The Holidays are coming, you know what that means!! SHOPPING! Okay, this will be a brief guide for the holidays. I will span this a few entries because I don’t have much time.

MP3′s:
I don’t want to say but: Apple iPod (I know they stink) but apparently everyone LOVES them!!! The click wheel, sleek design, great(or not great), reputation and of course the accessories. People are crazy with that. iPod Speakers, iPod jackets, iPod this, iPod that!! Why iPod? Okay they’re fine but they are missing a few crucial features. It needs a FM tuner that would be great, possibly a smaller click wheel and a larger screen, or at least a more interesting interface.

Good alternitives: iRiver Clix. This is a smaller flash based MP3 (comparable with the iPod Nano) This has a unique interface: buttons on the side. It’s really easy to use and the price and features balence out well. $170(MSRP), 2GB, great interface (as I said) and an FM tuner.

The Microsoft Zune. Despite the bad media on it, it’s actually pretty good. FM tuner, gorgeous screen, Media Center interface, the interesting Wi-Fi ability and a different design. The Wi-Fi sadly only allows you to send media to your nearby Zune Friends (No internet, no subsription downloads, or even syncing with you PC). It’s also a little on the thicker side. On the flip side it has good playback quality and a pretty wide range of accessories. $250, 30GB, FM Tuner, great colorful interface, and a soild playback quality.

Okay there’s the MP3′s I’ll be doing Laptops/ Desktops next. Don’t overwhelm yourself with shopping, Christmas is a time to enjoy and relax. Good Luck and Have fun!