Introduction

Here at ThinkComputers we get to check out a lot of cool gear, but there are always things that we would like to have. With Christmas right around the corner I asked a few of my staff members to make a wish list of some of the tech items that they would like to see Santa bring them this year. Hopefully these lists will give you an idea of what you might want for Christmas or what to give someone this year. I will start with my list, it ranges from practical items to things that would just be badass to have!

Buffalo LinkStation Live

Network is storage is something that I have always wanted. I would like to have a place to be able to back up files and be able to access them from anywhere in the house. Buffalo's LinkStation live seems like the perfect device for this. What's great about it is that it comes with the hard drive built, unlike most of the NAS system that are empty and you have to add in a hard drive. This way you don't have to worry about picking out a hard drive or installing one. Also the LinkStation Live can be accessed anywhere via an internet connection, something that many NAS servers do not offer. The 750GB version will cost me around $400, not bad at all.

ASUS PG221 22-inch LCD Monitor

A new monitor is something I have been in need of for a while. My Dell 20.1-inch LCD is about 3 years old now and has definite signs of wear, as well as burn-in. Now another Dell would be nice, but I would really like the ASUS PG221. This LCD is unlike any other LCD out there. It has a 2ms response time, 2000:1 contrast ratio and ASUS's SPLENDID video technology. Game and video playback on this will look extremely crisp. The LCD also has all the inputs you will ever need, DVI, VGA, Component, S-Video, and Composite. The integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam and futuristic LED sensor controls are also a plus. The LCD is hard to find, but is one of the best out there!

Rock Band

Now I don't do a lot of gaming, but when I want to do something other than work my Xbox 360 is a great escape. I don't have a whole library of games, but I do own Guitar Hero II and love to play it. With 2 players it is really fun, but sometimes you wish you could play different instruments, this is where Rock Band comes in. With Rock Band you can play lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, and even vocals, giving you the full band experience. When it first came out I considered getting it, but I didn't want to spend the $169 on it. Now there is Guitar Hero III at $99 with the wireless guitar, but I want the full band experience. I'll leave it to Santa to get me this one.

Sony Cyber-shot T70 Digital Camera

I am in the need of a point and shoot digital camera upgrade. I got a Nikon point and shoot digital camera about 2 years ago and it has got its fair amount of use. Now I have never looked at Sony digital cameras, but Ashley got one last year and I was really impressed with it. The thing that impressed me the most was Sony's SteadyShot image stabilization. Every picture you took with the camera was clear and not blurry at all. That is definitely a plus in a point and shoot camera. Other features of the T70 are a huge 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 3x optical zoom, 15x smart zoom, and face detection. At around $300 it is a great price!

Sony 46-inch Bravia XBR4 LCD TV

Around 8 months ago I purchased a new LCD TV, a 42-inch Sharp Aquos 1080p. I love it and there is nothing wrong with it, but I have an older rear projection TV up in my bedroom and it is going bad. So I figured if I got a new TV I could move the Aquos up stairs into the bedroom and use the new TV in the living room. The XBR's look awesome, they have clear bezel's that light up when the TV is turned on. Originally 8 months ago, I wanted a Sony Bravia XBR, they are like the Mercedes of TV's. But the expensive price tag made me choose the Sharp Aquos. So if Santa wants to be nice and buy me this it would make my Christmas!