Have you got a friend or family member who’s simply passionate about technology? (a closet geek?) Or are you, yourself, interested in some great gadgetry to ask for on Christmas? Look no further, we’ve compiled some of the hottest stuff. We’ll start with the ridiculous one, first.

#5: Microsoft Surface

These things are nifty, and at a punchline of $7-8,000, you can’t go too wrong with one of these. A multi-touch computer that could pack more of a wham on the power and graphics side, it’s very interesting – especially with Windows mobiles that can connect through the surface. Not too mention nifty party tricks such as bubbles appearing around glasses or the unique ability to order from your table.

Details

Price: Between £5,500 and £7,500 ($7,000 and $9,000)
Type: Multi-touch Computer and Table
Retailer: Microsoft
Buy: You can’t actually buy it yet. You can apply for a commercial order to Microsoft.

#4: Apple’s iPhone

These, are also nifty, being another multi-touch smartphone that runs with the self-assigned reputation of being the smartphone all the others copy. These things aren’t too shabby, either – they have some of the best functions and well over 100,000 downloadable applications (programs) to run on the machine. Also functions as an 8, 16 or 32GB iPod, with space to store all your songs.

Details

Price: Varies
Type: Smartphone
Retailer: US: AT&T, UK: Orange/O2
Buy: http://www.apple.com/iphone/

#3: Motorola Droid

A powerful competitor to the iPhone, these are some of the first smart phones that make a good serious use out of Google’s Android OS. They’re an attempting at making the OS more popular and interesting, although a little too much like the iPhone. The only drawbacks with these is occasional lack of response when using, as with the iPhone. Motorola droid has a large app store that is constantly growing, as well – with more free software.

Details

Price: Depends on Contract
Type: Smartphone
Retailer: Various Networks
Buy: http://phones.verizonwireless.com/motorola/droid/

#2: Apple MacBook Pro

When considering a new laptop, many people – especially college students – have been making the decision to switch to an Apple laptop. And I can’t blame them – the OS is good, but the hardware is simply dreamy – the displays, mostly, are vibrant as nothing else. The software available is good and many good games run very smoothly on them. Not to mention the amazing look of the machine. Not to mention a 7-hour full-brightness battery life, equating to around 9 hours of low-power-usage use.

Details

Price: £899-£1799;/$999-$1999
Type: Laptop
Retailer: Apple
Buy: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

#1: Dell Latitude Z

For those of you who still want to stick to a Windows computer, then the Dell Latitude Z is amazing. A machine which charges through the surface of an electric plate means to charge you simply place it on the stand and it’ll charge through conduction. Take it off the plate and move about with a long 4-hour battery. The perfect laptop for an on-the-go constant mover, who doesn’t have time to faff around with cables.

Details

Price: $1799 / £1450
Type: Laptop
Retailer: Dell
Buy: http://bit.ly/1S1icD