Time for bigger stockings

By John Do, managing editor
Wednesday, December 20, 2006

‘Tis the season to be electronically up-to-date. The year of 2006 has given us new and improved technology, so it is no surprise for Santa’s list this Christmas to have such techno-savvy terminology. The elves are going to have a tough time in their workshop, especially with these top ten most-wanted gifts.

10. LCD Televisions. With a sleek design that resembles that of a plasma screen, the LCD television is one step above your average color box. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $500 to $1000, and LCDs perform like an expensive plasma. It’ll be a smart investment until your piggy bank can save enough for a high-definition television.

9. Cell Phones. It was about time that you threw out your walkie-talkie anyway. Phones, such as the Razr, Chocolate, and Sidekick III, have become the flashiest accessories this year. In the course of a month, a student talks, on average, 500 minutes (and of course there are those who offset the average). For that reason, it’s not surprising that someone would pay $500 for a phone. You might as well talk and look good at the same time.

8. Nintendo DS. This handheld device has a unique touch screen that takes you from the sidelines and lets you interact with the game. Fun, portable, and cheap, this present is perfect for Cousin Arnold. Wait. You wanted a dog instead? Forget about it! Nintendog is the perfect game. You can play with your companion at anytime; “no dog” signs won’t apply; and, for those who lack commitment, you can buy any of the other dozens of games.

7. Laptops. Ditch the 20th century lined paper and no.2 pencils. New-age laptops have become cheaper and more advanced. You can do homework away from your house, you won’t run out of paper, and you won't be able to resist this portable version of your computer. Not to mention, laptops do make you look much cooler at Starbucks.

6. iPods. The popular iPod video and the new iPod nano will have millions of customers storming to Apple stores during Christmas time; hundreds of songs at the touch of a button have made mp3 players all the rave. Prices have also dropped at least $50 on these gizmos, making the holidays a savior for those who could not afford them before.

5. Playstation Portable. Its glossy look and exceptional picture quality have made the Playstation Portable the talk of the school. Capable of playing games, music, and videos, the PSP will also fit in the pocket of your jeans. There’s not much more you could ask from your handheld entertainment system, except for the price. At $200, save

At $200, you can hit it big next year and surround yourself with admiring students.

4. Digital Cameras. The adage goes..."a picture is worth a thousand words." Perfect for capturing special occasions and Kodak moments, digital cameras are becoming a popular accessory, especially since high school contains the best years of our lives. Christmas specials offer up to 40% off on many of these gadgets.

3. X-Box 360. It’s the underdog in the competition of game consoles, and yet, with games such as Gears of War, Rainbow Six, and the much anticipated Halo 3, the X-Box is going to be a popular Christmas present. Graphics are comparable to those of the new Playstation 3, and for $400, the X-Box is clearly the better-priced deal.

2. Nintendo Wii. 600,000 Wii's sold out over the first eight days it was on sale; even preorders are sold out, and the shelves are starting to collect dust.. Unless you’re willing to pay double the price on eBay, the Wii won’t be restocked until January 2007. However, for those who preordered months in advance, the Wii’s interactive gameplay will surely make it a fun New Year’s party.

1. Playstation 3. People will stop at nothing to get their hands on the hottest item on the market. PS3’s have infatuated some to swindle, threaten, and even attack others to obtain their “precious.” EBay prices for the PS3 were outrageous, going as high as $15,000, but the prices have recently lowered to a mere $1000 on eBay. And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a PS3, guard it with your life!