Hasta La Gadget!

Short Version

Sony’s compact camera with pro features including manual focusing and RAW support comes with a hefty price tag, but it costs that much for a reason: This is simply the best camera currently available for shooters who want something that fits in a front pocket but still delivers image quality so breathtaking, your friends will think you’ve been toting around a DSLR.

Long Version

Features:

• Large, 1-inch sensor (allows for amazing depth-of-field composition)
• Bright, fast  F1.8-4.9 lens
• Incredibly fast autofocus in a range of lighting conditions

Info:

• 20.2 effective megapixel sensor
• 3.6x zoom
• Availability: Ships Dec. 4 from Sony
• MSRP: $649
• Product page

The Sony RX100 is…

… a compact camera that proves good things do come in small packages. The bokeh (background blur) you can achieve with this camera is astounding, given its size. It’s also an extremely capable low-light shooter compared to others in this category, and has AF capabilities that are actually so fast they’ll take some getting used to if you’re coming from some recent mirrorless interchangeable lens systems, like the Canon EOS M.

But the Sony RX100 for…

… the photo enthusiast in your circle who stopped taking pictures because they got tired of lugging around heavy equipment. That applies to DSLR shooters, as well as compact system camera users who were just tired of keeping track of different lenses, or who felt almost, but not quite unburdened by things like the Olympus PEN series that still aren’t quite pocketable.

Because…

… the problem with the eternal struggle between image quality and portability in cameras is that you always end up making more compromises than you’re probably comfortable with. The RX100 is different, in that it’s a compact camera with an attached lens that will leave you thinking “This is good,” instead of just “This is good enough.” Check out the gallery of unedited photos straight from the camera below for a small sample of what the RX100 is capable of.

Click to view slideshow.

Short Version

As one of TechCrunch’s resident watch fans, I was intrigued by the Victorinox Dive Master 500, a fairly unique automatic watch that brings the best of the Swiss mechanical along with styling reminiscent of some of the better divers. The build is solid, the 43mm case is well-polished, and the face is very legible. Interestingly, I’d actually recommend this for a fairly adventurous lady who is looking for something a little more rugged – and handsome – than the traditional sport watch.

Long Version

Features:

• Automatic ETA 2892-A2 movement
• Rubber strap
• Comes in four colors

Info:

• Android 4.1
• 1200 x 720, 4.7-inch display
• MSRP: $1,250 (although I found it for $740 elsewhere)
• Product page

The Dive Master 500 is…

… A very cool, very solid automatic divers watch in the vein of a Tissot Seastar or Seiko Orange Monster. Although it’s a bit pricey, it looks great on the wrist of your best gal (or yourself, if you enjoy a smaller case) and is very well-made. Victorinox has long been famous for their knives and I’m pleased to note that this is one of the first watch models that really lives up to the Swiss Army name.

Buy the Dive Master 500 for…

… a picky watch lover who may want something different. While similarly kitted watches can be found for considerably less, the $1,250 MSRP (and $750 street price) of this piece is right on par with others in its class. I wouldn’t normally recommend “Swiss Army” branded watches as I’ve seen too many clunkers in my day, but this is the first one I’m genuinely entranced by.

Because…

… Watch lovers – mainly beginning collectors – will really like it. It’s got some pedigree, it’s got some charm, and it’s very well built. You could get an Orange Monster for much less, but if you’re going Swiss, try this.

With all the gear passing through Giz headquarters, we fall in love with our fair share of tech. Sadly, we have to return the objects of our desire. Just as we fall for one, we’re forced to covet from afar. These are the gadgets we’ll be crushing on the hardest this holiday season. More »

Short Version

Apple’s iPod touch is arguably among the last of a dying breed, being a standalone media player that isn’t also a phone. But just because you’re among a species on the verge of extinction doesn’t mean you can’t shine, and the 5th generation iPod touch brings a lot of goodness to the table for a connected mobile device that can’t call anyone.

Long Version

Features:

• Thin (~20 percent thinner than iPhone 5), weighs just 88 grams
• Crazy loop strap thing for wristband, or your cellphone charm, if that’s how you roll
• Much-improved camera

Info:

• 4-inch Retina display
• Available: Now (Ships in 1-3 business days)
• MSRP: Starts at $299
• Product page

The iPod touch is…

… still easily the best media player out there, and now a much more capable mobile gaming device thanks to the introduction of the dual-core A5 chip that powers it. And with the new, super thin design, it’s actually the most portable iPod touch, despite the screen size increase.

Buy the iPod touch for…

… kids, or anyone who wants a dedicated media and game player that’s more portable than the similarly priced iPad mini. Also good for users who are on Android or BlackBerry for their primary phone, but want to test the waters of Apple’s iOS ecosystem. Apple knows full well that the audience for dedicated media players is dwindling, but this iPod touch was tailor-made for the niche audiences to whom it still appeals.

Because…

… the design is so impressive, I actually find myself wishing this was the latest iPhone from time to time. It isn’t without its drawbacks: the ultra-thin case meant Apple had to leave out the ambient light sensor that adjusts screen brightness automatically, which is a shame because Apple devices are among the few that get this feature right. But honestly, if you’re looking for a media player, and you also want a ton of great apps, there’s really no contest here.

Short Version

The Pen Type-A is a pen milled from a block of type 304 stainless steel that should last at least 50 years. It looks and feels great, and it’s a good writing tool that uses Pilot’s Hi-Tec C ink cartridges. The ruler casing doubles as a sleeve. It is precisely manufactured so that the pen slowly slides in and out like a pneumatic cylinder. It’s a pen for pen geeks.

Long Version

Features:

• Solid and durable pen
• Ruler in inches and centimeters
• 0.3mm black Hi-Tec C ink cartridge included
• Compatible with 0.25, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 Hi-Tec C ink cartridges
• Dime screw on one end
• No branding

Info:

• MSRP: $150
• Manufacturer/retailer: CW&T
• Made in the U.S.

The Pen Type-A is…

… a pen that happens to be a beautiful piece of engineering. Contrary to aluminum pens, a steel-based pen is much heavier and sometimes tiring to use. But the industrial design with no crack in the entire body gives it a unique look.

It is also an early Kickstarter success. The team shipped the last pens a couple of months ago and just started taking new orders. They proved that you could ship a complicated hardware product on Kickstarter while keeping up with customers’ expectations.

One of the most compelling features is that the Pen Type-A uses Pilot Hi-Tec C ink cartridges. It’s easy to order them online, future proof and there are a lot of width and color combinations. The Hi-Tec C has been my pen of choice for years — it’s very good.

But at $150, it’s an expensive pen. Just like watches, pens can be luxurious items, sometimes too blinged-out with ornamental and gilt bodies for my taste. They look dated and stand out on a desk next to the glass of my smartphone and my aluminum computer. Cold and futuristic objects like the Pen Type-A merit a spot in the luxury category. It is still reasonably priced compared to Sailor or Namiki pens, while very expensive Mont Blanc pens are in another category altogether.

Buy the Pen Type-A for…

… your loved ones who like beautiful objects and writing. As much as I’d like to do everything with digital devices, I still use a pen every day. It’s efficient and portable, and sometimes you just need to write things down. When you are on the move and you need to take notes, a pen is indispensable.

But a cheap pen is enough for nearly everyone. Only those who like design and beautiful pens will care about the Pen Type-A. And they’ll love it.

Because…

… a present should be something unique that someone wouldn’t think about and wouldn’t buy for himself or herself. People don’t spend money on pens anymore. With the Pen Type-A, you’d make a deeply personal yet beautiful present.

Click to view slideshow.