Tech Shout!

This year, we have come across a lot of amazing gadgets and gizmos. There are some which we cannot wait to return; while others tended to stay in our hands forever. And there are those which we are yet waiting to lay both our hands and eyes on. Here is a mixed bag of gadgets that we think would make great gifts this Xmas season for your loved ones and perhaps even for yourself! And we know that most would have completed their Christmas shopping by now. But, in case you are one of those who hasn’t got the time to do so then read on!

Microsoft Xbox 360 console: This console has got a great selection of titles to choose from. The console offers a family-oriented experience, what with the educational titles that have come out in recent times. But, if you are a hardcore gamer, then you will get the chance to play one of the best games- Gears of War, which reeks of blood, gore and amazing gameplay and graphics to match. The Xbox 360 offers a healthy combination of video gaming and home entertainment. Available worldwide, the Xbox 360 console comes in three variants- Xbox Arcade (279.99), Xbox Elite ($449.99) and Xbox 360 Premium ($349). You will be lucky if you reside in India as you could avail of the recently announced offer called “Har Family ki Fauj karegi Mauj”, which literally means “every family will have a great time”.

Sony Handycam DCR-SR100: So good is this HD DV Camera, that it could be perfect for those who have always wanted to shoot short films, and perhaps even independent films. It offers high resolution film mode and a whopping 40GB of storage space. It’s also perfect for those who wish to keep their memories forever in the clearest print ever. It’s very comfortable to hold and you don’t really need to be a professional to handle this handycam. Moreover, it will double as a camera in case you have forgotten to carry one. For a price of around $1200, this user-friendly High Definition handcam from Sony will come to good use this holiday season.

Nintendo Wii: Nintendo’s next-generation console has really carved a niche for itself, in spite of its two hard-hitting rivals in the form of the PS3 and Xbox 360. However, what sets this console apart from the others is its glossy white body. Ok, we are kidding here! Seriously, the Wii is something every kid, teenager, adult and senior citizen should own. Why? Because there’s something for everyone- right from educational brain games for young ones, and brain training games for the elders to the closest you can get to playing baseball, bowling, tennis, boxing and many other sports- the Wii has it all and more. You will soon give up playing couch potato once you get the Wii-mote in your hands and will surely be addicted to the wonderful games that are available for the Wii platform.

Apple iPod Touch: The iPod Touch will make a great gift for friends and even for yourself this joyous season. This unique product belongs to the iPod family of music devices and according to the company is exactly like the iPhone sans the phone function. Basically, you’ll be left with your awesome music collection, the ability to connect to the Web and a superb graphic interface and not to forget the touch screen capabilities. So if you think that spending a bomb on the iPhone is not for you, then maybe you need to get a feel of the iPod Touch.

Nikon Coolpix S1 Digital Camera: This slim camera is nice to carry around due to its almost non-existent form factor unlike other cameras today. An incredibly bright 2.5” LCD, 5.1 mega pixels with 3x Optical Zoom, 17 scene modes and a user-friendly touch-screen graphic interface all make the Coolpix S1 camera a must buy this season. Available for $329.95, the camera will surely come to good use to capture life’s fondest memories. But you must hurry if you want to get the most out of your money as Nikon is currently offering this camera with a COOLSTATION MV-11 Cradle that allows you to download images and recharge the battery.

Sony PSP: Sony’s handheld console is just perfect. Not only can you play games on-the-go, but you can also watch movies, listen to music, use the Internet, send photos via Wi-Fi and play with others online too. Priced competitively at $200, what more can any one ask for when they have been bestowed with the Sony PSP. I know that if I woke up Christmas morning and opened my present only to find one of these, I would literally go w00t! And, in case you were wondering…no, I won’t be sitting on the computer Xmas morning.

Sansa Shaker MP3 player: What will the kids get this Christmas, some of you still may be thinking? Well, Santa doesn’t exist and you know that it’s eventually you who has to buy something for your little one. So don’t keep this one for the last minute and do check out Sandisk’s Sansa Music Shaker. If you are one of those who believe that music can do wonders, then this MP3 player is perfect to get a child to dig music from a young age. Plus, all those funny sounds are bound to keep them engaged while you prepare for the end of the year in peace. Click here to see our review of the Sansa Shaker MP3 player.

Logitech Wireless DJ Music System: Ever get tired of listening to music on those low-powered computer speakers? Well, then using this god-sent gift for music enthusiasts, you will be able to stream music wirelessly from a computer to any home entertainment center or speaker system. Once connected, the Wireless DJ Music System sends music streams directly to the receiver, at a range of up to 50 meters (150 feet). You get a remote with this system which carries a price tag of Rs.15,995 in India.

Sony DVPFX810 Portable DVD Player: This makes for an ideal gift for those whose job requires them to travel around the world. The 8-inch swivel & flip screen is perfect to watch movies on the go. This player has a removable and rechargeable battery, so you don’t need to worry about the charge which anyway generally lasts for 51/2 hours. A car battery charger, remote control, rechargeable battery pack is also included. This portable DVD player will cut you short of $150.

Brando MP4 Watch: We have seen innumerable MP3 watches coming out of China, but this one seems to do it and more, as not only is it a branded one but also comes with a host of features like 5 preset equalizer modes, USB 2.0 connectivity and even an in-built speaker and headphones too! It can play MP3/WMA/MP4 formats and can also be used as a voice recorder, photo viewer and eBook reader. But, whoever watches movies on a 1.8-inch screen these days, you may wonder? Well, this ‘smart’ looking watch could just be the perfect gift for teenagers, as they will totally appreciate the rather futuristic look. That aside, even adults can use it, that is only if you are not too concerned about your image! The 2GB version costs $92, while a 4GB model carries a price tag of $118.