Top 9 Xmas Gifts For OJs

Digital reporter Noah Barron has unveiled his top Christmas gift ideas for the dedicated online journalist in your life.

The Online Journalism Review staffer gives Apple’s iPhone pride of place at the top of the tree this Yuletide due to its “ooh-ahh factor”, despite reservations about its hefty price-tag.

Runner-up spot in Barron’s “Top 9 Gifts for Online Journalists” goes to the Kindle wireless reader from Amazon, a controversial choice with the hacks no doubt but Barron reckons the electronic paper gadget is one to watch with the potential to revolutionise the way we read our news and blogs.

Also making the wish-list is the Olympus Evolt E-330 digital camera for quality images in a hurry, the TomTom Go 720 for finding your way about town and the Bamboo Fun PC drawing tablet so bloggers can add some personalised art to their pages.

Barron says of his top choice: “The Apple iPhone is the number-one gift for online journalists in 2007.

“The ability to live-update blogs with text and pictures effortlessly and from anywhere is indispensable.

“Yes, the iPhone is way overpriced, has a wimpy HD, a totalitarian service plan and bogus coverage, but it is so dang cool that this list would be hopelessly remiss if it wasn’t at the top.”