Komputer Klinic: Pricey, practical digital gift ideas

This year you may be trimming your Christmas spending. But there's probably at least one special person on your list who you're willing to spend on. So you want to choose a gift that will be used frequently. Here are some great gift ideas:

BLACKBERRY BOLD

Apple's iPhone is a runaway success. For business users, though, there's just one choice for smart phones: BlackBerry.

The BlackBerry Bold has been called the best BlackBerry ever. It offers BlackBerry's famous push e-mail. It also provides on-the-go editing of Office documents. But the Bold isn't all business. Anyone will love its multimedia abilities and speedy Internet connection. Wi-Fi and GPS round out the Bold's features.

The Bold is $400 with a two-year contract with AT&T.

SLIDES 2 PC

Everybody has old film photos. Why not help your loved one bring them into the digital age?

Ion's SLIDES 2 PC ($100) will help. It makes scanning slides and film negatives a snap. Scanning negatives offers better results than scanning prints.

Special trays hold your slides or negatives. Slide the tray into the scanner. The 5-megapixel scanner captures the photos in seconds.

USB TURNTABLE

Does your loved one have a large collection of LPs? In that case, Ion's TTUSB10 ($200) USB turntable is ideal. It connects to a computer via USB port. It also connects to a stereo and can be used to transfer music from cassettes too.

Included software converts the audio tracks to MP3 files. MP3 files work on any portable player. Or you can create CDs from the files.

WI-FI PHOTO FRAME

Digital photo frames are a great way to show off digital photos. And D-Link's DSM-210 ($300) takes the digital photo frame to the next level.

This 10-inch frame works with thumb drives and SD and Memory Stick cards. There's also 1 gigabyte of built-in memory.

The real draws are the Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi. It can display photo feeds from popular sites like Flickr. Photos will be displayed as they're uploaded to the Net.

GPS UNIT

Frequent travelers or the directionally challenged will appreciate a GPS unit. TomTom's GO 720 ($400) features a 4.3-inch touch screen and millions of points of interest.

The GO 720 provides spoken directions using street names. Tools provide quick access to emergency services. It's also a snap to see where you're located.

Access weather and traffic information. Or, connect it wirelessly to a car stereo for playing music. The Go 720 even doubles as a hands-free system for Bluetooth-enabled phones.

UNIVERSAL REMOTE

Most gadgets come with remotes. So finding the right remote can be a real hassle. Logitech's Harmony 1000 ($500) changes that.

This highly acclaimed universal remote features a bright, vivid touchscreen. It controls up to 15 gadgets, including lighting.

Easy software helps users configure the remote. It is compatible with 175,000 gadgets. A single touch can launch even the most complicated home theater setup. And the built-in rechargeable battery means no scrambling for AAs!

SURROUND SOUND

Surround sound makes any movie more enjoyable. It will literally envelop viewers in sound.

Sony's HT-DDWG700 ($200) is a 5.1-channel surround sound system. It includes a receiver and an iPod dock for all of your audio needs. It offers 900 watts for a full, rich sound.

There's also JVC's TH-G40 ($280). This is a 5.1-channel home theater system in a box. There's a DVD player, iPod dock and built-in amplifier. It features a whopping 1,000 watts of power.