The iTouch media device from Apple is most likely to top most Irish wishlists this Christmas in the gadget stakes, according to DSG, the parent company of Currys, Dixons and PC World.
DSG’s top 10, issued every year, is described by the company as a good barometer of what is likely to top everyone’s wishlist each season.
The 8GB version of the Apple iTouch with its 3.5-inch display, wireless internet access and multi-touch screen is No 1 on the list. The device retails for €299.49 for the 8GB version and €399.49 for the 16GB version.
Second on the list is the Ceiva Digital PhotoFrame, which retails for €229.99. The seven-inch device allows direct display of photos from a camera’s memory card. The device is both Wi-Fi and broadband ready and comes in sleek black and rich wood finish.
At No 3 this year is the Tom Tom Go 520 Music GPS System, which retails for €379.99. It also leads a double life as a sat nav system and a hands-free Bluetooth kit.
Fourth is the 32-inch Samsung HD-ready TV, which retails for €879.99 and comes with wide colour enhancer technology and HDMI connectivity.
The fifth slot on the list is the HP Pavilion HDX Entertainment Notebook, code-named ‘Dragon’, which has a 20.1-inch display, a HD-DVD drive and is ideal for gaming.
Wireless broadband enthusiasts will be keen to adopt one of the Nabaztag Wi-Fi rabbits, which are at No 6 this year. These are 23cm-high Wi-Fi rabbits complete with wiggle ears, pulsating body, hundreds of flashing colours, funny outbursts and Tai Chi exercises. The devices retail for €139.99.
In seventh place is the X-Rocker gaming and media chair that connects to gaming systems, TVs, DVDs and MP3 players and comes with in-built satellite speakers and subwoofer speakers.
In eight position this year is the JBL Creature II three-piece speaker system with subwoofer sound and is intelligent enough to remember your last volume setting.
Since Christmas is the time of eating and drinking yourself merry, the Bellini Drinks Fountain is ninth in the most wanted gadget list this year. The sparkling silver device with illuminated base and tower can serve champagne or festive punch and retails for €29.99.
And at No 10 this year is the Babyliss 2025 GU Styler, which comes with a ceramic cool tip and means no more burnt fingers.
“Gadgets are one of the most popular gift items each Christmas for friends, families and colleagues,” said Eoin Ronayne, managing director of DSG Retail Ireland. “And because technology is developing rapidly, many products are multi-dimensional offering a range of capabilities and added extras that add to the enjoyment of using them.”
By John Kennedy