Apple iPod

• The most well-known line of media players, Apple's iPod family continues to grow. The current lineup contains four options: the iPod Shuffle ,Nano , Classic, and Touch .
• Apple also, of course, offers the iPhone , which, among its many features, offers full iPod functionality.
• The Shuffle is the basic model with no screen, the Nano offers music and video in a small package, the Classic has a larger screen and hard drive, and the Touch has Wi-Fi for internet and many other applications using its touchscreen.

SanDisk Sansa

• SanDisk, a leading maker of flash media, also is one of the most popular brands of PMP. They currently offer three Sansa MP3 players: the Clip ,Fuze , and View , 
• The Clip has a screen despite its tiny size and price tag (starting at $39), and the Fuze and View also have low prices but offer video playback and memory card slots for expanding capacity.

Microsoft Zune

• Microsoft now offers three Zune lines to choose from: the slim flash-based Zune 4 /8 /16  , the storage-heavy Zune 80 /120  (pictured above), and the ultra-thin Zune HD , which has a multi-touch display, wireless internet, HD radio, and a high-def video output.
• Zunes are available in many colors, like black, red, green, pink, and blue, and in addition to individual downloads for music, movies, and TV shows, Microsoft offers a monthly subscription service that allows unlimited downloads.

Sony Walkman

• Sony has three different series, the X-Series , the S-Series , and the E-Series . The E-Series starts at just $69. Each comes in multiple sizes.
• Store music, photos, and videos on all three players. All three versions also have an FM tuner so you won't miss out on the radio.You can surf the web on the X-Series and it's very similar to the iPod Touch. 

Creative

• Creative MP3 players have gained a huge following. The company offers a staggering number of lines: the Zen X-Fi , the Zen MX , the Zen Style 100 , and the Zen Style 300 .
• The cheapest player starts at only $40 and the most expensive coming in at just under $300. The X-Fi offers several different versions so that you can find the right one to fit your needs.
• Watch videos, create playlists, and listen to the radio on these small, portable devices.

Nintendo DSi 

• Adding even more features to the DS system, the Nintendo DSi is an even sleeker redesign of the DS system. It plays the same DS cartridges that we've all grown to know and love but adds in two cameras--one internal camera for self-portraits and and one external camera for normal shots--and photo editing software.
• It also has a media player, an SD memory card slot, and larger screens. The DSi can also interact with online services like Facebook and with the Nintendo Wii to upload photos via the Wii's Photo Channel, as well as download DSiWare, an ever-expanding set of original new games and software made specifically for the DSi.

Nintendo DSi XL 

•  The XL is fairly similar to the DSi. It has a screen that is 93% larger than the Lite version. The Sound application allows you to record your voice and play with different voice filters. It comes preinstalled with Brain Age Express: Math and Arts & Letters.
• You can enjoy all the same great Internet features and games as the other DS models. Download other games and applications from the DSiWare store. Connect through Wi-Fi to play against your friends or people from around the globe. 

Sony PSP-3000

• The third redesign of Sony's PlayStation portable is the lightest and thinnest yet. It still plays games from the Universal Media Disc (UMD) and has a host of other features that highlight the device's power. It can be used to play movies and music, stored either on a UMD or on a memory card, and with its web browser it can view internet pages on its widescreen display.
• It features graphics just below the quality of those on the PlayStation 2 and can download software from Sony's PlayStation Network, which offers movies and games that can be stored on a flash card and played back on the system. The PSP is a formidable portable system.

Sony PSPgo 

• A different type of PSP sold as a counterpart to the original style, the PSPgo abandons the UMD disc drive that played games and movies on its brother systems in favor of an all-downloadable design. The button layout is different, using a slide-out control system, and all software and media for the PSP are downloaded from the PlayStation Network.
• This content can then be stored on the device's 16GB of internal flash memory. Furthermore, most games available on UMD will be produced for the PSP to download as well, and because it features Bluetooth wireless technology, PlayStation 3 controllers can be used with the PSP.

The Wii is the most unique game system ever produced. Its controller, the Wii Remote , indeed does resemble a small, thin television remote control, and the lack of traditional shape for the controller is just the beginning. The Wii uses accelerometers and light sensors to detect motion in three dimensions, allowing for a more interactive and intuitive gameplay experience. An additional peripheral, the Nunchuk  controller, adds further control with its own separate accelerometer, an analog stick, and two buttons. This allows each arm to act as an individual motion controller. The Wii remote itself can be pointed at the screen to direct action--for example, as a cursor in menus or as the crosshair in shooting games. A new addition, Wii MotionPlus , allows for even more precise three-dimensional motion tracking. Additionally, many Wii titles are released to attract the attention of non-gamers: for example, Wii Fit  isn't even really a game: the software acts as a virtual personal trainer that uses the Balance Board peripheral and the Wii's motion detection to ensure that your exercises are done properly.

The Wii has wireless access to the internet on Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection service. By logging on, users can play games online completely free. You can also download additional software and games through the WiiWare  service, and you can play hundreds of classic games from previous systems using the Virtual Console function.

For more information, see the Nintendo Wii guide.

When Sony developed the PlayStation 3, they decided to make it the most powerful console ever produced. Using its remarkable seven-cell super-computing processor, the PlayStation 3 produces far and away the best graphics of any console to date. It outputs in high definition formats up to Full HD 1080p and plays games, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray high definition movies through its slot-loading drive. Thanks to its qualities as a game system and as a movie and music player, the PS3 has the power to become the hub of your home entertainment center. The PlayStation 3 can also connect to the internet or to a home network to stream photos, videos, and music, as well as to download these files and save them to the PS3's included hard drive for later playback. The controller for the PS3, the DualShock 3 , looks and feels like the beloved DualShock 2 controller from the PlayStation 2. Don't be fooled, though: it's enhanced with the PlayStation button in the center, and it's wireless using Bluetooth, allowing up to seven controllers to be connected simultaneously. It is also rechargeable right out of the box.

The PlayStation Network  allows you to browse the internet, play online games, and access the virtual reality world of PlayStation Home all for free. You can also browse the massive amounts of downloadable games and demos, full-length movies, trailers, and add-ons for games you've purchased.

The PlayStation Move  was recently released and is very similar to the Wii console. It offers all the same great features of the PS3 but comes with a PlayStation Eye Camera  and a Move Controller . It looks a bit similar to the Wii Remote except it has a color changing orb on top to track your movement. It also has a "nunchuck" controller called the Navigation Controller . Both have the familiar PS buttons. It's highly accurate and critics agree that PlayStation is going to give Nintendo a run for its money. 

To learn everything about it, read our guide to the PlayStation 3.

The Xbox 360 is the least expensive high definition gaming system on the market. That title is a bit deceptive, as the inexpensive models of the 360 are fairly bare-bones and you'll undoubtedly have to spend several hundred more dollars to fully equip your system, but technically there's no cheaper way to get your eyes on high definition gaming. The Xbox 360 may not have as many of the exclusive games as the Wii or PS3, and it lacks the motion controls of the former and the graphical power of the latter, but it is still a good follow-up to the original Xbox and is, of course, the only system with Halo 3 , a franchise owned by Microsoft. It can also interface with Media Center PCs, and the bulky old Xbox controller has been redesigned: the 360 controller  is much lighter and more comfortable.

Games for the system run in 720p--not 1080p Full High Definition like some PS3 games, but 360 titles still look very good. You can also download some cool miniature arcade-style games from the Xbox Live Marketplace . The Xbox Live gaming service makes its return on the 360 as well, and is still a popular online hangout to play your games. You will, however, need to pay a monthly fee for the subscription to Xbox Live Gold , unlike with the PS3 and Wii which offer free online gaming.

For more details on Microsoft's system, you'll want to take a look at the Xbox 360 guide.

Toshiba Portege R705 

• A compact, 13-inch computer for under $1,000, the Toshiba Satellite has excellent performance. It's thinner than the white Macbook, making it perfect for toting around.
• If you're buying a computer for someone who loves to game, however, this might not be the best choice.

Asus Eee PC 1018 

• Looking for something small? Try this small netbook for around $350. Like other netbooks, it uses the Intel Atom processor. It has a long battery life and comes with Windows 7.
• If you just need some very basic computing functions, this could be the perfect gift. 

Dell Inspiron 14R 

• Not only is this an extremely affordable laptop, it's easy to use and sleek. The Inspiron comes in either 14 or 17 inches and can be configured to your liking.
• Gamers should upgrade the graphics card and processor but it'll cost you around $700 instead of the basic $500 price tag.

HP Envy 17 

• If you're searching for a more upscale laptop, look no further. The Envy has 500 GB of storage, an Intel Core i5 processor, and an HDMI port.
• You can choose between a 14 and 17-inch screen and both are slim enough to compete with the MacBook. Another added feature is its Blu-ray player.

Apple MacBook Pro 

• With its beautiful 17-inch screen and some high-end parts, this is a great choice for Mac-lovers. A few more features would have been nice--it lacks HDMI-out or a memory card reader, and it has only three USB ports--but it has lots of raw power.
• Like all Macs it isn't for gamers, and even the inexpensive versions cost more than three times as much as some competitors.

eMachines ET1831-07 

• This extremely low-priced system has good performance. If you're just looking for basic computing, you can't go wrong with this eMachine.
• It has a 2.7 GHz Intel processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 750 GB hard drive. It has more memory and a larger hard drive than its competitor the Compaq Presario. 

HP Pavilion Elite 

• Combining some of the most powerful parts available to PC makers, the HP Pavilion features its own remote control and portable hard drive bay to go with its 750GB hard drive.
• It also has 6GB of memory and 512MB graphics card, all in support of this system's crown jewel: its blazing Intel Core i7 processor. Priced at just over $1000, it's a terrific holiday bargain.

Gateway SX2850 

• At under $600, this Gateway model is a steal, with ludicrously high-end parts. It has an Intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB memory, and a 640 GB hard drive.
• It's one of the few desktops that offers Wi-Fi so no more wires. It has an HDMI output but won't be able to handle most games. However, for the price, it beats most of its competition.

Apple iMac 

• Expensive but best in performance. The fast CPU makes it perfect for work or play. Although it lacks an HDMI output and Blu-ray player, it makes up for it in speed, design, and ease of use.
• The iMac is all-in-one and comes with a thin keyboard and mouse. 

HP TouchSmart 600 

• The HP TouchSmart is an innovative all-in-one system. The components are included inside the slim but gargantuan 23.5-inch touchscreen.
• It has 500GB of storage and lightning-fast components for gaming and watching movies or TV through the integrated tuner. There's a webcam for video chatting and it comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse.

HP 2009m 

For under $200, this 20-inch monitor tilts and swivels and has built-in speakers. Not only does it have good game and video performance, it's energy efficient. 

Dell S2409W 

This gorgeous 24-inch high-definition screen is perfect for the gamer or movie-lover who wants to capitalize on a powerful computing system. This monitor has an HDMI input so it can receive the highest quality video signals.

Lexmark Interact S605 

This printer does it all for less than $200 --it prints, scans, and copies. It's even wireless and has an LCD touchscreen menu. You may not get kiosk quality photos, but you will get rapid printing in excellent quality. 

Panasonic Viera TC-L37S1 

If you don't have cash to burn or the recipient doesn't have the space for a gigantic flat screen TV, you may want to opt for this slightly smaller 37-inch model from Panasonic. It has great picture quality and Full HD compatibility, plus a good variety of viewing angles.

Samsung LN40C630 

A 40-inch LCD with accurate colors and very deep blacks, this Samsung is a great all-around TV with plenty of HDMI connections and a silky smooth picture thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. This is for those who don't care about the internet or 3D capibility. 

Vizio XVT423SV 

An LED based 42-inch screen that is less expensive than similar models. It offers deep blacks and good shadow detail. Bright rooms won't ruin this picture quality. It also features Wi-Fi, tons of apps, and a Bluetooth remote with a QWERTY keyboard.

LG Infinia 47LX9500 

A big 47-inch TV that produces the deepest blacks of any TV on the market. It's expensive but it offers the best off-angle viewing for an LCD. Videophiles can have a field day playing with an enormous amount of picture controls. 

Panasonic Viera TC-P50G25 

An energy efficient and inexpensive 50-inch plasma with an anti-reflective screen. It has excellent blacks levels, however, they will begin to diminish over time. It doesn't have Wi-Fi but it does have an optional Wi-Fi dongle.

Samsung PN50C7000 

Another 3D TV that has Wi-Fi connection and features tons of apps. Not only does it have excellent picture quality, but it also allows you to tweak the settings with numerous options. 

Samsung PN50C8000 

Samsung's plasma is just an inch and a half thick, has excellent picture quality on all fronts, and is loaded with features like internet access for widgets and media streaming. This TV is expensive but it also has 3D features. 

Sony BDV-E770W 

• The Sony model is an inexpensive home theater system but it does the basics very well. It has good quality bass and its sound production is absolutely outstanding.
• It's a 5.1-channel system that's not too feature-heavy, but it does have a USB port for your iPod and has a Blu-ray player. 

Onkyo HT-S7200 

• This Onkyo offers unparalleled performance with clear sound and powerful bass despite a price similar to that of mid-range systems.
• Its feature set, including auto-calibration, ample connections, decoding for Dolby TrueHD and an iPod dock make it a great deal for a top-notch 7.1-channel system.

Logitech Harmony 900 

• Logitech is hands down the best for universal remotes. It has a high-resolution LCD touchscreen and you can program everything on your computer.
• The design is ergonomic and easy to use. With the new RF technology makes updating the remote a breeze.

Logitech Harmony 1100 

• Logitech's thin, sleek touchscreen universal remote has every feature imaginable and loads of style, plus customizable icons on its big, gorgeous screen, like controller buttons on game systems.
• It recharges with the included dock. For a traditionally shaped alternative, check out the equally stellar Harmony One .

Panasonic DMP-BD80 

• This Blu-Ray player offers extraordinary performance for a very ordinary price. It costs as much as an average system but has unbeatable picture quality for both DVDs and Blu-Ray discs, as well as video and photo streaming from YouTube, Picasa, and Amazon.
• It's BD-Live ready so you'll be able to access online expansion content for your Blu-Ray discs.

Garmin Oregon

• Garmin's high-end handheld line includes the 200  and 400t  and has the features that will thrill hardcore outdoorsmen. They're slim, portable, and easy to use, and they have great geocaching functionality for those who engage in the activity.
• A simpler and less expensive option for the casual hiker is Garmin's eTrex Venture HC .

TomTom One 140 

• Very small and portable and providing great performance at a terrific value, the TomTom One is a no-frills GPS that will get you where you want to go easily and without complications.
• In a first for this year's entry-level TomTom lines, it offers lane assist and reality view, which traditionally were only higher-end TomTom features, all for a little less than $100.

Magellan Roadmate 1440 

• Basic but expertly designed, the $100 Roadmate shines with a big, crisp 4.4-inch widescreen and a polished, shortcut-friendly interface that resembles the most expensive GPS models.
• It has millions of points of interest (like gas stations and restaurants) and is very fast and fluid. It can receive traffic with no subscription fee if you purchase the receiver.

TomTom XXL 540M 

• If the 7 million points of interest aren't enticing enough, the IQ Technology will give you the fastest route every time. The 5-inch screen and spoken street names will ensure you never miss a turn.
• TomTom also offers free map updates for life so your device will always be accurate. The port mount folds up for easy transportation. 

Garmin Nuvi 885t 

• Another expensive GPS, Garmin's flagship model can connect to MSN for weather, gas prices, flight times, and local events in the area.
• It also has a photo viewer, MP3 player, games, Bluetooth and many other features that can be accessed on its 4.4-inch widescreen.
• It has a real view function and all the great GPS performance you would expect from a Garmin.

Nikon Coolpix S570 

• Not looking to spend a lot? This simple point and shoot is compact, has 12 megapixels, and has 5x zoom.
• If you're seeking a cheap, entry level camera for the un-photogenic, this camera will make the perfect stocking stuffer this year.  

Canon PowerShot S90 

• More advanced amateurs might want to take a look at this PowerShot camera. If you're not ready to make the leap to DSLR, this camera offers 10 megapixels, a wide angle lens, and semi-manual shooting.
• 25 shooting modes will allow for endless picture taking of the family.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 

• An unbeatable mix of style, features and affordability for $200. Take fast snapshots on this 10 megapixel camera that has 5x zoom.
• It's compact, yet has a wide angle lens and several different shooting modes. It's an affordable camera for amateurs. 

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 

• If you're looking to satisfy the wish list of the advanced photographer in the family, look no further. This DSLR is less than $1,000 and offers superior picture and video quality.
• 18 megapixels and 1080 HD shooting will make someone very happy this season.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 

• A digital SLR camera for professionals and major photo buffs, the Sony is a tremendous value.
• Priced around $550, the Sony costs half as much as other entry-level SLRs but has plenty of features, like dual card slots and a lightning-fast autofocus, and it handles very well for a relatively small SLR camera.

Kodak Zi8 

• A pocket camcorder available in black, raspberry red and aqua blue (above), the Kodak Zi8 has loads of features and powerful performance in any environment, shooting crisp 1080p video.
• It also takes capable still shots with its 5-megapixel camera. It's slim, stylish, and (best of all) it will only set you back $180.

Flip UltraHD 

• The Flip UltraHD is another pocket-size camcorder. Coming in at about $200 and available in black and white, the YouTube-friendly model shoots high definition video in 720p and the performance is outstanding.
• People watching your videos will never believe that such high-quality images were shot using such a portable, sleek-looking device.

Panasonic HDC-SD60K 

• This entry level HD camcorder will cost you about $500 and is a good value for the features. A comfortable grip will make filming much more enjoyable.
• It has a manual shutter speed, great auto-focus, and a fairly long battery life so you won't miss a thing.

Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V 

• Sony's high-definition Handycam is not one of the most affordable HD units; it's around $1,000 but it stacks well against other competitors.
• It's very compact, especially for a high definition camcorder, and it looks very slick. It's got loads of connections and it quickly transfers high definition video to your computer or a disc.

Canon Vixia HF200 

• Canon's powerful high definition camcorder shoots fantastic-looking videos and has a long list of features.
• It's a fairly small-sized device with an attractive appearance, and despite its small stature it manages to shoot extremely sharp video with beautiful color saturation, and the microphone records audio quite well too.

Pandigital PAN7000DW 

• Pandigital's $70 model has a high-resolution 6.9-inch screen and excellent picture quality. It has a remote control, 1GB of internal memory, and a memory card slot.
• It can play MP3 files through its single speaker so it's great for videos and slideshows. If you purchase the optional Wi-Fi adapter, the frame can wirelessly lift photos from your computer or from photo-sharing websites like Picasa.

ViewSonic DPG807 

• An affordable frame that has 512 MB of storage, plays MP3s, supports videos, and accepts all memory card formats and USB connections.
• The 8-inch screen also features a clock, alarm, and calendar. It has a sleek all black plastic frame but definitely doesn't look cheap like other models. 

Toshiba DMF82XKU 

• For a higher price tag you can purchase this digital frame that features Wi-fi for Picasa, Facebook, and Flickr.
• You can also enjoy music and videos through standard card slots and USB ports. Just keep in mind that this a widescreen frame and most photos are taken in a 4:3 ratio so cropping will occur. 

Canon Selphy CP760 

• Canon's inexpensive photo printer is a dye-sublimation model that delivers good-looking water-resistant prints. It's small, portable, and ink-efficient, and it has a 2.5-inch LCD for previewing photos.
• Purchasing an optional adapter will allow you to print directly from Bluetooth-enabled devices like cell phones. The best thing about the Canon is its phenomenal price: $100.

Epson PictureMate Dash PM260 

• A steal at under $150, Epson's inkjet is powerful and fast, cranking out ink-efficient 4"x6" photos in under 40 seconds. You can preview or edit images on the 3.6-inch LCD and it has a carrying handle so you can print photos while you're out and about.
• Epson's Zoom PM290 , this sytem's big brother, has built-in Bluetooth and a CD burner and costs around $200.