The top 2008 gadgets people just can’t stop buying

December 18, 10:07 AMGadgets ExaminerDan Appleman

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Top selling gadgets on
Amazon.com

There are lots of ways to measure the top gadgets of 2008. But none perhaps so telling as to check out the top sellers on Amazon.com. This is, of course, a snapshot of the best sellers on one particular day, but that’s a good indication of what people are actually buying (as compared to what the media is currently hyping).

#1 The TomTom One GPS is flying off the shelves, probably because heavy discounting brings it under $100. It’s certainly not due to the user rating at just 3 ½ stars.

#2 Amazon’s own kindle is popular and highly rated. I have friends who swear buy it – but those friends travel a lot, and the Kindle is a great way to carry many books on a trip.

#3 Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom. Proof that image quality and price can overcome the cuteness factor of today’s ultra sleek point & clicks, this somewhat larger camera comes in a bit over $100 with optical image stabilization (don’t leave home with out it – it really works). At this price, it’s hardly worth the extra $20 you can save by going “off-brand”.

#4 Garmin’s Nuvi 350 GPS. With 4 ½ star ranking and a bit over $150 it’s a more serious GPS, but still not the one I would get. It’s missing that one feature to consider before buying that new GPS.

#5 Flip Video MonoHD Camcorder. It’s SO cute. An HD camera not much bigger than a pack of gum. Featured in the ultimate guide to the geek gift guides.

#6 Garmin Nuvi 760. My own favorite because it support multi-destination route optimization. Not everyone needs that feature however, and if you don’t, the 350 should serve just fine.

#7 The Apple 8MB Nano. Frankly, I’m surprised that it’s this far down the list. Isn’t Apple supposed to have a lock on the best-seller list? My guess – everybody already has a video/MP3 player. But most people still don’t have a GPS or HD video camera.

#8 The Canon PowerShot SD770 10MP Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom. Canon continues to rule the camera world with this gem. Only $50 more than the PowerShot, you’re paying for an extra 2MP (not worth it – 8MP is more than enough unless you’re printing giant posters), losing some of the zoom (ouch!), but getting a smaller and cuter package. The PowerShot is the better value – no wonder it’s in the #3 spot.

#9 and #10  The Apple iPod touch 8GB and Apple iPod touch 16GB . Eat your heart out Chumby, this is what really cute technology looks like.