Sirius Stiletto 2
Satellite radio has been around for a while. With the enormous popularity of the iThings, who needs radio anymore? Sirius' latest portable player may just give Apple a little competition this season. It looks like it could be an iPod. It sounds like it could be an iPod. But instead of the same played-out playlists, users can enjoy nearly 200 channels of programming offered by the satellite radio provider including music, sports and talk. The Stiletto can connect to both satellite and WiFi but also allows owners to listen to personal MP3s and stored Sirius programming in case the urge to hear something specific hits. While it may not be quite as "cool" as the newest iGadget, Sirius' new Stiletto has the potential to be every bit as entertaining. From $329.99 at siriusspecials.com.
Kindle
Bookworms of the world, rejoice. Thanks to Kindle, Amazon.com's new wireless literary device, reading is now cooler than ever. The gadget allows users to wirelessly connect to the Kindle Store, where over 90,000 well-priced books are available for instant, electronic download. Titles can then be stored (up to 200) for later viewing or read right away on the device's "electronic-paper" display. Various international and domestic newspapers and several magazines are also available for automatic daily delivery. With so many reading options and a light, thin design, Kindle is perhaps the smartest gadget out this season. From $399 at amazon.com.
Rock Band
Whether they are trying to channel their inner child or live out a secret rock fantasy, Rock Band should make many people very happy this holiday season. A mix of Guitar Hero, karaoke and awesome, the game invites players to create their very own virtual band with an interactive guitar, bass, drum set and microphone. With various forms and levels of competition and a song list featuring selections from every decade since the 60s, this new game is sure to keep any group entertained for hours. The game is currently available for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, but a version for Playstation 2 should be out in mid-December. Although it is slightly more expensive than your average video game, you'll forget all about forking over a few extra bucks when you're partying like a, well, rock star. From $169.99 at rockbandstore.com.
Apple iPod Touch
What would Christmas be without a new iPod on the market? The most recent addition to the Apple family is the sleekest iPod to date. Loaded with nearly all of the same features as the still-hot iPhone, iPod Touch allows users to pick up WiFi, surf the net and download content straight from iTunes. Of course, the gadget also allows users to store either 8 or 16GB of videos, pictures and, oh yeah, music to enjoy whenever and wherever they wish (on an incredible display). Remember when iPods only played tunes? Here's to progress! From $299 at apple.com.
Nike Plus
The holidays have a tendency to leave everyone feeling a little overstuffed. If you're looking for a way to fight the winter weight gain, add this tiny gadget to your list. The little chip is designed to fit in a built-in pocket on specially designed Nike shoes (or a cheap strap-on pouch) to monitor activity. The sensitive accelerometer then transmits information about users' run straight to their iPods. The device can even keep track of progress over long periods of time or tailor a particular workout. Although the Nike Plus only works with Nanos and aren't the newest of this year's gadgets, they can be great motivators and a nice, "healthy" addition to any wish list. $29 at apple.com.
2008 Woodie Awards
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