Top tech gifts for the holidays

Six popular tech gadgets ranging from $20 to $499 to add to your holiday wish list

Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device
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Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device

Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device

Price: $189.00 from amazon.com

Do you know someone who always seems to have his or her face buried in a book? This is the perfect gift for them. With a massive selection of over 750,000 books that can be downloaded anywhere at anytime, a memory which can hold up to 3,500 books and a battery life of up to a month per charge (wireless turned off), this gadget is flying off the shelves and its endless features make it well worth the steep price tag. Not to mention, it weighs less than a paperback and is thinner than a magazine. Kindles ordered from Amazon have been known to take four to six weeks to arrive, so order yours soon.

ION Audio iCUE3 Discover DJ System

Price: $83.99 on amazon.com

For anyone who’s ever held the secret desire of being a DJ or simply wants to throw awesome parties, this is gift is ideal. This DJ-style turntable plugs into your computer’s USB hub and features 2 touch-sensitive scratch wheels. It works with both Macs and PCs and allows you to perform with the music in your iTunes library. The system comes with an extensive list of mixing tools and includes the software for your computer.

Voltaic Solar Powered Backpack

Price: $199 (normal backpack or messenger bag)-$499 (for a laptop charging back)

These environmentally-friendly backpacks are perfect for the traveller, backpacker or everyday student walking to and from class wanting to give keep their iPod and laptop charged. The normal backpacks can charge cellphones, iPods, MP3 players, cameras and GPS systems, while special bags have been made to charge laptops. These even include a battery that you can pre-charge in the sun and use later as a charger on those gloomier days. Check out voltaicsystems.com for more information on the products and store locations.

Bedol Water Clock

Price: $20-40

This is the perfect gift for an eco-friendly friend who is tired of being late for their 8:30 class. Powered by water and a dash of salt (or lemon juice), this clock will never need batteries replaced and won’t contribute to the growing problem of battery disposal. The clock comes in a variety of colours and styles, and can be purchased from several online retailers including amazon.com

Kinect

Price: Around $150.00 (not including Xbox 360 system)

This controller-free Xbox addition is the perfect gift for that friend who spends their days with their hands glued to gaming controllers. Kinect brings games to life, with players controlling the action with the wave of a hand or the sound of their voice. Kinect games come in sports, dance and fitness packs. Still not convinced? There are locations in Toronto and Montreal where you can play Kinect for free to try it out.

iPad

Price: Starts at $499

This hot commodity can be found in the adoring hands of many celebrities including Steve Martin, David Letterman and Miley Cyrus. With a 9.7 inch high resolution touch screen, the lucky recipient of this gift can watch movies, surf the web, listen to music and enjoy endless applications. The iPad is highly portable, weighing only 1.5 pounds, and is thin enough to carry in a purse. It became available in Canada in May and can purchased at Apple online or in-store or at retailers like Future Shop and Best Buy.

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