December 03, 2009, 4:41 PM — Didn't get all your holiday shopping done on Black Friday? Not to worry: We're here to help you find the perfect gifts for the technology lovers on your list.
This year we thought we'd try something different by asking Computerworld readers what they want to receive for the holidays. Your top five responses were HDTVs, e-readers, laptops, netbooks and smartphones, so we're focusing most of our gift guide on those five product types.
But we couldn't stop there. We've also got a "More great gifts" category with 10 more presents that we found too cool, luxurious or just plain useful to leave out.
We've done our best to provide all the info you'll need to buy these products, including how much you can expect to pay for each one. Note that prices fluctuate constantly, particularly as manufacturers and retailers have sales throughout December, but you should get a general idea of how much each product costs. Whether you're shopping online or in a store, check to be sure you're getting the most recent model of any product. As always, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Now, let the drooling begin!
HDTVs for the rest of us
The No. 1 item on Computerworld readers' wish list for the holidays is a new HDTV, and who can blame you? Just because there's a recession on doesn't mean we don't want to watch movies, sports and our favorite shows on a glorious, crystal-clear flat-panel display. The good news is that high-quality HDTVs are more affordable than ever. Former luxuries such as "full HD" 1080p resolution are now widely available in moderately priced models, bringing incredible viewing experiences within reach of ordinary budgets.
We won't take a stand on the LCD vs. plasma debate here, especially because many of the noticeable differences between the two have lessened as new technologies have been introduced. For example, LCDs have traditionally had trouble keeping up with fast-action sequences in movies and games, but refresh rates of 120Hz or higher are available in many newer models and have, in many cases, brought them on par with plasma.
Not all differences have been erased, of course: LCDs still weigh less and tend to be more energy efficient, while plasma TVs still offer a wider viewing angle and are generally better at showing deep blacks and rich color saturation. (New LED-backlighting technology in LCDs alleviates the color-saturation shortcomings, but it's expensive and manufacturers are still figuring out the best way to implement it -- best to wait a year or two before purchasing an LED-backlit LCD.)
Bottom line: Some folks prefer plasma, some prefer LCD, so we're recommending one of each. You can find much cheaper and much pricier models than these -- this holiday season may include some real bargains -- but they represent the sweet spot of quality and value.
(Oh, and once you've brought your new HDTV home, see "How to Install Your HDTV" for help setting it up.)
Samsung LN40B650 40-in. 1080p LCD HDTV
With a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution, the LN40B650 offers a sharp, crisp image. In fact, PC World named this 40-inch model "tops in overall picture quality" of all HDTVs tested this year. (Samsung's LNB650 series also includes 32-in., 37-in., 46-in., 55-in. and monster 65-in. models with 1080p resolution.)
