Canon PowerShot SX1 Digital Camera

Since my Canon PowerShot S1 passed away, I've been tempted by many other cameras. On the high-end, the beautiful and compact Panasonic Lumix G1 SLR has everything I want in a camera, including an unmatched 3in articulate screen. Everything, that is, except video recording; and no matter how much the purists might hate me for this, capturing video is functionality I demand.

On the other hand was the delectable Lumix DMC-LX3, which received our highest accolade. But despite its brilliance, it simply doesn't satisfy two requirements on my essentials list: an articulate flip-screen and a really long zoom range.

Back to the SX1 (sequel to the brilliant but flawed S5). A 20x optical zoom with a 28mm wide end, 2.8in screen that will twist any which way and 1080p movie mode seem to answer all my prayers. I also love cameras using AA batteries, which proved a life-saver when I couldn't recharge my NiMH ones in Indonesia. Finally, though we haven't reviewed the SX1 yet, I'm hoping the CMOS sensor will do a good job of reducing the noise that goes with ever-increasing megapixel counts on compact sensors.

So please, Santa, I promise I won't use it to sneakily snap you if you drop the SX1 into my Christmas stocking.
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HP 2475w 24in Monitor

For so long, I've been waiting for the monitor that has it all, that can be all things to… well, me.

As a graphical artist, I want a high-quality panel offering accurate colours and plenty of real estate. So my choices are pretty much limited to variants of MVA, PVA or IPS, and I want at least 1,920 x 1,200 pixels' worth. I also demand that my favoured display be fully adjustable.

As a fanatical console and PC gamer, I want multiple video inputs, with at least four digital connectors (any mixture of DVI, HDMI and Displayport will do), component for my Wii and S-Video for my older consoles like the Dreamcast.

Many came close, but none made the grade. Gordon's choice this year, Apple's Cinema Display, offers neither the adjustability nor the inputs, while Samsung's T240HD fails on image quality due to its TN panel. The Hyundai W241D didn't have enough inputs, the Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP didn't quite make the image-quality grade. The NEC MultiSync WMGX3 almost stole my heart with its huge offering of connectivity and remote control, but aside from morally objecting to its price tag, the hideous stand just put me off too much.

Then HP comes along with its 2475w 24in Monitor using an S-IPS panel, and while I regret the absence of a remote, in every other regard it would appear to be a winner (to be hopefully confirmed by a TR review soon).

Santa, obviously I need this brilliant-looking display to edit those shots I don't intend to stealthily take of you with my Canon SX1.
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Philips 42PFL9803H 42in LED LCD TV

The wild-card gift I'd most like to see under my tree was, perhaps surprisingly, the toughest choice of the three.

Sure, I'd love a house, just like most people who don't own one yet, but a slight glitch here is that I haven't quite decided in which country I want to settle permanently - and there is so much of the world I haven't seen yet. A car then perhaps? Yes, with the planet at melt-point, a decent zero-emissions vehicle is more important than ever, and any of the marvellous models so difficult to actually find for sale in the UK would float my boat. The only problem? I can't drive yet. Hum and bug.

Don't need a new mobile, do want a new bike but wouldn't know which one to get, have every console. And while I currently have all my consoles hooked up to a monitor, I would like something more impressive than even the above 2475w to showcase Gears of War 2.

If I owned the aforementioned house, it would be a very simple decision, and I would go with Ed's choice of the Pioneer Kuro KRP 600A Plasma. But since I envision moving house a lot in the future, I really should go for something a little smaller. A nice Full HD projector such as InFocus' X10 would be great, but then I'd face the cost of lamp-replacement every few years.

So in the end, I'm going for Philips' stunning 42PFL9803H, which despite its horribly boring name is an LED-backlit 42in television of great accomplishment. It's Full HD, has stereo Ambilight and plenty of inputs, is small enough to be relatively portable yet big enough to have a serious impact, and most importantly, has amazing image quality.

Okay Santa, so I admit you'll have to come up with a pretty genius plan to get a 42in television down the chimney and under my tree, but keep in mind, I could've gone for the car!
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