Children LOVE the iPad...or any touch screen device, for that matter. But especially the iPad. Something about the big, bright screen and Apple's GUI makes it a kid magnet. I often notice amongst friends the iPad is used as a short term digital babysitter when Mom or Dad needs a moment to breath or a bite to eat. But before you hand a $329+ tablet over to a child, be sure to change this setting for a little extra insurance...

Product: Belkin Thunderstorm
Price: $199.99
Rating: Recommend*

There's really no way around the fact the built-in speakers of the Apple iPad are tiny and anemic. Movies, games, and music require plugging in a pair of headphones for clear dialogue and an immersive experience. Belkin's aptly named Thunderstorm was designed to eliminate the need for headphones or Airplaying to an external source by augmenting output with a miniature sound bar design. Using my iPad 3, I took this hybrid case/speaker for a high-fidelity test drive.

It's not too late to sneak in a final Mother's Day order (though whether it arrives on time is a different matter), whether you want to upgrade her home audio with a Geneva Model S speaker system, set her up with a new desk from West Elm, or get her a gorgeous Katie Norris camera strap to accessorize her camera. All of these tech deals and more are on discount, listed for your perusal below...

Aware of my background in education and also my weekly app post here on Apartment Therapy, one of the questions I'm often asked at parties with parents in attendance is about kid-friendly app recommendations. To help answer their queries for apps best suited for kids, here are a few tablet apps I think will both entertain and educate on the iPad, Android, and Windows 8 tablet devices...

Geneva Model S Wireless
• $299.00
• Geneva Sound System 

We've been longtime fans of the lovely lacquered pedestal display Geneva Sound System's Model S. The only real knock we could really assess upon reviewing the iPod/iPhone speaker dock was its lack of wireless connectivity. You can cross that out now: Geneva has added Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP for wireless audio streaming. It's the same 2010 I.D. International Design Magazine Consumer Products Award winning design, updated to play nice with any Bluetooth device sans cords, cables, or dock. *Note: you can get the previous non-wireless model on sale right now before this updated model becomes available later this month.

How's this for a desk concept: a work surface fashioned after the tectonic plates of earthquake susceptible San Francisco. Bay Area design firm Box Clever intentionally fractured a 1/2" thick concrete tabletop into four sections to create narrow channels to accommodate and secure three desk organizing accessories across the surface...

We've got posts galore showing how to make your own lamp and even convert everyday objects into a light source. But if you like your DIY projects with a little less "why?", here's a kit which can convert nearly any empty bottle into a table lamp utilizing bright and efficient LEDs...

Whenever friends visit my apartment, they remark it's a “happy place” exhibiting a love of color. Playful shapes, patterns, and vibrant elements all reflect my affinity for the cheerful, and I'm always on the look out for a few more additions. Here are a few playful tech accessories currently on my Pinterest wish list for a future home office update project...

Mother's Day gift ideas have expanded well beyond flowers, jewelry, and other traditional gifts (though those always remain welcome). Mom may want a tablet, the latest phone, or maybe just some help setting up her visual voicemail. You don't necessarily have to buy her anything to show how much you care, so we've gathered a few tech-oriented ideas with price tags starting from "free" on up!