Every year, Compudio Gadget Reviews puts out a holiday gift guide featuring the 10 hottest gadgets that no geeks can resist. This year is no exception. Check out what we think you should put on your holiday shopping list!


Ranking in no particular order.


Dell Inspiron Zino HD Desktop



What comes in a 8" by 8" cube with candy coloring? The new Dell Zino HD desktop comes in an exceptionally small package while delivering great power. It's perfect for small spaces in a fashionable world. Let's be honest, this is no PC for gamers, but it's excellent for those who just use their computers to check emails and surf the web. Price varies according to models.




Asus Xonar Essence STX Soundcard



No question, the Asus Xonar STX is the best sounding computer soundcard out there. The card was made targetting the audiophile market. Thanks to the Burr Brown DAC chip, the STX really delivers on its promise and brings exceptional sound to any unexceptional desktop. The Asus Xonar STX has a MSRP of $199.99 USD.




Palm Pre



This is the "iPhone" for geeks. In addition to its intuitive multi-touch interface, the Pre also features a slide-out keyboard, making texting much simpler. The Pre has pretty much anything that you can ask for from a smartphone, including a 3 megapixel camera and a GPS navigation system. Prices vary. The Pre is available from Bell for $99.95 CAD with a 3-year plan.




Sony X-series Walkman MP3 Player



The hype around the Sony X-series walkman players isn't exaggerated. The walkman is really that good! In fact, the X-series can be declared as one of the best sounding MP3 players out there. In addition, the noise-cancelling feature is great when you're on the plane or in the subway. Price varies according to models.




Garmin 1350T GPS



Garmin makes some of the best GPS units in the world. The Garmin 1350T is an upgrade from its predecessor 255W. The 1350T is loaded with features at just the right price. Including free life-time traffic report, lane assist, eco-friendly routes, and spoken turn-by-turn directions, the 1350T comes in a stylish and sleek enclosure. If Bluetooth hands-free calling is a must, take a step up and get the 1370T from Garmin. The Garmin 1350T has a MSRP of $269.99 USD.




Logitech G19 Gaming Keyboard



Build, design, and feature wise, the Logitech G19 keyboard should be crowned the king of all keyboards. Gamers and non-gamers alike would love the full-color LCD info display, lit-up keys, and programmable function buttons. The only downside is the price is a bit steep. The Logitech G19 has a MSRP of $249.99 USD.




Phonak Audeo Perfect-Fit-Earphones (PFE)121 In-Ear-Monitors



We reviewed the Audeo PFE121 earlier. For commuters who use their phones as their portable music device, the 121 is truly an exceptional in-ear-monitors with an oustanding sound. The Audeo PFE 121 has a MSRP of $159 USD.




Toshiba NB200 NetBook



Toshiba makes good notebooks. Now, they make great netbooks. The new mini NB200 Netbook series combines true power and mobility in one tiny convenient package. While it may not be the sleekest looking netbooks out there, but it's definitely one of the most powerful with one of the longest-running battery life competitors. Price varies according to configuration.




Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones



Did you think that we wouldn't include a pair of headphones on our 2009 gift guide? What a great pair of closed-back headphones at an excellent price. Let's just say Shure's first attempt at full-size headphones did not disappoint. Treble, mids, and bass are all very richly portrayed in a great package. The SRH840 has a MSRP of $250 USD.




Audioengine A5 Powered Bookshelf Speakers





Bookshelf speakers are often underpowered in the lower end of the sound spectrum. The Audioengine A5 is an exception. The A5 delivers a very impressive sound, clean and articulate, with an exceptional bass response. The 5" Kevlar woofers give the speakers a tight and deep bass hit in combination with clean mids while the 0.8" silk tweeters adds the sparkling highs that make this set of speakers one of the best sounding bookshelf equipment under $400. The Audioengine A5 has a MSRP of $350 USD.