2010 Gadget Gift-Giving Guide

LED TV Simplified
New from Mitsubishi, the all-in-one Unisen Immersive Sound LED TV was designed to make living with it easy, from installation to moving it around to different arrangements. Its functionality, durability, ease-of-use and sleek design is offers cinema-quality viewing in the home, without requiring wires, clutter and holes in the walls. The TV combines the superior picture performance of LED with unparalleled sound technology, providing consumers with a complete sensory experience that captivates consumers. Plus, LED screens use less energy than either LCD or Plasmas. Key features of this product include immersive sound technology, integrated wireless internet, StreamTV(tm), which gives viewers access to an extensive library of high-quality entertainment and social media content, Bluetooth Audio Streaming and is EnergyStar 4.0 qualified. From $1,399 (www.mitsubishi-tv.com/unisen.html)

Mobile Tech for the Maybach Set?
If you’re adamant about having only the most glamorous fashion accessories, then the Vertu Constellation Quest will surely fit in your Hermes handbag. The most expensive hand-constructed smart phones in the world, the Constellation Quest features a full QWERTY keypad and screen that are made of genuine sapphires, a hand-stitched black or pink leather case, and a flawless ceramic and either gold or stainless steel siding. Each phone is built in England and takes two days to craft. The Constellation Quest also includes premier customer services, such as an enhanced Vertu Concierge service that users can access via a dedicated key on the phone to connect by phone or email to a “lifestyle manager” who can accommodate travel arrangements, dinner reservations, theater tickets and other offerings. $7,900 (www.vertu.com)

JUST THE APPS, PLEASE

CARbonga
The first-ever iPhone app designed to read both a car's key safety components such as its anti-lock brakes, air bags, safety-restraint systems and a whole lot more, CARbonga is the ultimate mobile maintenance app. The program includes more than 2,000 On-Board Diagnostic codes for vehicle emissions and other engine problems, then translates them into easily understood language without the cost or hassle of visiting a mechanic. The system works with almost all cars 1996 or newer. $4.99 (www.itunes.com/apps/carbonga)

WeatherBug
The most popular weather desktop app is also available for mobile devices, including iPhones, Androids, Blackberry and Palm OS. He It offers the largest network of professional weather stations in the world, so whether you’re roaming the country, a globetrotting adventurer or just wondering about the weekend, WeatherBug will help keep you advised. Basic version is free, subscriptions also available. (www.weatherbug.com)

Be Put
When you’re on the go, the Be Put app makes it easy to send your location to family and friends. Users can quickly and easily send location and recipient-customized driving directions, with a secure “FindMe” key keeps your location between you and the person you’re sending it to. $0.99 (www.itunes.com/apps/beput)

Car Care & Roadside Emergencies
The holidays are often filled with road trips, either across country to grandmother’s house, or running countless shopping trips. Combine that with the cold winter weather, and you realize the importance of making sure your car won’t fail you while you’re on the road. The $2.99 Car Care app for iPhones and iPods give you an easy way to track vehicle maintenance and other information, helping keep it prepared for the winter season. There’s also the free iGAAUGE app from AAMCO. Free - $2.99. (www.itunes.com/apps)

Waze
Waze is a social mobile application that enables drivers to build and use real-time road intelligence. The service includes constantly-updated road maps, alerts on traffic and accidents, and data providing users with the fastest route to get to wherever they need to go. Map and traffic updates are automatically collected and generated as users drive with Waze activated, but drivers can also actively report and update other users with what's happening on the road. Free. (www.itunes.com/apps/waze)

Shazam
In the car for hours and can’t figure out the song playing on the radio? When you hear a song and wonder what it is, Shazam is there with the answer. Hold your iPhone to the music and within seconds Shazam will tell you the artist and track name. You can even download the song through iTunes on your iPhone. $3.99 (www.itunes.com/apps/shazam)