gifts

It's the holiday season, and it's the time of year it's most obvious to us that we just can't be with all of our loved ones and good friends at the same time.

Fortunately, there are other ways to be connected.

Thanks to the Internet, you now can video conference in real time, even when you're driving on the road (make sure you use hands-free devices). Mobile Internet devices, for example, offer you a broadband-like connection as long as you're within the cellular coverage of the provider. And when you're at home, a … Read more

If you're wondering what to get for that special someone, here's the answer: get him or her a data storage device.

The truth is that we all need more storage for the ever-increasing amount of digital content created by other devices we use every day. To put it in a cheesy way, storage is just like love: you'll never have enough of it. You'll need to store most, if not all, of your beloved memories that are in the form of words, photos, and video. And you also need storage for the backups of those, too.

If that special someone happens to be a nerd who can truly understand the significance and awesomeness of computer storage, you'd likely score some bonus points.

Below you'll find my short list of storage devices that would make great gifts. Note that they are not all the amazing devices I've seen this year, since I can only pick so many. If you need more options to fit your budget, also check out CNET's storage page for top products and latest reviews. … Read more

Everyone has a gamer on their list this holiday season, so make sure to give my gaming guide a close look when choosing the right gift.

While Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 remain as the two dominating consoles, there's still a few titles for Nintendo platforms I recommend, including games for the 3DS, which has finally gotten some quality software in recent weeks.

After you've checked out my picks for games on each console, be sure to visit my accessories guide as well for gift ideas for the gamer who already has all the top titles!

Finally, if you're starting from scratch, I've updated my console buying guide for anyone who's just first getting into gaming this season. … Read more

Every winter, I fly out to England to join my in-laws for the holidays. As a result, I'm always packing a one-week supply of the gadgets I'll need to survive in the countryside, fully entertained, yet not overburdened.

It's a careful science: travel gadgets have gotten easier than ever thanks to devices like the iPad, yet you're more likely to pack redundant devices, too. The more options, the more headaches.

Here are a few of CNET's holiday recommendations for world travelers. Kindle? Check. iPad 2? Double-check. Battery-packs, surge protectors, headphones, cameras, and laptops? Of course. … Read more

Buying gifts for geeks can be expensive. They are likely to have things like iPads, Microsoft Surface tables, and working replicas of the TARDIS on their wish lists.

You don't have to drop a bundle to show you care about your geek's nerdy pursuits. For $7.99, you can cross that egghead off your holiday shopping list with a Magic Geek Ball from ThinkGeek.

The Magic Geek Ball is the techie, meme-loving cousin of the Magic 8 Ball. Ask it a yes or no question and it will spit back a response like "404 error," "Fail," or "Can Has."… Read more

Downloads and streaming music can't touch physical media for sound quality, or the pleasures associated with truly deluxe packaging.

For a prime example of the state of the art of the box set, check out the extra-thick album sleeves and gorgeous slipcase on Pearl Jam's "vs. & Vitalogy Deluxe Edition" three-disc set. The third disc is a live show from Boston's Orpheum Theatre in 1994. The band is peaking, and it's great to hear this fierce, passionate music sounding this good. To get the full effect, you'll want to play it loud. The … Read more

It's that time of year again, time for CNET's Holiday Help Desk.

Hosts Molly Wood and Brian Tong will take live viewer calls, talk to the chat room, and answer e-mails. And dish out the best tech gift-buying advice on the planet. Special guests will include CNET resident cheapskate Rick Broida, a parade of CNET editors, and guests from the retail world pitching their deals directly to you, such as representatives from Amazon, Woot, eBay, and Best Buy.

We'll keep you posted with the best deals, and also help you find the perfect gadget that's right … Read more

Ever wish you could share albums of photos with less-than-tech-savvy friends and family?

Google Picasa offers a great way to show off a collection of photos with its slideshow option. This will be especially handy for those holiday moments coming up when picture-taking is at a yearlong high.

To begin, you need to have Picasa installed, as well as at least one album or collection of photos you'd like to make into a gift CD/DVD. If you plan on including a slideshow option on the disc, you should also make sure the pictures are … Read more

Keepsy has been offering Instagram users the ability to create a true photo album using their favorite Instagram photos for some time now.

Recently, Keepsy rolled out the ability for users to create a photo album using their friends' Instagram feed, instead of their own. Right on the heels of that, Keepsy also rolled out a new product; a calendar.… Read more