Welcome to the annual holiday technology gift guide. I've assembled a variety of products that are novel, useful and perform well based on my own use.
Slingbox SOLO
Sling Media's latest Slingbox model allows you to watch and control your favorite TV shows, including HD programs, from anywhere in the world on your notebook or cell phone. You can also use it for your TiVo player. You'll need a high-speed connection (WiFi or 3G). The device costs about $180, but there are no monthly charges. It works with Mac, Windows PC, Windows Mobile, Palm Treo and Symbian phones. Phone software costs $30 extra. (slingmedia.com.)
ScottEVest Evolution Jacket
The Evolution is ScottEVest's latest model of gear-management jackets. The company has pioneered the development of clothing that's designed to carry and work with gadgets. I've been using one for years; they're well-made, cleverly designed and are great for travel.
This new, all-purpose, waterproof, breathable jacket is its best yet. It has 25 hidden pockets and compartments, zip-off sleeves and a removable hood. The pockets are discreetly labeled to help you find things, including iPods, cell phones, GPS devices, a passport, batteries, a water bottle, eyeglasses and more. It's one of those products that surprises with extras. For example, its eyeglass pocket contains a cleaning cloth on a leash! It costs $150. (scottevest.com.)
SoundBridge WiFi Radio R1000
Roku's SoundBridge WiFi Radio R1000 is an attractive, great-sounding clock radio that works through your WiFi network. In addition to its AM/FM radio, it receives thousands of radio stations from around the world including most U.S. AM stations. It's loaded with features, including multiple alarms, a great display and the ability to stream music from your computer. It costs $299. (rokulabs.com.)
Panasonic 58-inch Plasma TV
Panasonic's new, larger size plasma has superb picture quality. Its deep blacks and accurate, yet vibrant colors appear on an 1920-by-1080-pixel resolution screen that has an anti-reflective coating. Viewing is equally good from the side, and it has a very well thought-out remote control. It costs about $3,800 and is sold under different model numbers, each with minor variations: TH-58PZ700U and TH-58PZ750U. (panasonic.com.)
(Note: Panasonic is vigorously opposing laws that would require manufacturers to take responsibility for recycling their TVs. A more environmentally responsible choice would be a Sony TV; Sony is in the forefront with the industry's most effective recycling program, which I will cover in an upcoming column.)
Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd Digital Camera
A small camera, packed with a number of firsts, bests and mosts, Fujifilm's Finepix S8000fd digital camera has an 18x optical zoom, a bright electronic viewfinder, 8-megapixel CCD, 2.5-inch LCD screen, image stabilization, face detection, super close-up, red-eye removal and it uses both SD and xD memory cards. It's powered by four AA batteries, which eliminates the need for a charger. The body is nicely finished with a rubberized non-slip grip. While its still images are crisp and full of contrast, its movies tend to be somewhat grainy. It costs $325. (fujifilmusa.com.)
Notebooks
A good PC notebook choice is Dell's XPS 1330, which is much more attractive than the company's bland notebooks of the past. But beyond the good looks -- my test sample is crimson red -- it's an excellent performer. Thin and lightweight, it also has a slot-load DVD player and an excellent keyboard. Prices start at $1,100, but expect to pay about $1,500 for a version that will run Vista. (dell.com).
For a Mac notebook, consider Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro, which has recently been upgraded with a new processor and LCD backlighting for $1,999. If you're looking for a more portable Mac solution, there are rumors that a smaller notebook is coming early in the year, so you may want to wait.
Zoom H2 Audio Recorder
Similar to the excellent Edirol R-09 that I reviewed a few weeks ago, Samsontech's Zoom H2 Audio Recorder has four microphones for 360 degree recording. It records audio at better-than-CD quality onto SD memory cards. The files can be transferred and stored on a PC using its USB 2.0 connection. The H2 provides up to 2 hours of recording at 96 kHz, 6 hours at 44.1 kHz and 138 hours in MP3, using a 4-gigabyte memory card. The controls were more difficult to use than the Edirol, but its sound performance was equally good, and at $199 it is a cheaper option. (samsontech.com.)
Music players
While Microsoft just brought out some improved Zune players, they're still not a match for Apple's latest iPods. The top model is the iPod Touch that looks and works much like an iPhone, except that it doesn't make calls. ($299/$399) I also like the tiny iPod nano that has a color screen, plays videos and displays photos. ($149/$199). (apple.com.)
Norelco Arcitec Razor
Philip's Norelco's newest-generation, electric razor, Arcitec, is radically different from earlier models. This slim and lightweight model has a much larger cutting area and uses three heads that are independently mounted, allowing it to better conform to your neck and face. It shaves more quickly than earlier models, and for me, was nearly as close as a blade razor after a few weeks of breaking in. Drawbacks? The trimmer is harder to use around the ears because it's hidden by the head, and its travel case is huge and rigid. ($170-$240.) (philips.com/norelco)
LightningStrike personal protection system
The LightningStrike personal protection system combines a small, yet blinding 65-lumen LED flashlight and a separate, 100-decibel, personal alarm.
The flashlight, constructed of aluminum, has three modes, high, low and strobe. Brite-Strike makes some of the best-constructed and brightest flashlights available, and this new product, at $79, is their lowest-priced unit yet. (brite-strike.com.)
Digital Premium Pedometer (HJ-112)
The Omron Digital Premium Pedometer measures distance walked. It works in a pocket, clipped to your belt or even inside a bag. It resets each day and records seven days of data. It's a bargain at just $20. (omronhealthcare.com.)
iMac Desktop
The new iMac desktop computer, with a 20-inch screen and a 24-inch screen, offers a great all-in-one solution at $1,800 using the new Leopard operating system, which is far superior to Vista. The desktops have been flying off the shelves since Apple introduced them several weeks ago. (apple.com.)
Chargepod recharger
The Chargepod is a device that allows you to charge six gadgets at once, including cell phones, iPods, and most other mobile electronics.It consists of a disc with six connectors and a single, but large AC adapter. Callpod, its creator, sells short, adapter cables, or you can use the USB cables that come with many of your products. It costs $50, plus about $10 per cable. (callpod.com.)
Even something for your pets
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA) is offering gifts for your pet. An ID tag in the form of an aluminum capsule lets you store trip and contact information inside, so if your pet becomes lost while you're traveling, you can be reached. It goes for only $5.99.
An anti-spill, travel bowl keeps water inside, even if it's tipped upside down. It holds 48 ounces of water and costs $9.99. For traveling, its collapsible travel bowl folds flat. It costs $7.99. For these items, and others, visit the Web site. The profits go toward a great cause. (aspca.org.)
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