The beefed up iPod --which comes in a 30 GB or 60 GB capacity editions, complete with a 6.35 cm (2.5 inch) viewing screen -- allows you to download 7,500 or 15,000 of your favourite tunes, 150 hours of videos and store 25,000 photos.

"They both have all the gaming platforms, but really want the Xbox 360," says Somers. "So I'm going to give them cash to pool together to get it and put some small things in their stockings."

The Xbox 360 is being heralded by Microsoft as the latest, greatest gaming platform and will release it Tuesday as holiday shopping mania kicks into gear.

Jason, a salesman at an EBGames store at Shopper World on the Danforth, says they are already into their third batch of pre-orders for it since mid-April.

"People are getting a bit frantic when it comes to ordering," said Jason. "Some people are finding out it may be too late to get them for Christmas."

Now if this isn't quite what you're looking for, Gus Dimitropoulos, manager of the Telephone Booth at Fairview Mall, says cellphones that combine cameras as well as MP3 players are all the rage.

"The Motorola Razr V3 phone, is one of the slimmest and most stylish phones going. It is for the young urban hip crowd and uses a wireless headset," said Dimitropoulos. "It has GSM (global systems for mobile communications) network coverage, digital photo and BlueTooth capability."

"It comes with a separate stereo headset. And is almost as good as some MP3 players." But if you are looking for a companion, check out the 81-cm long RoboRaptor?

This toy uses infrared technology to detect things in its path, responds to sensory touch and can move into aggressive/hunting mood; nervous/cautious mood or friendly/playful mood.

There's also RoboSapien, complete with 67 lifelike features that include picking-up, kicking and throwing things, dancing kung-fu moves as well as farting and belching.

Now these aren't to be confused with the lovable little Furby or the Zizzle iZ or iDog -- that can each dance to music played on CD player, PC, MP3, iPod or any music device that uses a standard headset cable.

If you miss these hot ticket items, there's digital cameras, high-definition TVs, MP3 players, satellite radios and portable DVD players to make it a merry Christmas. Indeed.

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