It is now officially the holiday season, and time for the first annual holiday Byte-Sized Holiday Gift Guide! Few things ever live up to the hype, but I guarantee my list of the holidays' best gadget gifts will top expectations and earn you some serious kudos. I'll be revealing *3* every Monday from now until the big holiday week ... so let's get started!




Microsoft Zune 4G
Price: $99
Buy it online at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com and Target.com

Looking for a great mp3 player but don't even know where to start? I can tell you where -- and here's a big hint: It's the same place you should finish. Get your special someone (and that could be yourself) a Microsoft Zune 4GB.

As I reviewed a few months back, it's a fantastic buy and features all the goodness of Microsoft, plus all the goodness of the iPod -- only better. I hiz-ate the magnetic earbuds, but who uses the proprietary phones anyway? Totally should top your list -- perfect for the audiophile and audiophobes.

The 4 gig version will hold just about everything you could want, especially for a fun gym run, and it comes in 4 popping colors, including the ultra-girly pink that makes teens and twenties squeal. If you've got a ton of music, try to 8G for $149-ish, or if you are crazy (like me), go for the 120G for $250...

Nintendo Wii
Price: $399
Buy it online at Amazon.com and Target.com

Unfortunately, if you don't already have my next gift, you might not have it at all -- Nintendo's mega-hit gaming console Wii blasted off the planet when it debuted last year and has yet to hit re-entry. As far as games, get yourself a copy of the mind-bending Super Mario Galaxy and, if you can find it, the Wii Fit for some great, gadget-y fun. Wii Music will also be a big hit -- when in doubt, buy it! Your best bet here is to buy it from a vendor on Amazon.com...

Amazon.com Kindle
Price: $359
Buy it online only at Amazon.com

As if this mega-cool gadget needs an introduction -- unfortunately, it's in the same boat as the Wii: If you don't have one, don't get your hopes up. Amazon.com has reported the Kindle is sold out and has issued a waiting list for those clamouring for some hot yuletide reading with the h-o-t-t-e-s-t gadget in town. I warned you about this one, so I will refrain from the 'I told you so's.

But -- in the interest of full disclosure -- this may be a 'wait until next year' gift too, especially with news out today that rumors have pitted the Kindle 2.0 -- which looks amazing -- to debut early next quarter. Hmmm..... interesting..... Definitely weigh that news when deciding to get your book-lovin' sweetie a new e-reader. I def. will ... and I'll wait for 2.0 fo' sho'.

*** See you back here in a few days for some big tech headlines, and next Monday I'll add three more top tech gadgets to the Byte-Sized Holiday Gift Guide!

Labels: Amazon.com, Kindle, Microsoft, Nintendo Wii, Zune 4G

With Microsoft's Zune 3.0 debuting on shelves tomorrow, I took some time to check out the 4G model for those interested in either making the switch from their iPod or getting into the MP3 space all together.

Here are my thoughts:

Packaging:
Who ever is doing Microsoft’s new branding deserves a raise. The packaging of the Zune was smart and sleek, and it looks like Redmond is trying to make the Zune’s associated color that gorgeous chocolate brown, with pops of pinks and oranges – as opposed to Apple’s white-branded iPod.

Software Install:
The 2.5 version of the Zune software took a while to load the first time – I clocked an upwards of 30 minutes before I rebooted. On second try, the software installed in less than 3 minutes, much more in line with Microsoft’s ‘up and running in minutes’ claim. 3.0 is due out tomorrow, and all signs point toward a much easier install and workability.

Gadget:
The Zune 4G looks like great fun. Its tiny frame – 3.5”x1.5” – fits easily in your palm, and, with a width of .25”-.50”, it’s small enough to fit into your back pocket. The interface is simple to navigate, and the screen is huge for such a tiny gadget. Sound quality is exactly what you would expect – not breaking any barriers but the earbuds work perfectly fine.

Bottom line:
Try it – and not only as an alternative to the iPod. Microsoft is a leader in the field for a reason, and this little Zune is proof why.

Labels: iPod, Microsoft, Zune 4G