HDTV
If I were to purchase a HDTV today, it would be either the Samsung_HPT5064 or Panasonic TH-50PX77U. Both of these TVs are 50-inch 720p (resolution) plasmas. They garnered great reviews and today (Sept. 2007) may be gotten for around $1,700. This is a bargain for a very good 50-inch plasma from reputable companies. All of the reviews and recommendation that I have read agree that at 50 inches and below, the advantages of 1080i is imperceptible and consumers could save hundreds and maybe thousands of dollars by choose 720p over the more expensive 1080i plasmas. Also, at 50 inches plasmas are generally less expensive than LCDs. Today, I would probably choose the Samsung over the Panasonic because the former has a pc connector and picture-in-picture and the latter does not.
MP3 Players
I prefer the Creative Labs Zen series of mp3 players over the iPod Nano or Classic. The only advantage I see that the iPods have over comparable mp3 players is name recognition (aka status symbol) and its tight integration with iTunes. Unlike many of its competitors, iPods lack FM radios and inline and voice recorders as standard features. I love these features and believe they should be standard on any mp3 player over $100. As gifts for family and friends I would probably buy iPods because iPod is what they know and what they believe to be the best.