Want some holiday gift ideas that are a cut above the norm? We've compiled a list of gadgets that'll be sure to impress the cool people on your shopping list. But be warned -- after checking out these gifts, you might just be inspired to treat yourself instead!


Convert vinyl records to MP3s

Join the 21st century, and bring all your old favorites along, with the Ion USB turntable. This super-cool turntable includes a USB cable and recording software for Mac and PC. Plug the cable into your computer's USB port, and you're ready to convert your old record albums into digital music files (the default format is WAV, but you can add on free software that lets you convert to the MP3 format instead). There's even an auxiliary port that lets you connect a cassette deck and convert your tapes.

Ion iTTUSB turntable

Be a super-spy -- or just look like one

There's something about the Simmons Outdoor 8x42 Capture View binoculars that just makes us think of James Bond. These binoculars with a built-in digital camera let you zoom in on a subject, take a crystal-clear digital photo, review it on the built-in LCD screen, download it to your computer via USB cable and edit it with the included imaging software. Great for hikers, sports fans and international men of mystery!


Build your own henchman

There's no new Robosapien out this year, but robots are still hot gift items. We like the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, which has sound, touch and light sensors so it seems to really hear, feel and see. You can choose how to assemble your robot (whether humanoid, animal or vehicle) and even direct its movement through your Bluetooth phone.


Exercise your mind

Sudoku is a tremendously popular and addictive hobby, and a great way to kill time -- especially while waiting in a busy airport during the holiday travel season. Maintain your sanity and improve your logic skills with Electronic Handheld Sudoku. Its random puzzle generator has more than a million possible results on nine skill levels. You can also check your answers, pause a game or save one to finish later.


Take text with you

Ever been reading a terrific magazine article in a waiting room -- and then your name is called before you can finish it? You might be tempted to just tear the article out and take it with you, but this will surely lead to bad karma. With the DocuPen R700 handheld scanner, you can scan the entire article with a device small enough to keep in your purse or pocket. Use it anywhere, then view or print what you scanned when you get back to your computer. It's the perfect gift for the person who has everything.


Hear satellite radio everywhere

So you want to start listening to satellite radio, but can't decide whether to get a receiver for your home or your car. Why not get both? The chameleon-like Pioneer AirWare XM2Go satellite radio receiver goes wherever you do. It includes a home kit to connect to your home stereo, plus a built-in FM transmitter so you can listen in the car. Also included are ear bud headphones and a belt clip for when you're on the go.


Get some peace and music

Make the world go away while you enjoy the pristine sound of your favorite tunes with Bose QuietComfort 3 noise-canceling headphones. Smaller and more portable than their predecessors, these headphones emit a signal that minimizes background noise without the need for those bulky earpieces that feel like they cover your whole head. They're the ideal accessory for that MP3 player your cool person probably already owns.