When you are a tech reporter, you get to play with any gadget or game that you want, most of the time. The problem with gadgets is that the yearning and desire is strongest when you can’t hold them, but since I get to test almost any gadget I am interested in, the desire is no longer to own the gadget but just to play with them for a week or two.

So when I sat down and asked myself what I would like for X’mas, I really had to think hard. But here’s what I think I would need:

(1) Time.
I want to rip all my DVDs, VCDs, convert my LDs plus convert my home video tapes into a digital format, and store them all in my 4-bay NAS. Sounds like a lot of time, which is what I really need but don’t have much of.

(2) A new mobile phone plan
Since my contract ended in October, I am going to switch from my 800 minutes plan with 0 GB free data  to 100 minutes plan with 12GB  free data. I am going to start using Hoiio or pfingo Bounce to make local calls to cut down on my mobile phone bill. Why pay 16.05cents per minute when I can get it for 3.8 cents per minute.

(3) A gaming laptop
I have many laptops but I think it’s time to get a 15.6-inch or 17-inch machine that can do everything including games. I have been testing the 17-inch Gateway P series and so far I am very pleased with it. The laptop does not overheat after hours of gameplay! Trying to see if prices will fall under $2,500.

(4) A sound system
The stereo speakers from my 40-inch Samsung TV really sucks and having done quite a few stories on hifi-systems at Audio House, I am convinced it’s time to get a good 5.1 sound system. I liked the Polk Audio speakers I tested the last time, will probably combine that with a Denon amp. Trying to get it all for about $2,000.

(5) A new phone for my wife
This is the toughest choice of all. It’s hard to figure out what women really wants, and that also applies to getting a phone for them. I think I’ll stick to a Sony Ericsson with a good camera. And no, I wont get her an iPhone.

As Christmas comes and the year draws to a close, what would a geek want in his Christmas stocking, or rather, in a nice FedEx box?

In my own unrealistic mind, I have keys to an Audi A4 2.0T, an Intel six-core Gulftown CPU (though that’s only officially out next year) and a Classè integrated amp for my music.

But I’m being greedy. I’m a PC geek, a car lover and a hi-fi buff (I refuse to call myself a pretentious audiophile).

Just how do you buy a gift for a geek? Let’s be fair and agree that there are different goondus, or well, geeks who might be differently pleasured with different gifts. Here’s what the various types of goondus might want. …