1.  MP3 Player

When buying a MP3 Player, one of the most important things to consider is the amount of memory that is installed.  The memory on many of the players can not be upgraded later.  However, there are players that do not have any memory in them at all.  They will use memory cards to store the MP3s on and you can also use these to store other data later.  When considering whether to get internal memory or to get removable memory, consider the cost.  For a 256MB memory chip could cost you $50, where buying a player that has the memory built in and contain 20GB could cost only $200 more.  Doing the math, it makes more sense to get the internal memory.  The amount of memory is also very important.  A friend of mine has already bought two MP3 players because he believed that the first would have enough memory, then he ran out.  He now has a 40GB player and uses 75% of the memory.  In brief,  whatever you feel is enough memory, I would recommend the next highest level. It will save money in the long run.

2.  DVD Burner

Buy one that is economical.  That is probably most important.  Second, buy one that can handle multiple formats.  For instance DVD –RW, DVD+RW, and multi-layer recording.  Other than the price factor, going with your favorite brand should be fine.

3.  Desktop / Laptop Computer

Right now is a great time to buy a desktop or laptop computer.  The next operating system will not come out for about another 3 to 4 years.  This means that you will be using you next PC for a reasonable length of time..  Get the disk space that you do not need and the RAM that you think you will never use right off the bat.  Most people, if they are not computer techs, will probably not upgrade their computer when they should if they do not get more then they need at the beginning.  I would suggest at least 40GB to 80GB of hard disk for a home PC.  If you find a deal for RAM, then get way too much.  The very least that you want is 512MB. But with many special offers you can double it for free to 1GB.  As far as brands, I love IBMs, for some reason they just work. My next choice would be a Dell.  These two companies also have developed great restoration software programs, meaning if you need to wipe the computer out and reload everything, you no longer require a master's degree in computer science.  As far as price, to get some of the upgrades that you will really want, like CD / DVD burners, expect to spend more money.  Whatever you can afford above the minimum will work very well.

4.  Broadband Internet Service

When considering this, contemplate one thing; What will this computer be used for?  Downloading games, MP3s, e-mailing pictures, or is it just for work?  This gift can be a double-edged sword.  Potential problems that you may encounter with a fast connection should be considered such as viruses, spyware, adware, decreased parental control, etc.   If you get a high speed connection, make sure the PC is in a very open space, and limit the amount of time your children can play on it.   As for service, I like cable as it is faster, but DSL gets the job done as well.

5.  DVD Player

The sky is the limit on this.  If you want to waste a grand on a player you certainly can.  But really most of the features that DVD players come with today are unnecessary.  One that is useful is MP3 play back.  Mine at home does this and I use it often.  But the most that people are going to use their players for is DVDs.  Try to keep the features to a minimum and get a brand name that you feel you can count on like Sony, Toshiba, Magnavox or other major brand names.

6.  Cell Phones

With all of the features on these, I do not think you can call them cells phones anymore.  Something more appropriate would be Camera-MP3-Calander-Game Player- Walkie/Talkie-Internet Browser-Text Messenger-Phone.  I would limit your capabilities on cells.   I personally like my cell phone to be a cell phone-to make and receive phone calls.   I do not need all of the extra features except maybe the camera feature.  But I would still not base the entire purchase decision on the quality of camera. Remember that it is a cell phone, try to get one that works well when placing and receiving calls.

7.  Game systems

My suggestion here is a simple one.  Get one the receiver is asking for.  Take a list with you of games they would like. 

8.  Digital Cameras / Video Cameras

The best way to purchase one of these is to bring a child with you and see how long it takes for them to figure out how to use it.  If it takes more then 5 minutes for them to create a photo album and publish it to the web then that is not the one for you. (For all wondering, yes-that was a joke!)  Seriously, go to the store and play with them. Try to play with them without the salesperson showing you how.   If you can comfortably work the camera without much help, then you will use it more and get your money's worth.  If this is for a teenager or a twenty-something, I would send them out with a budget.  They will be able to get one that they can work comfortably and have the features that they want or think are 'cool'.

9.  Handheld / PDA

Handhelds can be very hard to buy for someone who already has one.  Most likely if they wanted one better then their current one, they have they will tell you the exact model.  If the purchase is for someone that has never had one, be careful.  I would not suggest giving one to a person that is not very computer literate.  Although they may thank you for it, they probably will seldom use it. If the gift is for a computer literate person then there are some options you should consider.  If they are employed, does their workplace have a standard brand that they support?  Second, get one that has everything that they will need to make it work well, and think about the operating system of the handheld.  There are currently three OS’ out there, Palm, Microsoft and Handspring.  Most people will find that they are comfortable with Microsoft, and I would suggest this to most.  However, Palm is a very good handheld operating system, and is the one that I like the best.   A third item is the amount of memory installed and whether you can install more.  After that, the features are endless.

10.  Printers

Probably one of the best types of printers for a home office is the all in one printer/scanner/fax machine.  If you are browsing and looking at price only, the inkjet type of machine will probably catch your eye.  However, consider both inkjets and lasers before you buy.  Since price is really not an issue with laser toner and inkjet printers (this does not apply to business printers), there really are only two factors;  Will you ever want to print in color or can you do without printing digital photos?  Will you want good quality prints or watery print-outs?  Most people can not tell the difference between laser and ink until it gets wet or it is a little too humid.   Laser printouts will be crisp and clean and are also more resilient to water.  Ink may give you the option to print in color, but do not expect to receive color faxes, most machines will not send color faxes.   The brand I would suggest for printers would be HP. 

When purchasing technology always be careful.  The 'off' brands in many stores may seem great.  But the support is what is really important.  Many companies do not provide support for their products other than via email.  E-mail works great unless you have a computer that will not boot, then you will find it hard to send an e-mail.  I try to stay with the brands that I know the best like HP, Dell, IBM, Canon, Motorola, LG, Apple, Sony, Toshiba and Magnavox.  Buy brand names that you are confident will give you better support and warranty assistance.  When buying computers or peripherals for the computer, I suggest you buy them with extended warranties from the manufacturer.  For example, an extended warranty from IBM or Dell for a computer.  Some products bought in major stores will not be able to offer the extended warranty, and many will not be covered if they are not installed professionally.  So be careful when making purchases from major stores.   Finally get what you can afford, do not overspend on technology that will be out of date by the end of the holiday season. 

In the coming year I will continue to write about technology topics that I hope will help you in your businesses or personal lives.  If you have any topics that you would like me to address, please let me know.  I enjoy sharing knowledge, just ask my co-workers who often tell me that I "possess way too much useless knowledge about many things."

I wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a great new year!