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Here’s what I would buy
for that special someone

IT'S time of the year again for Kiman's annual holiday gift guide. If you're thinking of purchasing something high-tech for that special someone, I've got some "higher priced" recommendations.

» Digital Camera: There are a number of very cool digital cameras available but I really like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 because it takes the same features found on full-sized digital cameras and packs them into a slim metal body the size of a deck of cards. Despite the size it still offers a 5-megapixel capacity and a 3X optical zoom. In addition to still pictures, the T1 grabs 640 x 480-pixel moving images that have nearly the same quality as a digital camcorder. You don't need to be a pro to use it -- the T1 has auto-focus and auto-exposure options that will get the picture right the first time. If you're interested in a compact camera that does it all, this is it. Street price is around $500.

» Portable Media Centers: If that special someone is a gadget freak and likes to play music, video or show off photos of their kids, consider the Creative Zen portable media center. This is the first in a new generation of devices that can play or display your digital media files on the run. That includes TV or full-length movies, which are stored on a 20-gigabyte drive inside the device. It powers on in a few seconds and displays a start menu that lets you choose from "My Music," "My TV," "My Pictures," or "My Videos." Simply pick one and browse and play back your files. The Zen includes a 3.8-inch screen, headphone jack, built-in external speaker and weighs 11.7 ounces -- significantly more than most audio-only 20-gigabyte players. Price is $500.

» Flat Screen Monitors: Flat screen monitors have come down in price and improved in quality so much that the old-fashioned cathode-ray tubes are really only done if you're on a tight budget. I road tested two monitors -- a 17-inch model from Samsung and a 19-inch unit from NEC -- which in my estimation are the most popular sizes.

Both monitors were high-quality and very reasonably priced. The Samsung Syncmaster 173P comes with a brushed aluminum look finish (that's really plastic) and a sleek stand that neatly serves as a place to plug in your various cords. It's viewing angles -- which allow you to see the image from the sides, or from above, are way above average. Online prices start at around $520. The 19-inch NEC MultiSync LCD1970NX was equally impressive and aesthetically pleasing. Designed for small businesses it also had great viewing angles, a forward-tilting, height-adjustable stand and displayed surprisingly, vibrant colors. Its street price is $629.

The cool thing about both these monitors were that they were both plug and play. I had them out of the box and set up in five minutes. Both have three year warrantees and are great values.

I'll have more suggestions in a second holiday column. Stay tuned.

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