Our Holiday Guide to ... Holiday Guides

The New York Times Circuits section's Holiday Buying Guide is noteworthy for its organization and easy clickable links on topics ranging from toys and games and mobile devices to home office equipment, a category not singled out in most other guides. Other items you might not find on other guides is a blurb about an Internet phone/video device called the Packet8 and some technology for kids, including a plug for Publications International's ActivePoint interactive books. There are also a lot of pictures of each gadget mentioned, so this guide is particularly interesting and easy to skim to help make a wish list. The guide also offers links to reviews from CNET, a technology-content partner for the Times.

PC Magazine has a worthy buying guide that includes PCs, gaming devices and expansive reviews of software, including a good primer on the best video games and a categorized shopping list that is fun to dig down into. The magazine does a good job of sorting gift ideas for different recipient types, including mom and dad; technology pros and kids.

Other gadget guides to help you sort through the tech shopping madness include Parade magazine's, which offers specific brands under each category. This guide appears to be more of a plug for particular products, with links to their Web sites, but might be a good starting point for tech-phobic consumers.

For consumers looking for reviews without a hitch (read: No advertiser plugs here), Consumer Reports' holiday guide gives a lot of helpful details on electronics. The digital camera guide goes into more depth than a mere list, offering ratings and recall information (most of which is for subscribers only), while the portable-music guide advises buyers to consider battery life, storage space and ease of use. "Whichever type of MP3 player you choose, make sure you'll be comfortable using the device. Look for a display and controls that are easy to read and that can be worked with one hand," the guide suggests.

Other online guides worth visiting:

• The Wall Street Journal (subscription required): While the paper focuses on non-tech products too, the ubiquitous iPod made its way into a gift list for a gym rat: "Now that she's outfitted, let's not forget the ultimate accessories: An iPod from Apple (starting at $299) and a sports armband ($30) to hold it in place so she can bounce, lunge and lift without missing a beat."

• MSNBC: Lots of technology tips, including a how-to for buying high-definition TVs, content courtesy of BusinessWeek Online. MSNBC has a list of 10 rules for buying tech gadgets, which is more entertaining than helpful.

• Wired: Tech gadgets for tech geeks, tailored more for the techie than the masses, and a particularly novel list of gifts for science geeks.

For Tech Die-Hards

Speaking of gifts for geeks, Wired's coverage has some good suggestions for hard-core techies (or wanna-bes), including Everquest space bags. "Everquest makes laptop bags, messenger packs and other handy carriers using fabric recycled from landing parachutes used on space missions. Editions from the International Space Station and the Russian Soyuz craft are available now, and a space shuttle line is coming soon," Wired said, noting they cost around $100 to $200.

While not a list per se, the tech blog Gizmodo is a helpful reference for finding pictures and comments on the latest gadgets (when Nintendo's DS was unveiled, the site was among the first with pictures). A similar tech site is Engadget, which gave details on a special iPod port.

The Buffalo News has its own gift guide "for geeks." It goes way beyond the standard "get an iPod" fare: "One of the coolest soldering tools I have seen in a long time is the Cold Heat Soldering Tool ($19.99). This amazing device reaches a solder melting temperature of well over 500 degrees in less than one second. But what is even more incredible is that it returns to a touch-safe temperature within 5 seconds after it is deactivated. Anyone who has ever worked with a soldering gun or iron can tell you about burns received from these tools that can take minutes to warm up and a lot longer to finally cool down. [It] works on four AA batteries and will solder over 700 joints before you have to change them. It too comes in its own case." Gee, I have been dying for a soldering tool in my stocking.
• The Buffalo News: A Holiday Gift Guide for Geeks

Another regional paper, the St. Petersburg Times, has some novel gift ideas for tech-savvy teens. "The Room Defender, $32.98 at a British Web site (www.iwantoneofthose.com) ... Its motion sensors set off an alarm and then it fires foam discs to protect a teen's room from unwanted guests," the paper noted. Another unique idea? "Robosapien, a short, white walking Robot with Attitude ($99.95, scientificsonline.com/), which the company describes as 'almost human.' It walks and talks and fetches objects, among other things," the paper said. Check out the Robosapien site here.
• St. Petersburg Times: Gizmos Galore

The Seattle Weekly reminds us that technology gifts aren't just for people, but for man's best friend too. Remote pet feeders and cat tech toys are among the items on this list.

Clicking for Deals

Once you make up your mind about what to buy and to find all these products online, a search engine is helpful (Google, Microsoft's MSN and Yahoo all work well for this task). There are also comparison sites for more details and to help shop for the best deal, including CNET's mySimon and Froogle.

Finally, a Reality Check

Even though holiday gift guides are a popular feature, Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam explained in an article yesterday about why the guides and other holiday reporting should be taken with a grain of salt.

"There is a lot to kvetch about during the holiday season, but I especially abhor the bizarre, promotional proto-journalism that invades all media between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Set Piece Number One: the mall 'onscener.' Here a reporter mingles with actual shoppers ('We almost got trampled over at the teddy bear store' -- CBS's 'The Early Show'), invokes some dubious methodology ('ShopperTrak estimates sales based on data collection via 40,000 cameras installed in malls' -- The Wall Street Journal), and hangs an upbeat prediction on someone with a vested interest in the outcome ('The store is teeming with people, and I can tell sales are better than last year,' said Richard LeCours, general manager of Hecht's store at the Westfield' -- The Washington Post). Set Piece Number Two: Gadget and gizmo 'reviews,' which are often little more than thinly disguised advertisements for products better suited to the Monegasque royal family than to the average consumer. 'If you haven't yet jumped into surround sound -- that is, bedecked your TV room with at least five speakers and a subwoofer -- you have two sweet new options,' Time magazine 'reports' in its Nov. 29 issue."
• The Boston Globe: At Holidays, Shop-Talk Is Ever-Present

Filter is designed for hard-core techies, news junkies and technology professionals alike. Have suggestions, cool links or interesting tales to share? Send your tips and feedback to cindyDOTwebbATwashingtonpost.com.