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Audio/Video, Editor's Picks, TV, Home Audio, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

5 Holiday-Themed Blu-ray Discs

by Tom Samiljan (RSS feed) — Dec 24th 2008 at 7:02PM

christmas story

So you're either giving, or you're about to receive, an HDTV and want something to keep the whole family busy this holiday? Well, you're in luck (sort of), since HD versions of some holiday classics have started to make their way onto Blu-ray discs. Surprisingly, there isn't much in the way of TV classics like 'Rudolf, the Red Nose Reindeer' or 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' but here are five solid holiday movies that will feel brand new in stunning 1080p high-definition.


'A Christmas Story'
Sure, this classic about the cute, bespectacled kid who wants a rifle from Santa is played over and over on TV every Christmas, but not in full, 1080p HD, which is why you'd want to invest in the Blu-ray disc. The release also includes commentary by director Bob Clark and Peter Billingsley (who played 'Ralphie'), a documentary on the 20th anniversary of the film, script pages, and, of course, the de rigueur trailer. A limited edition version comes in a retro cookie box and is big enough to wrap, making it a decent last-minute gift.

'Home Alone'
Finally on Blu-ray, this 1990 John Hughes classic starring Macaulay Culkin as the kid that gets left behind by his parents on their way to a Christmas vacation includes a load of (unfortunately SD) extras, including deleted scenes, bloopers, where the stars of the movie are now clips, and a brand-spanking new 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack.

'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Tim Burton's creepy Christmas tale – an Dia-de-los-Muertos-esque musical featuring sons by Danny Elfman – came out on Blu-ray earlier this year and looks stunning in HD. The remastered 7.1 soundtrack also breathes new life into the movie. Extras galore include everything from the previous DVD releases of the movie, as well as new content such as re-edited and new commentary by Burton, the original poem that inspired the movie, and D-Box code, which works with D-Box motion simulators that you can attach to your chair or couch (and annoy neighbors).

'Fred Claus'
The 'Wedding Crashers' director David Dobkin's humorous tale of Santa Claus's less accomplished brother (played by Vince Vaughan). While it's not quite a classic, it is funny. The Blu-ray release includes the usual extras such as director commentary, interviews with cast members, and a nice looking HD picture and 5.1 surround soundtrack.

'Elf'
Will Ferrell plays an oversized human adopted by Santa's elves who figures out he's not like the rest of them and heads down to New York. Bob Newhart is deadpan funny as Ferrell's elf Dad. The Blu-ray release includes directory commentary, a funny making of featurette with Will Ferrell, and generous deleted scenes and bloopers.

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Tags: blu-ray, hgg-50, hgg-mediahound, hggfeatures, hggnews, holiday, holiday movies, HolidayMovies, movies

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Advice, Editor's Picks, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

15 Last-Minute Gift Ideas

by Chad Mumm (RSS feed) — Dec 24th 2008 at 5:50PM

last-minute gifts

Do you need a last minute gift? End of the year office hassles, final exams, NFL playoffs, 'Fallout 3'... excuses abound, but fortunately so do last minute gift options. Here's a quick roundup of 15 late Hail Mary gifts. To make our list, each gift has to be available on December 25, so you ultimate procrastinators out there can hurriedly hobble together something before the turkey hits the oven.

Tags: gifts, hgg, hggfeatures, hggnews, last-minute gifts, Last-minuteGifts

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Slideshows, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Top Holiday eCards for Last-Minute Greetings

by Lee Bains (RSS feed) — Dec 18th 2008 at 12:25PM



If you're one of those holiday-card-sending types and you haven't sent anything out yet, you'd better hurry. Luckily, you no longer have to worry about the U.S. Postal Service actually delivering your mail on time, since plenty of instantly sendable, online e-cards are now available for you to choose from. Click through the gallery below to see the 12 we liked best: Some are humorous, some are religious, some are sentimental, but all of them are free or dirt-cheap and can get to their recipients in as much time as it takes to send an e-mail. If you don't find what you're looking for, take a look at our previous e-card favorites.

Top eCards of the Season

    Interactive Advent Calendar
    Lest we forget what Christmas is really about, the folks at Cross Daily present the Interactive Advent Calendar e-card. Each week in December, when clicked, offers up a Christmas-oriented reading from scripture.

    Lee Bains

    Christmas Story Memories
    If you're like us, you know the Holidays have really started once 'A Christmas Story' begins to dominate the cable airwaves. And, if you're like us, this e-card's clips from that classic movie will really put you in the spirit of the season.

    Lee Bains

    Santa's Map Game
    Show us somebody that doesn't like Santa and doesn't like games, and we'll be sure they get a lump of coal in their stocking. Putting Santa's destroyed map back together in a mere three minutes is tougher than expected.

    Lee Bains

    Can't Wrap This
    Probably the pride and joy of this year's collection, this e-card features a full-length Christmas parody of MC Hammer's 'Can't Touch This.' Timely? No. Brilliant? Yes.

    Lee Bains

    Make Yer Own Cards!
    If you're more of the creative type, and don't want to be boxed in when it comes to your e-card ideas, use these 'e-card toys' to draw your own e-card graphic or manipulate your favorite Holiday photos.

    Lee Bains

    Hipster E-Cards
    Are you, between your yoga classes and latte drinking, too busy to go and buy a regular greeting card? Then slide your hipster self over to this site, where you can design your own snarky e-card, or -- if you're a real slacker -- pick a ready-made one.

    Lee Bains

    Three Wise Guys (AOL)
    Call us slow, but, back when we read St. Matthew's account of the three wise men from the East, we never thought he was referring to east Jersey.

    Lee Bains

    Hallelujah Chorus
    Although this e-card isn't free, it does feature poignant photographs of Christmas landscapes and, most importantly, a glorious rendition of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.

    Lee Bains

    Clip from 'A Cosmic Christmas'
    Okay, so we know it's not an e-card, but, just in case you're not into the whole greeting card thing (and happen to appreciate the 70s' finest pop culture psychedelia), this clip from the classic Christmas special should be right up your alley. Peep the Christmas aliens and the gingerbread man sprouting out of Paw's pipe.

    Lee Bains

    Colbert Christmas Yule Log
    This isn't an e-card either, but it is, as are most of Stephen Colbert's offerings, hilarious. Cozy up to the hearth and marvel at that strange-looking piece of firewood.

    Lee Bains


Tags: e-cards, e-mail, expire-images2009-12-18, features, hggfeatures, holiday, holiday e-cards, HolidayE-cards, sllideshow, top, web

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Audio/Video, Top Lists, TV, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Best HDTVs Under $1000

by Switched Staff (RSS feed) — Dec 17th 2008 at 6:49PM



We hate to say it, particularly since you're probably trying to save money, but now is a pretty good time to buy an HDTV. Prices have never been lower for televisions of every shape, size, and technology. In fact, you can get an HDTV for less than $300, which is finally getting close to what a TV should cost. That said, if you're a movie watcher and have a big enough room, then we'd recommend spending a bit more for something in the 42-to-50-inch range. Guess what? You can still find some great TVs in that size for less than $1,000. So, in order of ascending price, take a look at our picks for best TVs under $1,000. [If you're looking for an explanation of all those TV and tech terms, make sure to take a look at 5 Things to Consider Before Buying an HDTV]. Don't forget to check out our slideshow of additional runner-up HDTV's under $1,000 at the end.

Tags: features, hdtv, hgg-1000, hgg-mediahound, hggfeatures, top

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Audio/Video, Switched Video, Reviews, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Hands-on: iMuffs Wireless Headphones

by Chad Mumm (RSS feed) — Dec 9th 2008 at 12:30PM

A recent late night flight back to New York was a great opportunity to test out the new iMuffs MB220 Bluetooth headset ($150) from Wi-Gear. The MB220 links with your iPod, iPhone, or Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The built-in music and volume controls allow you to stash your music player away while you listen wirelessly, which can be a space-saver when crammed into the tiny back rows of a 737.

In compliance with the FAA, we didn't have the chance to test out the built in microphone and make some calls, but that important feature is available should you need it. Unfortunately, we had to take our iPod out of its case to connect the Bluetooth transmitter. With the device stashed under the seat it wasn't a problem but we'd like to see the dongle put on a diet on future iterations of these headseats.

Tags: bluetooth, hgg, hggfeatures, hggnews, hggtraveler, imuffs, travel

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BlackBerry, Switched Video, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Which New BlackBerry Should You Get?

by Tom Samiljan (RSS feed) — Dec 4th 2008 at 2:01PM


It's an exciting time for BlackBerry aficionados, thanks to the recent release of two new models that are radical departures from anything manufacturer RIM has ever offered before. The BlackBerry Storm, which incorporates the first BlackBerry touchscreen (heresy according to some fans who feel that a real QWERTY keyboard is the essence of BlackBerrys); and the BlackBerry Pearl Flip, which is RIM's first clamshell-style flip phone.

We can't tell you how many of our 'Berry-lovin' friends and colleagues have asked whether they should get the Flip or the Storm, so we made a little video outlining the pros and cons of each, which we hope will help make the decision easier.

One thing we forgot to mention: Unlike the Storm, the Flip has built-in Wi-Fi, which means you can get fast surfing speeds (and less expensive Internet calls) whenever you're in a Wi-Fi hotspot. Okay, amendment to our video is done. You can watch the video now.

iPhone or BlackBerry?


Tags: BlackBerry Pearl, BlackBerry Storm, BlackberryPearl, BlackberryStorm, hgg250, hggfeatures, Pearl, Storm

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Advice, Editor's Picks, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

15 Ways to Save Money on Gadgets

by Jon Chase (RSS feed) — Nov 27th 2008 at 12:01AM



Getting a good deal on consumer electronics these days often seems akin to trying to time the stock market-you may get lucky every once in a while, but more often than not, it's a fool's errand. Either you find yourself faced with a dodgy no-name dealer who lied about what is actually in stock, or you get upsold by the salesperson at the local big box retailer and end up going home having paid a lot more than you were hoping. That's why we've come up with some time-tested strategies, a few insider tips and a little un-common sense for helping you to avoid buyer's remorse when shopping for gifts this year. Here are the 15 ways we know to get the best possible deal on your most coveted electronics items-hit the comments with any you think we missed.

Tags: features, hggfeatures, money savers, MoneySavers, shopping

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Audio/Video, Advice, Editor's Picks, TV, Slideshows, Home Video, Televisions, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Five Things to Consider Before Buying an HDTV

by Tom Samiljan (RSS feed) — Nov 25th 2008 at 11:37PM



So you want to buy an HDTV? Well, if you're lucky enough to have the cash, then we have some good news. Faced with a glut of unsold televisions, manufacturers and retailers are slashing prices of TVs to previously unheard of levels. This means you can get a perfectly decent flat-panel -- that's right, the sexy thin kind -- for less than $1,000. Of course, more money will still get you thinner, bigger, and better models, but for the first time ever, flat-panel HDTVs are within reach of most folks. The best part is, no matter how much you pay for your new HDTV, you can rest assured that it will be compatible with the digital TV signals that are going to be the norm once the FCC-mandated analog-to-digital switchover takes place early next year. Nevertheless, you'll need to consider a few things before you shell out any cash for a new TV, so take a look at our Five Things to Consider Before Buying an HDTV, which starts by clicking Next below.

Tags: 5 things to consider, 5ThingsToConsider, buying guides, BuyingGuides, features, five things to consider, FiveThingsToConsider, hggfeatures

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Editor's Picks, Top Lists, Slideshows, Holiday Gift Guide 2008, Holiday Gift Guide

12 Classic Gadgets You Can Still Buy

by Jon Chase (RSS feed) — Nov 11th 2008 at 7:18PM


In an era when fanboys start throwing tantrums if the iPod hasn't been updated in a couple months, and new cellphone models hit the store every week, we find comfort in tech that is made to last long enough to get a little dusty. Granted, that's increasingly harder to do, what with the explosion of new digital technologies in the past few decades and that pesky Moore's Law breathing down engineers' collective necks. But it's still possible. We've collected the dozen greatest gadgets of the ages that were built right the first time and therefore continue to stand the test of time. All of them are still available for purchase as new products today, most completely unchanged or only minimally so since when they were first introduced -- and the oldest one is over 100 years old. Hit the comments section up with any others you think we missed!

Tags: classics, features, hgg, hggfeatures, top

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Video Games, Editor's Picks, Reviews, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Does 'LittleBigPlanet' Live Up to the Hype?

by Tim Stevens (RSS feed) — Nov 9th 2008 at 4:09PM

Hype Check: 'LittleBigPlanet'

'Little Big Planet'

What it is: 'LittleBigPlanet' is rather unlike anything else you've experienced on a video game console. It's Sony's hope to bring alternative gamers to the PlayStation 3 (PS3) this holiday season, and is a wonderfully charming game to boot. From a purely gameplay perspective, it's an evolution of the fairly standard side-view run-and-jump style games (like the old 'Super Mario Bros.') way back in the day. No two levels are alike, largely because the entire game is all about expressing creativity, whether it be customizing your character to look exactly as you like, or building your own level from scratch to be exactly how you want it.

Or, if you're not feeling so creative, you can just download the levels made by others online, or play through those that ship on the disc with the game. There's no real plot here, and no real point either except to do whatever you want -- and have fun, of course. It's all wrapped in a lovely hand-made aesthetic that includes characters who appear to have been stitched from burlap and the levels composed of cardboard and styrofoam. It looks fantastic, but that hand-made feel goes well beyond looks.

Why it's different: 'LittleBigPlanet' is at the forefront of a new movement in video games that focuses on user-generated content. In this case, that means that anyone who buys the game can create their own levels and post them online to play. In fact, all the levels that are included with the game for playing offline could also be re-created through the game's unique level editor tool.

What we like: While most level editors are imposing and technical things full of menus that take hours and hours to begin to figure out, LBP's level editor is an intuitive cinch. Creating levels is actually a fun thing, driven by your character who floats around on a blank template, dropping blocks here and creating obstacles there -- all at your direction, of course.

You can even get a bunch of friends (either sitting next to you or online) in there to create levels with you, helping you out to build that giant roller-coaster level. In fact, the entire game is very multiplayer-friendly, supporting up to four players online or offline to run through any level. The controls are simple (run, jump, and grab are really all you need to worry about) and the little sack characters so undeniably cute (little beggars with big grins and burlap textures donning top hats and goofy clothes), that it's hard to imagine anyone not wanting to have a go at it.

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Tags: features, gift guide, GiftGuide, gifts, hggfeatures, hype check, HypeCheck, littlebigplanet, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, sony, user generated content, UserGeneratedContent

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Computers, Editor's Picks, Switched Video, Reviews, Laptops, Notebooks, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Top 3 Travel Laptops (Video)

by Tom Samiljan (RSS feed) — Oct 20th 2008 at 1:30PM


Traveling isn't what it used to be, particularly now that you have to whip out your laptop at security checks. (We also can't stand the tight spaces in economy class that make opening a laptop fully on a tray table to work all but impossible.) Luckily, nearly all computer manufacturers are pulling out the stops and creating super-compact, ultra-thin laptops that are aimed specifically at travelers, yet don't necessarily skimp on some high-tech specs. Take a look at the above video for three of our favorites.....

Tags: features, hggfeatures, laptops, travel

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Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, Google, Switched Video, Reviews, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Is the G1 Google Phone Worth the Hype? (Hands-on Review)

by Tom Samiljan (RSS feed) — Oct 16th 2008 at 12:01AM



HYPE CHECK: T-Mobile G1

What it is: The T-Mobile G1, a.k.a. the Android "Google" phone.

Why it's different: The G1 is the first phone to debut the Android operating system for mobile phones, which is Google's entree into the cell phone space (and an attempt to go head-to-head with the iPhone, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile phones). This means it's essentially a newfangled smart phone that's optimized for Google functions such as Gmail, Google search, and Google Chat, but will still work with your other favorite e-mail (though not Microsoft Exchange) and IM programs. It also has a unique combination keyboard, touchscreen, and jog dial interface for getting maneuvering around and controlling stuff that rarely leaves you in the lurch, control-wise. The G1 is just the first phone in what Google hopes will be a boatload of new Android-based handsets.

What we like: It has a nice, big and wide screen, which makes watching YouTube videos and editing photos (yes, you can do basic edits like cropping photos with a tap and slide of your fingers on the touchscreen) easy on the eyes. Ditto browsing the Web with the browser that accurately calls up most Web sites (minus those with Flash videos or animations). It also has a full-fledged keyboard that's uncovered by sliding out the swiveling front screen, which makes texting and e-mailing an easy process (especially compared to the iPhones overrated and clumsy touchscreen keyboard). This comes in especially handy for instant-messaging (IM), which is easy on the G1 since you can keep all your favorite IM programs (AIM, Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, and MSN Messenger) open simultaneously (unlike on the one-IM-app-at-a-time iPhone).

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Tags: breaking news, BreakingNews, features, g1, google phone, GooglePhone, hggfeatures, hype check, HypeCheck, new products, NewProducts, t-mobile

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Cell Phones, Editor's Picks, BlackBerry, Reviews, Holiday Gift Guide 2008, BlackBerry 101

BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Worth the Hype? (Hands-on Review)

by Tom Samiljan (RSS feed) — Oct 13th 2008 at 10:49AM


hands-on blackberry pearl flip 8220 hype check


HYPE CHECK: BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220

What it is: It's the first clamshell-style 'flip' handset that runs the much-beloved BlackBerry operating system (OS) for mobile phones.

Why it's different: Thanks to the aforementioned flip design, this BlackBerry looks more like a phone than a smart phone, which will please those who like to do their work (or e-mailing/texting) discreetly. The Pearl Flip is also the first U.S. BlackBerry to feature the latest version of the BlackBerry OS, which has a slick, more cartoonish interface and an improved Web browser that offers a more realistic rendition of Web pages than on previous BlackBerrys, as well as live video streaming from sites like YouTube. Unlike the original Pearl, the 8220 has a built-in camcorder and an improved 2.0 megapixel camera, which can be used to send video- and picture-messages right from the phone.

What we like: For starters, the Flip's clamshell design eliminates the all-to-easy-to-accidentally-dial-your-boss tendency of every other BlackBerry's open keyboard, without making you deal with cumbersome tasks such as locking the keys. Imported from previous Pearls, the SureType feature – a predictive text system that allows the phone to have a traditional QWERTY lineup on a traditional phone keypad – continues to please us more than the T9 system found on most other phones and is still a cut above the iPhone touch-sensitive keyboard. Built-in Wi-Fi not only makes surfing for Web pages, downloading content, and sending video messages faster, but it also saves us money on our monthly cell phone bill because it enables us to use T-Mobile's UMA-based Internet phone service instead of our cell phone minutes whenever we're in a Wi-Fi hotspot. All that said, the main reason we like a BlackBerry in any form is the excellent e-mail service, which is easy-to-use, reliable, and lets you read and respond to your messages even when you're out of range of a signal (something that isn't doable on, say, an iPhone and plenty of other phones). One nice addition to this iteration of the e-mail service is the secondary screen on the front of the phone that flashes new e-mails (along with their contents) as soon as they arrive (then goes back to a sleek analog clock animation). Oh, and it will work easily with your office e-mail, too.

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Tags: bbhub, breaking news, BreakingNews, features, flip phones, FlipPhones, hggfeatures, hype check, HypeCheck, new products, NewProducts, pearl flip, pearl flip 8220, PearlFlip, PearlFlip8220, reviews, smart phones, SmartPhones, t-mobile

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Computers, Advice, Windows Software, Mac Software, Laptops, Peripherals, desktops, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Five Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer

by Terrence O'Brien (RSS feed) — Oct 1st 2008 at 6:20PM





So you're buying a new computer? Well, you're in luck, because there's never been a better time -- they're faster, smaller, and more powerful than ever before, and they don't necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg (in fact, plenty of decent desktops and laptops can be had for less than $500). But should you get a Mac or a PC? Laptop or desktop ? Specs-wise, what difference does having an AMD or Intel processor make? And if you're planning on getting a laptop, how do you make sense of the alphabet soup that is Wi-Fi (802.11a, b, g, n)? Well, dear reader, and potential buyer, Switched is here to help you wade through the spec lists you see on those Sunday circulars and help you make the best of your computer money. Take a look at our crib sheet of five things to consider when picking out your new computer, which starts on the next page, so click below....

Tags: 5 things to consider, 5thingscomputer, 5ThingsToConsider, buying guides, BuyingGuides, features, hggfeatures, top

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Computers, Editor's Picks, Top Lists, Slideshows, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Eight Best Computer Keyboards

by Evan Shamoon (RSS feed) — Sep 5th 2008 at 10:53PM



There's perhaps nothing more essential to a happy computing experience than a great keyboard. Whether your machine is of the desktop or laptop variety, a solid, full-size clacker will make writing papers, designing flyers, or just getting around the Web significantly faster and more comfortable. Some keyboards take the "lighter is better" approach in terms of the keys, while in recent years, "clicky" models, reminiscent of those chunky IBM keyboards of yore, seem to be all the rage with more and more manufacturers. And nothing cleans up a cluttered desktop more than a wireless keyboard. Go with what feels best to you: As with a pair of eyeglasses, you'll be using your keyboard every day, so it's worth an investment. Your hands will thank you.

Tags: features, hggfeatures, keyboards

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