Gifts for techno-savvy students

A new semester begins after the holidays, so send off your kids to college with gizmos they can enjoy all year long. Here are a few ideas:

Earbud Desktop Speakers: Using earbuds is bad for your hearing, so why not just get them a cool set of computer speakers? Shaped like the classic white iPod earbuds, 500XL Desktop earbuds are a fun set of speakers any iPod fan would love to own. Said to be 500 times the size of regular earbuds, these speakers have a built-in amp and are powered by either a USB connection or batteries. You can find them at Perpetual Kid for about $40 a pair.

Webcam: This all-in-on device is perfect for college students because it includes a web camera, digital photo frame, alarm clock, and thermometer. The photo frame can store and display up to 50 photos in JPEG, BMP, and GIF formats, and detaches from the stand. Both the web camera and frame use rechargeable batteries which are included. You can find this stand for about $70 at Montgomery Ward.

Space Invaders Alarm Clock: Alarm clocks can be so unimaginative, unless of course, you've got a funky Space Invaders alarm clock that wakes you up with crazy lights, and fun sound effects. Firebox says the Space Invaders even appear on-screen as soon as the alarm clock goes off, while the retro casing lights up with all kinds of crazy lights reminiscent of the 80s' arcade game. It's small enough to take along on trips, and cheap enough to get one for all the video game enthusiasts on your list.

HAVA player: I reviewed this gem not long ago, and if the economy was in better shape, I'd get one for everyone on my list. HAVA is a place-shifting TV device that hooks up to your set-top boxes (TiVO, Apple TV, cable box, DVD player) so you can take your entertainment anywhere you go. You don't need to pay for any extra monthly subscriptions, and best of all you can share it with others in the family. HAVA starts at $99, but other models are available including a wireless version.

Share any additional suggestions below.