I ask because smartphones have contracts, generally and because of that they seem like a complicated thing to gift. And a personal decision! What do you think about it?

Long ago, we started worrying that the death of the physical movie format would not mean a time of peaceful media-less homogeneity but an infinite format war of subscriptions, separate collections and logins. Today, it's come true.

I've only got an Xbox 360, PS2 (sometimes you just need a little Sly Cooper, nah mean?), and a Roku, but others on staff have all three current-gen consoles, Blu-ray players, HTPCs and all kinds of other things—so where does it stop? How many is too many?

For those of you who are dragging your feet about decorating this year, this list might provide you with some "good" last minute ideas. And look, I've started the conversation off with a few gems of my own.

What do you think the future will hold (i.e.will Google end up creating sentient robots hell bent on destroying mankind)? [Image via BustedTees]

I wasn't really in the market for anything, and had no desire to go wait outside in the rain at the crack of dawn. But I did grab the DS version of Chrono Trigger for $10 ($9 after Bing cashback) on Wednesday at Newegg. Not on Black Firday, sure, but it was enough to satisfy my consumerist desires for the week. How about you? [Image via Tri-City Herald]

1. First and foremost, do you "get" what Google is trying do do here? Does it make sense? Is it a good idea?

2. Google OS will be available first on netbooks, and only netbooks starting in a year. Do you think netbooks will even be relevant a year from now?

3. Google also mentions that the first generation of the Chrome OS will focus on secondary machines. Do you even have a need for a secondary machine, or is one computer with a traditional OS enough?

4. Google notes that web browsing is the most important function of a computer . Without it, many of us probably wouldn't use a computer for much in the first place. So my question is, how much of your time spend on a computer is completely offline?

The Macternet! OK, that doesn't really curdle my blood, but I'm sure you will do better in the comments.

Before you answer the poll, keep this in mind: work machines don't count. Presumably, you made a personal choice between a Mac or a PC for your private computer—and that is the one we want to know about.

Feel free to elaborate/vent about your experience in the comments.

What kind of features would you need to see from Hulu before you can consider it a full cable replacement? Not one with caveats like Sean found, but one that does everything you want. No compromises as far as you're concerned. We don't know the cost yet, but let's assume Netflix-style pricing in the ballpark of $10-20 a month.

For me, I would need content available as soon as it airs (no delay), HD, a much wider selection of content, and set-top-box playback capability. At least.

If they meet those requirements, I might be willing to part with a few bucks a month and ditch my cable company entirely. What about you?

If you have any ideas, they're looking for suggestions of parks, trails, university campuses, pedestrian malls, theme parks, zoos, landmarks, and sports venues. If you have any ideas about good shooting locales, head over to google.com/trike and submit them before October 28.

Google wants to hear about where the trike should go, but I'd rather hear where you guys think it shouldn't go. [Google]

Stevie Safran cleverly notes in Twitter that "Balloon Boy's parents say he won't be grounded, fail to recognize ironic choice of words." But somebody's gotta be punished for this, right? All kinds of public servants (EMTs, FAA, police) came out, on the taxpayer's dime, for something that turned out to be totally unnecessary. So who's to blame?