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Issue Date: December 2, 2007
Santa Cool
A look at the newest, flashiest gear for teens
By Jeffrey Ressner
CELLPHONES
iPhone What's left to say about the "God machine" coveted by all? The touch screen totally rocks, as does the widescreen iPod and integration of the address book with the camera. ($399, apple.com/iphone)
T-Mobile Sidekick LX The first Sidekick with technology from Sharp's Aquos TVs, this new top-of-the-line model offers a roomy keypad and super-swell instant messaging capability. ($299.99 with a two-year contract, t-mobile.com)
Verizon LG Voyager If you are locked into a contract with Verizon, then this is the upgrade for you. It has faster wireless Web access than the iPhone, a second screen and Verizon's V Cast music-video access. (Under $300, products.vzw.com)
The Sidekick LX makes it super-easy to IM.
TECHNOLOGY
Active Crystals You'll need a sweet-looking USB memory key to stand out from the nerds, and these jewelry-like crystals promise to do just that. We particularly like the heart pendant that breaks apart -- doesn't it always? One key stores 250 songs. ($178, active-crystals.com)
ModBook This modified MacBook, with all the features of the Apple laptop rearranged into tablet form, substitutes a stylus for the keyboard and mouse. ($2,280, axiotron.com)
Dell XPS 720 H2C Perfect for obsessive gamers, this is one of the most ambitious home computers around. Design enthusiasts will love the sleek, piano-black look, and it even offers lighting effects to coordinate with gameplay. ($4,899, dell.com)
Active Crystals' 1GB key holds about 1,000 photos.
VIDEO GAMES
Rock Band Special Edition Bundle Players emulate great concert acts from the 1960s to today, including the Strokes and Jet. Bands also can customize gear, hire road crews and even compete for a record deal. ($159.99, rockband.com)
PSP 2000 Proving that less is more, the new "PSP Slim" is not only one-third lighter and one-fifth thinner than the original PSP, but it also has faster game load times. We also like the new video output that lets us play PSP games on TV. ($169.99, us.playstation.com/PSP/about)
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption This first-person shooter for the Wii has great voice-overs and dynamic sensitivity of the console's motion-sensitive remote. Join female bounty hunter Samus Aran and the Galactic Federation as they battle space pirates in highly detailed steampunk settings. ($49.99, metroid.com)
If you liked Guitar Hero, you'll love Rock Band.
TRANSPORTATION
RipStik Snowboarding meets as-phalt with this wicked street surfer that requires some skateboard skills yet offers a totally new experience. Note to first-time riders: Don't forget to buy some kneepads, as well. ($99.99, ripstikusa.com)
Paul Frank Mod Cruiser bike Blending a retro feel with modern construction and vintage 26-inch tires, this hipster bike also features neat whitewalls. ($390, paulfrank.com)
Element/BAM Stitches Complete skateboard We love Tony Hawk, but when it comes to the half-pipe, there's no one crazier than Bam Margera. The Jackass star endorses about 20 boards on his website, including a new model called "Stitches Complete." ($135, store.bamargera.com)
FASHION
Cheap Monday jeans There's nothing chintzy about these Swedish denims. Teens love the sexy shape and different washes, and that skull logo brings a punk ethos to the party. (Under $100, cheapmonday.com)
Nike Zoom LeBron V The soft inner sleeve and wide removable straps make these some of the most comfy sneakers around. A special Chinese edition comes with Asian dragon art etched on the leather. ($140, nike.com)
Heelys The sneaks with embedded wheels are way popular. New wheel types differ greatly. (From $59.99, heelys.com)
MUSIC
Hairspray Collector's Edition Soundtrack This new two-disc set of music from the hit movie includes more than 65 minutes of original cast performances. The set also has previously unreleased outtakes. ($24.98, newlinerecords.com)
LOTR: The Return of the King The complete score of the last installment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, composed by Howard Shore, captures all the roaring battles, soaring triumphs and climactic victories of Frodo, et al. ($74.98, howardshore.com)
Sawdust Vegas rockers the Killers' album offers B-sides, covers and some new tunes, too. ($13.98, thekillersmusic.com)
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