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Holiday Buyer's Guide 2006, Part 6: Gifts For Geeks and Gamers
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1. Asus 'Republic of Gamers' line of Motherboards

To say that the items offered under the Republic of Gamers brand are 'motherboards' is like saying that Lamborghini makes 'cars'. There's so much more to it that the plain and simple noun doesn't do it justice. Like a Lambo, the 'Republic of Gamers' motherboards are all about the Go and the BLING BLING, not the plain utility.

While the raw specifications indicate solid platforms that any enthusiast would be happy tinkering with, it's the extras that set this line of motherboards apart: For starters, these boards are covered with flashy LED lights. For those of us who tinker with settings and hardware, there are illuminated buttons and switches on the board itself. Even the connections are marked with electro-luminescent labels to help you plug the wires where they are meant to go. There is also a large LED display that will help you diagnose what's going on with the board during POST. And there are dozens more enthusiast-oriented features, capped with the inclusion of some great software like a commercial copy of 3dMark 06 Advanced Edition. Asus even has both CPU lines covered, with an AMD socket AM2 board named the 'Crosshair' and an Intel Socket 775 board named the 'Striker Extreme'.

Now we have some capable hardware available that's pretty enough to put on a poster and hang in your garage. How cool is that?

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2. For Brute-Force Gaming: Nvidia Geforce 8800 GTX Graphics

The NDAs have expired and Nvidia's new GPU has been released. Not only is it the fastest single GPU on the planet - sorry, ATI - but it's also faster than the previous generation dual GPU card, the 7950 GX2. Zing!

Specifications? How does 128 streaming processors (AKA unified shaders) sound? Keep in mind that the Radeon X1950 XTX used to be the pixel shader champ with 48 of the little workhorses, and the GeForce 8800 GTX almost triples that number.

How about clock speeds? While the core runs at a relatively moderate 575 MHz, each shader core has an independent clock generator of 1350 MHz! And the 1800 MHz effective double data rate GDDR3 memory speed is nothing to sniff at either, especially when it's running on a wide 384-bit bus.

This GPU has got it where it counts, kid. All those numbers translate to lighting fast game speeds, at the highest resolutions with the highest image quality, and that's what it's all about for the ubergamer, isn't it? Ladies and gentlemen, please start your saliva glands. We have a new icon to worship and lust after, and it is called the Geforce 8800 GTX.

3. Gigabyte AURORA PC Chassis

Not so long ago, PC cases were all boring, utilitarian, beige-colored affairs. It seems that ever since Alienware released the Area 51 case, though - the one reminiscent of H.R. Giger's alien style - beige just doesn't cut it any more. Custom cases in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, quality levels, styles and colors have since exploded onto the PC scene. And they're here to stay.

After a while, even the newer, wilder variations on the PC case theme become old hat. But once in a while you come across a case that's special enough to stand out from the pack. And one such PC chassis is the Gigabyte Aurora.

The Aurora is extremely quiet and has very good airflow. It is constructed solidly and elegantly, and has beautiful aluminum componentry. PC card or drive installation is tool-free of course, with lots of space to work with. There are lots of other special features: the prepared ducts for water cooling options, for example; the bright blue LED lights in the front and back; and even the custom logo light which projects an image of your choice onto the surface of the desk upon which the Aurora resides.

What makes the Aurora stand out even more is that absolutely everything is well thought out and elegant. From form to function, the Aurora is graceful, and it definitely belongs on the ubergeek wish list.

4. Force Feedback: EDimensional G-Pad PRO

Let's say you're a PC gaming fanatic who has sworn to never buy a game console, but despite yourself, you're intrigued by the upcoming Nintendo Wii's motion sensitive controls. How do you save face?

Enter the eDimensional G-pad PRO. Simply put, it's a force-feedback-enabled dual-analog gamepad for the PC, with the added capability of sensing motion and translating it into PC game control. When using the analog sticks (ignoring the motion control feature for the moment) the G-pad PRO is a fine, comfortable example of what a force feedback gamepad should be. At an MSRP of about $30, it's not even priced out of the league of mainstream force feedback gamepads.

The difference, of course, is that the gyroscopes in the G-pad PRO allow you to physically turn the controller to use it as, say, a virtual steering wheel. And it has two axes of sensitivity: forward/backward and left/right roll.

Admittedly, the G-pad PRO is not perfect. It takes a bit of setting up as a motion sensing controller, and using the motion sensors to move around takes some adjustment. But if you're spending the $30 for a controller anyway, it's hard to ignore the G-Pad PRO and the option of using motion control in addition to the dual analog sticks. Hey, why should Nintendoids have all the motion-sensing fun?

5. Full Control: Saitek X52 PRO And Aviator Joysticks

It seems like Saitek is one of the few companies that still really pushes joystick technology. Sure, Thrustmaster makes the amazing Cougar, and CH Products and Logitech make great sticks, but when was the last time they introduced something new ? Saitek, on the other hand, has continually refreshed their sticks like clockwork. Their latest and greatest models this holiday season are the X52 PRO and Aviator.

The X52 PRO is a new version of the popular X52 HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick). It replaces the cheesy silver Star Wars look with classic black and quality metal components. In addition, the MFD on the throttle base (that’s Multi-Function Display for you civilians) has more display options as well as selectable colors : blue, red and purple. More impressively, games can be programmed to interface with it to display information, and it already supports Microsoft Flight Simulators 9 and 10. All the same, it retains all of the X52’s glorious multi-button functionality.

The Aviator - cleverly spelled "AV8R" on the stick - is a stylishly retro-looking stick with some nifty features. It comes with two large throttle controllers attached to the base - a first, I believe - allowing for separate engine control on larger airframes, or perhaps separate throttle and flap controls. These throttles can also be physically joined to act as a single throttle. In addition to the inputs on the hat and stick, there are stylish retro-style toggle switches on the base. Along with a 3-setting "mode" switch, this allows for an incredible amount of customization : 12 buttons in 3 modes equals 36 inputs ! Overall, the AV8R is a stylish, responsive and well-equipped flightstick.

6. The Smallest Core 2 Duo Computer: AOpen MiniPC MP-945 VXR

If you want to show off with your new PC, how about one so small that some people might not even find it? Aopen's miniPC Duo is one of the smallest fully-featured computers you can buy today; it's tiny, yet capable of taking on even demanding workloads, due to its support for a Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor.

Due to its compact dimensions, it won't accept a regular graphics card, so it relies on the integrated graphics of the 945GM chipset; it also runs a 2.5" hard drive instead of a 3.5" model. However, there are plenty of interfaces to attach external storage: AOpen equips this little beauty with IEEE-1394a Firewire, two USB 2.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also has a High Definition audio sound system with a digital optical output, an S-Video connector for video out, and it will hook up to your display via DVI-I.

The system is usually sold as a barebone unit, which means that you have to purchase the system components yourself. These should be a Core 2 Duo mobile processor, one DDR2-667 SO-DIMM (notebook memory) and a 2.5" Serial ATA hard drive. You don't have to purchase an optical drive, as the miniPC comes with a built-in slot-loaded DVD+/-RW burner.

7. Game On: Nintendo Wii

Does the Wii have a great name? No comment. Is the processor next generation? Not really - the system is basically an overclocked Gamecube. Can it play HD DVDs? We don't think so, in fact the Wii can't even play regular DVDs. Is it high resolution then? Sorry, the Wii is 480p at best, while the Xbox 360 is capable of 1080i high definition.

Not convinced that buying the Wii is a good idea?

Well the reality is that the Wii has succeeded in enticing the hearts of gamers everywhere, in spite of its specifications. And the way Nintendo did this was brilliant: it took an approach that made all previous console benchmarks and features unimportant. Nintendo has wisely shifted the focus away from the numbers and towards what makes gamers out of regular people in the first place: interactivity and immersion.

It all comes down to a simple decision: if you want to have fun playing virtual tennis, would you prefer to do it by pressing buttons on an analog gamepad, or by swinging around a responsive virtual racquet? How about gamepad buttons versus a virtual bow for archery? Gamepad versus virtual lightsaber?

The motion sensitive wand controller is the console's key to success, and it's this simple premise that makes the Wii exciting and fresh. Forget the specifications; Nintendo's new console has a responsive and accurate control scheme that has excited the minds of game developers and players alike.

Oh, and there is one very positive specification about the Wii I forgot to mention: its MSRP is around $250. Also important to remember is that it shouldn't be impossible to find in retail for Christmas, since its release date is November 14th.

It looks a lot better for the underdog now, doesn't it?

8. Go Airborne: Walkera #52 R/C Micro Helicopter

Image source: raidentech.com

What could as geeky - or as much fun - as flying a miniature helicopter? No longer a sport exclusively for hardcore aviation fans, the radio-controlled (R/C) helicopter is now quite accessible to the common folk: a good, reliable, ready-to-fly helicopter can be had today for under $200.

Today's micro R/C helicopters can fly about 10 to 15 minutes on a single charge, and only take about 45 minutes to recharge to full capacity. This means that if you have three batteries and two chargers, you can fly virtually non-stop for hours. Sure, it takes a lot of practice to fly a helicopter, but the beauty of the sport is that you can fly it anytime: outdoors if the weather is nice, indoors in the winter months.

There's something very satisfying about mastering a particular maneuver: it's a tangible accomplishment. Of course, as you learn, you'll face the real risk that if you mess up the controls badly enough you'll need to buy replacement rotors for your chopper (or worse). This might sound like a bad thing, but that risk is what makes the accomplishment so rewarding. And hey, who doesn't think it'd be a blast to fly a tiny version of Airwolf around the living room?

9. Fossil CallerID Bluetooth Watch

CallerID Bluetooth Watch by Fossil

There's a fine line you have to manage when trying to figure out who's calling your silently-buzzing phone during a meeting. Is it rude to take a look while your boss is yelling at you to include covers on your TPS reports? Well, probably. If you own a Sony-Ericsson phone, though, Fossil has the solution. With the Bluetooth Fossil CallerID watch, you can see who's calling your pocketed Bluetooth phone by simply looking at the watch face, thanks to the Bluetooth synchronization between the Fossil and your cell phone.

But you get more than just that. The Fossil CallerID Bluetooth Watch has an OLED display that informs you of the date, battery levels, Bluetooth status, range and text message alerts. Of course you can also see the time, both in digital format as well as using hour and minute arms. Surprisingly, the watch isn't as geeky as you'd think; it looks just like any other professional metal watch.

The maximum operating range between your phone and watch varies depending on the environment you're in. We found the watch capable of holding a connection to our phone up to 75 feet, which is pretty impressive, and more than enough considering that phones typically remain in our pockets anyway. If you lose the signal, the phone warns you, and once you are back within range, the watch will re-sync with your phone.

The battery lasts anywhere from 5 to 7 days, and when it is running low, the Bluetooth feature simply shuts off to save power; the watch will still display the time for an additional 5-7 days. To recharge the watch, simply use the USB adaptor, or hook it up to the power supply that comes with it.

So, if you're a snowboarder or skier who hates stopping on the slopes just to see that Aunt Thelma is calling, or a biker cruising into the sunset with no free hands to check your phone, put the Fossil CallerID Bluetooth watch on your gift list this Holiday season. Fossil recommends that you use this watch with Sony Ericsson models K60, K610im, K618, K790, K800, W710, W850, Z610, Z710. We were also able to use our W810i, however, so there seem to be some compatible phones that didn't make the list.

Note that Sony Ericsson seems to be offering a similar product, but at a much higher price. The Fossil CallerID retails at around $ 250.

10. Money No Object: Nikon D80 Digital SLR With Flash And Additional Lenses

Have you been waiting to buy a decent digital SLR camera for months, or has it actually been years? Well, we believe that now may be a very nice opportunity to spend your hard-earned money on something that will retain its value much better than computer components. There are some nice 8 to 10 megapixel digital SLRs on the market now for less than $1,000.

If you go for a digital SLR camera, however, you'll quickly learn that the cost of the camera is only the top of the iceberg. Depending on how far you go into semi-professional photography, you will need multiple lenses, at least one flash, batteries, different types of lamps, sophisticated tripods, carrying gear and other equipment. All of this will cost you more than the camera body.

There are potentially thousands of dollars to be spent, but it doesn't have to be all at once. We have assembled a nice list of equipment that we recommend for starters with lots of ambition - and a flexible budget.

Nikon D80 Digital SLR Kit W/ 18-138 mm Nikkor Lens Kit

This 10 MP camera has been available since September 2006, and is the successor to the D70/D70S. It's available for $999 without lenses, or $1,299 when bundled with the new 18-135 mm Nikkor zoom lens. The D80 offers most of the features of the almost-professional D200, which retails for $1,699. If you want to spend the extra money for the D200 you will get a metal housing, the ability to take 5 frames per second instead of 3, and additional settings information in the finder. The drawbacks include the higher cost and greater weight (29 ounces compared to 20 ounces for the D80.) If you're asking yourself whether you actually need those extras, chances are that you probably never will, so let's stick to the D80.

Some of its most important features are its 10.2 MP resolution (3872x2592 pixels), 11-area TTL auto focus, 1/4000 second to 30 second shutter speeds, 1/200 second flash synchronization, ISO 100-1600 sensitivity, white balance with six settings or color temperature selection, a 2.5" LCD display, image presets, RGB and luminance histograms, built-in retouching features, and a weight of 1.5 lbs including the Li-Ion rechargeable battery. In short: this is a very powerful digital SLR camera that leaves little room for complaint unless you're a real pro.

The new AF-S Nikkor DX lens covers a nice zoom range of 18-135 mm at f-stops of f/3.5 to f/5.6. The lens's range makes it superior to the D70S's 18-70 mm lens, but is clearly less than that of the 18-200 mm flagship. We would only recommend that you go for the 18-200 mm lens if you plan to use only one lens for all occasions, because it retails at around $800. Others should go for the 18-135 mm kit lens, which is great for starters, and buy into additional lenses as needed.

SB-600 Speedlight Flash

Nikon offers two iTTL Speedlight flashes, the SB-800 and the SB-600. Although the SB-800 is clearly more powerful, the SB-600 is fine for amateurs and a good place to get started. The SB-800 is also be capable of controlling and triggering additional SB-600 or SB-800 flashes, which is a feature that you will only want if you go professional.

Additional 50 mm F/1.4 Lenses

This 50 mm beauty comes with a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4. This lets you take excellent pictures even in very low light, so you can use a lower ISO setting to keep noise to a minimum. It's also great for taking natural light pictures in places where a flash is not allowed, or where it would tend to ruin the ambience of the scene.

Related Articles:
HBG Part 1: Motherboards, Processors, Coolers and RAM
HBG Part 2: 2006 Networking Holiday Buyer's Guide
HBG Part 3: Components & Peripherals Buyer's Guide
HGB Part 4: Gifts for Non-Geeks
HBG Part 5: The Mobile Stuff

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