What do you give the guy who has everything. JOHN HARRIS offers a few suggestions in this Geek's Guide to Christmas.

It’s the time of year when we look back and look forward.

The rear-view mirror reflects on high and lows of 2009 while we peer ahead to figure what Christmas gifts might delight the hearts of your beloved ones.

So today’s column is a bug’s eye view - looking in both directions - to figure the best tech presents for next week. For convenience, I include examples and indicative pricing.

What’s not on my list is Windows 7. Although it looks better than Vista, I haven’t had a chance to put it through its paces by upgrading a real PC. So here’s my Top 10:

10:    Logitech web video camera: This $129 unit works with both Logitech’s Vid videoconferencing software and with Skype allowing you to speak with and see faraway friends and family on your computer screen (they need a camera at the other end as well).

9:     A 12-month subscription to anti-virus software. While it lacks panache, like a fresh batch of jocks and socks, it’s ideal for someone who’s short in that department.  CA charges $49.95 for its CA-AntiVirus 2010 software, which covers three PCs.

8:    A 3G wireless data card forever solves the problem of having to find a hotel with broadband by using mobile phone networks to access the Internet. Internode sells 3G data cards for $99-$149 and its entry-level 3G data plan, which I use, costs $14.95 a month.

7:    chumby is a quirky-looking wireless device that displays useful streamed applications, such as weather forecasts, news updates and even Internet radio stations on its 3.5-inch screen. Our appreciating dollar has seen its price drop from $349 to $199.

6:    Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a venerable application that turns your words into text. Once trained, it’s a great way to digitally record your thoughts without touching a keyboard. Nuance is currently selling DNS v10 for $64.95, half its RRP of $129.95.

5:    iPhone TomTom app: The marriage of my beloved iPhone with another favourite device, the Tomtom GPS, is a winner - if your battery can hack it. TomTom’s Aussie maps cost $99.95 from the iPhone’s AppStore.

4:    Kaiser Baas’ PhotoMaker ($129.95) digitises 35mm slides and negatives. Powered by a USB cable, it’s quick and easy to set up, scans film effortlessly and, unlike my Canon scanner, actually does the job it claims.

3:    System Mechanic 9 ($79.95) is a PC tune-up program that makes my lethargic Vista notebook function at least adequately, which is a lot better than before.

2:    Bosch’s PLR30 laser rangefinder applies technology where it is really needed, doing jobs around the home. This electronic tape measure gauges distances up to 30 metres as well as calculating areas and room volumes. Topping $200, it’s a big ticket item for the gift basket, but I reckon it’s worth every cent (and the undying affection of whoever you give it to).

1:    A sub-$100 digital radio from Kaiser Baas. With audio quality redolent of the tinny tranny sounds that echoed through the 70s, this little black unit automatically scans digital frequencies for available digital and FM channels.

Its green backlit screen displays the station name, time and – best of all - the name and performer of the currently playing song. This feature solves the problem created by FM radio’s discovery of sexual puns and slack back-announcing of the resultant four-plays: For me, that makes this $98 digital transistor the best Christmas gift of 2009.

So happy shopping and eating until we catch up again in 2010!

* John Harris is managing director of Impress Media Australia, which provides PR services for Internode. Email jharris@impress.com.au

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