The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you’re anything like the writers at the DMZ, you probably have barely started your holiday gift buying, if at all. Never fear though! We’re here to give you lots of ideas, at least for the geeks on your list. We’ve even broken down our buying suggestions into the different types of geeks for whom you may be shopping for this year. Products are constantly going on sale, so use the prices we’re listing as a rough guide, and if you find any great deals please let us know in the comments.
HTPC Geeks
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[amazon_link id=”B005HQZTQW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ceton InfiniTV 4 CableCARD Tuner[/amazon_link] $299 (Review)
What can we say about the InfiniTV 4 that we haven’t already? Ceton’s pair of CableCARD TV tuners have been solid performers and offer a great value when looking at the cost on a per-tuner basis.
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[amazon_link id=”B002RL875A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote[/amazon_link] $139.99
Every geek is looking for the one remote to rule them all! Logitech’s Harmony line of universal remotes have long been considered the gold standard for controlling all of the gadgets in your living room!
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ArcSoft TotalMedia Theatre 5 Blu-ray Software $99.99
Home theater PC geeks love 1080p video, and Blu-ray discs are still the best way to get it! ArcSoft’s TotalMedia Theatre 5 provides one of the nicest, and most feature-rich Blu-ray experiences available.
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Netflix Streaming Service from $7.99
There’s hardly a device out there that can’t stream Netflix movies and TV shows, so why not give your favorite content junkie Netflix’ unlimited streaming service? Even if they’re already a Netflix customer, your gift will count as credit toward their existing service.
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[amazon_link id=”B0044683HI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Samsung 12x BD-ROM/16x DVD Writer Drive[/amazon_link] $66.99
You’ll need a Blu-ray drive if you’re going to start watching Blu-ray discs on your home theater PC. A BD/DVD Writer combo drive gives you the ability to make it the only drive your computer will need to as this option can also burn DVDs.
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[amazon_link id=”B003O6JKLC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Xbox 360 4GB[/amazon_link] $187.95
The Xbox 360 is the perfect companion to a Windows Media Center home theater PC as it will function as a Windows Media Center Extender. This will give you access to live and recorded TV at a second television, and access to all of the rest of your media. It even has built in wireless networking support and works with standard Media Center remote controls.
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Silverstone Milo Series ML03B Home Theater PC Case $59.99
On the search for an excellent small htpc case that will fit your Micro-ATX motherboard? Well, your search is over as silverstone has a great package for you. Slim, sexy, and plenty of room for expansion. This case is great for the entry to mid level HTPC builder.
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[amazon_link id=”B004NPND20″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Panasonic VIERA TC-P65VT30 65-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV[/amazon_link] $2,799.95
If you want to make this the best year ever for the person at the top of your shopping list you can’t go wrong with the current king of HDTVs: the Panasonic 65″ VT30 Plasma! If top of the line isn’t exactly what you’re looking then check out the ST30 series, perhaps the [amazon_link id=”B004MME77O” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Panasonic TC-P50ST30 50-Inch[/amazon_link]
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Gadget Geeks
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[amazon_link id=”B0068PZQT6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]HTC Titan[/amazon_link] $99.99
We’re HUGE fans of Windows Phone at the DMZ and the HTC Titan is the BIGGEST (at 4.7″) one available. If you’re looking for something a little smaller check out the [amazon_link id=”B0061QRIFW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Samsung Focus S 4G for $19.99[/amazon_link].
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[amazon_link id=”B005YR0T2I” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360[/amazon_link] $99.99
With the Xbox showing up in multiple sections of our gift guide, we decided to put the Kinect into the gadgets category because it works with games, and it provides a new interface for using the Xbox as a media console.
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[amazon_link id=”B005CLPP8E” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Roku 2 XD Streaming Player 1080[/amazon_link] $79.00
If the geek on your shopping list hasn’t built an HTPC (yet) then the Roku box may be just what they need to get their streaming media fix. With big-screen access to their Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, NHL and many other video service accounts, they’ll have a never-ending stream of content to keep them occupied. The Roku also makes a great second room device, and it works great over wireless in your home, so there’s no need to run new cabling. If you’re buying for an Apple geek, consider the [amazon_link id=”B001FA1NK0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Apple TV[/amazon_link] instead.
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[amazon_link id=”B004E10KI8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Jawbone JAMBOX Bluetooth Speaker[/amazon_link] $169.99
Your geek may seem to have everything, but do they have an amazing Bluetooth speaker? Probably not. This speaker from Jawbone will allow them to listen to music or movies from their smartphone or tablet on a beautiful and stylish portable speaker! It also makes a great speakerphone for conference calls.
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[amazon_link id=”B003I84L24″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD[/amazon_link] $229.95 (Review)
Need to listen to your movies or music in a more private environment? The Beats Solo HD on-ear headphones are among the more popular choices, judging from how many of them you might see around town. These monsters feature amazing sound; can control your iPhone, iPod, or iPad; include a mic for phone and chat conversations; and fold for easier packing.
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[amazon_link id=”B0051VVOB2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Kindle Fire[/amazon_link] $199.99
Amazon’s entrance into the tablet market was huge this year! If you’re looking for a 7″ tablet that can run Android apps, and you’re already tied to Amazon’s Kindle or Prime ecosystems then the Kindle Fire makes a great media consumption tablet. It also has a Netflix app if you prefer that over Amazon Prime Instant Video.
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Nest Thermostat $249
I know what you’re thinking: “Really? A thermostat?” Trust me! This is the coolest thermostat you’ve ever seen! It’s described as a learning thermostat. It learns your schedule and can automatically adjust itself to turn down the heat when you’re not around. Seriously, just go check it out!
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Movie Geeks
[amazon_link id=”B003ZSJ212″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]![Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519zeaE0I5L._SL160_.jpg) [/amazon_link] |
[amazon_link id=”B003ZSJ212″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) [Blu-ray][/amazon_link] $97.99
What many consider to be the greatest set of sci-fi movies ever created, Star Wars, has finally come to Blu-ray! Grab all six episodes packed with tons of bonus features, or you can snag [amazon_link id=”B000PMG16U” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Episodes I-III[/amazon_link] or [amazon_link id=”B000PMLFRA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Episodes IV-VI[/amazon_link] has stand-alone sets.
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[amazon_link id=”B004K4N64E” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Tron: Legacy / Tron: The Original Classic (Five-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)[/amazon_link] $54.99
Not only are Tron and Tron Legacy great movies, but they look beautiful on Blu-ray. This is a great collection that has 3D, 2D, Digital Copy, and the original Tron on Blu-ray It’s a simply fantastic collection!
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[amazon_link id=”B005OCFHHK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]![Harry Potter: The Complete 8 Film Collection [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51O4M8v539L._SL160_.jpg) [/amazon_link] |
[amazon_link id=”B005OCFHHK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Harry Potter: The Complete 8 Film Collection [Blu-ray][/amazon_link] $79.99
Is there anything that even needs to be said about Harry Potter? It’s all 8 movies, on Blu-ray, in one box set, for a reasonable price.
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[amazon_link id=”B00540G3G6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Nightmare Before Christmas (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy)[/amazon_link] $35.49
Tim Burton’s amazing Christmas masterpiece in 3D! Need we say more?
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Gamer Geeks
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[amazon_link id=”B0029LJIFG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Xbox Live Gold – 12 Month Membership[/amazon_link] $49.96
If you’re going to be gaming on Xbox, then an Xbox Live subscription is almost mandatory. With it you’ll be able to play mutliplayer games online, watch Netflix and ESPN3 (if you already subscribe to those services) plus lots of other features!
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[amazon_link id=”B004HYK956″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim[/amazon_link] $59.99
Skyrim has received top-notch reviews all across the gaming community, and is destined to win many Game of the Year awards! This one is a no-brainer for any fan of role playing games!
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[amazon_link id=”B003O6E986″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Forza Motorsport 4[/amazon_link] $51.99
If the gamer in your life isn’t in to role playing games, and craves a lot more speed, then Forza 4 is the gift for them. This franchise just continues to improve, and the fourth installment is no exception!
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[amazon_link id=”B005VBVQBU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Xbox 360 250GB Holiday Bundle[/amazon_link] $299.99
THE gaming system of this generation to own is without a doubt the Xbox 360! With great games, great online features through Xbox Live, and amazing accessories like the Kinect you simply can’t go wrong! Plus, as noted above, it can also be used a Windows Media Center Extender!
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Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSR Wheel $249.95
If racing simulations, like Forza Motorsport 4 are your favorite games then you can’t go wrong buying a fantastic steering wheel. Fanatec makes some of the best sim racing products on the planet, and their new Forza Motorsport CSR wheel brings that quality to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the PC! It doesn’t come with pedals though, so pick up either the Clubsport Pedals ($199) or CSR Elite Pedals ($149) to match with the wheel for the ultimate racing experience.
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Nintendo 3DS $169.99 (Review)
The Xbox 360 isn’t the only hot gaming item this winter. The Nintendo 3DS has picked up steam after a rough start and is now selling faster than the original DS did. There are a slew of great games for the system including great downloadable games on the Nintendo eShop. With features like 3D, Street Pass, Online play, and so much more this is the ultimate gift for any gamer geek.
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Super Mario 3D Land $39.99
The fastest selling Mario game ever… yep! In 3D…yep! Amazing…yep! If you are picking up a 3DS for a loved one this winter if they need a new game this is a must buy.
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The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword $49.99 We can not leave out the Wii this year, as a brand new Legend of Zelda has just come out. With extremely high 93 score on metacritic and some saying the best Zelda ever created this is a must own for any gamer.
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