1: Asus Zenbook UX31

The Zenbook UX31E is considered an Ultrabook (aka an Ultra-Portable Notebook), and it is a direct competitor to the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air. Compared to the Air, the UX31E is just as thin, features the same Core i5 processor (or optional Core i7), same SSD storage, and same 4GB of RAM. Yet, the UX31E has a higher resolution screen, HDMI output, and USB 3.0, all while costing about $100 less than the MacBook Air. Oh, and did we mention it looks very chic with its aluminum chassis. We’re not surprised it took the Air’s #1 spot on our board.

2: Asus G74SX

Yup, another Asus, this time of the gaming variety. The G74SX weighs in at roughly $1650, depending on configuration. This usually includes the top-end Core i7 processor, 12GB of RAM, 1.5TB of storage, and the performance-packed Nvidia GTX 560m graphics chip. Even though the 560m isn’t the fastest video card on the market, the G74SX’s high-end components and 1080p display make for an excellent cost-to-performance ratio at its current price. It has a pretty bulky chassis, but that’s something most mobile gamers are used to.

3: Acer Aspire S3

The Aspire S3 is another MacBook Air competitor. Unlike the Zenbook which tries to surpass the Air in every way, the S3 looks to appeal to people’s wallets. At just $799, the S3 comes it at a third cheaper than Apple’s cheapest 13-inch MacBook Air; however, the Aspire S3 does this by using many of the same components found in Apple’s $999 11.6-inch model.  It sacrifices a bit in display resolution and build quality, and you don’t quite get that SSD storage performance. Still, other than that, it offers very nearly the same performance and form factor, and the price tag is hard to argue with.

4: Dell XPS 15

Until recently, the XPS 15 held the #1 (and occasionally #2) spot on our list for over a year. It’s actually quite surprising that it has dropped so far. Still, 4^th is quite respectable, and the XPS 15 still offers a heap of performance as well as customizability at relatively good prices. Starting at $999, you can get a very capable Core i5 based system; however, in the $1500 range, you can get features such as an industry leading 1080p display and Core i7 processor. Dell’s prices are slightly higher than similar offerings from Acer and Asus (likely why they have surpassed it), but the quality does speak for itself.

5: Asus N55SF

For those looking for a laptop that can do just about anything without breaking the bank, the N55SF-DH71 is by far one of the best choices, costing about $1200. It features a Core i7 processor along with 8GB of RAM, so you’ll never be lacking in terms of performance. Its 16-inch display is neither too small nor too big and sports an agreeable 1080p resolution (great for watching Blu-rays with its included Blu-ray drive). And for the PC gamers, its Nvidia GT 555m can handle most high-end games with the settings maxed. At 1.5-inches thick, it’s a tad on the bulky side, but not unreasonably so.

The iPhone

It comes as little surprise that the iPhone made up a good portion of that 6.8 million units, and while Android phones as a whole outsold the iPhone, it’s still an impressive feat considering that the iPhone 4S held the most sales out of any single device (at somewhere around 3 million units). The 4S was also the most returned device following Christmas, and by a rather large margin. The reason for the high return rate is uncertain. It could be that people felt that the 4S didn’t offer much noticeable improvement over their current model, or perhaps they were enticed by the better spec’d Android phones on the market, and tempting after-Christmas sales (which are still going on).

Android Phones

As a whole, Android phones made up for about 55% of smartphone activations on Christmas day, though no single Android device could compare with the iPhone 4S’ impressive figures. But there are definitely still a few notable contenders.

The Galaxy S II

Available on AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, the Galaxy S II gave people a lot of options in terms of plan pricing and coverage – its record breaking specs certainly didn’t hurt either. With its 1.2Ghz to 1.5GHz processor and 4.3 to 4.5-inch screen (depending on carrier), it appealed to many considering an iPhone but wanted a bit more power or screen space. Estimates put Galaxy S II activations around 1.5 million. The only people who couldn’t get in on the action were Verizon Wireless subscribers.

The Galaxy Nexus

Fortunately for those on Verizon, there was a (arguably) better option: the Galaxy Nexus. While it shares a similar 1.2GHz processor to the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy Nexus features a stunning 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a first for smartphones. It also features Google’s latest version of Android and comes 100% free of any manufacturer or carrier bloat. Sales figures on the Galaxy Nexus weren’t overly impressive, though, since it wasn’t marketed all that aggressively, much like the previous Nexus devices.

The Droid RAZR

Instead of going for the Galaxy Nexus, Verizon subscribers flocked to the Droid RAZR, an ultra thin, uber sleek phone with equally impressive specs. Plus you get that bit of nostalgia if you ever owned one of the original Motorola RAZR phones in the past. They really did do a surprising job of capturing the original look in smartphone form.

The BlackBerry Torch

If you’re a BlackBerry fan, you probably already know that the Torch 9810, 9850, and 9860 is where RIM stepped up its game to compete with today’s current smartphones. Now you can have things like 4G, Wireless-N, and even a modern 1.2GHz processor all with the BlackBerry OS 7 users have grown to love.

Did we mention that Smartphone deals didn’t end with the holidays? In fact, many of the huge sales started just after Christmas, and many are still going on. T-Mobile in particular is hosting one last big sale day this weekend. If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber and you’re due for a new phone, you may want to consider the Galaxy S II or HTC Amaze, both phenomenal smartphones.

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.

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.

1: Jawbone Era

When it comes to high-end features and unparalleled audio quality, none does it better than the Jawbone Era. Not only is it capable of producing CD-quality audio, but it also includes features like “tap to answer” and “shake to pair” and other motion based controls; however, its best feature is the ability to receive software updates through Jawbone’s MyTALK platform. You can even get an Android/iPhone/BlackBerry app to tell you its battery level right on your phone’s screen. It lacks slightly in terms of comfort and also a volume button, but if you’re looking for the best in audio quality and useful, unique features, the Era is for you.

2: Plantronics Voyager Pro UC

Plantronics has been in the Bluetooth business for years, and all of their headsets rank among the best. The Voyager Pro, in particular, offers excellent audio quality as well as a plethora of useful features, such as Smart Sensor, which can automatically route calls and play or pause your music. Its weakest link is its price, which is generally more than competing units.

3: BlueAnt Q2

The BlueAnt Q2 is a slightly more affordable alternative to the Era, featuring great voice clarity and even Text-to-Speech and access to Bing-411. The downside is that the physical controls are quite small and therefore cumbersome. This is remedied slightly be the integrated Voice-Command features, but this list of commands is quite long and difficult to memorize.

4: Sound ID 510

The Sound ID 510 may not look like much with its minimalistic design, but it packs a lot of features. Sound quality is on par with other premium headsets, but where it really excels is comfort. Its power toggle switch also works very well (a problem many Bluetooth headsets share); however, its other controls are managed via touch sensor making use while wearing it difficult. The Sound ID 510 also features an app for iPhone and Android users to customize your experience.

5: Jabra EXTREME

Another more affordable option, the Jabra EXTREME offers sound quality that rivals even the Era’s excellence. It also includes all of the features you’d expect from a premium Bluetooth headset, such as A2DP (which all of the units featured in this article include) and noise-cancellation. It isn’t particularly comfortable for extended use, though, and its volume controls are a bit too cramped to use easily while wearing it. Its price still makes it an excellent buy for those who only use Bluetooth on occasion, such as when driving or doing chores.

1: Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo

The Xperia Neo is essentially an updated version of Sony Ericsson’s first major Android smartphone, the Xperia X10. It has faster hardware, Sony’s mobile Bravia display technology, and an 8MP Exmor R image sensor (one of the best smartphone cameras on the market).

2: Samsung Galaxy S

Even though the Galaxy S II is currently the reigning champ of smartphones, its launch has dropped the price of the original Galaxy S considerably. And despite its age, the Galaxy S remains rated in the top 10 in our cell phone category, even among the latest and greatest devices.

3: Dell XPS 15

Laptops typically have trouble making the top list, competing with cameras and smartphones for attention, but the XPS 15 is an amazing platform. If you’re in the market for a laptop, definitely check it out.

4: HTC Sensation 4G

The Sensation 4G had its day as top dog up until the Galaxy S II came out. It now sits in the number two spot on our cell phone list. Still, it’s one of the best choices for a smartphone right now. Many consider the HTC Sense User Interface far superior to Samsung’s TouchWiz found on the Galaxy S II.

5: Nikon D7000

As one of the premier digital SLR cameras, even amongst photography professionals, it’s no surprise that the D7000 made our top 10 list. The price is a bit steep for an entry-level photography enthusiast, but it’s an excellent camera.

6: Nikon CoolPix P500

The P500 is the latest of Nikon’s compact super-zoom cameras. Its 36x optical zoom lens is virtually unmatched in the compact digital camera class.

7: Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D

The T3i is the perfect camera for anyone looking to get into the world of digital SLR. Its balance of affordability, features, and performance makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from amateur to professional.

8: Sony Ericson Xperia X10 Mini Pro

The Xperia X10 Mini Pro may be a bit aged and certainly more than a little underwhelming in terms of performance, but its price is something you just can’t argue with. It’s one of the best smartphones you can find for under $200 off contract.

9: Nokia C3

While it doesn’t have all of the features you’d find in an Android or iOS device, the Nokia C3 is still a very capable smartphone. To sweeten the deal, you can find it for close to $100, off contract.

10: Nokia N8

The Nokia N8 is coming up on a year old (that’s nearing retirement age in smartphone years), but it remains one of the most powerful and versatile Symbian based smartphones on the market. It has also gotten a lot cheaper than most of the Android devices in its class.

So there it is, the top 10 most popular products on alaTest for the last month, every single one offering something unique that makes it stand out from the rest of the crowd. What are some of your favorite products on alaTest? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

The Sleek One

Dell XPS 15

In its current form, the base configuration of the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent buy. Its CPU is the exact same model used in many high-end powerful notebooks, and while it may not have as much RAM as the more expensive models, it’s still the latest technology and easily enough for most every task. Where the $799 XPS 15 falls short is its display. At just 1366×768, it can seem a bit cramped in terms of screen space, but the color quality is still among the top in the industry. It’s also not the best choice for gaming, but can still play all of the modern games as long as you turn down the settings.

The Heavy Hitter

Acer Aspire 7741G

The Aspire series actually comes in a variety of flavors, but the 7741G is a great example of a well rounded laptop. It’s similar powered compared to the XPS 15, but with its larger and higher resolution display (1600×900), as well as more powerful GPU, it lends itself much better toward gaming. You’ll still need to turn down some of the settings on the latest games, though. It also doesn’t come with the styling you’ll find in an XPS, but considering you can find the 7741G for less than $700, it’s a pretty fair trade.

The Speedy Lightweight

Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820TG

If you’re looking for a bit of style and some serious portability, Acer also has its TimelineX series. The TimelineX 4820TG has essentially all of the same hardware inside as the Aspire 7741G, making it a very capable laptop for just about anything you’d want to do. The main difference is its physical size, at just an inch thick at its thinnest point and sporting a 14-inch 1366×768 pixel display. With this configuration weighing in at $799 while performing nearly identically to the 7741G, what you’re paying for is primarily enhanced portability.

The Movie Buff

Sony Vaio EL VPCEL17FX

Sony’s EL series isn’t nearly as fast as the previously mentioned laptops, but it’s also considerably cheaper. Plus, this specific model comes with a Blu-Ray drive, allowing for glorious playback of Blu-Ray movies. Despite its slower hardware, it’s still capable of most any task, though if you’re planning on doing any semi-serious gaming, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

The Super Lightweight

Asus Eee PC

When it comes to affordable computing portability, you can’t do much better than the Asus Eee PC series. With screen sizes hovering right around 12-inches, they can nearly fit in your pocket, and without putting a hole in your wallet. Their biggest downfall is performance, but if you don’t mind spending a little extra on the 1215B-PU17 model (currently about $450), which sports the AMD E-350 processor, you can get similar performance to the previously mentioned Sony Vaio EL.

“Bridge Cameras”

Many of the most viewed cameras last month were Bridge Cameras, which provide a “bridge” between the small, fully automatic digital compacts and larger, more expensive digital SLRs. They’re generally popular for supporting very high zoom lenses and advanced manual features while still maintaining a manageable size and price.

Olympus ZX-1

The ZX-1 was out number one most viewed item last month, popular due considerably to its compact size with much of the same manual functionality you’d get from an SLR. It offers essentially all of the same specs and features of the competing Canon PowerShot G12 and is even the same price, but manages to be a bit smaller.

Canon PowerShot G12

As the third most popular item last month, the G12 is certainly no slouch. While the ZX-1 may have it beat in terms of size, the G12 features the better lens (with 5x zoom instead of 4x) as well as Canon’s esteemed DIGIC 4 image processor and improved image sensor.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

The SX30 IS is another bridge camera, coming 4^th on our list; however, it’s not a competitor to the G12 or ZX-1. This is because the SX30 focuses on combining the automatic features of a standard digital compact with the zooming capabilities of an SLR, and with a 35x optical zoom, it does just that.

Nikon CoolPix P500

Right behind the SX30 in the 5^th spot is its main competitor, the Nikon P500. Also a superzoom camera, the P500 has a 36x zoom; although, compared to the SX30, it features a slightly poorer lens. This is made up for by the fact that Nikon uses a CMOS image sensor, considered better than the Canon’s CCD sensor. Still, general consensus lies with the SX30.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

The LX5 is a camera that looks great on paper, but compared to other products in its class generally fails to perform. Still, it managed to come in 10^th in last month’s most popular products. It competes with the G12 and SX30 IS, but due to its poorer color-depth (19.6-bit vs 20.4-bit, which makes a tremendous difference), the LX5 does not produce the same quality of photos; however, it makes up for it with a much cheaper price, about $100 cheaper actually.

Traditional Compact Digital Cameras

Sony Cyber-shot HX5V

Coming in at number 9 in the top 10 was Sony’s HX5V. The HX5V is actually one of Sony’s last year’s models and is no longer in production, but because of this, it can be found for significantly under its original retail price. Replacing the HX5V is the HX7V, coming with all of the same features but upgrades the image sensor and LCD screen significantly; however, the HX5V’s price tag is hard to beat.

1: Patapon 3

All of the Patapon games have been surprising hits and a staple of the PSP platform. Patapon 3 is no exception. As a direct sequel, following Patapon 2, the game play is essentially the same, marching your armies to the beat of a drum; however, new elements, such as Hero Patapons and expanded multiplayer modes, breathe extra excitement into the series.

2: Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

With success of the original Dissidia, it comes as no surprise that there would be a second. It’s your typical fighting game but with all of the most loved characters of the Final Fantasy franchise. Unlike the original, Dissidia 012 also includes a single-player story mode, giving it some much needed depth.

3: Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection

Just as it was done with Final Fantasy: Tactics as well as the previous Final Fantasy installments, Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection is a direct remake of the original, sporting much of the same game play of the 1991 classic but with high-detail CGI cut scenes to emphasize the story.

4: Phantom Brave

Phantom Brave was originally published on the PlayStation 2 game in 2004 and has now been remade for the Wii and PSP. As a tactical RPG with a fun storyline that is still simple enough to put down and pick back up, it lends itself nicely to the portable environment of the PSP.

5: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

As a recreation of the Super Nintendo classic, Tactics Ogre, this new version gives you the same great tactics-based game play with a rather detailed game world and storyline. If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia, this is the game for you.

The PSP really does have loads of great titles, and you can view them all in our PSP Games Section. Tell us some of your favorites in the comments below.

1: Pokémon Black & White

Pokémon is one of those games that makes up part of Nintendo’s heart(gold) and soul(silver). Many people bought the DS solely so that they could play Pokémon, and Black & White lives up to the reputation. It’s the same Pokémon experience we should all be used to, but with an exciting graphics overhaul, and of course, all new Pokémon!

2: ­­­Okamiden

As a sequel to the much loved Okami, the DS exclusive Okamiden pairs the colorful brush-based game play with the DS’ touch screen interface. The two truly make a great match, but if you loved Okami, don’t be surprised if a bit of the story is repeated in Okamiden.

3: Radiant Historia

Radiant Historia is a time traveling, tactics-style, RPG offering game play experience reminiscent of Super Mario RPG and Legend of Mana, along with elements from the Chrono Series. It’s hands-down the best RPG on the DS this year.

4: Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation

The Dragon Quest (also known as Dragon Warrior) series has been around for a couple decades now. This version is actually a DS remake of the 1995 original (for Super Nintendo). If you’re looking for an epic RPG that will give you, literally, days worth of game play, Dragon Quest is where it’s at.

5: de Blob 2

As much fun as de Blob 2 is for the Wii, it really finds its calling on the DS. As a light game with fairly uninvolved game play, it really is best suited for handhelds, and paired with the DS, it doesn’t disappoint.

If you would like to see reviews for all DS games, from this year and the past, head on over to our Nintendo DS Games Section. Be sure to sort by alaScore to see which rank the best.