2009 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Trendsetters

By Jessie Atkin

Apple iPhone

Every teen wants (and in a lot of cases needs) a cell phone and if they could have their pick of the litter they'd probably snap up an iPhone, no questions asked.  It's not just calls, or texts, or calendars, it's the whole Internet in your pocket. The iphone comes in two models, 8 GB and 16 GB, the 16GB model comes in either white or black.  The 8 GB sells for about $99 and the 16 GB for $199.  The real pricing trick comes with the required AT&T service plan.  But during the holidays what price can you put on happiness?
$99-$199
Apple

Del Inspiron mini 10 Netbook

It used to be laptops but there’s a new trend beginning in portable computing.  Size does matter, and in this case smaller is better.  A netbook is basically a mini notebook computer.  Anywhere from 5 to 13 inches the point of the netbook is convenience, whether carrying it in a backpack or using it for simple tasks like typing or browsing the Internet.  The netbook is designed for simplicity rather than for features.  But with all those textbooks carried around for school who needs more weight?  Del Inspiron comes in 11 color option with a 10' widescreen display.  It's not the smallest option on the market, but it's super customizable.
Starts at $350

Garmin nuvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The younger generation no longer knows how to use maps.  Lets be honest, and if we're being honest that's true.  So, a GPS (like the Garmin) makes perfect sense as a holiday gift for those just beginning to drive, those who still aren't too good at it, and those that are generally lost at heart.  Not only it is useful and convenient, it makes your car look pretty tech hip.  Forget knowing north from south, as long as you know your address and the address to which you're heading (and have basic typing skills) a portable GPS for the car will get you where you're going, even if it does use a rather annoying voice.
$100-300

Nintendo Wii

So, it's not the Wii's first year on lists or shelves, but this year there's been a price cut.  Lets not forget that, despite time, there is still no system like it on the market today.  Plus, Wii has released some pretty excellent new games and bundles recently.
$199

• The Beatles: Rock Band Bundle for Wii
  Not only is the set list a plethora of Beatles classics but the graphics and venues are all new and all beautiful.  Its taking Rock Band to a whole new level, it's not just for kids and alternative rock anymore
  $139 (the game alone is $54)
• Nintendo Wii Sports Resort
  For the classic Wii gamer who already has the system and all its wondrous accessories Wii Sports resort is the latest addition to the classic Sport line (the game that came with the original Wii system).  Forget baseball and tennis, think wakeboarding and basketball.
  $47

Sony PSP Go

For those not ready to give into the Nintendo bandwagon yet there is this year's new handheld release from Sony, the PSP Go.  Boasting downloadable games, music and movies with a 16GBflash memory built in (along with an expandable card slot) a larger screen (3.8 inches) , classic Playstation controls, and Bluetooth support it's pretty sleek.
$245

Canon Power Shot SD1200IS Digital Camera

If you don't have a digital camera already (or are in need of a long delayed upgrade) the Canon Power Shot SD1200IS is one of the most popular this year.  With ten mega pixels a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD view screen (not to mention six lovely color options) it's a win win situation.  The Power shot is pocket sized and pretty, and everyone likes gadgets to look cool.
$170

SwissGear Wired Laptop Backpack

http://www.amazon.com/SwissGear-Backpack-17-Inch-Notebook-Red/dp/B000VB7EFW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258476483&sr=1-2
It’s less gadget and more accessory, but it’s a useful accessory.  A notebook/computer backpack is a backpack with one wondrous modification, a separate padded laptop compartment to protect and port your most valuable technical companion.  This Swissgear model can fit a 17' laptop if desired.  It also comes with all the latest backpack amenities, like a cell phone pocket, water bottle holder, and padded straps.  Fall down the icy steps at the library?  You’re computer’s more likely to live through the experience bundled in one of these.
On sale at Amazon for $40 (down from $120)

iHome

Already known throughout the ipod loving public the iHome (speaker docks for ipods) have a few new additions.

	Color changing speaker This new system is set to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing speaker systems of all time.  A translucent cube that changes colors at the touch of a button, the speaker also charges your ipod while docked and has a subwoofer for increased listening pleasure. $50
	Clock radio This newest addition to iHome's long history of clock radios still boasts ipod charging, AM/FM radio, and alarm settings, but now includes AutoSet clock adjusting, which basically means it's much easier to correct for time zones and daylight savings. $80

Digital Gifts that Keep On Giving

Xbox live points If you or someone you know already owns an Xbox one of the best and most convenient ways to supplement play is with a Live Points Gift card.  The card basically works like any other online gift care (except instead of working on the computer it works through the Xbox Live network).  You can get music, arcade games, movies, exclusive content, and new songs for rock band and guitar hero.  Forget new games, just enhance what you've already got. $10-$60

Itunes/MP3 gift cards
Computer savvy and impatient, music should be about instant gratification these days because it can be.  With an itunes or MP3 gift card if you hear a song you can own it in seconds.  Type in your claim code either through amazon.com or your itunes account and then just click to buy a song or a CD.  It's a gift that can go with you wherever a laptop can travel.
$5-$5000

Netflix account
Especially for college kids, this is one of the greatest movie revolutions of recent years.  Without cars, without cash, with only a love for film, a Netflix account gives you access to an incredible library of films that can be accessed online (or through the mail) any time you want or need for a small monthly fee. You still have to buy your own popcorn, but it's better than braving the snow to reach Blockbuster only to find out your movie's not in stock.
$9 a month