And it looks fantastic too!”
—Trailrider

You don’t have to sacrifice style for performance with this gorgeous Arc Touch Mouse. You can use it just about anywhere, even on a rough wood surface or carpet, thanks to BlueTrack Technology. Portability is a breeze—flatten to turn it off, and slip it into your pocket or bag as easily as a cell phone.

Check out more features and reviews: http://bit.ly/zLLwtW

LifeCam Studio
“Extremely Impressive”

“This webcam is of extremely high quality. The picture quality is impeccable and it has a great built in microphone. It has a huge wide-angle view and is perfect for video chats with multiple people in front of this camera. It also features non-digital zoom.”
—davekats

We really mean it when we say this first-class product is the closest thing to being there. And our customers agree, rating LifeCam Studio with 4.8 out of 5 stars. Not only will you enjoy the amazing clarity and detail of HD video, thanks to Auto Focus your video is always crisp. Add TrueColor technology and the High-Fidelity Microphone, and you’ve got yourself a dream machine.

Check out more features and reviews: http://bit.ly/y3APDF

- Hardware Team