Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: for son

Funny how boys are so easy to buy for, yet so hard to please -- so many gadgets and toys, but there's just no accounting for taste, especially when it's something so discerning as that of a young nerd in training. Of course, you don't need us to recommend the ever-obvious DS or PSP, but read on for some other hot picks and off the beaten path gift ideas. Don't forget to leave some of your own in comments, such that other parents, and family members and friends can win the young master's favor.

$0 - $100

T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition - Pretty much every holiday season we think to ourselves, "Well, this is it, Elmo's last tickle." Somehow, though, Fisher-Price has managed to defy the odds and pull through with an even more extreme version of the already-extreme TMX Elmo, appropriately dubbed the "eXtra Special Edition." It's probably a must-have for children who've worn out their original Elmo, and a good starting point for tykes just getting into the wide world of ticklish furballs for the first time.
$40 - Shop for T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition

Wowwee FlyTech Dragonfly - Flying objects are always a surefire hit with the young'uns, and the Dragonfly is no exception. It conveniently charges off its own remote control, scares the heck out of older folks on account of its wildly flapping wings, and looks just a little evil thanks to a pair of eyes that light up. If that's not a perfect combinations, we don't know what is.
$40 - Shop for Wowwee FlyTech Dragonfly

SanDisk Sansa Shaker - Chew-toy or your boy's first MP3 player? Maybe both -- either way they don't get much eaiser to use than this motion-sensing 512MB player. (The pink version is also good if you've got a little lady, or are just progressive.)
$60 and up - Shop for SanDisk Sansa Shaker

Wii Zapper - Only those fams lucky enough to have a Wii need apply: while it may not be the original NES Zapper -- or even the Super Scope, for that matter -- you can't beat Nintendo's official gunning solution for the Wii. Besides the slick look and making creative use of the Wiimote and Nunchuk, it includes Link's Crossbow Training, and runs just 20 bucks. Get it for the minigame alone, man!
$20 - Shop for Wii Zapper

Noteworthy mention: Wowwee Roboquad and / or Roboboa

$101 - $250

Xbox 360 Racing Wheel - Now that the... ahem, issues are worked out, Microsoft's official Xbox 360 Racing Wheel makes a solid gift. A little more immersive than driving around with your thumb, plus, that faux sense of independence is always good for the spirit, you know?
$130 - Shop for Xbox 360 Racing Wheel

Chumby - When your son asks you what the hell a Chumby is, just earnestly tell him, "It's whatever you want it to be." The ultra-hackable device recently went on sale to the general public, albeit with beta software that our tech savvy youth should have little trouble dealing with.
$180 - Buy from Chumby

GamePark GP2X F-200 - Chumby isn't the only hackable gadget on the block: the GP2X F-200 is a great alternative for kids who might think that the DS and PSP are passé. Ok, that's like five kids, but if you want to foster his inner uber-nerd then try it with a portable that's ready to emulate the SNES, NES, and Genesis.
$170 - Buy from Play-Asia

Line6 Pocket POD - A solid choice for young Eddies Van Halen in the making, the Pocket POD from Line6 simulates a wide variety of amps and throws in popular effects to make it your portable one-stop shop for gigging. Even better, it can be hooked up to your PC to modify the built-in presets and offers a line-in and a headphone jack (read: you don't have to listen to Junior rock out with this thing). Of course, you could also just go with Rock Band.
$130 - Shop for Line6 Pocket POD

$251 - $500

Cowon A3 - We'd love nothing more than to recommend Cowon's new Q5W to keep Junior all shut up and quiet in the back seat, but they're just nowhere to be found yet. Unfortunately, the same actually goes for the infamous A2's successor, the A3 -- but at least that device (which comes in 30 and 60GB sizes) looks like it'll be up for grabs in the next couple of days. So keep those holiday peepers peeled as this one hits retailers and e-tailers, something tells us this WVGA, codec-friendly monster will go quickly.
$350, if you can find it.

NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT Graphics Card - If your kid already has a decent PC, you can give it a boost with this latest graphics card from NVIDIA, which hits just the right balance of price and performance. Depending on the model, you can likely find one for less than $250, but those looking for that little extra something would do well to spend a bit more for something overclockable.
$250-$400 - Shop for NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT

Xbox 360 Arcade - Serious gamers will probably be clamoring for a Premium or Elite edition (in fact, last year we listed the 360 Core as a gift for your enemy), but the recently released Xbox 360 Arcade is far harder to snub your nose at. Besides the newly added HDMI out and bundled games, the price price is hard to contest -- there's simply no excuse at this point not to give your kid a 360, especially if it's really for yourself.
$280 - Shop for Xbox 360 Arcade

YouTube cams - Maybe you aren't so keen on your kid lifecasting, but there's no doubt that YouTube is the choice of a new generation. If your boy's the kind of kid with an insatiable desire to put his ant-igniting antics online, cut out the middle man and help the fam get in on the action with a YouTube-ready camera, like Casio's Exilim EX-Z1080, V8, S880, Z77, or Sony's NSC-GC1. Just be careful not to start 'em too young, you don't want human newbs to grow up completely without a sense of privacy, do you?
$300 - Shop for Casio Exilim EX-V8

Noteworthy mention: Pleo (although we'll be officially recommending it in our for daughter guide)

$501 - $1000

AT&T USBConnect 881 (with 1 year unlimited data) - The card itself is a mere $50 after rebate, but throw in a year's worth of unlimited HSUPA service and you've got a gift that keeps giving year 'round, and is sure to make you a little envious. Just get ready to shell out again when the year's up, 'cause once he's gone HSUPA he'll likely never want to go back.
$882 - Buy from AT&T

Dell XPS M1530 - You'll have to ignore the upgrade options if you want to keep things under $1,000, but even the basic M1530 will give you a system that's good enough for plenty of multimedia tasks and even a little gaming. The fact that it also looks a good deal better than your average Dell doesn't hurt either, just don't waste too much time ordering one or you may have some explaining to do.
Starts at $999 - Buy from Dell

Canon HV20 HD Camcorder - Plenty of you already recommended this little powerhouse when we asked you to chime in on the best video camera for $1,000, and now that it's widely available for even less than a grand it's even easier to put out there. Just don't blame us when he comes looking for help financing his first film in a few years.
$800-$1,000 - Shop for Canon HV20

$1000+

HotSeat Chassis Combat Flight Sim - If you're splurging, you're splurging, and if the son on your list wants to be a pilot, the HotSeat Flight Sim is about the closest thing to a real simulator you're going to get inside your house. You can configure this rig from the bare chassis all the way up to a fully-loaded rig with a 27-inch HD monitor and 2.2GHz Core 2 Quad PC, but they all come with 6-speaker Dolby Digital sound and an under-seat subwoofer. All the but the base model also include C&H flight controllers and a copy of Microsoft Flight Sim X, so you'll be immediately cleared for takeoff.
$1,449 to $4,674 - Shop for HotSeat Chassis Combat Flight Sim

Dream Arcades DreamCade pre-built MAME console - Sure, if you've got the time and the skills, you and Junior can bond over actually building one of these yourselves, but no one's going to complain if you let the folks at Dream Arcades handle it for you. All models include over 145 licensed classic games from the likes of Midway, Atari, NAMCO, and Capcom running on an Athlon-based PC that can be used to play modern PC game and custom controls, but beyond that, you've got your choice of a crazy amount of configurations -- anything from a four-player tabletop (pictured) to a classic standup console to the monster $3,999 Wii-compatible DreamVision 120 DLP projector rig. Whoever said you can't buy love?
$999 - $3999 - Buy from Dream Arcades

Voodoo Envy H:171 gaming laptop - All the other kids might feel awfully smug with their Vaios and MacBooks, but the smiles'll fade fast when Boy-o busts out this 17-inch, custom-painted, custom-inked lappy with a 2.93GHz Core 2 Extreme processor, NVIDIA GeForce 7950 SLI graphics, and an internal RAID array. Sure, it may not be the most portable rig in the world and realistic battery life is probably in the one-hour range, but we're pretty certain you won't hear any complaints if this thing is under the tree. Of course, if you're liking the idea but looking for an alternative, check out Alienware, specifically their fresh new Area-51 M-series.
$5146 - $6672 - Buy from Voodoo

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Did we miss something good? Let us know in comments what that little bugger really wants, maybe we'll find some place to work it in.

[davincithought Posted Dec 2nd 2007 12:13PM]

And if they think making a disgusting mess is fun, its because Dad is conveying the message that messes are productive activities that stimulate the mind, whereas these silly blinking beeping geegaws are toys for us lazy people who don't get off our butts.

Yeah, no. Take a closer look at the sheer mental ingenuity that goes into making technology, and come back and tell us that we're lazy.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 12:14PM]

"but what I'm more surprised about is how Engadget let an iPod slide"
if you didn't notice, this is a list of gifts "off the beaten path." ie, other than psp ds ipod or a cell phone.

although, xbox probably shouldn't be on this list. I would have put instead the limited edition halo 3 controller or some other novelty like the mentioned wii zapper, or for that matter, a wii.
As for cameras, keep in mind that these are for kids; I don't think an exilim would be as much as a utillity as say, an olympus 790sw or some other everything-proof camera.

[davincithought Posted Dec 2nd 2007 12:14PM]

sorry, double post, last comment meant for Mike G.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 12:48PM]

Yea...here's the REAL ENGADGET GIFT LIST:

1. iPOD shuffle - you know you've wanted a next gen iPOD - well now time to get one for junior - that way it won't look so bad when you get the big one for yourself.
2. iPOD nano - everyone needs a little video - why noy
t your dead beat son, and if he's wooing the girls with his "pseudo-help out others kick", then get him the red one?
3. iPOD classic - you know he's cool with the retro duds - well, let's match that with a classic!
4. iPOD Touch - Grades aren't good? Well, maybe he's being teased by the cool kids so much that he can't concentrate on studying - keep him in touch - with an iPOD Tocu, that is...
5. iPhone - ok, you know 3G's comin and that's what you'll get ypourself, but why the heck shouldn't you get your loser son last year's tech...do that in style with a first gen iPhone, hey, at least it won't be the 4Gb version.
6. Apple TV - ok, so your kid got some ho pregnant, they'll need some down-time to plan how to raise the money for that abortion, nothing says down-time unwinding like Apple TV.

[Quikboy Posted Dec 2nd 2007 2:15PM]

You are scary, you know that?

You think all teenage boys are 'that' bad? I have to wonder where you live.

And your list is just dumb.

5/6 of that list is iPod's. Um, isn't buying 5 iPods kind of overkill?

4. If he's being distracted by other people with the iPod Touch, why buy him an iPod touch to distract him further? You want him to have bad grades?

5. I wouldn't recommend buying a 1st-gen anything, until issues are sorted out better. There's still a ton of reasons not to buy an iPhone yet.

Apple TV is also one of the last things you would get. It's not even as good as TiVo or Media Center, and it's also a rather lame Apple product.

You're not a good father, need some grammar lessons, and need to stop advertising for Apple.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 2:43PM]

Hi there, I'm a troll. I'd really appreciate if you don't spam my email address, which happens to be [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 2:46PM]

Hi there, I'm a troll. I'd really appreciate if you don't spam my email address, which happens to be [e-mail]

[ethana2 Posted Dec 2nd 2007 8:56PM]

[e-mail]

Spam that-- I camp my inbox. It's not at all uncommon for me to report spam within 20 seconds of my receiving it.

Oh wait, I see you're doing the same thing.. clever. It's how we keep gmail inboxes everywhere spam free.

[somethinguniqueanddescriptive Posted Dec 2nd 2007 12:56PM]

I'm guessing the AT&T HSUPA thing is for a college age son, and if so make sure that there is actually 3G coverage where he'll be using it, otherwise it's pretty pointless.

Yes, I know it'll drop down to EDGE where 3G isn't available, but would you want to browse the net over EDGE? Yeah, didn't think so.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 1:19PM]

Am I the only kid that doesn't want like all but two of these?

[victorstuber Posted Dec 2nd 2007 2:22PM]

hmm the only things i would get isn't on this list cuz the low end stuff is for toddlers

[n8myton Posted Dec 2nd 2007 4:00PM]

...here

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 1:31PM]

Where's the iPhone?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 10:32PM]

false

[Nick S Posted Dec 2nd 2007 2:55PM]

they missed rockband special edition/ guitar hero 3 w/ guitar

[cycomachead Posted Dec 2nd 2007 2:44PM]

As a teen myself, I would as to that list and iPhone and a Mac - from kids I know, Macs are becoming pretty popular. The M1530 would be a pretty good choice for some

Also the ATT modem its not that great of one (well the VZw EVDO on isn't) I'm not sure is there is a HSUPA equivalent, but Sierra Wireless (I think that's who makes it) 727 looks like a good device.

No offense, but this list isn't the best.

Here's mine (note I don't actually expect to get the expensive items, there just ones I would like)

Hitachi Travelstar 7k200 (for my CD MB)-which I know has been ordered
LG Venus - it's not just for girls. It's smaller and lighter than the Voyager and has better call quality - so i've heard
BB Peral
Samsung Flipshot (Black)
(not I only want one of those)
80-120GB PATA 2.5" drive for backup - or FW drive of same capacity
Apple monitor or a Viewsonic VP2030b (most likely not happening)
If I got really lucky an iPhone but AT&T is the problem for me
MacBookPro (15.4 inch, preferably w/ the 8600M w/ 256MB) - but that's not happing
40D/5D and 24-105f/4 lens - not happening, but I can dream!
EyeTV
And Lego NeXT are always cool

And there's always an iPod for those who don't have one (I got my 5.5G for $100 are rebate this year when my sister got a MacBook)

And let's not forget gift card to your favorite tech stores (NewEgg and Apple!!!!)- or Starbucks in my case

It's not that these gadgets aren't bad it's just not what kids want. Like the 8800GT isn't a bad card but kids are picky if they're the kind to buy internal components - they may want something else

Really I don't expect to get more than 2-3 items on that list.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 6:05PM]

Lego NXT's are awesome for this list.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 3:51PM]

Take the Dragonfly off the list... NOW!

It may be cool looking BUT, I DOES NOT FLY!!! and trust me its all younger folks are going to care about... Looks only go so far.

I had one (bought from sharper image) and thank god I could return it. It didn't work like the videos showed at all.

So yeah please take it off this list... Thanks!

[smcquade Posted Dec 2nd 2007 5:18PM]

mine will get an electric guitar (not rock band) and a few other dangerous things so he can live large and expand his boundaries. Life, like it's always been.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 5:27PM]

"there's simply no excuse at this point not to give your kid a 360"

Unless of course you count the fact it's unreliable, and likely to fail just outside it's 1yr warranty...

I thought with the GameStop editorial bias, you would know better (anyone notice every RSS feed is plastered with Xbox 360 adverts)....

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 17th 2007 7:20PM]

I've had my Xbox 360 for two years and never had an issue with it. I can't think of a reason not to get one at this point, unless you can find a Wii, then i'd go for that.

[0megapartcle Posted Dec 2nd 2007 6:15PM]

Shame on you for recommending a 15 inch laptop without at least the option for WSXGA+ screens or better!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 3rd 2007 9:14AM]

im a 17 year old boy and id love chumby for christmas :]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 8:04PM]

Just watched 60 Minutes regarding the Nicholas Negroponte Engadget XO-l. How can I purchase one of these laptops for a Christmas gift for my grandchild?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 8:13PM]

just go to laptop [dot] org. hooray.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 8:41PM]

So, um, is it OK to give this stuff to girls too?

[eliot1785 Posted Dec 2nd 2007 9:36PM]

My thoughts exactly. People wonder why women are underrepresented in technology, when our publications have articles like this.

[mastjaso Posted Dec 2nd 2007 10:07PM]

Maybe you should read the article because at the bottom it says that they are putting some of the honourable mentions on the gift guide for girls, i.e. they haven't finished writing the one for girls yet.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 3rd 2007 11:31PM]

Penguin Warlord, I think girls deserve better than "honorable mention."

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 2nd 2007 9:49PM]

@ joseph

WHAAAAT???

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 12:50AM]

Hey, For all those aspiring nerds I would so recommend the chumby. Why not have a little fun hacking. Maybe your little hacker will take down the Pentagon some day, still remembering the day his daddy/mommy bought him a little chumby.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 17th 2007 11:15PM]

Im so glad jeremy is happy with his ipod touch. Im getting one for my birthday on the 20th and im so exciting. Just sittin on the couch with my ipod surfing the internet!!!

[zacman Posted Dec 22nd 2007 12:53AM]

ah sweeetttttt