Editors like prezzies too. Here’s what’s on our Christmas lists this year.
Campbell Simpson, Gizmodo Writer
Tesla Model S P85D
I don’t think it’s any secret that I’ve been closely following Tesla Motors’ painfully slow process of bringing the Model S all-electric sports sedan to Australia. But it’s finally out, and after driving one for a day, I want one.
Seriously, this thing is a monster. The Model S P85+ is a 2200-plus kilogram four door sedan with space for a maximum seven occupants, but it can sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in a supercar-beating 4.4 seconds, and travel 500 kilometres on a single battery charge. When you’re running on the proverbial fumes, pull into a Supercharger and recharge in an hour for free, forever.
I’ll never be able to afford a Model S, but hey — that’s why it’s a Christmas present.
Luke Hopewell, Gizmodo Editor
Sony RX100 Mark III
I flogged my camera a few years ago in favour of the mobile alternative on my iPhone 6 Plus, and that has been fine for a time, I do miss having a nice camera to take pretty pictures.
I recently test-drove the Sony RX100 Mark III at a friend’s picnic and fell in love. It’s tiny and adorable and has a beautiful depth-of-field and the cutest little viewfinder you’ve ever seen. I love it, and I need it in my life.
Danny Allen, Publisher
Roland Aria TR-8 Drum Machine
I mess about with Ableton in my home studio when time allows, so for any loved-ones listening: I’d love a Roland Aria TR-8 drum machine to play with over the break please. Roland has used component-level modelling (instead of samples) to digitally reverse engineer the classic TR-808 drum machine sound that had such an impact on hip hop and electronic music.
You could call the 808 the most famous drum machine ever — which is probably why it just got its own documentary. Anyway, the surprisingly close-sounding TR-8 costs just $599 — compared to the $2000-$3000+ now fetched by the early 1980s original.
Elly Hart, Night Editor
Veritas Marking and Measuring Kit
Woodworking is an expensive hobby, but I love working with my hands. After sinking lots of time and money into power tools and expensive hardwood, I now want to go back to joinery basics and refine my hand tool skills. This 19-piece kit includes everything I need to set myself up for accurate marking and measuring. It’s pricey at $400, but it’s worth it when you think of all the time saved fixing your measuring and marking mistakes.
Mark Serrels, Kotaku Editor
Slackline
I’m really keen on a Slackline. A Slackline is sorta like a tightrope, in that it’s an exercise in balance. Actually it’s more like a tightrope mixed with a trampoline. Walking from one end to the other is tricky to start with, but once you’ve found your balance you can start using the elasticity to do mad tricks and whatnot. Then you attach them to cliffs and risk plummeting to your death for laughs and japes. Good times.
I’m keen on getting the Gibbo Classic Line, because I hear it’s the best all-round Slackline and suitable for beginners.
Chris Jager, Lifehacker Journalist
Game Of Thrones Season Pass
I’m pretty much Australia’s biggest Game Of Thrones fan. It is known. As such, a season pass to Talltale Games’ video game adaptation would make a perfect Christmas gift. The series spans six interactive episodes that are modeled after the HBO show; complete with voice acting from the likes of Peter Dinklage (Tyrion), Lena Headey (Cersei), Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Bolton) and that twerp that plays Jon Snow.
I also wouldn’t mind one of everything from Lifehacker’s Ultimate Gamer Gift Guide.
Angus Kidman, Lifehacker Editor
Samsung Gear S
I already have a massive package and more books than I will ever get around to reading, so picking Christmas gifts for my wish list gets trickier every year. But I tried out the Gear S earlier for three weeks last month, and now my wrist feels oh so bereft without it.
I still don’t know that anyone actually needs a smart watch, but I really liked wearing the Gear S – especially because I could keep an eye on how many steps I took, all day long. And it reminded me to check in to flights. So Santa, I’m open for this. Really. (And if someone would port 2048 to it, that would be even better.)