The Holiday Gadget Guide

The Ones to Avoid

Microsoft Zune

I got my Zune the day it went on sale, and the first thing its software did after installing was to download updates from Microsoft (MSFT Quote). Updates on the first day? Think Softee might have rushed this product out before it was ready? Although the Zune has the makings to be a great product, we'll have to check back with version two or three before that will truly happen.

Helio

Helio is one of these mobile virtual-network operators (MVNO) that basically rent cell-phone access and then market their devices around some niche group. If Helio had its own network, I'd recommend this service because a lot of the GPS applications (buddy finder, Google (GOOG Quote) maps integration, directions, etc.) are very useful and very intuitive. However, this isn't the case, and soon enough, the large wireless providers will add these services. I'd never personally sign up for services from one of these MVNOs.

Delphi Nav200 GPS Navigator

While it might have started out promising, my experience with Delphi's latest GPS device quickly turned south as my assistant and I -- two very tech-savvy individuals, I should add -- could not get the thing to work. For starters, when programming my home address into the device, it was either extremely slow or kept providing suggestions that were completely wrong. Next, it never could pick up a GPS signal in the city until I went upstate for a weekend. There, it suddenly began working (well, "working" being a relative term.) This thing is a piece of junk, frankly. What was Delphi's stock price again? Oh, Delphi's in bankruptcy. If this product is any indication, I think that's about right.