With Christmas around the corner, we asked some of our resident ITWebbers what they are hoping for this festive season.
Bonnie Tubbs, journalist at ITWeb Online
“I want an iPad mainly because of the mobility and convenience, and from what I can see, cool apps. It's also one of the gadgets that I have reasonable knowledge of, as opposed to many others that I haven't tested or seen as much. Also, as it is quite trendy and versatile (not purely for corporate use, but also social networking capability and novel apps), it appeals to the younger consumers.”
Tarryn Gieblmann, sub-editor at ITWeb Online
“I'd like to get an iPad for Christmas because I could probably never afford one, and I want to be one of the cool kids.”
Admire Moyo, portals journalist at ITWeb Online
“I'd like an iPad. Firstly, I would say the iPad is a cool device to have as an IT journalist. Secondly, I have had a chance to lay my hands on some tablet PCs, mainly Androids, but the iPad 2 has eluded me so far.”
Adrian Hinchcliffe, managing editor of custom publishing at ITWeb
“I want a tablet (so iPad, Playbook, Samsung Galaxy) primarily because I do have to take notes at meetings, and I think having it all stored in a single place, which is light to carry and the same size as my moleskin, would be awesome. I also want one because of the abundance of apps available, and the idea that they are supposed to be the future of personal computing (although I've heard rumours already they're a passing fad).”
Ranka Jovanovic, editorial director at ITWeb
"I would chose the Kindle Fire. Till last year, I felt I still preferred the experience of flipping the pages of 'a real' paperback. But I am now ready to convert to an e-book reader as I want the books I want to read - instantly. I believe Kindle is the best e-reader on the market - minimal eye-strain, best reader app."
Tallulah Habib, social media manager
“The Asus Transformer is an Android tablet with amazing battery life, and a dock that turns it into a netbook. It is the best of both worlds, especially for someone like me who doesn't like touch-screens.”
Samantha Perry, editor of Brainstorm Magazine
“The Nokia Lumia is not released yet, but this looks like a device that will be topping many have-to-have lists next year. It's a Windows phone, touch-screen, beautiful looks, and great functionality. I'm hoping to get my paws on one soon!”
Emma Jordan, editor of iFashion
“I used a Nokia N9 during fashion week and the photo and video quality is incomparable. In my industry, I need a phone that crosses the line between creative and business... and the N9 does that seamlessly.”
Nadine Arendse, portals journalist at ITWeb Online
“HP's laptop with the floral cover is aesthetically pleasing. It's the ultimate girly gadget for me - technology meets design.”
Patricia Pieterse, assistant editor at iWeek
“I want a 1TB portable hard drive, because I already have an iPad 2, and you can never have enough storage. If I didn't have an iPad it would definitely be number one.”
Nicola Mawson, ITWeb Online deputy news editor
“I'd like a 150mm to 500mm Sigma lens with a Canon mount. The longer lens will make sure I can get up close and personal with a range of wildlife, which are often just out of reach of my 250mm. It would basically double my current range. I've wanted one for years and years.”
Vicky Burger, portals project manager, ITWeb
“I love the concept of the Smart Pen - what a funky gadget. Especially for people who often take notes in meetings or lectures, no more having to decipher your scrawl when you finally get down to typing them up or making use of them!”
Lezette Engelbrecht, Online features editor at ITWeb
“I'd really like one of these Ecobuttons, which is nifty because I work on my PC like the whole day, and this allows you to quickly power your PC down when you run to a meeting or take a phone call or whatever, and then it just springs back to life again when you hit any key.”
Kirsten Doyle, editor, sections and newsletters at ITWeb
“I would love a solar-powered backpack. With a little sunshine, and a little time, I'd never be short of battery life again. For travelling or just day-to-day running around, these are the perfect accessories.”
Aslam Khan, Web developer at ITWeb
“I'd like an XBox 360. My PS2 has sadly become outdated. It happened a few years ago actually, but I couldn't bear having to pack it away and willingly place it in second position to whatever new console I acquired. It's been real, but our journey together has ended. I didn't want it to happen, but it did. Good riddance I say! Hello XBox!”

