Welcome to the 2010 Ben's Holiday Gift Guide series. To all you boys and girls who've been good this year, you better know what to put on your wish lists to Santa, otherwise he might be bringing you a Grandma sweater, Zhu Zhu pet or a Zune. Below, I've compiled a few ideas to get you going. (If you missed my gift guides for HD Media Players, Home Theater and Notebooks & Desktops, please visit the Gift Guides page.)

Point-and-Shoot
For a great balance of quality and value, check out the Pentax Optio I-10 Classic 12.1 MP Digital Still Camera ($109 shipped, history, compare). It has a CCD-shift-type shake reduction mechanism, 5x optical zoom and 720p video recording in a classic-styled body. For more oomph, take a look at the Canon PowerShot SX210 14.1 MP 3.0" Digital Camera ($249 shipped, history, compare).

Bridge Camera
The Nikon Coolpix L110 12MP Digital Camera ($196 shipped, history, compare) combines the ease of a point-and-shoot and the capabilities of a DSLR. With a 15x optical zoom, 5-way VR Image Stabilization System, and HDMI output, it's a great companion for everyday shooting. A cheaper alternative is the Fujifilm Finepix S1800 12.0MP Digital Camera ($152 shipped, history, compare).

Digital SLRs
The Nikon D3100 14 MP DSLR Camera w/ 18-55mm Lens ($588 shipped w/ CIO14803, history, compare) is a great starter option in this class. It's rounded out by a 3" TFT LCD display and full 1080p HD video recording. If you prefer Canons, definitely check out the very popular Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP 3.0" DSLR ($769 shipped, history, compare).

4/3rds System Cameras
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 12.1MP 4/3rds Camera ($350 shipped, history, compare) is the best value on this open-standard format. It features a 4/3 12.1MP live MOS sensor, seven color modes, 3" LCD, dual live view, and 720p 30fps video recording. Also worth checking out is the Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3 Micro 4/3rd Camera ($450 shipped, history, compare).

Rugged Cameras
For a camera that will withstand your next backpacking trip, the Fujifilm Finepix XP10 12MP Waterproof Camera ($133 + shipping, history, compare) is perfect. It's water-, shock-, freeze- and dustproof and features a 5x optical zoom and 720p video recording. Also consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 Waterproof Camera ($260 shipped, history, compare).

Smartphones
In this fast-rising camera category, it's hard to beat the HTC Droid Incredible Android Phone (Free w/ contract, history, compare) for photo quality on a phone. It boasts an impressive 8MP camera with dual LED flashes and 720p video recording. The camera capabilities of the Apple iPhone 4 ($199 w/ contract, history, compare) have also won plaudits from casual and pro users.

Welcome to the 2010 Ben's Holiday Gift Guide series. To all you boys and girls who've been good this year, you better know what to put on your wish lists to Santa, otherwise he might be bringing you a Grandma sweater, Zhu Zhu pet or a Zune. Below, I've compiled a few ideas to get you going. (If you missed them, check out my Home Theater and Notebooks & Desktops Gift Guides.)

Hard Drive Based
The Iomega ScreenPlay Director HD 1TB 1080p Media Player ($160 shipped, history, compare, reviews) is a good place to start if you're looking for a player with an integrated hard drive. Armed with full 1080p resolution and a USB input, it can stream YouTube, Flickr and other internet media. If you need more storage, take a look at the Argosy 2TB HV335T-0020T Mobile Video HDD Media Player ($178 shipped, history, compare, reviews), or if 1080p seems like overkill, try the Iomega ScreenPlay Plus 1TB 720p Multimedia Drive ($127 shipped, history, compare, reviews).

USB Based
USB-based players provide more options for expandability. The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex HD Media Player ($80 shipped, history, compare, reviews) offers tons of streaming options and a huge list of compatible file types. It also features 1080p HD resolution and Dolby Digital and DTS audio decoding. The Brite-View BV-5005HD 1080p Multimedia Player ($90 shipped, history, compare, reviews) has bitTorrent capability, and the Western Digital WD TV Mini Media Player ($55 shipped, history, compare, reviews) is a solid low-cost option for this type of player. Then you can complement with your choice of external drive.

Internet Based
One of the best options available for an online streaming experience is the Roku XD Streaming Media Player ($80 shipped, history, compare, reviews). Its 1080p output and 802.11n Wi-Fi go hand-in-hand with a full range of streaming options, including Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Pandora and Hulu Plus. Among the other heavy hitters in this category are the much-anticipated D-Link Boxee Box Streaming Media Player ($199 shipped, history, compare, reviews), the "Internet on TV" Logitech Revue with Google TV ($300 shipped, history, compare, reviews) and, of course, the 2nd Generation Apple TV ($99 shipped, history, compare, reviews).

Other Devices
There's no shortage of devices for playing online or stored media on your TV. Integrated Blu-ray solutions like the Vizio VBR210 Blu-Ray Player w/ Wireless Internet Apps ($140 shipped, history, compare, reviews) and Sony NSZ-GT1 Google TV Blu-ray Disc Player ($400 shipped, history, compare, reviews) give you more options with a device you already needed in your HT setup. TVs like the Samsung LN40C650 40" IPTV LCD HDTV ($895 shipped, history, compare, reviews) skip the outboard box altogether and stream online content themselves. Also, don't under-estimate the power of the iPhone 4 (from $199 shipped, compare, reviews) with an iPhone AV Cable.

Welcome to the 2010 Ben's Holiday Gift Guide series. To all you boys and girls who've been good this year, you better know what to put on your wish lists to Santa, otherwise he might be bringing you a Grandma sweater, Zhu Zhu pet or a Zune. Below, I've compiled a few ideas to get you going. (If you missed it, check out my Notebooks and Desktops Gift Guide.)

Big TVs
Gaze upon the LG 47LD500 47" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV ($719 shipped w/ AFL4COUPON, history, compare), a full-featured, quality HDTV. It has a 4ms response time, 2 built-in 10W speakers, and a 100,000:1 contrast contrast ratio. If you want to go bigger and better, check out the Sony KDL55HX800 55" 240Hz LED HDTV ($1849 shipped, history, compare).

3D TVs
Jump on the 3D bandwagon with the Sony KDL-46NX810 46" 240Hz 3D LED HDTV ($2298 shipped, history, compare). With its dynamic EDGE LED backlight, Motionflow PRO 240Hz refresh rate and full 3D compatibility, it's sure to inspire envy in everybody who sees it. Another option is the Mitsubishi WD-60638 60" 1080p 3D DLP HDTV ($700 shipped, history, compare), if you want an even more immersive 3D experience.

Not As Big TVs
If you're in the market for something smaller, the Vizio E421VA 42" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV ($528 shipped, history, compare) is an excellent choice with its wide viewing angles and built-in surround sound. For that sexy new-ness with Google TV, check out the Sony NSX-40GT1 40" Google 1080p LCD HDTV ($900 shipped, history, compare). A good second TV/bedroom option is the Samsung LN32C530 32" 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV ($537 shipped, history, compare).

Blu-ray Players
The Samsung BDC5500XAA Internet Blu-Ray Player ($101 shipped, history, compare) is a solid performer that streams Netflix, Blockbuster, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Pandora. It also includes handy DLNA streaming. To get in on that 3D goodness, the Sony BDP-S470 3D Ready Blu-ray Disc Player ($119 shipped, history, compare) is your player.

Receivers
The Onkyo HT-RC230 5.1-Ch 3D-Ready Home Theater Receiver ($169 shipped, history, compare) is perfect for that all-encompassing home theater sound. It features 3D compatibility, Dolby TrueHD/Digital Plus and DTS decoding, and 60W per channel at 8 ohms. A good one for 7.2 channels is the Pioneer VSX-1020-K 7.1Ch 3-D Ready A/V Receiver ($353 shipped, history, compare).

Home Theater Bundles
For an out-of-the-box home theater setup, the Onkyo AVX-280 5.1Ch 3D Ready Home Theater System ($248 shipped, history, compare) comes with a 3D ready receiver and a complete 5.1 channel speaker system with 100W of power per channel. If you want Blu-ray and internet streaming, look no further than the Sony BDV-E570 Blu-ray Home Theater System ($284 shipped, history, compare).

Welcome to the 2010 Ben's Holiday Gift Guide. To all you boys and girls who've been good this year, you better know what to put on your wish lists to Santa, otherwise he might be bringing you a Grandma sweater, Zhu Zhu pet or a Zune. Below, I've compiled a few ideas to get you going.

The Ultra-Portable
The 11.6" Gateway EC1457U ($450 shipped, history) is a perfect ultra-portable for the student or salary-man on the go, weighing in at just over 3lbs. It runs at 1.30GHz on the Intel Pentium SU4100 and has 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive - plenty of power for normal office applications. The 6-cell battery gives you 7 hours before you have to find an outlet.

The Hardly-Portable
On the other end of the spectrum, the hefty HP G72t (starting at $600 shipped, history) is a 17.3", 6.6-lb., desktop-hogging, value-minded notebook. Upgradeable to the Intel i5-560M 3.2GHz processor, 4GB RAM and 640GB hard drive, this "laptop" allows you to have the power of a desktop with the benefit of occasionally carrying it from one location to another.

The Gamer
Everybody's looking for something different in a "gaming" computer, but the HP Pavilion dv7tse (starting at $950 shipped, history) is a good place to start. It comes standard with the i5-460M 2.53GHz processor, but is upgradeable to the formidable i7-840QM 3.2GHz quad-core CPU. The sweet spot seems to be with the i7-720QM, 1.6Ghz processor, 6GB RAM and 640GB hard drive, good enough to deliver on the most demanding new games.

The Entertainer
For your entertainment needs, check out the Asus A52F-XT2 ($658 shipped, history). Besides the requisite Blu-ray drive, it packs a powerful i5-460M 2.53GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, allowing it to not only play but quickly rip-and-encode videos, as well. It features an HDMI video output so you're not stuck watching on its small HD display.

The Value Shopper
For the best value, look no further than the Toshiba Satellite C655D-S5087 ($447 shipped, history). This well-rounded 15.6" laptop features an AMD V Series V140 2.30GHz CPU, 3GB memory, and a 320GB hard drive — power enough to spare for most commonly used applications. Makes a perfect gift for people who need a solid notebook without any frills.

The Powerful Netbook
For a little more oomph on the go, check out the Asus Eee PC 1201PN-PU17-SL ($390 shipped, history). At 12.1", it straddles the line between netbook and notebook, but its compact size and 7-hour battery life make it easy to take with you on a daily basis. It comes with powerful features — the new Nvidia ION 2 GPU, 2GB of RAM, Bluetooth, SRS virtual 5.1 Channel Surround sound and HDMI output — that make it as capable as it is portable.

The Home Theater PC
Clearly the best in design, functionality, and value in this category is the Inspiron Zino HD ($750 shipped, history). This mini-but-mighty desktop features a powerful AMD Athlon II X4 P940 1.7GHz quad-core processor, ATI Radeon HD 5450 512MB graphics, 6GB RAM, 750GB 7200RPM hard drive, and a Blu-ray drive. It also sports 4 USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 media card reader, and an HDMI 1.3 port for ample connectivity.