Giftology Holidays 2011
Tech Gift Guide
BOOK IT! The season’s must-have e-readers TEAM STREAM Entertainment without borders GAME ON! Best video games of 2011 PRO CAMERAS FOR NOT-SO-PRO PHOTOGS
JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
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Keeping
Tabs
How to shop for tablets, the ultimate gift for a generation on the go
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Giftology
2011
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Tech Guide
Keeping Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 How to shop for tablets, the ultimate gift for a generation on the go
E-Readers Made Easy! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 The season's must-have e-readers
Top 10 of 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Phones with brains ... and brawn
The Stream Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Entertainment without borders
Game On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Best video games of 2011
Amateur Photogs, Pro Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 iGifts! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 'Pads, 'Pods and 'Phones
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2011
Keeping
Tabs There'snoshortage oftabletsworth puttingintheir handsthisholiday If there's someone on your list who's pining for a shiny new tablet, check out our list of some of the best new devices, how they stack up against the iPad, and which wireless carriers they place nice with. Sony Tablet S
So, there's no Sony PlayStation 4 this year, but there is the Sony Tablet S - the first PlayStation Certified tablet. The Tablet S comes preloaded with PS favorites "Crash Bandicoot" and "Pinball Heroes," with other classic PlayStation titles available for download. The Tablet S, one of the newest devices on the scene, also has the most unique form factor -_a foldedmagazine design the manufac-
Sony Tablet S
turer says fits more comfortably in your hands. The tab, available in 16 GB ($499) and 32 GB ($599) models, runs the latest-greatest Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system, powered by a dual-core 1 GHz processor, and features a 5-MP rear camera and a front-facing web cam. As an e-reader, the Tablet S offers access to more than 2 million titles in the Sony Reader Store. Already got too many devices sitting on the coffee table? A built-in universal remote lets the Tablet S control the TV, Blu-ray player, stereo or cable box - whether it's a Sony product or not. Screen Size: 9.4 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: 1 pound 5 ounces (21 ounces)
Blackberry Playbook
Everyone knows a Blackberry addict; this is the tablet for them. The Playbook _available in 16 GB ($499), 32 GB ($599) and 64 GB ($699) models -_syncs real-time with
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BlackBerry smartphones, so their email, calendar, address book, tasks and documents always are up-to-theminute. The best-in-class 3-MP front-facing camera offers solid
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Before the iPad debuted in early 2010, no one really knew they needed a tablet. But, gosh, how did we ever live without them? Lighter than a laptop with more real estate than a smartphone, tablets have quickly become the go-to device for browsing the web, playing games or simply reading a book - whether on the couch or in a cab. Just like the flurry of smartphones that followed the iPhone, there now is a bevy of tablets from which consumers can choose. They browse, download and multitask at blazing-fast speeds. They snap photos and videos, and they allow users to video chat with anyone, anywhere. And for the ultimate use on the couch, they can even function as a remote control. video-conferencing quality, and the 5-MP rear camera snaps 1080p high-def video. The ultra-portable tab, which can run on Sprint's network, sizes in at just 5.1-by-7.6 inches on the outside but packs major guts on the inside: a dual-core 1 GHz processor plus 1 GB of RAM. Screen Size: 7 inches Resolution: 1024 x 600 Weight: < 1 pound (15 ounces)
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iPad 2
more than 5,000 movies and TV shows, which can be viewed on an HDTV via an HDMI dongle. Amazon's Music Cloud Player and Kindle apps come preloaded, as does the popular social game Words With Friends, ensuring Tab users never need utter, "I have nothing to do." Screen Size: 10.1 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: 1 pound 4 ounces (20 ounces)
Screen Size: 9.7 inches Resolution: 1024 x 768 Weight: 1.33 pounds (21 ounces)
Galaxy Tab 8.9
Samsung Galaxy 10.1
Samsung Galaxy Tab
If you're looking for options, look on further than the Samsung Galaxy Tab. This Android tablet comes in three sizes -_10.1 inches, 8.9 and 7 _and is the only tab to be available on all major wireless networks, if they're in need of a constant Internet connection. Here's a look at the Galaxy universe.
Galaxy Tab 10.1
The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is slightly taller and narrower than the iPad 2 but is equally thin_(or thick, depending on how you look at it). Available in two sizes, 16GB and 32 GB, and two colors, gray and white, the Tab 10.1 is offered as either a Wi-Fi Only model (16GB - $499, 32GB - $599) or a 4G LTE model for Verizon's network (16GB -_$529, 32GB _$629). The Galaxy Tab 10.1 runs Android 3.1 Honeycomb and features a 1 GHz dual-core processor for blazing-fast browsing, gaming and on-thego multitasking. A high-def display delivers crystal-clear picture, whether they're streaming YouTube videos or slingshotting birds at pigs. A 3-MP rear-facing camera snaps photos, and a 2-MP front-facing camera can be used for video conferencing. As for entertainment, the Galaxy 10.1 is a beast. The Samsung Media Hub provides access to
Available in 16GB ($469) and 32GB ($569) models, the Tab 8.9 offers same array of whiz-bang features as the 10.1, just in a slightly smaller package. At around 9-by-6 inches and just a third of an inch thick, the Wi-Fi Only Tab 8.9 packs a gig of RAM and a 1 GHz dual-core processor for ultra-high performance. Like the larger Galaxy Tab, the 8.9 runs Android 3.1 Honeycomb and features 3MP-rear, 2-MP front cameras. Screen Size: 8.9 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: < 1 pound (15.76 ounces)
Galaxy Tab 7
For a truly single-handheld device, the Galaxy Tab 7 eschews the landscape orientation for a portrait design that weighs in at less than 14 ounces and can just an easily be tucked into a coat pocket as it can a bag. And while it doesn't pack quite the guts as it's bigger brethren -_Android 2.2, 1.3-MP front-facing camera the 16GB Tab 7 makes up for it in carrier options. _In addition to the Wi-Fi Only model ($349), the tab is available on all the major wireless networks: AT&T ($549), Sprint ($429), T-Mobile ($399), U.S. Cellular ($599) and Verizon
($499). And with a two-year contract, the price usually lands around $199. Screen Size: 7 inches Resolution: 600 x 1024 Weight: 13.58 ounces
Dell Streak 7
T-Mobile's first 4G tablet, the Dell Streak 7 ($299), like the Galaxy Tab 7, offers just the right stuff for being an ultraproductive, ultrapocketable on-the-go tab: Dell Streak 7 a 1.3-MP front-facing camera for video chat, 5-MP rear-facing camera for snapping photos and recording high-def video, 16 gigs of built-in memory, a 1 GHz processor and Android 2.2, all on a 7-inch display. Screen Size: 7 inches Resolution: 800 x 480 Weight: 17.6 ounces
T-Mobile G-Slate The G-Slate ($699) is T-Mobile's latest 4G tablet, running Android 3.0. The 5-MP rear-facing camera is right on par with many smartphone cameras and can record 1080p high-def video and 3D clips, which can be stored on the device's 32GB of memory and played back on the 8.9-inch high-res display. There's a 2-MP front-facing camera for video chat, and the 1 GHz dual-core processor multitasks games and apps with ease. Screen Size: 8.9 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: 21.9 ounces (c) CTW Features
Motorola Xoom
The Motorola Xoom ($499) is a mobile monster. The tablet, which features a 10.1-inch, high-def widescreen display, features a 1 GHz dual-core processor and runs the Android 3.1 operating system (designed
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specifically for tablets, by the way), making a breeze of browsing, gaming, streaming or video editing. The 5-MP rear-facing camera captures solid stills and records 720p high-def video. It's ready to run on Verizon's 3G or super-speedy 4G LTE network, and a Wi-Fi version can be tethered to U.S. Cellular smartphones. Screen Size: 10.1 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: 24.9 ounces (Wi-Fi), 25.75 (3G)
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Amazon Kindle Fire
E-Readers
Made
Easy
Nothing soothes quite like curling up with a good book. But
with the booming e-reader market, the avid readers on your gift list might soon be curling up with thousands at once. As the popularity of e-readers continues to soar - reports show that 12 percent of adults in the United States own one, up 6 percent from last fall they're sure to be a hit this holiday season. And with plenty of models on the market, choosing the best can be a challenge. Knowing the features and fine-tuning them to what fits their potential owner is the best way to choose. Here are some of the most popular devices on the market and the features that make them stand out.
Kindle Fire & Kindle Touch
The Amazon Kindle is like the iPod of the e-reader category - there are a lot, none are the same, and there always is something new. The latest model, the Kindle Fire ($199) is the first color Kindle, with a 7-inch multitouch display, and it's a lot more than an e-reader. The Wi-Fi device treads into tablet territory with apps, games, music and the new cloud-accelerated Amazon Silk browser. Its 8GB of memory is enough for 80 apps plus either 10 movies or 800 songs or 6,000 books, and Amazon Cloud storage is free for all Amazon content. The Kindle Touch (Wi-Fi, $99) and Kindle Touch 3G ($149) debuted alongside the Fire, offering the same 6-inch display as classic Kindles while eschewing the keyboard for a multitouch interface.
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2011 Nook Color
Barnes & Noble has updated the classic NOOK with the NOOK Color ($249), the market's first full-color e-reader. The 7-inch touch screen allows users to "turn" the pages of their e-book with a swish and a flick, and with 8GB of storage the NOOK Color holds up to 6,000 books at a time, as well as downloadable apps and even magazine subscriptions (all available through the online NOOK store). It also comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, meaning readers can buy books straight from the NOOK itself, no wires required. And with a 2-month battery life, there are no abrupt blackouts in sight.
Sony Reader
Sony's latest e-reader, the Reader Wi-Fi ($149), also is the lightest on the market, weighing just 168 grams. It has a 6-inch screen, holds up to 1,200 titles and has a battery life of three weeks. The Sony Reader Wi-Fi also offers wireless public library access
Kobo e-reader Touch
iriver Story HD
The iriver Story HD ($139) is Google's contribution to the ereading craze. Known for its
iriver Story HD
NOOK Color
to allow users to borrow books directly to the device Harry Potter fans will be especially interested: Sony is offering a promotion with the Wi-Fi that allows buyers one free download of the first "Harry Potter" book in the series via Pottermore, the exclusive online retailer of the "Harry Potter" e-books. Sony's Pocket Edition ($179) is the most portable of its ereader offerings. The Pocket's 5-inch touch screen may be small, but this 5.47-ounce ereader packs a serious punch, carrying up to 1,200 titles and high-speed USB connection capabilities. It's available in both a fun pink color and classic silver.
Choosing an e-reader is the tricky part. Giving it is the fun part. Here are some reminders and tips to help make the gifting process hassle-free and interesting.
If you're buying an e-reader online, look for the gift-wrap option when you check out your items for purchase. Don't skip this step - gift-wrapping means crisp image the e-reader won't get automatquality, the Story can load up ically linked to your online acto 1,500 books at a time and count and the prices won't show weighs just 7.3 ounces. It has a up on the packaging. 6-inch, high-res display, which boasts 63 percent more pixels Fill It Up than the original Story model. An e-reader without e-books is The Story also comes with a like a record player without full-functioning keyboard and vinyl. Luckily, gifting an e-book has six weeks' worth is as easy as clicking a mouse of battery life after a literally. Amazon's Kindle Store single charge. allows gift givers to send e(c) CTW Features books as presents through email. Or let them choose for themselves - most e-reader providers offer gift cards for
50%
Off Entire Store
Giftology - 7
How to Gift an E-Reader Be Sure to 'Gift Wrap'
The Kobo e-reader Touch ($139) is another crisp, simple e-reader, holding up to 30,000 books with expandable microSD memory (1,000-plus without). It comes with a unique soft-quilted back for added comfort while reading and is equipped with builtin Wi-Fi and a USB connection. Available in colors like lilac and blue, and weighKobo E-Reader ing in at Touch 6.5 ounces, the 6-inch display screen and monthlong battery life keep the Kobo Touch in line with its competition. Kobo also offers the Kobo Wireless e-reader that comes pre-loaded with 100 classic reads.
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their online e-book stores. Choose a dollar amount and let recipients shop around for whatever entices them most.
Accessorize
Online e-reader stores usually offer protective skins and covers to keep touch screens clean and scratch-free. If choosing colors makes you nervous, try a power adapter or headphones to complete an e-reader gift bundle. (c) CTW Features
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Top 10 of 2011 Take 10: Top DVDs for the Cable-Free Catching Up With Cable
Don't let those who've cut the cable miss out on their favorite shows. Holiday downtime is perfect for catching
up on some of cables' most popular and critically acclaimed shows. Here are a few of last season's biggest titles, available on DVD and Blu-ray. - Lindsey Romain
1.
Mad Men, Season Four (AMC/Lionsgate) $49.99, DVD and Blu-ray Rizzoli and Isles, Season One (TNT/Warner Home Video) $39.98, DVD True Blood, Season Three (HBO Home Video) $59.99, DVD/$79.98 Blu-ray Dexter, Season Five (Showtime Entertainment) $39.99, DVD and Blu-ray The Walking Dead, Season One (AMC/Lionsgate) $39.99, DVD/$49.99, Blu-ray Entourage, Season Seven
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
(HBO Home Video) $39.98, DVD/$49.99 Blu-ray
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7. 8. 9. 10.
Nurse Jackie, Season Two (Showtime Entertainment) $39.98, DVD and Blu-ray Louie, Season One (FX Network) $39.99, DVD and Blu-ray Weeds, Season Six (Showtime Entertainment) $39.98, DVD and Blu-ray Breaking Bad, Season Three (AMC/Lionsgate) $39.99, DVD
The music business is hurting, but LP vinyl records are back from the neardead. Vinyl has captivated a new generation of music enthusiasts. For the third consecutive year, vinyl record sales increased, selling 2.8 million units, the most since 1991, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Introduce the music lover of the family to a whole new way of listening with one of 2010's top-selling vinyl titles. - Lindsey Romain
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"Brothers," The Black Keys (Nonesuch Records, 2010) $26.98 , two-record set "Contra," Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings, 2010) $14.99 "Thriller," Michael Jackson (Epic Records, 1982) $14.99 "High Violet," The National (4AD, 2010) $19.99 "Teen Dream," Beach House (Sub Pop, 2010) $18 "Valleys of Neptune," The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Legacy Recordings, 2010) $24.98 "The Dark Side of the Moon," Pink Floyd (Harvest Records/Capitol Records, 1973) $18.99 "xx" The xx (Young Turks, 2009) $18.99
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2011
Book Them and Hook Them
In this age of digital technology and toy gadgetry, children may be keener to flip on the TV or shuffle their MP3 player than crack open a book. This holiday season, try reigniting their imagination with the gift of words. Here are some of 2011's award-winning and honor books for young readers. - Lindsey Romain
1. 2. 3.
"Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool (Delacorte Press, $16.99) Newbery Medal "Turtle In Paradise" by Jennifer L. Holm (Random House, $16.99) Newbery Honor "Heart of a Samurai" by Margi Preus (Amulet Books, $15.95) Newbery Honor
4.
"Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night" by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen (Houghton Mifflin, $16.99) Newbery Honor "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia (Amistad, $8.92) Newbery Honor
5.
6.
"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead (Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press, $16.99) Caldecott
7.
Medal
"Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave" by Laban Carrick, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Little, Brown and Company, $11.95) Caldecott Honor "Interrupting Chicken" written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein (Candlewick Press, $16.99) Caldecott Honor "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi (Little, Brown and Company, $17.99) Michael L. Printz Medal "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King (Knopf, $16.99) Michael L. Printz Honor (c) CTW Features
8.
9. 10.
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10 - Giftology Cutting-edge cube: The D-Link Boxee steams movies from Vudu & Netflix.
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TheStreamTeam
All it takes is an Internet connection to turn an ordinary set-top box into an entertainment library that knows no limits. Here are the season's most desired devices By Greg Scoblete CTW Features
There are few things in this world more irritating than paying an oversized cable bill (OK, paying an oversized gas bill comes close). Thankfully, TV fans don't have to suffer the indignity paying a monthly bill for thousands of shows and movies they don't watch. Services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video can deliver the latest movies and TV shows at modest subscription fees over a high-speed Internet connection. These services can land in the living room through a media player/set-top box, a Blu-ray player or even popular gaming
consoles. They use either a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to hook up to a router, and they can multitask, too. In addition to Hollywood fare, they can usually connect to a home network to view digital photos, videos and music on an HDTV.
D-Link Boxee D-Link's Boxee ($199) certainly is the most uniquely designed set-top box on the market. Beyond its cuttingedge design, the Boxee can stream movies from Netflix and Vudu to a TV via an HDMI cable, which is included. It connects to the Internet using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet and supports applications like Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Pandora Internet radio, Vimeo, MLB.com and CNN. When digesting other
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people's content becomes tiring, the Boxee can access digital photos, videos and music stored on a networked computer. When you are at work or on the road, send online videos and TV shows to the Boxee with a "watch later" feature. They'll be ready to play on the TV once it's time to relax. Boxee supports full 1080p high-def video playback and comes with a double-sided remote with standard controls up front and a QWERTY keyboard in the back for easier browsing.
Roku 2
Few media players offer the depth of content that Roku packs into its tiny Roku 2 settop box. Choose from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and Crackle to stream movies and TV. Users can tune into Pandora's Internet radio or watch live sports on several channels (NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS). The Roku 2 is available in three varieties: •_The Roku 2 HD ($59) features built-in Wi-Fi and 720p HD playback. •_The Roku XD ($79) adds the ability to play back 1080p high-definition video content. •_The top-of-the-line Roku 2
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XS ($99) has all the features of the XD, plus built-in Bluetooth to allow wireless gaming with the Roku remote (it's not yet enabled for wireless headphones). A microSD card slot and a USB port are built in for viewing personal digital content. The XS also includes an Ethernet port and a free copy of the popular game Angry Birds.
Sports Authority: The Roku 2 streams live games from MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS
WD Live Hub
For the avid photographer or videographer on your shopping list, the WD Live Hub ($199) combines a streaming set-top box with a built-in 1TB hard drive to offer the best of both media worlds. With a USB port, users can hook up camcorders, cameras and other digital devices to back up files on the Hub. In addition to personal blockbusters, the Hub can stream from Netflix, Hulu Plus, CinemaNow, and Blockbuster on Demand. Other Internet services are available too, including YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and Pandora. The Live Hub can connect to and display digital files from a home
network through an Ethernet connection to a router or via WiFi with an optional wireless USB adapter (around $30).
Sony BDP-S780
Give a Blu-ray disc playback and online movie streaming with Sony's BDP-S780 ($250). This player has built-in Wi-Fi for accessing Sony's Bravia Internet Video service, which includes Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and YouTube, among others. It's ready for a home network with DLNA technology to enable easier wireless hookups and even supports Skype calls (though a web cam is not included). The BDP-S780 is 3D-ready and can upscale DVDs to squeeze every last drop of resolution. Rounding out the feature set is a free app that turns mobile devices (Apple or Android) into a remote control for the player.
Power Up
It's possible to stream high-def video over a Wi-Fi connection, although older 802.11g wireless networks might struggle with the heavy data load. To ensure a smooth stream, new set-top box owners can either upgrade their router to an 802.11n version or make a hard-wired connection to their router using an Ethernet cable. If they can't connect their new media player directly to an
jg-tc.com Internet router using an Ethernet cable, they might consider a Powerline adapter. Netgear's AV 200 adapter kit ($125) lets them establish a high-speed connection from the media player to the router using the electrical wiring in their home. Set up is simple just plug both adapters into a wall outlet and connect one to the router (via Ethernet) and the other to the set-top box (again, via Ethernet).
Video Game Consoles
If there's a gamer on your holiday shopping list, all the major platforms - PlayStation 3 ($249), Wii ($149) and Xbox 360 ($199) - support Netflix. PlayStation 3 also can stream from Vudu (including 3D movies) and Sony's own collection of titles in the PlayStation store. Xbox offers both Netflix and Hulu Plus through its subscription-based
2011
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Giftology - 11
App Happy Xbox Live program. (c) CTW Features
Thanks to smartphones and tablets, we're going to have to retire the venerable term "couch potato" - you no longer need to be reclined at home to channel surf. The same video applications that stream content to the big screen
up to $5.99 for a full HD stream with Dolby Digital surround sound audio.
also support sending movies to mobile phones or tablets.
Vevo
Netflix The leader of the streaming pack, Netflix offers unlimited streaming for $7.99 a month. A Netflix app is available for Apple, Android and Windows Phone operating systems, too, so users can enjoy the latest Hollywood fare on mobile devices.
Hulu Plus
Hulu's known for boasting an extensive selection of current television shows - but it also delivers a huge library of movies. For $7.99, users get unlimited streaming with "limited" commercial interruptions via Android and Apple mobile phones and devices or on a personal computer.
Vudu
Vudu's claim to fame is a large collection of highdefinition content available on a pay-per-view basis, not a subscription. Rental fees start at $2 for two days, and recent features can be downloaded at $3.99 in standard definition or
If music is your passion, Vevo streams a steady - free supply of music videos your way. Aside from music videos, several musical-themed shows also are available. The service is available on Apple devices and promises an Android app any day now.
Crackle
If monthly fees rub you the wrong way, Crackle makes all of its movie and TV content available for free. The catch - it's almost all from Sony Studios, so the selection is limited. But, did we mention it's free?
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Game On! What are the top games of 2011? Take a look at this list - the award-winners from the 2011 E3 Game Critics Awards
Best of Show/
Best Motion Simulation Game
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword_(Nintendo EAD/Nintendo for Wii)
PlayStation Vita_(Sony Computer Entertainment)
Best Action Game/ Best Online
Best Racing Game
Best Console Game/Best Role Playing Game
Sound Shapes_(Queasy Games/SCEA for PSVita)
Best Hardware
Street Fighter X Tekken_(Capcom/Capcom for PS3, Xbox 360, PSVita)
BioShock Infinite_(Irrational Games/2K Games for PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Best Social/Casual Game
Sound Shapes_(Queasy Games/SCEA for PSVita)
Best Fighting Game
Best Original Game/ Best PC Game/ Best ActionAdventure Game
From Dust_(Ubisoft Montpellier/Ubisoft for PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Best Handheld Game
Multiplayer Battlefield 3_(DICE/EA Games for PC)
Bioshock Infinite
Best Strategy Game
Bastion
Best Downloadable Game Bastion_(Supergiant Games/WB Games for PC, Xbox 360) (c) CTW Features
Forza 4_(Turn 10 Studios/Microsoft Studios for Xbox 360)
Handheld Hubbub
The Vita, PlayStation's nextgeneration portable gaming device, took the top Hardware honors from the gaming press at E3 2011, but unfortunately, it won't be available in North America till 2012. However, on-the-go gamers need fear not. There's the Nintendo 3DS ($249.99), the world's first portable 3D gaming system. The 3DS packs two screens _a 3.5-inch, 800x240-pixel upper LCD screen that delivers 3D picture without the need for glasses, and 3-inch, 320x240-pixel lower LCD touch screen that can be used to control gameplay, in addition to the D-pad and an analog "slide pad" that allows 360-degree motion. A 3D Depth Slider adjusts just how three-dimensional objects appear and can even be completely turned off (boring!) if need be. Like it's older brother, the Wii, the 3DS has Netflixstreaming capabilities too, via a downloadable app from the Nintendo eShop. (c) CTW Features
Give the Gift of New Nostalgia
Twenty years ago, my brothers and I received the best Christmas present ever -_the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Twenty years later, I still have it (thankfully, none of my bros object to the usurpation), and I've even purchased new S-video cables to help it behave in the best way possible with my HDTV. Now, while I still possess all my favorite old games, there remain a few SNES titles specifically, the SNES classics "Final Fantasy III" and "Chrono Trigger" - that I never played in my youth and, as I've grown older, I really wish I could play. The problem is the aftermarket (read: eBay) cost on some of these much-soughtafter titles is, roughly, $100 or so each. The good news? Both were released on Nintendo's Virtual Console in 2011, meaning I can download them straight to my Wii and play them with classic SNES controls via the Wii Classic Controller or new Classic Controller Plus ($19.99). So, what's on my Christmas list? Some Nintendo Points gift cards ($10 to $30). With a few clicks of a Wiimote, I'll be enjoying some I Love the '90s gaming --_all without having to outbid anyone. -Timothy R. Schulte (c) CTW Features
Best Sports Game
FIFA Soccer 12_(EA Canada/EA Sports for PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Forza 4
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2011
Amateur Photogs,
Canon EOS T3i
Giftology - 13
Pro Cameras Greg Scoblete CTW Features
There's an old saying among photographers that the best camera is the one you have with you. For many of us, that's increasingly a smartphone. But if someone on your list relies only on a mobile phone for photography, they're missing out. From blazing-fast shooting speeds to exquisite detail and creative options, nothing can top an interchangeable-lens camera. Thankfully, camera makers have trimmed their cost while adding features to make them
approachable for firsttime users. So,
Nikon D3100
tell them to pocket that phone and put one of these bad boys around their neck. Nikon D3100
This is a perfect stepping stone into the world of advanced photography for someone who'd prefer a sturdy,
full-sized d-SLR model. The camera's "Guide Mode" gives a user on-screen tutorials, suggesting camera settings to help achieve the desired results. If they want to simply "set and forget" the camera, they can choose the Scene Auto Selector mode and the Nikon D3100 ($699) will automatically pick a scene mode optimized for the shooting environment. They'll be able to frame shots through the viewfinder or 3-inch LCD screen. It's possible to capture high definition (1920 x 1080) video on the D3100 with full-time autofocus available while you shoot (many d-SLRs disengage autofocus during movie filming, which often results in a blurred mess). The D3100 includes an 18-55mm lens with Nikon's Vibration Reduction technology to reduce image blur. The D3100 offers a 14-megapixel sensor and a
burst mode of up to 3 frames per second to capture fast-moving action.
Canon EOS T3i
For those with a little more to spend, Canon's EOS T3i ($899) packs an 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor and can fire off a burst of 3.7fps for up to 34 photos. It also can record high-definition movies. Its high-resolution 3-inch LCD flips out from the camera's body so photogs can frame hard-to-reach shots. The T3i has most of the manual controls you'd expect in a digital SLR (shutter, aper-
Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1
Charming Gifts
ture, white balance, etc.) with a "Scene Intelligent Auto" mode that analyzes the scene in front of you and selects the optimal settings - just point and shoot. The T3i camera kit includes an 18-55mm image stabilized lens and the camera is compatible with Canon's full line of EF and EF-S lenses.
Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1
The Olympus Pen series of cameras offer the in-
terchangeable lenses of a digital SLR camera in a body that's closer in size to a pointand-shoot. The Pen Mini E-
Continued On Page 15
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14 - Giftology
| 2011
JG-TC
iGifts
Apple aficionados always are hungry for an upgrade. Here's a rundown on all the latest 'Pads, 'Pods and 'Phones they're craving this season
You might be a PC, but there's no doubt that they're a Mac -_and nothing else with suffice. If you need the perfect -_and newest -_peripheral to plug into their fruitful life, look no further. Here are the latest Apple gadgets they're pining for.
iPhone 4S
The new iPhone 4S takes everything to the next level. A 1 GHz dual-core processor delivers speedier browsing and gaming,
and the upgraded camera captures 8-MP stills and full 1080p high-def video. But the coolest feature is the introduction of Siri, the intelligent assistant that will set reminders, check the weather and proffer dining suggestions, all via voice commands. Of course, there is access to more than 425,000 apps in the App Store, right from the palm of their hand.Oh, don't forget that the iPhone 4S can simply make calls, too! The iPhone 4S is available in black or white.
16GB -_$199 32GB - $299 64GB - $399
iPad 2
The second-generation iPad is everything great about the original - but even better. First, Apple says the 9.7-inch tablet is a 33 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, but it still offers a super-long 10hour battery life. An upgrade to a 1 GHz dual-core processor al-
lows for faster browsing on the web and smoother multitasking on apps. The biggest change, though, is the introduction of a front- and rear-facing cameras for Face Time chatting and capturing stills and high-def video. New Smart Covers magnetically clip to the edge to serve as a screen protector and angled-viewing stand. The iPad 2 is available in black or white. 16GB - $499 Wi-Fi, $629 3G 32GB - $599 Wi-Fi, $729 3G 64GB - $699 Wi-Fi, $829 3G
iPod Touch The latest-gen iPod Touch brings along a Face Time camera for video chatting or capturing 720p high-def video and a high-res Retina Display touch screen -_all at only 0.28 inches thick. With all that and apps, one could say the iPod Touch
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2011
truly is an iPhone without the phone, but up to 40 hours of audio playback leave no doubts that this is one standout iPod. The iPod Touch is available in black or white. 8GB - $199 32GB - $299 64GB - $399
iPod Shuffle
One could almost call the iPod Shuffle a trial version. It offers plenty of space (2GB) and playback (15 hours) in a tiny package (1.24 inches wide, 0.44
wheel. A 2.5-inch LCD display. And more space than they have music. Available in black or gray. 160GB - $249
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Sony NEX-3
iPod nano
The 0.74-ounce nano packs touch-screen controls and up to 24 hours of audio playback into its roughly 1.5-inch square design. In addition to their mp3 collection, users can tune into FM radio or track their daily steps on a pedometer. A clip makes it easy to take on-the-go for a commute or for a workout, as it also syncs with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. The nano is available in seven colors. 8GB - $129 16GB - $149
ounces). Plus, it has clickable buttons, unlike previous Shuffles, and a clip for keeping it contained. Best of all, it's dirt cheap ($49). 2GB - $49
iPod Classic
There are no frills with the original iPod. Click
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Apple TV
If you know someone who's cut their cable TV in the past year, an Apple TV might be the gift for them. This half-pound, 4-inch square device lets them stream movies and shows from iTunes on their home computer right to their HDTV. Netflix streaming, naturally, is built in, and the Apple TV also lets them rent movies directly from their TV. Sports fans with MLB.tv or NBA.com League Pass subscriptions also can stream games live on the device. And all can be controlled from iPad, iPod or iPhone via the Remote app. Apple TV - $99 (c) CTW Features
PM1 ($499) features a 12megapixel image sensor and 1080p HD video recording with stereo microphone for high-quality audio capture. They'll frame shots through a bright, 3-inch display and can apply one of six art filters to give images some creative pop. Onboard Shadow Adjustment technology helps compensate for high-contrast environments where light and shadow collide. The PM1 is among the first high-end digital cameras to include a 3D mode for shooting stills with greater depth. Available in purple, pink, brown, white, silver or black, the Pen Mini is just 1.3 inches thick and includes a 1442mm lens (3x magnification) and works with a growing family of ZUIKO Digital/Micro 4/3 lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, among others.
lenses. The NEX-3 delivers slightly lower resolution HD video recording (720p) but packs a few features not found on the Pen, such as a Sweep Panorama mode for easily creating panoramic images. The NEX-3 also delivers a speedier burst mode of up to 7fps and a higher-resolution, 14megapixel image sensor. If they're just learning the ropes of advanced photography, an on-screen guide delivers shooting tips to the camera's large, 3-inch display. The display itself can tilt up to 45 degrees down and up to 80degrees northward, providing flexibility to shoot from different angles. (c) CTW Features
JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
Sony NEX-3
Sony's NEX-3 offers a similar design to the Pen - a slim body that's still capable of swapping
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