After losing the 6th consecutive race to my little brother in Need For Speed, I found myself searching for answers. Embarrassed and dejected, I came to the conclusion that the terms were unfair, that playing field would surely be level if I were allowed to use an actual steering wheel. Yeah, that’s it! Controllers are too fickle, too sensitive, too unlike actual driving; I, as an adult (of sorts), was used to commanding a vehicle with a wheel and pedals, not some slippery joystick. But, obviously, if i bought a console steering wheel, I’d be forced to put my rationalization to the test, risking further humiliation, this time without the cushion of an imagined handicap. I decided my video-game psyche was too fragile, my brother too freakishly good at racing games, to risk it. But, were I not a neurotic, digital sissy, the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel by Microsoft would be on my lap and at my toes right now. Sleek and responsive, with force feedback, pedals that don’t slip or slide, and a virtually immovable desk clamp– it’s top-notch hardware for top-notch software. Works with Project Gotham Racing 3 and 4, NASCAR 08, Dirt, Need For Speed Carbon, Test Drive, and Forza2. Disclaimer: neither this writer nor Microsoft can be held liable for the reader/buyer’s loss of face in the event of defeat at the hands of a younger sibling.

Buy: $100

Apple never ceases to amaze. Their latest innovation is a perfect example of why. The Apple Time Capsule, available in either 500GB or 1TB models, is a wireless back-up hard drive that seamlessly integrates with Leopard’s Time Machine application. It’s 802.11n Wi-Fi insures the best wireless connection range and the highest transfer speeds available, not to mention future-proofing your investment. The Time Capsule is the perfect no-hassle back-up solution, and it’s even compatible with your Windows machine. The device also works great as a wireless hard drive, enabling you to store and retrieve information from any computer on the same network. It’s protected with industry-standard encryption, including WPA/WPA2 and 128-bit WEP.

Buy: $499

The Linksys WRT330N Wireless Gaming Router connects you to your home network, ties your Ethernet gadgets together at gigabit speeds using the 4-port full-duplex 10/100/1000 switch, and routs the whole network to your high-speed ‘net connection. A network optimizer helps make your online gaming experience run more smoothly, prioritizing the data that’s most important for maximum performance. It runs up to 12 times faster than wireless G, and features 128-bit encryption to protect the sensitive stuff. Gamers take note!

Buy for $159.99

Sony dropped the Mylo 2 internet communicator at CES 2008, calling it “all the fun of a PC in your pocket.” The updated Mylo 2 includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen, wi-fi, and is AIM, Google Talk, and Skype friendly. Mylo 2 is also fully YouTube-able, and includes a 1.3 megapixel camera and a photo editor. Some reviewers are pointing out that the lack of Bluetooth is a serious bummer, and we have to agree but regardless, it still looks pretty fun. Price? Under $300.

More at Sony.

The interestingly-named Brando Workshop offers this telescope made specifically for the Motorola RAZR V3 and KRZR K1. You just fix it to the cell phone where the camera lens is located and you can zoom in, and even take pictures. The Brando Workshop marketing hype on this is VERY careful not to call this a “zoom lens” but if this functions the way the PR copy says it does, a zoom lens is basically what you’ve got. The price is just as crazy as the idea; $19 is too good NOT to give it a try, but only if you own the right phone. The day they make one of these for the iTouch is the day it really blows up in the marketplace.

<<Via Brando Workshop>>

Sony’s MDR-DS6000 wireless surround headphones let you go almost 10o feet away from the transmitter without losing any of the CD-quality audio, plus 5.1 surround sound. These are great for late night gaming, re-watching Live Free Or Die Hard for the fourth time, or just relaxing with some tunes while the rest of the house snoozes away. If you just can’t play or watch without experiencing the full effect of those explosions and gunshots, the MDR-DS6000 are the pair for you. Sony says these ‘phones are a dead match for your home theatre sound, and chances are you’ll only need to see one Bruce Willis-induced fireball to know for sure.

Buy for $228.95

Notice anything odd about the photograph? There are NO markings on the keys, none whatsoever. Das Keyboard is 100% blank, features scooped F and J keys to help orient your fingers, and the claim is that by using touch-only typing you can actually get your keystroke speed up to 100 percent faster than by staring at the letters. According to the Das Keyboard people, this is designed along the same lines as the IBM “M” model, using mechanical key switches for a clicky typing experience (though they say this isn’t as loud as the IBM…) Up for the challenge of a totally blank board? You’d definitely be The Man as a PC gamer when your buddies get a load of you playing with ione of these. Which button was “strafe” and which one was “duck” again?

Buy for $79.95

Who wants to be tethered and tangled when you can go wireless and free? PS3 gamers, for a very limited time you can cut the controller cord with a ten dollar bill. This Logitech Wireless Precision PS3 controller normally goes for approximately $30 to $40, but thanks to a special $20 rebate from Logitech it can be yours for an amazing final cost of $9.99. This is a total must-buy for PS3 owners. Act fast, to get this deal you have to purchase before December 31. The rebate is via this downloadable .pdf mail-in coupon which must be mailed to Logitech postmarked by January 30th.

Buy for $9.99 after mail-in rebate of $20.00

(Original price $29.99 minus the $20.00 mail-in rebate=$9.99)

Some are calling Nokia’s N81 eight-gig edition a resurrection of the N-Gage platform. N-Gage didn’t do so hot a few years back, but it’s back with a vengence now, and Nokia apparently has big plans for this system beyond slick-looking cell phone offerings like this 8gig N81. The N-81 is fully N-Gage capable, letting you play multiplayer games, surf the net, and much more with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. Yes, that’s a five-way joystick on the left there. The N81 features a 2.4-inch QVGA display with 16 million color support, and integrated Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support. There are still a few shopping days left before Christmas, if you’re stumped for a high-end gift for somebody (you?) here’s your not-so-subtle hint.

Buy for $534.79

Certainly not new, but vital to remember as a gift this season: Apple TV lets Mac-ophiles enjoy downloaded video, music, and photos on any home theatre system. Connect Apple TV to the HDMI port or component audio/video inputs and you can view all your TV shows, concerts, and other media downloaded from iTunes, Amazon Unbox, and other compatible services. You can also view photo slideshows from Photoshop and other sources. Store up to 50 hours of downloaded video in the Apple TV box, and Apple TV’s wireless system automatically syncs your iTunes library from any computer in the house. Whenever you update your playlist, Apple TV updates wirelessly. This is the perfect companion to your MacBook Pro.

Buy for $299.