Here is a list of some of the most exquisite gadget gifts for your friends and family:

1. Samsung DA-E750 – The Samsung DA-E750 is the most beautiful set of speakers you are ever going to set your eyes on. With the wooden exteriors, they have a distinct old school charm about them, which will work perfectly well with your Christmas decorations. On the technical front, the speakers are compatible with AirPlay, iOS devices, and some Android devices as well. Did we forget to mention that the audio quality is phenomenal. The Samsung DA-E750 is the gift of a lifetime, it will sit perfectly in your living room, adding to the beauty of your home.

2. MacBook Air – The MacBook Air needs no introduction. Its only the most perfect combination of aesthetic design and technical performance. The ultra thin 13-inch laptop comes with a 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB memory. The ultrabook weighs less than 3 pounds and it is an absolute pleasure to work on it. It is thin, it is light and it is simply an epitome of luxury. Go the Mac way this holiday and surprise your friends and family.

3. Nikon D4 – The best memories belong to the holiday season. Therefore, a high quality DSLR camera makes for an ideal holiday season gift. The Nikon D4 is one of the most impressive cameras in the market as of now. Besides producing excellent photographs, the Nikon D4 is the one of the fastest cameras you will ever work with. That means no time lags at all. Additionally, it comes with a high resolution sensor and better video quality.

4. Grado PS1000 – Headphones are available for as cheap as $20. But any music enthusiast knows the difference between these headphones and the high end ones. The latter will alert you to the presence of beats in a song that you had never heard before, transporting you to a different world altogether. The Grado PS1000 is one such pair of headphones. These are extremely comfortable to wear and the ear cups are made of wood and solid metal. The sound quality is excellent as well. All in all, they make for the perfect gift for anyone who likes listening to music.

At alaTest, we do our best to make your job a lot easier. In a series of post aimed at the holiday season, we will put together a list of the best gifts of all kinds. In this post, we are looking at affordable gifts for the holiday season.

1. Amazon Kindle 2012 – The Amazon Kindle 2012 is the very basic of all the Kindle tablets and you can buy it for just $69. Nevertheless, it works perfectly for people looking for a sharp reading experience, thanks to the e-ink technology. While it might not offer any fancy features, it is designed for a particular niche and it performs excellently within that niche. If you have a friend or a relative who is an avid reader, this is the perfect gift for him or her. Using a Kindle, one can access thousands of books and magazines, all with a single tablet.

2. Seagate Backup Plus – Until a few years ago, external hard drives were ugly, heavy and bulky. In some cases, they were just as cumbersome to carry as a heavy laptop. However, now, you can easily find sleek and swanky drives at economical prices. The Seagate Back Plus has a storage capacity of 1 TB and is available in a variety of bright colors. Priced at $98, it makes for a perfect gift, one which has immense functional value.

3. Logitech Wireless Solar K760 – Wireless keyboards have become increasingly popular, especially with the emergence of tablets. With a good keyboard, your tablet can double up as a laptop in times of dire straits. If you have a traditional wireless keyboard, you will need to change the batteries at repeated intervals. However, the Logitech Wireless Solar K760 is backed by solar energy, hence, you can charge it with a light source. The keypad is comfortable to use and the design is fashionably sleek. The keyboard is available at close to $60.

4. Logitech Touch Wireless Mouse – This holiday season, step into the future with the Logitech Touch Wireless Mouse which comes with a touch sensitive surface. This feature makes switching between Windows extremely quick and smooth. Besides being a joy to use, the mouse is quite a looker with its minimalistic design. And the best part is that it is quite affordable as well, you can buy it just for $69. It goes without saying that your loved ones will instantly fall in love with the mouse.

Downloadable Video Games

Any avid PC gamers knows of the wonderful world that is Cloud-based gaming. Traditionally, when you buy a PC game, you’d go to the store (or order online) and come home with a disc and CD-key. Cloud-based game purchases are a bit different. You buy the game online, and instead of a physical copy, the game is associated with a user account and available for download any time you like. It’s all handled electronically, so you could purchase a game, even on Christmas, and download it instantly.

There are a handful of online stores that allow instant downloads for many titles, including www.Newegg.com and www.Amazon.com, but none do it quite as well as Steam. With a Steam account, you can purchase games from the massive Steam library either for yourself or as a gift which you can send to any other Steam users (or e-mail address, though the recipient will need to create a Steam account before activating the gift). What’s better is that Steam is having a giant holiday sale that will be going on through the New Year. Here are a few popular Steam titles:

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – The sequel to the popular game Oblivion, Skyrim is one of the hottest titles this year.

Batman: Arkham City – For those who prefer action packed story-based game play, Arkham City definitely hits the spot.

Modern Warfare 3 – The Call of Duty series is one of the most popular online FPS out there, and Modern Warfare 3 is its latest installment.

Portal 2 – Somewhat of a casual puzzle game, Portal 2 is an FPS that thinks outside of the box. Be prepared for some quick witted humor and addictive game play in both single and multi player modes.

Not shopping for a PC gamer? The Xbox, PS3, and Wii all have online stores, though they are a bit more limited. The Xbox Marketplace has a decent game library, but transferring gifts can be difficult, and you will need a Windows Live account. The PlayStation Network has an equally impressive library, but many of its games cannot be downloaded. The Wii Shopping Channel (accessed on the Wii itself) is actually the most limited of the three. It generally only has indie titles and previous console classics available for download, not that there’s anything wrong with the classics.

Other Downloadables

Games aren’t the only thing you can download. Apple iTunes, Amazon MP3 (complete with the Music Gift Store), and Google Music all have just about every song/album you can imagine, all for sale, and all available instantly.

Shopping for someone who has a tablet or e-reader? Why not get them an E-Book? Amazon has a lofty E-Book store, and Google’s is certainly filling its shelves quickly. And don’t forget iTunes.

Movie purchases, unfortunately, haven’t really moved into the realm of instantly downloadable purchases; however, online rental subscriptions can be purchased in the blink of an eye. Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Blockbuster Total Access offer movies delivered to your mailbox or streaming over the internet.

Gift Cards

Yes, gift cards start getting into the realm of impersonal gifts, but they still work well in a pinch. Not only do many stores, restaurants, and establishments offer gift card purchases online, you can also run down to the local supermarket (most of them anyway) and select from a handful of popular choices, like Best Buy, Starbucks, iTunes, and nearby restaurants.

Laptops and Desktop PCs

If you’re getting a new computer for someone (or if someone you know has a big surprise waiting for him this Christmas), there are plenty of useful – and sometimes necessary – peripherals you might want to get them as well. Desktop PCs, in particular, are pretty useless without a monitor and a pair of speakers. A mouse and keyboard are more likely to come bundled, but they could be especially useful for anyone getting a new laptop.

Slightly less necessary, but still practical, gifts are options, too. A USB flash drive or external hard drive can be useful for transferring files from an old computer to the new one. And software is always handy, too – from Microsoft Office to the latest PC games. A few other things to remember are power cords, surge protectors, and Ethernet cables.

HDTVs and Blu-Ray Players

Each year, more and more households make the switch to HD. A quality HDMI cable is an absolute necessity that many HDTVs don’t include, and most Blu-Ray and other HD devices prefer to bundle poor quality cables. A mounting bracket makes a great gift, too; although, make sure it’s compatible with the TV (and that the recipient plans on mounting it in the first place). And remember, and HDTV isn’t much good without any HD content. Blu-Ray movies will go great with that Blu-Ray player.

Gaming Consoles

Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 make use of HDMI connections, but neither typically come bundled with an HDMI cable. The Wii technically isn’t HD compatible out of the box, but there are HD adapters available. Extra controllers are always important to consider (and of course their batteries and chargers) no matter which console you’re getting. There are plenty of other console accessories, too, like headsets, memory cards, and specialized controllers. Don’t forget to include a few games.

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets usually come with everything you need right out of the box, but there’s a lot that is easy to overlook. Most states now have laws against driving while using your phone without a hands-free device. A Bluetooth headset makes an excellent companion gift to a smartphone. Headphones do, too, since the bundled ear buds generally aren’t of the best quality. Vehicle mounting kits can also be useful, especially with all of the GPS features smartphones have these days.

For use as multimedia, tablets and smartphones often need a special HDMI cord in order to connect to an HDTV. Other adapters and battery chargers can be practical gifts, too. The same goes for micro SD cards, for the mobile devices that support them.

Apple iPad 2

For anyone who already owns an iPhone or iPod Touch, the iPad 2 is absolutely the best choice, so long as you don’t mind paying a bit of a premium for the Apple flare. Its iOS interface is essentially identical to all of the other iOS products, including the iPhone and iPod Touch, so there’s really no learning curve. With its 1GHz dual-core A5 processor, it performs quite well, too.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

If performance is what you’re after, though, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the way to go. It’s the first tablet with Nvidia’s Tegra 3 Quad-Core (yes, 4 cores) processor. It will have an optional keyboard dock that basically turns it into a fully functioning laptop, just like its predecessor, the Eee Pad Transformer (note the absence of “Prime”). One caveat: the Prime is scheduled for release on December 19^th, so securing one for Christmas day might not be so easy. The original Transformer is still a great (and affordable) choice, as is the Eee Pad Slider.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 was the first Android tablet that Apple was actually scared of (and even fought against in court). Marking a new era in Android devices, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is all about sleek styling paired with cool performance. Its dual-core Tegra 2 processor and Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system are fairly common in high-end tablets, but none do it quite so stylishly. It looks as nice as the iPad 2 (it’s even thinner than the iPad 2), and it performs as well as the iPad 2. No wonder Apple was afraid of it.

Sony Tablet S

Another dual-core Tegra 2 Android Tablet, the Tablet S sets itself apart by offering both hardware and software features other tablets lack. For starters, it is PlayStation Certified, meaning it can install and play many games from Sony’s PlayStation Store. Sony has also outfitted it with its very own Bravia display technology for a vivid visual experience. To top it all off, the Tablet S includes an integrated IR blaster, making it a very capable universal remote. Overall, it’s a nearly unbeatable multimedia device.

Amazon Kindle Fire

You may think of the Kindle Fire as more of an E-Reader rather than a tablet, but its color screen, gaming apps, web browser, and video streaming capabilities beg to differ. Sure, it lacks things like a camera, microphone, and GPS, but with a price tag of just $200, it’s half as expensive as the cheapest tablet on this list. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a reliable and functional tablet, and you don’t mind forgoing a few bells and whistles, the Kindle Fire is the best deal you’ll find for a while.

If you’re having trouble coming up with gift ideas for the holidays, maybe we can help. Here are some of the most popular gift ideas for this year’s holiday season.

iPhone 4S

The iPhone 4S just came out in October, but not everyone upgraded right away. As it stands, the iPhone 4S is one of the top rated, most wanted smartphones on the market, and it goes without saying that anyone with a previous model iPhone would be overcome with excitement and surprise if they got to open up a brand new iPhone 4S on Christmas day.

Galaxy S II (white)

The Galaxy S II is a bit more seasoned than the iPhone 4S, having launched back in April; however, it only just made its way to the U.S. recently. It has since been going blow-to-blow with the iPhone 4S as the two trade between first and second best rated smartphones on the market. The Galaxy S II traditionally comes in black, but T-Mobile has just launched a white version. Everyone hopes for a white Christmas, so it’s only fitting.

Roku

You’ve probably seen at least one of the Roku’s merciless holiday advertisements already, but even though they’re practically shoving the idea down our throats, the Roku really does make a great gift. The Roku basically turns any TV into an internet connected entertainment center, capable of streaming Netflix, watching internet television, and even playing games like Angry Birds. It’s ideal for people who bought their HDTVs before Internet Apps and capabilities came included.

Kindle Fire

Not only is the Kindle Fire the top rated E-Reader on the market, it’s quickly working its way to the top rated tablet as well. Starting at just $200, the Kindle Fire finally prices tablets where they should have been from the very beginning. What’s more is that the Kindle Fire offers much of the same performance and hardware you’d find in a $500+ tablet.

Keurig Single Cup Coffee Makers

While compared to smartphones, tablets, and internet TV boxes, a simple coffee machine may look a bit plain, but Keurig’s innovative single cup brewers have caught a lot of attention this year. It can brew a cup of coffee in no time flat, and with Keurig’s K-Cup packets, you can choose from hundreds of robust flavors, and not just coffee, either. The K-Cup flavors include teas, cocoas, and ciders, too.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution came out earlier this year and became an instant hit. Since it’s part of a series that dates back a full 11 years, it definitely appeals to the more matured gamers, but its action packed and well-rounded game play (save for a few awkward boss battles) makes it a great game even for those who never played the original Deus Ex. It’s best played on the PC, but it’s also available on Xbox 360 and PS3, and keep in mind that it is intended for ages 17+.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is a newly released game that will definitely be one of the top sellers this holiday season, and easily one of the highest rated and most anticipated games of the year. It is available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, similar to Deus Ex: HR. Also similar to Deus Ex is its ESRB rating of “Mature;” however, it is far less graphic of a game in comparison.

Saints Row: The Third

Saints Row is a gritty third-person shooter about being on the wrong side of the law and caught in the middle of a gang war. Another ESRB “Mature” title, you can expect it to be much like the controversial Grand Theft Auto games. Like most games these days, it’s also available on multiple platforms, though it plays best on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Batman Arkham City

Arkham City is the first title on our list that does not carry the “Mature” rating. Instead, the ESRB has rated this one “Teen.” The game has received very high acclaim and is well liked by both teenage and adult gamers. Of course, you’ll probably want to have played Batman Arkham Asylum first, as this is a direct sequel. Again, this one is available on several platforms (even the upcoming Wii U sometime in 2012), but it plays best on the consoles.

Battlefield 3

This is one you’ll definitely want to get for the PC. As an online first-person shooter, the PC version offers the best controller options and server support. Even though it’s rated “Mature,” animated war-time violence and some strong language is as bad as the game gets (really more on the level of Arkham City). The Battlefield series has always been a fan favorite in the first-person shooter genre, and Battlefield 3 is no exception.

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and wander over to our Video Game Section. There are hundreds of very highly rated games to give you great gift ideas, and be sure to keep an eye on our blog for even more great Holiday Helper guides to come.