Ask the Crew: What do you want for Christmas?

We know that you’re thinking:

“I want to get The Review Crew presents this Christmas, but I just don’t know what to get them. If only there was some sort of wish list they could give me so I could go out and get them their presents right away.”

Well, wealthy benefactor, here’s that list. And we’ll have you know, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. We see some pretty cool things day in and day out, so narrowing things down to one ideal gadget gift for Christmas was a real tough job. Yeah, it was rough going, so we hope you’re happy.

After you read our lists, let us know what you want for Christmas this year!

A second Xbox 360 and HDTV

Dear husband: Sharing is important in a marriage. But I don’t think I should have to share the TV when playing Left 4 Dead 2 or Gears of War. Those game developers slaved over every pixel, ensuring the graphics looked their best. Should I not honour their commitment by seeing it in fullscreen high-definition glory?

And I certainly can’t do that if the screen is split in two to play co-op. Another benefit: no more waiting to play games. We can both play the latest RPG without waiting for the other to finish. And we wouldn’t have to wait four months after the game’s release to talk about the different choices we made. A second Xbox 360 and HDTV would definitely make our marriage stronger. Definitely.

- Natalie Sit

Bose portable music system

Ever try to listen to music out loud on your iPhone? It’s like squeezing lasagna through a sieve–you’re still going to have a tasty pasta, but it ain’t quite lasagna. That’s right: music that’s pasty and shapeless. (Simile fail?)

Ever listen to a Bose speaker system? It’s kinda heavenly. So the opportunity to have that sound coming out of my iPhone and being easily portable either around the house or outside sounds fairly fantastic to me.

I’ve been eying a portable speaker system ever since I tried and failed to enjoy listening to The Arcade Fire using my iPhone in the kitchen. The Bose portable music package (which, of course, is compatible with all iPhones and most iPods) is exactly what I need: big, brilliant sound straight from my iPhone playlist while I’m, well, anywhere.

Like most Bose products, it’s a well-designed piece of acoustic gadgetry and looks nice cradling your iPhone wherever you set it down. And if you’re not keen on sharing your music and what to leave the speakers at home, it also comes with a set of high-quality silicone headphones.

Unfortunately, I’m definitely going to have to ask Santa for this gadget. His mythical workshop (you know, the one that makes electronics for free) is likely the only way I’m going to get this pricey toy. $599.99 is just a bit more than our holiday budget.

- DM Le Bray

Ebook Reader

I consider myself an early adopter. I bought my first HDTV nearly 8 years ago, and I bought a TiVo as soon as I could possibly get my hands on one. I love technology. But for some reason I have held off on purchasing an ebook reader. Maybe I was worried they wouldn’t take off. Maybe it was the lack of ebooks on the market. Well those concerns are behind me now. I wants me an ebook reader!

Personally I’m looking at taking the Kindle route. True, the Sony ebook reader is a strong product, but when it comes to convenience, I want to be able to download my books wirelessly. I want titles at the tips of my fingers 24/7.

So you see, I’m not being greedy like my co-worker Natalie, who wants another Xbox 360 AND an HDTV. I’m not like Daorcey who needs a $600 music system. My Kindle is small in comparison to both of those gifts. So if anyone out there feels like treating a stranger to a holiday gift, ignore my co-workers and consider my measly Kindle. I’ll even pay for shipping. Honestly, I will.

- Mike Yawney