Next year is going to be a huge year for gadget shopping with devices emerging with more features and storage, broadband speeds of 8Mb and above becoming the norm, HDTV broadcasts increasing and better VoIP offerings.What toys and gadgets devices are you planning on adding to your collection in 2006? A PS3 will surely be top of many people’s lists, or even a Xbox360 if you weren’t one of the lucky few like me. What about a new monster HDTV or a new home WiFi network? A DVR? A Digital Camera? A Home Cinema System?

I think the Top 10 Must-Have Gadgets for 2006 will be:

1. PS3
2. Xbox 360
3. HDTV
4. Video iPod
5. DVR/PVR
6. New PC
7. PSP
8. New Smartphone
9. Digital Camera
10. Home Network

Vote for your top buy for 2006 below. If your item isn’t featured then leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list.

Over the last couple of months I’ve provided a loving home to a new 5G Video iPod, a Netgear WPN824 Router and a Xbox360. Next year, I will definitely be adding:

Nokia N80

This will be one of my first purchases - 802.11g, great screen, quadband, UPnP support, 3G etc You name it - it’s got it.

Windows XP Media Center Edition Extender

Although my TV Card hasn’t arrived yet, I’ve already setup Windows XP Media Center Edition on my PC so that I can use my Xbox360 as a PVR once it arrives. I’ve also decided to setup a 2nd Media Center Extender in my bedroom and my options are to buy a dedicated extender or to use an old Xbox with the Media Extender Software. For now I’ve gone with the Xbox solution and I’m keeping an eye on eBay for an old Xbox going on the cheap.

Home Cinema System

Since setting up my modded Xbox and purchasing my Xbox360 I’ve rediscovered my living room and I’m spending more and more time in there, and once I setup my TV card this time will increase even more. I’m happy with my TV, but my audio setup is a bit dated (10 years old) so I’ve got my eye on a new home cinema system that will also double as my main HiFi. At the moment I’m tracking the Sony DAV-DZ700FW which is going for just under £400. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a discount in the January sales.

New PC

My current PC has just turned 4 years old, which is pretty old. Although I’ve beefed up the memory, storage and graphics over the years it is really struggling now. I think the final nail in the coffin will be when I install the TV Card and the 2nd Media Extender and suddenly realise that it doesn’t have sufficient power to stream media to two devices concurrently.

I would also like something that can burn DVDs and convert media files to different formats (e.g. so that they play on my Xbox360) quicker, so I think this will have to be replaced next year. I’m planning on building my own PC for the first time so I will probably need a lot of help from my readers.

Digital Camera

Believe it or not I don’t own a digital camera. I don’t think the N80’s 3MP camera will be enough, so I think it is time to add one to my portfolio. I know next to nothing about cameras - any tips? What minimum specs should I be going for?

Does my shopping list match yours? Don’t forget to post your objects of desire below.

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