Looking for that perfect gift for the holidays for someone you work with (or for) or a family member or friend? Or looking to exchange a gift you got for something you really, really want? Take a look at our list of recommendations:

1. CD-RW
2. Printers/Scanners
3. Office Suites
4. Email Software
5. System Software
6. Miscellaneous and Game Software
7. Miscellaneous Hardware

CD-RWs
• Hewlett-Packard isn't the first name you think of when it comes to a CD writeable/recordable for you desktop or notebook, but the ones they make are a perfect fit for the novice or expert. The internal CD-Writer Plus is so simple to install, it took less than 10 minutes - software included. This is definitely one of the better products on the market these days. The portable is perfect for those on the go, to use just with a notebook or for both the desktop and notebook.
• HP CD-Writer Plus M820e portable
  PCMCIA or SCSI-II Interface (PCs only)
  4X Write, 4X Rewrite, 20X Read
  Includes Adaptec Direct CD, Easy CD Creator, Easy CD Audio and Jewel Case Designer software, AC adapter, PCMCIA card, external data cable, one blank CD-RW disc, one blank CD-R disc
  $399
• HP Internal CD-Writer Plus 8200i
  Parallel port interface (PCs only)
  2X Write, 2X Rewrite, 6X Read
  Includes Adaptec DirectCD, Easy CD Creator, Corel Print Office, HP Simple Trax, HP Disaster Recovery software, external data cable, audio cable, one blank CD-RW disc, one blank CD-R disc $229

Return to the top

PRINTERS/SCANNERS/COPIERS



• Xerox Workcentre XK35c
  If you're looking for an all-in-one scanner/printer/copier that's COLOR, then the Xerox WorkCentre XK35c is what you want! Its low price and combination of capabilities are just right for that small business or home office. And the quality of the output is terrific - when compared to the Lexmark Z51 and Canon BJC-5100 color printers, the XK35c colors are just a bit sharper; compared to the Visioneer 8600 OneTouch scanner, the image quality is about the same (but the XK35c offers a higher resolution) and when compared to the regular black and white Xerox copier XC830, the XK35c is pretty good, although the output of the XC830 is much better due to the dry toner it uses (you don't have to wait for it to dry). But you have to remember - you can get COLOR photocopies with enlarging/reducing options and more with the XK35c, which will amaze your business contacts, friends and family. The only caveat - if you run a LAN or have two or more computers networked together, the XK35c is not recommended - you'd be better off with separate components.
  Windows 95/98
  1200 x 1200 dpi color inkjet printer
  Copier 600 x 600 dpi
  Scanner, up to 4800 x 4800 dpi
  $349
• Lexmark Z51
  The Lexmark Z51 is a fast printer, easy to set up, a good size (and doesn't weigh a lot) and has some sharp output with high resolution options. You can also get a photo ink cartridge for printing photos, which is great for those who have a separate photo printer. Software included: Corel Print House Magic™ and ArcSoft Photo Fun House
  1200 x 1200 dpi color jetprinter
  Windows 95/98
  $249
• Canon BJC-6000
  Although the resolution output isn't as high as the Lexmark or Xerox, the Canon BJC-6000 printer has something Lexmark and Xerox don't - separate ink tanks for each color. So when you run out of red ink, you replace the red ink cartridge, not the whole color cartridge. This is a must for anyone who prints using a lot of color. Save time and money on ink! Comes with Canon CreativePro software.
  720 x720 dpi color bubblejet printer with ThinkTank system (separate ink tanks for each color)
  Windows/iMac compatible
  $199
• Canon BJC-5100
  This color inkjet printer is a must for any SOHO - you can print everything from brochures to greeting cards to photographs (photo quality output) to newsletters and more – all the way up to 11x17 (although only one at a time manually for the 11x17, a negative). And resolution is as high as 1440x720 dpi with specialty papers (720x720 dpi otherwise). It also comes with three ink cartridges - one enhanced black cartridge, one regular black ink tank and one color ink tank (photo ink cartridge optional). And it's inexpensive! Comes with Canon Creative Pro software, which includes 300+ TrueType fonts
  Windows 95/98
  $149 (after mail-in rebate)
• Visioneer 8600 OneTouch Scanner
  This scanner is for those who want a scanner and want it NOW! It's so easy to set up and truly does one-touch scanning up to 600x1200 dpi in 36-bit color. You can set it up to scan to e-mail, a printer, or a file, it does OCR, even faxes! However, you do have to like the color purple (the only downside). It is compact in size and truly remarkable. Software included: PaperPort Deluxe 6.1, TextBridge Pro 8.0 OCR, WebPublisher Link, PictureWorks PhotoEnhancer, MGI PhotoSuite II SE
  8.5" x 11.7" scanning area
  Win 95/98/NT
  $249

Return to the top

OFFICE SUITES - SOFTWARE

Looking for an office suite that includes a word processor, desktop publisher, web page publisher, charts, spreadsheets and more? Choose from three great products, Microsoft's Office2000, Corel's WordPerfect Office 2000 Standard, and Lotus SmartSuite Millennium Edition. Truthfully, choosing which one you want depends on what you've used before and what you truly need. Each come with a variety of programs and range from $399 on up. It's recommended you stick with what you know and upgrade if you can (that'll save you some bucks). If you've never used one of these and want to try one, I recommend WordPerfect's Office 2000 for the home office or small business, MS Office2000 for the small to mid-sized business and Lotus SmartSuite Millennium Edition for the mid to large-sized business. Why? Comments from current users on newsgroups and web sites suggest this is the best route. Of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

• Microsoft Office2000 Premium
  Includes MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Publisher, MS Small Business Tools, MS Access, MS PowerPoint, MS FrontPage, MS PhotoDraw, more
  Windows 95/98/NT
  $799, upgrade $449
• WordPerfect Office 2000 Voice-Powered Edition
  Includes WordPerfect 9, Quattro Pro 9, Corel Presentation 9, CorelCentral 9, Trellix 2, Dragon NaturallySpeaking (includes headset), Corel PrintOffice, Adobe Acrobat reader, 12,000+ clipart, 1,000+ fonts, 200+ photos
  Windows 95/98/NT
  $449, upgrade $159 (standard and other editions also available)
• Lotus SmartSuite Millennium Edition 9.5
  Includes Lotus 1-2-3 (spreadsheet), Lotus FastSite (Intranet Document Publisher), IBM ViaVoice (includes headset microphone), Lotus Organizer R5, Lotus Word Pro, Lotus Freelance Graphics, Lotus Approach (database), Lotus SmartCenter, Lotus ScreenCam (multimedia), Lotus Note R5 and Smartsuite for Dummies reference book (which all of us can use!)
  Windows 95/98/NT
  $399, upgrade $149

Return to the top

E-MAIL SOFTWARE



• Qualcomm Eudora Pro Email 4.2 Eudora is worth getting as a separate e-mail program. It outshines all other e-mail programs (and I've tried Communicator's, Outlook Express, L-Notes, Pegasus and even Forte Agent). I always come back to Eudora. It's easy to install and use, allows you about as many mailboxes as you can think of, multiple address books, and much more. And it's cheap.
  Eudora announced on December 9, 1999 that it was making Eudora Pro available for free as a download from their web site. What's the catch? A small ad in the corner under the mailboxes (in the Mac version it's a small, moveable window). The ad will change on a rotation basis, won't contain any animation or sounds and Eudora claims it won't be too distracting.
  For those of us (like me) who prefer no ads, you can still purchase the retail version of Eudora at your local retailer or online. If you download it from their web site, you'll be asked if you want the freeware (ad) version or wish to purchase the full version for $29.99.
  Easy to use e-mail program with lots of extras
  Windows 95/98/NT or Mac OS 7 or higher
  $49.95

Return to the top

SYSTEM SOFTWARE



• Symantec's Norton SystemWorks 2000
  It's about time Symantec came up with a combination program to protect your computer. With all the programs included, you're sure to have your computer in top shape in no time! I found all the programs to work well, except for CrashGuard, which kept telling me things were crashing when they weren't (I turned this off). Other than that, a cheap investment to keep your computer fine-tuned!
  Includes Norton Utilities 2000, Norton AntiVirus 2000, Norton CleanSweep 2000, Norton CrashGuard 2000, Norton Web Services, LiveAdvisor, Zip-it, WinFax Basic, Norton 2000 BIOS test and fix, Norton Secret Stuff, Symantec Visual Page
  Windows 95/98
  $69.99, upgrade $59.99

Return to the top

MISC/GAMES SOFTWARE



• Zip Up The Web Pro
  Zip up a web page or entire domain with a click!
  Windows 95/98/NT
  $29.95
• Writer's Market 2000 - Electronic Edition
  This is not only for writers. Businesses can use this for sending out press releases to trade and/or consumer publications - keep track of who you send them to, when, etc. And for budding and not-so-budding writers, this is an invaluable tool not only to search for places to send your writing, but to learning about writing, reading tips from the experts and more. Includes 1,300 consumer pubs, 450+ trade pubs, 1,150+ book publishers, 250+ script buyers, 6,500+ phone/fax numbers, 6,500+ e-mail addresses and web sites. Also includes Writer's Encyclopedia, agent listings, contests, syndicates, Canadian/International book publishers and more.
  Windows 95/98
  $49.99
• Electronic Arts NHL 2000
  Includes "Face in the game" play with your favorite pros, full Internet gameplay, more ways to score, all the teams and players, more
  Windows 95/98 and PlayStation
  $39.95
• Electronic Arts Need For Speed High Stakes
  For the race car driving fan who wants to race "fancy" cars. Includes 18 realistic courses in exotic locales, 18 "dream" cars including a Ferrari, you lose the race - you lose your car, realistic career play - earn money to repair and upgrade your car, race to your own music, night racing, all kinds of weather and much more. Best of all - no 3D card is required (but does make it look and run super).
  Windows 95/98
  $49.95
• Electronic Arts Jane's USAF
  If you've wanted to join the military and never have or have wondered what it's like to fly in the Air Force, this comes very close to the real thing, since it was developed in cooperation with the real USAF (jet sounds and movement not included). You get eight jets to choose from, unbelievable graphics, four battle campaigns, pilot career tracking, in-flight assistance (includes a HUD or heads-up display), multiplayer air combat and more. You should probably have played other flight sims before trying this one out.
  Windows 95/98
  $39.95
• Looking Glass Studios Flight Unlimited III
  For a flight sim on the tamer side, try this. You get 60 airports to fly in and out of, great graphics with realistic weather and in-flight hazards (such as downdrafts, turbulence), Air Traffic Control that guides you to safe landings, 10 aircraft so realistic you want to reach out and touch them, thousands of miles of the U.S. to fly over, create your own cities/airports with the included Scenery Editor.
  Windows 95/98
  $39.95
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Professional
  For seasoned "Flight Simulator" enthusiasts and pilots - includes IFR training proficiency instrument panels, more than 20,000 airports worldwide, moving map and GPS, custom 3-D objects, more
  Windows 95/98/NT
  $74.95
• Microsoft Midtown Madness
  Ever wanted to drive like crazy through Chicago? Now you can, with this driving simulator, which is more of a game. Buzz around town in all kinds of vehicles, from a city bus to a VW Bug, semi-truck and more. Drive around Wrigley Field - on the inside, crash through shopping malls or cruise the shores of Lake Michigan. Fun in the (virtual) sun!
  Windows 95/98
  $39.95
• Microsoft's Pandora's Box
  10 different visually-oriented (and challengingly fun!) puzzles created by the designer of TetrisL Windows 95/98/NT
  $34.95

Return to the top

MISC. HARDWARE/STOCKING STUFFERS



• Logitech Cordless Mouse Special Edition
  A cordless mouse that really works - and works well. You can use it just about anywhere in your office, up to 5 feet away. I don't know why you'd want to do that unless you had the cordless keyboard to go with it and you sat on a couch. Go figure. I like this mouse because it comes with five different color tops - something to suit every mood (even a dark gray which can pass for black on those really bad days). This is a nifty product and replaced my touch pad. And it'll fit in a stocking!
  Windows 95/98
  $49.95
• Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel
  Actually feel the bumps and crashes with this incredible realistic wheel Includes wheel, pedals, plus CART Precision Racing, Monster Truck Madness 2, SideWinder Game Device Software. 16-bit, 25MHz onboard coprocessor for fast and smooth play, eight programmable buttons (including two shifters/triggers), force feedback on/off option.
  Windows 95/98
  $209.95
• Logitech WingMan Forumula Force Feedback Wheel
  Same as the Microsoft wheel, except the pedals are made better - wish I could take the pedals from the Logitech and the wheel from Microsoft and combine them. Preference over the two? If cost isn't a factor, probably Microsoft, because the wheel and buttons on the wheel are more realistic. But this wheel can't be beat at its much lower price. Comes with Motorhead and F1 Racing Simulation software.
  Windows 95/98
  $159.95
• Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel
  For those who'd rather not feel the bumps and crashes, this is the wheel for you. Eight programmable buttons, prebuilt profiles for most Windows-based games (can also make your own profiles), easy to attach/remove from desktop, comes with slip-resistant pedals, USB compatible.
  Windows 95/98
  $79.95
• Microsoft Dual Strike Game Controller
  3-D character game controllers melds functions of game pad with keyboard and mouse, has rotating pod to facilitate easier, more successful gameplay in first-person and action/adventure games (such as Quake and DOOM). If you've never used a gamepad or trackball mouse before, this will be easy to learn. Users who have a trackball mouse find this hard to use and end up going back to mouse and keyboard functions. USB compatible, customizable buttons. A super stocking stuffer for the game fanatic in your family!
  Windows 98
  $49.95
• Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad Pro
  The option to the Dual Strike, this Game Pad will make your first-person and action/adventure games that much more adventurous! Includes multiple customizable buttons, great durability (I dropped mine and it still worked and it handled even the toughest moves in games), ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hands. Includes 30 game profiles (plus add your own), is USB compatible and fits in a stocking!
  Windows 95/98
  $44.95

Return to the top

---

J.A. Hitchcock is a regular contributor to Compute Me. Visit her web site at jahitchcock.com.

Return to the Compute Me Reviews main page.