20 Best Last-Minute Tech Deals for Holiday Shoppers

It’s crunch time now. Just a few days left until Christmas, so it’s time to get going on that holiday shopping list. But just because you’re short on time, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise and get a less-than-perfect gift. And it certainly doesn’t mean you have to pay through the nose. Here’s a list of 20 items anyone will love. None are overpriced, and all of them are still available in time for the holidays.

Model: Zi8

Availability: Through December 24, while supplies last.

If high-quality video is what matters, Kodak’s Zi8 HD delivers. This camcorder earned a spot on PCWorld’s list of the best pocket-sized models, thanks to its high-quality HD video recording. Walmart isn’t the only retailer offering it at a discount; OfficeMax is selling it for just a dollar more, at $100.

Model: 550M

Availability: Through December 24, while supplies last.

When it comes to GPS screens, bigger really is better. TomTom’s 550M XXL model offers plenty of screen real estate, with a display that measures 5 inches diagonally. It also offers lifetime maps as well as TomTom’s easy-to-use interface. Other retailers are offering this model for close to $200 or more.

Model: Droid Incredible

Availability: Through December 24.

Best Buy is offering a variety of smartphones for free, including some of today’s best handsets, such as the Android-based Droid Incredible. The retailer also is offering the BlackBerry Torch, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, and the BlackBerry Curve 3G for free. To get a free phone, though, you will need to sign a two-year service contract with the cellular carrier.

Model: Flip UltraHD

Availability: Through December 24.

Flip Video was the pioneer of the pocket camcorder market, offering devices that capture quality video while remaining incredibly easy to use. Best Buy is offering the UltraHD model, which captured a spot on PCWorld’s list of the best pocket camcorders, for about $30 less than the competition.

Model: E3000

Availability: Ongoing.

A router might not seem like the sexiest gift, but the E3000 is more entertaining than most. This wireless-N router is designed for connecting your entertainment devices–including a networked TV, Blu-ray player, or set-top box–to your home network.

Model: 55LX6500

Availability: Ongoing.

Though $1849 may sound like a lot to pay for a TV–and it is–this big-screen model costs $2100 or more elsewhere. And it packs plenty of features, including 3D capability and network connectivity for accessing Internet apps on its big screen. Amazon is also offering four pairs of free 3D glasses with the purchase of select LG TVs.

Model: LC-40D68UT

Availability: Through December 24.

If a 55-inch screen with all the latest bells and whistles is a little too much this year, consider a lower-key HDTV. Best Buy has cut $200 off the price of this 40-inch model, which features 1080p resolution.

Model: Harmony One

Availability: Through December 24.

The finishing touch on any high-end home theater system is an advanced universal remote. And few universal remotes can top the Harmony One, with its 2.2-inch touchscreen and intuitive navigation controls, which impressed PCWorld’s reviewer.

Model: TCD746320 Premiere

Availability: Ongoing.

Sure, you can rent a DVR from your cable company. But it won’t offer the same performance that the TiVo Premiere can deliver. Not only does a TiVo have the best DVR interface around, this box also offers access to Internet-based services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video on Demand, and Pandora. The TiVo Premiere usually sells for $100.

Model: LN46C670

Availability: Through December 24.

Best Buy has cut $400 off the list price of this Internet-connectable 46-inch LCD, offering it for about $200 less than the competition. The retailer also is sweetening the deal by offering a free Samsung LinkStick wireless adapter when you buy the TV.

Model: APA-00007

Availability: Dec. 22 & 23

Livescribe’s Pulse “smartpen” is part pen, part voice recorder, and part nothing you’ve ever seen before. Remember Picture Pages? If not, watch this YouTube clip, and then imagine Livescribe’s Pulse as the Picture Pages pen on a combination of steroids, hallucinogens, and time-travel pills. It’s fun to use, and it could prove to be a groundbreaking, useful tool for students, meeting-hoppers, and journalists. The Livescribe normally sells for about $200. – Tim Moynihan

Read the PC World review.

Model: Logitech Revue

Availability: Through December 24.

The Logitech Revue–the long-awaited Google TV box–is still a relatively new product, as it was launched just a few months ago. Best Buy is one of the few retailers offering the device, which is comprised of a set-top box and a small, wireless keyboard, and is now offering it at a discount. The Logitech Revue normally sells for $299.99.

Model: BDP-BX57

Availability: Ongoing.

BJ’s waived its 5 percent nonmember surcharge through December 20, but even if you have to pay that fee now, the wholesale club is still offering a deal on this 3D-ready Blu-ray player. You’ll find it for $145 and up at competing retailers.

Model: PD7012/37

Availability: Through December 25, while supplies last.

Target is offering this portable DVD player for $20 less than most of the competition. It’s designed for in-car use, so not only will you save money, you’ll also save your sanity if you’re hitting the road with a car full of kids anytime soon.

Model: H55 Black

Availability: Through December 24.

Best Buy isn’t the only retailer offering this 14.1-megapixel shooter at a discount; Walmart is offering it at the same price. That’s less than the $200 or more you’d pay for this pocket-size camera elsewhere.

Model: Bloggie Touch

Availability: Through December 24.

Sony’s Bloggie Touch one-ups the pocket camcorder competition with a sleek, sturdy, all-metal design. It also backs up its good looks by offering a functional touchscreen, a wide-angle lens, and the ability to record HD video.

Model: 1700

Availability: Ongoing.

To say that Magellan’s Roadmate 1700 GPS has a big screen doesn’t really do it justice. The screen measures a whopping 7 inches diagonally; that’s more like a tablet than a GPS. Other retailers are charging $169 and more for this device.

Model: 8GB, Fourth Generation

Availability: Ongoing.

It’s hard to find a new iPod at a price much lower than Apple’s suggested retail value. But Amazon is offering a brand-new 8GB iPod Touch for $24 less than what Apple mandates. That’s just enough to make this the best iPod deal online last time we checked.

Model: 17R

Availability: Limited Quantities.

Dell’s Inspiron 17R features a 17.3-inch widescreen display, Intel Core i3 processor, and a colorful, customizable case. The computer maker is offering $244 in savings, and is promising fast shipping on systems. Note: You will have to call Dell to get the special price. (Dell’s online price is $600.)

Model: 310

Availability: Through December 25.

HP’s slick touchscreen desktop PC offers plenty of features for work and play. And it’s even more appealing when you consider that Staples is offering the TouchSmart 310 for almost $100 less (at $699.98, precisely) than other retailers.