Contrary to popular belief, plenty of high-quality camcorders -- even HD ones -- are available for less than $500. We test drove a bunch of them, and discovered that we liked some better than others. You can check out our top picks in the video above, and our list of favorites includes a range of recording formats including Mini-DV, flash memory, DVD and hard drive-based.

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As far as computer ports go -- and technologies in general -- USB has got to be the friendliest. Not only does it lovingly accept almost any kind of gadget imaginable, it also generously parcels out power to those gadgets so that they don't need to be plugged into a wall. As a result, it's quickly become the de facto interface for our printers, scanners, digital cameras, iPods, thumb drives and every other techno-majig we've come to rely on. However, this ubiquity and good will has led to the misuse of the USB port, which is increasingly being used to juice products that have no business being connected to a computer. In the following pages, you'll find the 10 dumbest miscarriages of the USB port we could find. These doodads are either the hilarious joke gifts for the right person, or useless wastes of plastic and metal that will go right into your gift recipient's trash bin.


Thanko USB Ashtray
Do you smoke at your desk? Do you often mix up which Red Bull can you're drinking from and which one you're ashing into? Then, it's a lucky thing there's this $16.50 ashtray, which employs a USB-powered motor to suck up the smoke from your nicotine log. Once it hoovers in your smog, the ashtray passes the smoke through two built-in filters to keep your workspace from being damaged by the very same toxins and poisons you're brutalizing your insides with.

Every day, the gadgets we use become smaller, more portable, and more valuable. Unfortunately, this increase in convenience also raises the appeal of these devices to potential thieves. Here, Switched presents tips to avoid becoming a theft victim for the five common gadgets, as well potential ways to recover your property if it's stolen. And no, we're not recommending using a taser for any of them.



iPods

Since iPods and other audio players are valuable, don't require subscriptions to use, and lack built-in theft deterrents, they're very popular for thieves. Major cities have begun cautioning commuters, like New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority, which released a poster reminding subway riders that "Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device." In San Francisco, iPod robberies on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system accounted for 23% of the increase in citywide robbery from 2004 to 2006.

How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

• Switch out the headphones. The standard white iPod buds make you an obvious target for anyone who specifically wants the generally-more-coveted iPod or iPhone, so go for something less expensive looking.
• Conceal it. Avoid clipping your audio player onto your belt, which not only looks dorky, but also makes it much easier for robbers to grab than if it were hidden inside your clothing. As an alternative, go for an armband or something that secures it to your body.
• Be careful where you take it. Schools and subways are common areas for these kinds of thefts.
• Install tracking software, such as GadgetTrak. When connected to a computer, the software on your stolen device sends all the robber's computer information, including username, ISP, network address and more back to the company, which can very well lead to recovery.
• Never leave it unattended, anywhere. Duh.

Every day, the gadgets we use become smaller, more portable, and more valuable. Unfortunately, this increase in convenience also raises the appeal of these devices to potential thieves. Here, Switched presents tips to avoid becoming a theft victim for the five common gadgets, as well potential ways to recover your property if it's stolen. And no, we're not recommending using a taser for any of them.



iPods

Since iPods and other audio players are valuable, don't require subscriptions to use, and lack built-in theft deterrents, they're very popular for thieves. Major cities have begun cautioning commuters, like New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority, which released a poster reminding subway riders that "Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device." In San Francisco, iPod robberies on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system accounted for 23% of the increase in citywide robbery from 2004 to 2006.

How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

• Switch out the headphones. The standard white iPod buds make you an obvious target for anyone who specifically wants the generally-more-coveted iPod or iPhone, so go for something less expensive looking.
• Conceal it. Avoid clipping your audio player onto your belt, which not only looks dorky, but also makes it much easier for robbers to grab than if it were hidden inside your clothing. As an alternative, go for an armband or something that secures it to your body.
• Be careful where you take it. Schools and subways are common areas for these kinds of thefts.
• Install tracking software, such as GadgetTrak. When connected to a computer, the software on your stolen device sends all the robber's computer information, including username, ISP, network address and more back to the company, which can very well lead to recovery.
• Never leave it unattended, anywhere. Duh.

Car Stereos

Even if you're not carrying a GPS unit, chances are you still have a stereo system in your car. While stereo theft is down due to the variety in models and sizes, custom decks, speakers, and other equipment are still prime for theft – thanks a lot, 'Pimp My Ride' – due to their high value.

How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

• Always remove the faceplate, if applicable. Take it with you or lock it somewhere else, like the trunk – many people leave them in the glove compartment, which does little to deter theft.
• Use security codes. Certain stereos come with a pin number that must be entered before the unit will work. Without knowing it, the stereo is useless to criminals.
• Get a loud car alarm. Yes, the neighbors will hate you, but you can minimize the noise complaints by placing stickers in your windows advertising that you have one.
• Log serial numbers for everything. It'll make it easier to track your device once it gets back on the market.
  
• Park in well-lit areas. Thieves are less likely to break in to a car that can be seen by everyone.
• Get a head unit that hides itself. The JVC El Kameleon is a car stereo that retracts its controls and blacks out its LCD display when the power is off, making it hard for criminals to see.

GPS Devices

The gadget that has seen one of the largest increases in theft the portable GPS system. Small, valuable, and easy to spot in unattended vehicles, these devices are getting snatched up because they're often easy to resell for around $100 a piece. Many of them are resold in secondhand electronics stores, sometimes in contraband packaging as new or slightly used. In fact, many areas are reporting over 100% increases in the amount of stolen GPS systems. Montgomery County, Maryland even had an increase of 328%, from 189 in 2006 to 620 in 2007.

Hot to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

• Remove the device as well as the mount each time you park. The mounts serve as notice to criminals that the device is most likely in the car.
• Use a friction mount rather than a suction cup mount. Suction cup mounts leave an obvious smudge on your windshield and are more difficult to remove and reattach.
• If you insist on using suction cups, try to wipe away the ring residue on the glass.
• Again, GadgetTrak offers software for this.
• Record your serial number and use a password. Not highly effective, but it can help.
• Don't leave your windows open. Do we need to repeat that?
• Car alarms. No brainer.
• Go old school and buy a road map.

Cell Phones

Whether it's because of theft or drunken stupidity, finding yourself phoneless can cause big trouble. It's estimated that 600,000 phones will be lost or stolen in a year, and there have been several cases of people footing the bill for unauthorized calls. Unlike credit card issuers, cell phone companies may still hold you responsible for charges made after a theft, leading to some unfortunate cases where victims were liable for thousands of dollars in charges, even after they proved they didn't make the calls. It's all in the contract's fine print, so be careful.

How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

• Use a password. Sure, it might be annoying to punch it in every time you want to use the phone, but how many times do you need to hear "better safe than sorry" before you believe it?
• Be wary of insurance. Wireless companies insure the device, not account activity.
• Report it missing immediately. When your company says your phone is disabled, make sure to record all of the representative's information and mark down when exactly the call occurred. Occasionally, phones aren't turned off, and you're still billed. Having this information will help you set the record straight more efficiently.
  
• GadgetTrak, again. The company uses the same technology for phones that connect to computers via USB. If an unauthorized SIM card is placed in the phone, the software sends a text message to predetermined numbers telling you the new phone number and subscriber information.
• Call the police. It makes it official and can occasionally lead to retrieval, but only do so if you're positive it was stolen. If you retrieve it later, the phone can't be reactivated once the police have the serial number flagged.

Laptops

Now that laptops are smaller and more popular with both home and business users, they're increasingly in danger of being stolen. Even worse, they're rarely recovered – Safeware, an insurance company specializing in computers, estimates 5% of laptops will be stolen within 12 months of purchase and only 3% of those will be returned.

How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

• Record your serial numbers. Many people don't and it's crucial in retrieving stolen goods.
• Buy a lock. They're so cheap and available that it's inexcusable not to own one. They're also conspicuous deterrents for thieves.
• Use complex passwords for everything, so that thieves at least can't get into your personal information or bank accounts.
• Attach a business card to your laptop to aid recovery, you know, in case the thief leaves the laptop in some ditch.
• Get it insured from a company like Safeware or your home insurance provider.
• Encrypt and back up your data. Machines are replaceable but your files may not be and can make the theft that much worse.
• Again, install tracking software or access blocking software. Remote Laptop Security lets you block access to specific files from anywhere, which comes in handy for sensitive information. Companies like LoJack and GadgetTrak can even locate your computer based on its internet use.

Kenny G is an institution of music. He has sold over 75 million records over 25 years and has earned Grammy, American Music, Soul Train, World Music, and NAACP Image awards. He even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

So what's he doing talking to us at Switched? Clearly, he's a BlackBerry addict.

Read on to hear about his love of all things Blackberry. In the meantime, his new album Rhythm & Romance comes out on February 5 on Starbucks Entertainment and Concord Records. This new one is chock-full of Latin Love songs, just in time for Valentine's Day. Get ordering, romantics!

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set/studio (for down-time?)

My blackberry

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have the BlackBerry Curve. I love the sound of the speakerphone, I love the instant Blackberry messanger. I don't like the fact that the letters are a little too close together. Also the great thing about Blackberry is that you can make up your own abbreviations for whatever you want so it's really convenient to text someone directions, address info etc...because you only have to type it once and you can call it up whenever you want to.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

To George Lopez telling him I was dancing with his wife!

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

MyYahoo..to check my stocks.

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

I want them all to be faster!

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my BlackBerry could take movies so I could email the video to anyone I want.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I'm cool with what I have.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring? (Give reason why.)

I'd bring my Blackberry. It pretty much does everything. Although it can't do what my saxophone can!!

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

A new Trumpet player named Joe Gransden. He is going to be a superstar.

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

BlackBerry

Are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?

No way. The flat screen stinks for texting fast. I've got super fast fingers and I need something that I can fly on when I text.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I'm not into video games.

Do you use/have a Mac or PC? Why?

I use Mac because I use pro tools for recording and a Mac is necessary for using this program.

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Robots are everywhere. Especially at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show last week. But here's the good news -- you'll be able to buy many of the robots you'll see talking, posing, and rolling around in the above exclusive Switched video. Check it out.

Sharp's prototype 52-inch LCD-TV is just 1.1-inch thick! We're serious when we say thin is in this year at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Pioneer unveiled the world's thinnest plasma TV on Sunday. It's only .9-inches thick, which makes it thinner than an iPhone! Unfortunately, this 50-incher is still only a prototype, but Pioneer promises high-contrast and stunning, warm plasma-esque pictures when it comes out next year.

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Perfect for aesthetes, Sharp's 52-inch prototype LCD-TV is motorized, and gracefully slides up when you want to watch TV, and down (and out of sight into the hot red media console) when the TV is off.

This Samsung 3D-ready plasma display lets you and a cool pair of goggles experience some crazy in-depth TV enjoyment. Remember you're not actually in the display -- just watching.