The festive season is upon us, so to help you pick out the perfect present for the comms professionals you love (or drop some heavy hints) Molly Pierce test drives the items at the top of the Communicate wish list

The Veebeam

The Veebeam is a 1080p HD media player that allows wireless streaming of content from a laptop to a TV. You can take advantage of high quality visual and audio systems, rather than relying on laptop screens and speakers; and in a business environment, it offers an alternative to the streaming of Sky News or other non-corporate content – why not take a leaf out of Shell’s book and screen micro-animations of your own Code of Conduct, or footage from recent press coverage? 

 
HTC Desire Z

The new HTC Desire Z handset isn’t exclusive to any network, and comes with a Fast Boot system that means on Christmas morning you can simply put in your existing SIM card and, within 14 seconds, be ready to go. The touchscreen combines with a hinged keyboard to provide multiple input options, and integrated Microsoft Exchange allows you to sync your calendar and contacts.

 
3M Hand-held projector

3M’s range of handheld projectors is perfect for adding an edge to pitches and presentations. They’re eminently portable, and allow you to project files – pdfs, videos, powerpoints – onto any suitable surface. We’ve loved the MPro150, but if you can hang on for a late Christmas present the MP160/180 models are coming out in January, promising WiFi connectivity and increased storage. 

Dell Streak Tablet

If you’re after a tablet but want to distinguish yourself from the iPadbrandishing hordes, Dell’s 5” widescreen tablet, Streak, is a great alternative. Compact and sleek, with an all black casing, the Streak is a hybrid smartphone-tablet running Android 2.2 – and it fits perfectly into a jacket pocket. The Gorilla Glass screen renders the tablet virtually indestructible 

Blackberry Torch

If you’re wedded to your Blackberry and can’t contemplate the Android dark side, the new Blackberry Torch should be top of your wish list. The Torch combines the familiar Blackberry QWERTY keyboard with a 3.2” touchscreen, by means of a snazzy sliding action. It also runs the new OS Blackberry 6, which supports HTML emails and web browsing. 

 
Samsonite Pro-DLX3 business cases

Samsonite’s Pro-DLX3 range of business cases is constructed from the same material used in bullet proof vests – yet was still delivered to our offices enveloped in bubble wrap and ‘FRAGILE’ tape. This case comes with an extendable handle and wheels for easy transportation, as well as a separate, padded laptop compartment.

Stocking fillers

• The LaCie MosKeyto is pretty much the smallest USB key on the market, extending 6mm when plugged in. With 8GB of storage you get plenty of bang for your buck.

 • LinkedIn has made expansive strides recently, developing its Company pages and personal branding options. An upgrade to a Premium account could unlock even more possibilities on the corporate social network.

• The Communicate magazine app will be a must-have in the new year to keep you up to date with all the latest communications news. Fire it up to check the events calendar, Moves Jobs and Mandates, and get access to exclusive features.