iGadgets top list for stocking fillers

SANTA and his elves better watch out — it seems that Steve Jobs will be filling a lot of people’s stocking this year as iPhones, iPads and iPods top the list of the most popular gadgets this Christmas.

From notebooks to tablets, Apple products are once again proving to be a hugely popular gift choice.

Sales of the iPod Touch so far have reconfirmed the brand’s position as head honcho of the MP3 player world, and with features such as HD video recording, high-resolution display and FaceTime video calling it’s clear why.

However teamed with a price tag that ranges from €299 (8GB) to €399 (64GB), it’s easy to see why the iPod Nano, which starts at €159, is a huge hit with those who have a tighter grip on their purse strings but still desire a digital Christmas.

Yet another Apple gadget that will be top of many people’s lists is the wildly successful iPad (from €499 online at the Apple store) which is closely rivalling its counterpart, the iPhone 4 (from €599), in the popularity stakes in the run up to Christmas.

There are still some people who haven’t succumbed to Apple’s charm, however, as shown by the Advent Vega which has proven popular with those who are looking to purchase a tablet computer but are not too keen on the half-a-grand price tag.

The 10-inch Advent Vega is the latest Android-clad touch screen tablet to take on the iPad, but due to its more pocket-friendly price of around £249 (€293), the internet may be the only place left to try and get a hold of the hot device.

Another pair of rival gadgets that shoppers will be battling to get their hands on are the Xbox Kinect and the Playstation Move.

The Kinect offers game fans a “controller-free gaming and entertainment experience” to your Xbox 360 for a mere €149.99, while the Playstation Move brings a completely new way to play the PS3 for around €54.99.

Gaming consoles remain popular as ever, and shoppers can expect a 4GB Xbox 360 package or a Nintendo Wii console to set them back €199.99 or a 160GB Playstation 3 to cost in the region of €299.

Due to the popularity of box office smash Avatar, 3D television has made a big comeback over the past year and 3D televisions will be topping hordes of movie lovers lists this festive season, and Santa will be glad to know that electronic giants PC World and Curry’s are currently offering plasma 3D TV packages from €1099.99.

Satellite Navigation systems have retained their position as one of the most popular gadget gifts for drivers this Christmas, with prices starting from around €59.99.

Luckily, not all gadgets come with a bewildering price tag, with Currys and PC World noting that several gismos priced under €50 have been flying off the shelves in the run up to Christmas.

“Plasma televisions, games consoles and blu-ray DVD players are hugely popular but there are gifts available to buy for gadget lovers even if you are on a lower budget,” said a spokesman for Currys and PC World.

According to the spokesman, the Logik Chocolate fountain (€19.99), the Logik 7” photo frame (€29.99) and ever popular with health conscious chefs, the George Forman grill (€39.99) are big hits with shoppers, and should go down a treat with gadget-lovers this festive season.