Computerworld's 2012 holiday gift guide

Computerworld - Tick tock. Black Friday is over, Cyber Monday is history, and you've still got holiday shopping to do.

But that's OK -- we've got you covered. Our annual holiday gift guide showcases the gear that technology lovers on your list will most appreciate.

Tablets, smartphones, HDTVs and laptops (both ultraslim and all-purpose) were the most popular items in this year's reader poll of favorite tech gifts, and we've got plenty of those to suit a variety of tastes. We've also included a plethora of handy gadgets, fun gizmos and other useful gear, plus several inexpensive stocking stuffers to help you stay within a reasonable budget.

You'll find a description of each item by a Computerworld staffer or contributor, plus links to product pages, places to shop, tech specs, prices and more. When possible, we've included a range of prices as offered by various vendors, but be aware that prices fluctuate, especially at this time of year. As always, be careful of false deals and scams. (See these helpful tips for staying safe while shopping online or by mobile device.)

If you have a suggestion for a great tech gift that you don't see here, feel free to add it in the article comments. Happy holidays to all!

Tantalizing tablets

Computerworld readers have spoken: For the third year running, tablets have topped our annual poll as the tech gift that readers would most like to give or get for the holidays.

The playing field has widened considerably in that time. Apple's 10-in. iPad, which once stood alone in the field, has been joined by a snazzy new 7-in. model. There are a slew of Android tablets available in different sizes (including a couple of new Google Nexus devices), as well several 7-in. tablet/e-reader gadgets. And this year the competition has gotten even hotter as Microsoft joins the fray with a variety of Windows 8-based tablets.

The result? There's a tablet out there for everyone on your gift list -- just choose the operating system, pick the size, decide on the price and go.

iOS tablet: Apple iPad Mini

For many Apple fans, the tablet to get this year is the new iPad Mini. Featuring a vibrant 7.9-in. screen enclosed in a glass and black/slate or white/silver aluminum housing, the Mini measures 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.28 in. and weighs just 0.68 lb. As I wrote when I reviewed the Mini in October:

I really can't emphasize how great the iPad Mini feels in hand. It's very light while still feeling solid, not at all flimsy for a device so thin. (Read the full review)

It offers 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage, dual-facing cameras for video and photography (5-megapixel photographs and 1080p video using the rear camera; 1.2mp and 720p using the front camera), and a battery life of about 10 continuous hours.

And like all iPads, the Mini has access to Apple's digital ecosystem, where there are more than 275,000 dedicated apps in the App Store and even more selections of music, movies, TV shows and podcasts in the iTunes store.

Buying a Mini does involve some tradeoffs: With last year's dual-core A5 processor and a 1024 x 768 resolution, 163ppi display, it's basically a smaller, lighter version of the iPad 2. Although the more closely packed pixels in the Mini make its screen a little sharper than that of the iPad 2, it's a far cry from the high-end Retina display found on the newer full-sized iPads.

That said, the Mini's size and especially its weight make it much more comfortable to hold for extended viewing sessions. And screen differences aside, the Mini is just as capable as its larger brethren. For anyone who wants the iPad experience in a lighter, more portable (and less expensive) form, the iPad Mini is ideal.

The lineup starts at $329 for the 16GB model with Wi-Fi only, or $459 for the 16GB model with Wi-Fi and 3G/4G mobile data (with support for AT&T, Verizon and Sprint services in the U.S.). The 32GB and 64GB models are an additional $100 and $200, respectively.

You might also like: Looking for something bigger? Starting at $499, the 4th-generation iPad with Retina display boasts a high-quality aluminum and glass design, the fastest processor in the iPad lineup and a stunning 9.7-in. display featuring an incredible 3.1 million pixels.

-- Michael deAgonia

Android tablet: Google Nexus 7

Who says bigger is always better? Google's Nexus 7 packs impressive functionality and appealing design into a stylish 7-in. form.

Available for $199 (16GB), $249 (32GB) or $299 (32GB with 3G/4G mobile data), the Asus-made tablet is the perfect size for on-the-couch Web surfing or on-the-go entertainment. Its narrow profile and texturized back make it easy to hold in one hand while swiping or tapping with the other.

The Nexus 7 features a 1280 x 800 IPS display. It runs pure Google Android 4.2 software and is powered by a quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor along with 1GB of RAM.

Those elements add up to a silky smooth experience that, despite the tablet's low cost, rivals most high-end offerings. I summed it up in my hands-on analysis:

With the Nexus 7's level of hardware combined with its pure Google software, the tablet is a total steal at 200 bucks. You do make some sacrifices compared to more expensive options -- naturally -- but when you weigh everything out with the price, the Nexus 7 comes out looking like a champ. (Read the full review)

Like other Nexus products, the Nexus 7 receives fast and frequent OS upgrades directly from Google -- making it a gift that keeps on giving.

You might also like: Google's Nexus 10 ($399 to $499) delivers a best-in-class display and pure Android experience in a 10-inch tablet form. The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity ($450 to $630), meanwhile, offers top-notch hardware with more storage and connectivity options as well as an optional keyboard dock accessory.

-- JR Raphael

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