That Time of Year Again

One of the newest trends in digital cameras is the addition of Wi-Fi, which gives you the ability to upload pictures to a PC attached to a wireless network. Some allow you to upload digital files to photo-sharing sites or e-mail them to friends and family--provided you're near a hotspot, of course.

Nikon's Coolpix P1 ($550) and Coolpix P2 ($400), and Kodak's EasyShare One ($600), are equipped with Wi-Fi. We're reviewing the EasyShare One in the January 2006 issue ofPC World(and we aren't wild about it, so you may want to consider one of the other models instead). Meanwhile, Canon's PowerShot SD430 ($500) will be shipping in January--too late for holiday gift-giving, but just in time for a little self-indulgence.

But for those of us who can live with a wire or two, a regular point-and-shoot will do just fine. Any of the models on our recent Top 10 Point and Shoot Cameras chart should serve you well--especially our number-one pick, the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 ( $330 to $450 , depending on retailer).

And if your gift recipient fancies him- or herself a budding Ansel Adams, then take a look at our most recent Top 10 Advanced Cameras chart. Our number-one pick? The Canon PowerShot G6 ( $466 to $650 ), an older model, but a bargain.

If your gift recipient has a perfectly good digicam, you may want to think about buying a camera accessory instead. There are a plethora to choose from, including cases, memory cards, extra batteries, and lenses for SLR cameras. But one of the best accessories is a portable photo printer--in particular, Hewlett-Packard's Photosmart 475 ( $245 to $280 ), which is equipped with a 1.5GB hard drive and can print 5-by-7 pictures.

As much as I love my Mini (the MP3 player, not the auto), I too am sick of the "I" word. But for those of you planning to buy a portable music player for someone, I have to recommend an Apple IPod. When it comes to MP3 players, the 20GB IPod ( $245 to $299 ) and IPod Nano ($199 for the 2GB version, $249 for 4GB) still offer the best combination of features, style, and user-friendly controls.

InPC World's recent review of 20GB MP3 players, the IPod came out on top thanks to its sharp screen and effortless syncing to your PC. (That review went to print before Apple released its video IPod. Read " First Look: Apple's Video-Ready IPod " for our take on the latest model.) But if you're dead set against buying an IPod--or you want features such as an FM radio or voice recorder--then check out our number-two pick: the Cowon IAudio X5 ( about $275 ).

If your gift recipient already has an MP3 player, consider a new pair of headphones. The earphones that are bundled with most digital audio players usually aren't known for their stellar quality. Plus, with all the news about thieves snatching IPods, it might be good to replace those pearly white cords with something that doesn't scream "I've got an IPod!" For a look at different headphone styles--and our favorites in each category--read " Music to Your Ears ."

With enough time and forethought, you can find great deals on consumer electronics. But that means starting early and leaving enough time for shipping. Using comparison shopping sites, you can search for items to see which online stores offer the best deals. The good ones even take into account the bottom line price--what an item will cost once you factor in tax and shipping. But where do you start? Luckily,PC Worldcan lend a hand: We recently test-drove a long list of comparison shopping sites, including several new ones.

Now, I understand that not everyone is going to start shopping right away. So what do you do when it's December 24, you're stuck at the airport, and you realize that you forgot about getting something for Uncle Pete? Well, if you're flying out of Atlanta or San Francisco, you can hit up one of Zoom Systems' new vending machines and pick him up an IPod, a digital camera, or a fine selection of salty snacks.

This is my lastDigital World Insider.But not to worry: The column is continuing, and we're expanding our consumer electronics coverage. Soon we'll be launching our new Digital World blog, where I and other dedicated bloggers and members of thePC Worldstaff will be spouting our opinions about the latest happenings in the consumer electronics world. Future editions of this column will feature the most interesting products and the hottest news from our blog.