So we have finally come to the end of 2007, which automatically obligates “someone” to write up a “Top 10″ list. Being that I’m the brown one of the group, I was nominated out of spite. So, here’s my carefully compiled list of the “Top 10 gadgets of 2007″.

1. Apple iPhone – There’s no doubt that the debut of the Apple iPhone back in June ’07 caused worldwide Apple fans (including the Amish) to collectively wet themselves as it had generated more publicity and hype than a natural disaster or Britney Spears’ responsible parenting. The iPhone may have that smudgy hit-or-miss screen that makes you feel like you should be wearing ear muffs and looking for your baseball, that non-removable battery, and the lack of features; but that didn’t stop the cult-following of consumers that lined up for blocks. Steve Jobs’ bowel movements must smell like Christmas morning and contain Jessica Simpson’s MENSA card, because the man’s a marketing genius.

2. Apple iPod Nano (4GB/8GB - third generation) – The Apple Ipod Nano (third generation) debuted at an attractive price (less than $200) with features like bright video playback, an advanced user interface, long battery life, sleek body, and built–in games. Although, the smaller scroll wheel and the lack of video out may pose a problem for some. The chromed back has also made an unwelcome appearance in the third generation, promising scratches and smudges for one and all.

3. TiVo HD – The $300 price tag, $500 less than last year’s HD model, features HDMI and component outs up to 1080i, dual CableCARD and M-Card compatibility, and Series3-style ATSC and NTSC tuners which has generated quite the reaction from both old and new TiVo’ers. Inside the TiVo HD is a 160GB hard drive that can store up to 180 hours of SD programming, and 20 hours of HD programming. Now, if I could only record Golden Girls reruns in HD. Dorothy’s lip hair would never look so real.

4. Netgear’s SPH200W WiFi Skype Phone - The SPH200W is currently holding the title for best “internet calling” phone for use with Skype and WiFi. Capable of connecting to 802.11b or 802.11g networks, the phone gives the user the ability to receive and make free Skype calls wherever there’s an open WiFi signal without the use of a PC. Other features include a 500 contact list, speaker phone, and a rechargeable battery with a talk time of 4 hours (48 on standby). Chatty Charles and Chatty Cathy are definitely impressed.

5. Amazon Kindle – There’s not a lot that sounds more boring to me than an “e-book”, but the Amazon Kindle might be changing opinions for those that share the same sentiment about the electronic book market. Although it’s not very pretty and a bit steep ($399), you can’t argue with its free built-in wireless capabilities and PC-free operation that allows the user to access its extensive library of e-books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs via Amazon’s site, that are available for a small fee. If you’re of the hippy persuasion, you’ll love this product. That’s a lot of trees you’re saving, man!

6. HP Blackbird 002 – A collaboration between HP and Voodoo PC, the HP Blackbird 002 includes a new and aggressive look (a stretch from the typical and drab HP desktop) and takes a nose dive into high-end gaming equipment. At 234 FPS and with overclocked hardware galore, this desktop was built with the hardcore gamer in mind. The gaming rig includes an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 overclocked to 3.69GHz, two ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT graphics cards, and it will put you $5,600 in debt with your mom.

7. Optimus Maximus Keyboard – Boasting a name that sounds like it was created by the 10 year old down the street, the keyboard features 113 keys that display whatever function the keyboard is associated with at the time by use of each individual key’s OLED (organic light-emitting diode) surface. The keyboard can be set to Photoshop hotkeys, different languages, icons, or to whatever else your nerdy heart desires making it highly customizable. Pre-orders were available as of May ’07 at a migraine-inducing $1546 and were originally scheduled to ship out in late December ‘07. But, due to firmware problems, won’t be seen until late February ‘08. So, perhaps, it wasn’t an official ’07 product but it’s still pretty damn cool.

8. Nintendo Wii – The PS3 and Xbox 360 are definitely the big honchos when it comes to graphical superiority and media rich features, but the Wii’s motion-sensitive family-inclusive gameplay can’t help but be widely appealing. It also gives your neighbors the opportunity to question your mental stability as you prance and flail your arms in the middle of your living room in true Nell style. I’m not so sure about the choice in console name, though. The ‘ii’ in Wii is supposed to be representative of multiplayer action, but in reality it just left some people confused. By “some people”, I just meant me.

9. Asus Eee – As far as beginner and budget-minded laptops go, the Asus Eee is currently at the top of the list. It was unveiled with a reasonable price tag of $399, featuring an Intel Mobile CPU, 512MB of RAM, and a 4GB solid-state flash hard drive. The small laptop (about half the size of a regular laptop) offers impressive web-surfing capabilities and is loaded with Xandros Linux with a simplified interface. As impressive it is for the price, you’re also better off giving your technology-hungry child one of these than your new Mac. Juicey Juice and your keyboard just don’t mix well.

10. Vudu - Basically “Netflix in a box”, the Vudu plays internet-delivered movies straight to your television without monthly fees or the wait. Although, currently, their movie listing isn’t very extensive. With an easy interface, more AV outputs than you could shake an HDMI cable at, great video and audio quality, and the option to either “rent” or “purchase” movies; the Vudu made a nice entry at $399.

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