If you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, I certainly don't envy you.  But fear not, Generation: Gamerz is here with the final part of our last minute shopping guide.  Considering, that most retailers are open tomorrow, some even late, this could really come in handy.

TurboGoat's Picks

Port Authority 2 USB 2.0/Firewire IEEE 1394 Combo Hub

  Eveyone has the problem of not enough USB ports for the ever expanding offerings of peripherals.  In addition to that I have a unique need for both multi USB and  IEEE 1396 (FireWire) ports.  I am building an audio production studio in my basement and to accomodate the 4 computers I require and the need for quiet during recording I am building a technology closet.

The closet will house my server, workstation, and two computers that work in concert to run a sophisticated radio station Automation program.  The geography of the studio requires having peripherals located at my workstation which sits next to my Alesis Mulitimix12 FireWire 12 Channel audio board.  Since the board connects to the workstation via FireWire it creates the unique need for a combination hub such as Cables to Go's Port Authority 2 USB 2.0/Firewire IEEE 1394 Combo Hub.

To finish the setup I'll go to the local electronics shop where they will make some custom length USB and FireWire cables to make the 10-15 foot run from the workstation to the closet.

Electronic Flight Bag

This is a wish list item for my boss to fulfill.  In low visibility and clouds flight crews must use what are called instrument approches to align the aircraft with the runway.  Depending on the number of runways, an airport may have anywhere from 3 to 20 of these procedures that have been carefully engineered for safety.  The procedures up until this point have been depicted on instrument approach plates, which are thin pieces of paper held in a binder.  There are appoximately 10 thousand airports in the US with instrument approaches which means the airplanes I fly carry around ten binders worth of paper.  In addition,the information on these plates change constantly which means every two weeks you get a thick packet of updates which you must find and individually replace in these binders.

The Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to the resuce.  Though not in widespread use, the EFB is starting to take up residence in more and more cockpits.  The one my company is considering is the FG-1610 from Advanced Data Research.  It is a tablet computer that depicts the plates without all the binders and paper.  Plus, the updates are electronic, which save a ton of time.

TheGirl's Picks

Replica Master Sword from Ocarina of Time

I’m a swordfighter, for those who don’t know.  Trained in broadsword and small sword.  I’m also a Zelda fan.  I can’t really say anything more.  Because I’m drooling too much to make sense.  But seriously… $3,300 for a sword like that?  I had darn well be good next year so Santa will get it for me.

Zachary Quinto

Sylar from Heroes.  Because really, bad guys like this are just irresistible.

Oh come on, you wanted me to be honest, and I am female!  Though I don’t think he’s actually for sale.  That would be illegal (in every state EXCEPT Nevada.  Seriously; look it up).  And if he’s not available…Alan Tudyk.  It’s Wash from Firefly.  Need I say more?

FarmerDave's Picks 

The Orange Box (PC-DVD)

I love Half-Life and have played it for countless hours. I remember when I first took on the role of Gordon Freeman, and marveling at how completely different the gameplay was compared to the other games that I had played.  And after playing the flash-based version of Portal, I’m even more excited to get my hands on this game.

Caffeine Junkie Sampler

Hey, lets face it: if I get any one of the items on my Christmas list, you can bet that I will be playing games constantly for the first 48 hours or more.  An old man like me needs a little help staying awake, and this would be just the thing.  My favorite form of caffeine is coffee, rich, dark and guaranteed to keep you going for hours, but I’d love to try the other items in this package!

CigDangle's Picks

Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control

Finally, I have the entertainment center of my dreams: three videogame consoles, a 46" LCD 1080p television, 6.1 Dolby Digitial, and a Blu-ray player.  There is only one problem, not counting the game controllers, I have five remote controls.  Yes, five.

Not only that, but my TV is so new, that the universal capabilities of my DVR remote control will not work with my television.  It is fristrating to say the least.  Disappointingly, Logitch, nor any other universal remote control manufacturer has yet included bluetooth capabilites (so I can control my PlayStation 3), but they do offer downloadable updates so the remote will work with any new devices, including my Xbox 360!

Mitsubishi HC1500 720p DLP Home Theater Projector

Yes, I have a 46-inch television, but I would still love this.  At least once a year, I have need of a projector during a 50-Hour trivia marathon in which I participate.

Granted, I probably don't need a 720p version just to project some text on a wall, and I could probably just rent or borrow one, but it would be nice.  After all, if you are going to do something, do it right and buy the best!

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: