Smart Gifts for Techies

If this holiday season were a movie, the title would be Electronics: The Sequel.

Last year everybody wanted Santa to leave an iPad under the tree. Apple's touchscreen tablet computer still tops a lot of wish lists; only this year, it's the iPad2, a faster, sleeker, more powerful version of the original device.

The good news for consumers: Many of this year's best tech gifts are bigger, better or lower-priced versions of electronics that have been out for awhile. U.S. adults say they plan to spend $246 on electronics gifts this year, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. That's an increase of 6 percent from 2010 and the highest level since the industry trade group started keeping track of holiday electronics purchases 18 years ago.

Here are some of the gadgets that have people buzzing:

1. Tablets

The iPad continues to dominate the market for tablet computers -- and for good reason. The iPad2 has a faster processor, smaller size and thinner screen than the original, plus it boasts front and rear cameras for videoconferencing and support for more Apple apps. But at $499 and up, the iPad2 is pricey, giving an opening to lower-cost rivals. One notable contender is Amazon's $199 Kindle Fire, which debuted last week. The Fire's screen is smaller (7 inches compared to the iPad's 10), and like the iPad, it stores and plays music, TV shows and movies. The Wall Street Journal notes that the Fire also launched with about 8,500 apps, including Angry Birds and Netflix. At the Kindle store, Fire users can buy more than 1 million e-books, download 2 million free, out-of-copyright books, or check out books from a Kindle owners' lending library.

2. Big-screen TVs

There's never been a better time to buy a TV, mainly because prices are so low, even for high definition models. "TVs that used to cost $5,000 to $10,000 are now $400. That's astonishing," says Jim Barry, spokesman for the Consumer Electronics Association trade group. If you're wondering whether to upgrade to a 3-D TV the answer is yes -- and no. If you're in the market for a new big-screen TV anyway, a 3-D version will cost $100 to $200 more, so buying one is a way to future proof a purchase, Barry says, but he adds that aside from ESPN and a handful of networks that offer multiple 3-D channels, there's not a lot of regular 3D programming available. "It's going to be an event thing for a while," he says.

3. iPhone4S

Apple fans are drooling over the iPhone4S. The latest version of the company's smartphone has the same processor as the iPad2, better optics and HD recording and more than 200 new features, including the much-talked-about Siri, an artificial intelligence program that recognizes and responds to voice commands. Prices start at $199. If you're giving an iPhone as a gift, pair it with the excellent audio version of Walter Isaacson's biography of Apple's visionary but idiosyncratic co-founder, titled simply Steve Jobs. It's a good choice for the commuter in your life.

4. Android smartphone

The iPhone isn't the only smartphone in town, especially for people who want a phone based on Google's Android operating system, which continues to pick up steam. Luckily for them, Google's coming out with an updated Android 4.0 operating system and one of the first phones to use it is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which debuts in the U.S. next week. The phone, which Computerworld calls "arguably the finest Android handset to date," has an improved user interface and HD display. It also lets users share contact information, maps, web pages, YouTube videos and other data by tapping their phones together. Prices for the Galaxy Nexus haven't been announced.

5. Smartphone and tablet covers

Smartphone and iPad covers have become fashion statements and they make great gifts for gadget lovers. Options include utilitarian skins starting at $10, covers by designers such as Kate Spade for $40 or more and cases encrusted with Swarovski crystals or that you design yourself for $100 or more. Since prices vary widely, it pays to shop around, including on eBay.

6. Web-based music service

It's been the year for online music service launches. One of the most anticipated was Spotify, which lets users listen to songs or albums and share what they like with other subscribers. For a gift, choose the ad-free version for $5 a month or the premium service for $10 a month that adds smartphone access, better sound quality and other extras.

7. Hand-held game system

Three-dimensional gaming is catching on faster in hand-held systems. Nintendo's 3DS is on track to sell more units than the blockbuster Nintendo DS did in its first year, according to IT World. For one, the device doesn't require special 3-D glasses to play. The fact that Nintendo dropped the suggested list price to $170 also may have something to do with it. To attract older gamers, Nintendo is packaging the 3DS with new versions of titles many grew up with, including Super Mario Land and Legend of Zelda.

8. Videogame system

If you have yet to spring for Microsoft's Kinect, the motion-based, hands-free controller for the Xbox, because of the high price tag, your frugality is paying off. This year, electronics retailers are offering deals starting as low as $199 for Xbox systems bundled with Kinect and several games, according to a report in the Daily News of Newport News (Va.). New Kinect games include Minute to Win It, Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 and Dance Central 2.

9. Apps

Smartphone or tablet apps make fun gifts. Forty-one percent of people polled by online opinion site Sodahead say they wouldn't object to getting a gift certificate for an app in their stocking. One current favorite is Scribblenauts Remix. The smartphone version of a popular Nintendo DS game costs $4.99 and recently overtook Angry Birds as the top-selling iPhone and iPad app on iTunes. If you want a more practical present, consider a fitness app, such as iTreadmill, which costs just $1.99 and turns your smart phone into a handy pedometer.

10. Solar charger

Give the world traveler on your list a solar-powered battery charger and they'll never have to scramble to find an electrical outlet to recharge their smartphone or tablet computer. The twin halves of the palm-sized Solio Bolt charger separate to catch more rays and charge devices as fast as if they were plugged into an outlet. The Bolt plugs into any USB-powered device and retails for $59 and up, depending on the retailer.

11. Digital picture frame

Digital picture frames are still popular as low-cost stocking stuffers. This year, retailers are selling the frames on everything from key chains to jewelry boxes, with prices starting under $15.

Tell us: What tech gadgets are on your holiday wish list?

Read more: 5 Holiday Money-Saving Apps