Digital Trends

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year, you can be the one putting the "happy" in happy holidays. Impress everyone on your list with one of these handpicked gadgets. We've included the best gifts - spanning all budgets - to make this year's gift buying a snap. Grab your list, check it twice, print this out and head to the stores.

 

Scared of the mall parking lot dance? Don't fret. Just visit the sites listed after each product or compare prices via the usual bargain hunting suspects, http://www.yahoo.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.buy.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, http://www.circuitcity.com/ and others. If you do end up ordering online, you'll save yourself quite a bit of hassle. But, be forewarned that, if you do go this route, don't get so carried away patting yourself on the back that you forget about shipping times. Leave a couple of weeks' for delivery as well as any shipping mishaps that may happen along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iPod nano
Everyone wants an iPod. The nano serves most everyone well with 4GB (1,000 songs), which is plenty of capacity for storing digital music without becoming unmanageable. Don't bother getting it in black. It starts off slick, but scratches up way too easily and quickly loses its luster. $249. Read the Digital Trends review; Compare prices

 

Dell DJ Ditty
Support breast cancer research with the Dell DJ Ditty MP3 player with the Susan G. Komen Foundation Bundle. The Dell DJ Ditty music player is comparable to the iPod shuffle, but with better reviews, and contains 512 MB of storage (220 songs), as well as a built-in FM radio, which enables the user to tune into the TV at the gym. The special bundle comes with a pink armband, pink earbuds, and a "Sharing the Promise" pink wristband. $129. For him, get a standard black Dell DJ Ditty for $99. http://www.dellditty.com/

 

 

 

The Griffin RoadTrip
The Griffin RoadTrip is a combined FM transmitter, charger and iPod cradle for the car. It is nicely designed, easy to use and works with virtually all 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th generation iPods. No batteries required. $89.99. For the iPod nano, get the Griffin iTrip. $49.99. Compare prices

 

 

 

Altec Lansing inMotion iM7
Altec Lansing inMotion iM7 systems contain portable iPod speakers that are robust and sound great with high efficiency digital amplification and an XDB enhanced subwoofer. The iM7 has a built-in iPod cradle and wireless remote, creating a full home stereo system out of your dockable photo, mini, 3G or 4G iPod. $249.95. Compare prices

 

 

 

H20 Audio Waterproof Case
For a real, live "Life Aquatic" experience, get the water lover in your life an H2O Audio Waterproof Case to go with her iPod. The DV Series (Deep Version) is designed for SCUBA depths up to 200 ft., while the SV Series (Surface Version) is designed for surface water activities, such as surfing, wakeboarding, swimming and kayaking in depths up to 10 ft. Each version comes complete with special, waterproof ear buds. SV Series $99.95-$149.95, DV Series $199.95. Compare prices

 

 

 

 

Nyko iTop Button Relocator for iPod
Move those pesky buttons from the side of an iPod to the top with the Nyko iTop Button Relocator. The adaptor attaches to the top of any 10-60 GB iPod through the headphone and remote jack enabling easy controlling from your pocket, case or purse. $29.99. Compare prices

 

 

 

Harman Kardon Drive+ Play
The Harman Kardon Drive + Play is an iPod car adaptor with a dashboard-mounted display, joystick controller and can reach the car stereo through either a 3.5mm audio line output, or via a wired (or wireless) FM transmitter. Drive +Play works with all dockable iPods, including the nano. $199.99. Compare prices

 

 

 

Pioneer AirWare Portable XM Satellite Radio Receiver
The Pioneer AirWare Portable XM Satellite Radio Receiver lets you take clear, digital, commercial free music, news, talk, comedy, traffic and weather channels with you wherever you go. The AirWare receiver can hold up to five hours of programming, making it a powerful alternative to the traditional MP3 players. Additional adaptor kits available from Pioneer enable you to listen to your satellite radio in the car, home or while skiing. $330 unit, XM Satellite Radio service is $12.95/month. Read the Digital Trends review; Compare prices Headphones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shure Canal Phones
Get lost in your music or your game with Shure's E Series Canal Phones. These isolation headphones are a cross between ear plugs and ear buds and conform to the inside of your ear via the included Personal Fit Kit. The phones deliver quality frequencies in highs, mids and bass tones, work well with any home audio device and come with a handy zip carrying case. $109-$499. Read the Digital Trends review; Compare prices

 

 

 

Grado Labs SR80
Grado Labs SR80 headphones are the best bang for the buck and are the first headphones ever awarded a "Golden Note Award"from the Academy for the Advancement of High End Audio. The impressively powerful headphones have comfortable, cushy padding on top of outstanding bass resonance. $95. Compare prices