Digital Trends

The holidays are that time of year when you can finally show up your siblings and give gifts that rock. All of that research and tech knowledge will finally pay off and you can show others why you are the technology leader.  Designtechnica's gift guide is your essential resource for all of your tech needs.

While 2003 will always be known as the year of the Apple iPod, 2004 will be remembered as all things wireless. From cell phones to laptops, WiFi has left its mark. The gap between merging your personal computer and your home theater is closing with several companies offering convergence products featuring WiFi technology. In the home theater market rear projection LCD and DLP based televisions have plummeted in price while picture quality continues to improve. With so many products out there, which ones should you choose? Let the editors at Designtechnica show you what our favorite products are.

We will break this guide up by product category and will include several of our favorite products from each category. Feel free to post in our message boards with any questions you may have.

Computer Hardware and Peripherals
Any video card from manufacturer MSI will be a good gift. Why? Because they pack their video cards with more than 14 games including Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia and XIII. It's like you are getting a complete gaming system. If you are an Nvidia fan, check out the MSI NX6800 and if you prefer ATI, then the X800 XT should be your card of choice. Read more Check Prices 

Runner Up: Want something that is easier on the ole pocket book? Logitech's new MX1000 laser mouse is just what the gamer ordered. Klispch's GMX A-2.1 speaker system is also a good choice and should go for under $150 dollars.

Computer Monitors
Apple's new Cinema displays were all the rave this year in the LCD industry. Featuring a new 23-inch LCD panel from LG.Philips and a 16ms response rate what's not to like, right? Few people know that it is that the same LCD panel being used in the Apple Cinema displays is also being used in HP's L2335 23-inch LCD. So if you own a PC and want to save some bucks, get the HP L2335.  Read More Check Prices

Runner Up: Another safe bet would be Samsung's Syncmaster 173P 17" LCD display. While the 173P is not as large as the HP L2335, it still has a very vibrant and sharp display.

Computer Storage
Dual layer DVD technology is here, which means you can now record up to 8.5GB of data on a single DVD disc. The Sony DRU-700A Dual Layer DVD writer is compatible with most home DVD players allowing you to create home videos and play them back on your television. Read More Check Prices

Runner Up: If you already have a DVD writer or simply want to wait for the technology to evolve, let us recommend the new Maxtor One-Touch external drive. With storage up to 300GB you can store all of your MP3's and games on this drive. It also doubles as a one touch computer backup.

Home Media
For the ultimate technology gift, the Niveus Media Denali w/HDTV support will take all of the best features from your personal computer, DVD player and TiVo and merge them into a sexy aluminum Media Center PC. While $3999 may be more than you're willing to spend, your neighbors will "ooh" and "ahh" every time they come over. Who doesn't love a little attention? Read More

Runner Up:  Roku's SoundBridge has a design unlike anything else out there. Stream music files from your computer to your home theater, all you need is a router or hub. Want to stream internet music? No problem the SoundBridge does that too!