The Holiday season has arrived, and with it, the usual avalanche of technology gifts that someone on your “Nice” list would love to find under the tree this year.

But what to choose? While ITS is not in the business of recommending particular brands or items, these gifts would certainly beat a lump of coal in a stocking for anyone you’re shopping for.

Tablets

iPad Starting at $499, the iPad offers a touch screen handset,  WiFi, and can be used with many accessories and apps (even Velcro). Not ready to buy? Try one from the O’Neill Library.  

Samsung Galaxy  The iPad’s first competition, the Galaxy is smaller and lighter to carry around. Features include a customizable home screen and the ability to dictate, rather than type, text.

Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch – For just $99, the Bamboo Pen and Touch features a screen able to be used by touch and attached pen. It’s also a bit smaller than all other tablets on the market.

Phones

Blackberry Torch 9800 A touch screen Smartphone, the Torch 9800 features a slide-up keypad, enhanced music player, and 8 GB of memory.

Windows Phone 7 The latest Microsoft mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7 is a touch screen Smartphone with easy, one-touch access to contacts, apps, and information. “Hubs” bring together related content into a single place for consumption and interaction.

eReaders

Amazon Kindle  The third generation Kindle is the lightest to date. The Wi-Fi model is $139, and the Wi-Fi with free 3G wireless network is $189. Both models have enough space for up to 3500 books and can play mp3 files.

Barnes & Noble Nook  With wireless capability and a new model with a color screen, the Nook was named an Editor’s Choice at tech site cnet.com.

Sony Reader  With a compact, 5-inch touch screen, the Sony Reader can hold up to 1500 books and is compatible with Google’s new ebookstore.

Need some other ideas for tech gifts? Visit CNET’s Holiday Gift Guide site.

For products intended for use at BC, refer to bc.edu/hardware, where you can request a consultation with an expert from Information Technology Services regarding the selection of hardware and/or software that would best fit your department’s needs.