The best high-tech holiday gifts
— -- High-tech gadgets are popping up on nearly everyone's holiday wish lists this year.
E-readers have been flying off the shelves -- and the fastest growing category of users is older than 55, according to a Nielsen study.
Tablets, too, are high interest. A host of inexpensive Android competitors are popping up to challenge the supremely dominant Apple iPad, something no tablet has been able to do.
Here's a look at the very best of what will make the people on your shopping lists smile this holiday season.
Apple iPad 2
This year, it's all about the tablet. And judging from readers' questions, many people are looking for a less expensive, not-iPad tablet. Bad news there, though. Those $200 or less Android tablets almost all run an old, non-tablet version of Android. They'll lure you in with the promise of a tablet experience for just $99 or $199, but the iPad is still the only tablet I can whole-heartedly recommend. It's more expensive than many, but there's just nothing else like it. It has the most apps, the longest battery life and a screaming fast processor. Don't accept any imitations.
Price: Starts at $499
Kindle Fire
One of the biggest battles this holiday season is between the Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet. I've used both, and the Fire is the e-reader worth your money. Don't buy it expecting a fully realized tablet experience -- the hardware is a bit slow and it's missing features like Bluetooth connectivity -- but it's the best e-reader ever made. It can also run a small set of Android apps, including Angry Birds, Words with Friends, Netflix and Hulu Plus.
Price: $199
Jawbone Jambox
There isn't a better piece of technology I've used this year than the Jawbone Jambox. It's a beautifully designed, palm-sized wireless speaker that syncs with any device over Bluetooth. This thing packs incredible sound, too. It's a perfect companion to any smartphone, tablet or iPod. It's a great companion for the frequent traveler, too. There is no better personal speaker out there.
Price: $200
Peel Smart Remote
This stylish, pear-shaped universal remote control sits near your entertainment center and syncs with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, allowing you to control your TV, cable box, DVD player or set-top boxes like the Roku. It basically turns your iOS device into a remote that can control your whole set-up. The app is a great visual guide that shows programs in photographic tiles. Want to watch "Glee?" Just click on it.
Price: $79 at the Peel store online
Lytro Light Field Camera
This camera has been called the biggest leap forward in picture-taking in decades. Unlike traditional cameras that capture light headed in one direction -- toward the camera -- the Lytro captures every bit of light traveling in every direction. This means that you can actually focus the image after the fact, using software. With its innovative shape and embedded technology, it's sure to be a discussion starter. The base model is 8 GB and holds 350 photos.
Price: Starts at $399
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