If you’re in need of an external storage system, the Netgear ReadyNAS Duo [$249.00] is a great buy. This compact network storage solution has two drive bays and also supports RAID for peace of mind. It also works with Windows, Mac, and Linux out of the box.

Because the Netgear ReadyNAS Duo is network-based, it can be used to back up and access files from multiple computers. If you ever need to network other devices, three USB ports can be found on the back. Because drives can be added and removed at will, this thing has virtually unlimited storage. As far as external storage goes, the Ready NAS is one of the best products available.

Buy | Amazon.com [$249.00] | with 500 GB drive [$286.99] | with 1 TB drive [348.59]

The AirStash [$TBA] is a wireless SD card reader designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Weighing only 1.5 ounces, it easily fits in your pocket and lets you access files on a SD card up to 32 GB in size from your iPhone. It also works with other Wi-Fi devices.

The AirStash can also interface with computers via USB, but what makes it really cool in my opinion is that it also acts as a wireless access point, allowing you to share movies, music, photos, documents, and more between any number of devices. As for right now, there is no release date or price for the Air Stash, but expect to see an update as soon as more information is released.

More Info | AirStash Website

Game Change [$15.39] is a book by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin covering all the juice about the 2008 election you wanted to know but never heard about. The two political reporter spent many hours interviewing hundreds of people who worked on all sides of the campaign– Obama, Clinton, McCain, and Palin.

This is not only an informing read, but a very entertaining one as well. The book contains behind-the-scenes quotes the candidates probably didn’t want you to hear and rather revealing information detailing how they really felt about one another. This is a must-read for the New Year.

Buy | Amazon.com [$15.39]

Need a cozy home for your iPhone or iPod Touch? The elago M2 iPhone stand [$24.99] might be what you were looking for. Built out of aluminum, it matches the look of Apple computers (especially the iMac) and can hold the iPhone in a vertical or horizontal position.

The elago M2 works with a wide variety of other smart phones as well. One advantage of this iPhone stand over others is that it will also fit iPhones with cases. Many third-party docks and stands cannot accommodate the extra bulk of a case.

Buy | Amazon.com [$24.99]

What’s the best part about laptops? Putting them in your lap, duh. Unfortunately, this isn’t always comfortable. That’s where the Logitech Lapdesk N700 [$79.99] comes in. This all-in-one accessory features built-in high definition speakers for great sound, a padded bottom for your aching legs, and fans for keeping everything nice and cool. All this is powered through a single USB 2.0 cable. The Logitech Speaker Lapdesk N700 is a gadget well worth having for 2010.

Buy | Amazon.com [$79.99]

The Sony Dash [$199.99] is one of those things that you don’t need, but would sure as hell be cool to have. This seven-inch touchscreen device is a new concept intended to be an Internet alarm clock of sorts, supporting all sorts of cool custom applications like YouTube, Facebook, and the weather. It can also play video and music. Best of all, it uses the same operating system as its Chumby competitor, meaning it will run its catalog of 1,00o+ applications.

Buy | Sony [$199.99]

The Mongoose Boot’R [$2,499.95] is the champion of downhill mountain bikes. If you’ve been looking for a way to get off your ass off the computer and exercise, this will do it.

Avid bikers will appreciate the features on the Mongoose Boot’R. They include a rugged frame with 210mm rear wheel travel plus a 150mm Maxle dropout, Avid Code 5 brakes, Kenda Excavator tires, a custom saddle, and Funn melt forged petals. As far as bikes go, it doens’t get much better than this.

Buy | Amazon.com [$2,499.95]

The Kodak PlaySport HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera [$149.00] is a hand-held video recorder and camera waterproof up to 10 feet (3 meters). It not only shoots full 1080p HD video, but can also take 5 megapixel photos and works well in low-light. Its rugged design means you can smash and bash it with virtual impunity.

Since most users won’t be content viewing videos on the included 2.0″ LCD screen, software is included for uploading and editing the files on any PC or Mac. The Kodak PlaySport is boasts an SD card slot for expandability. Available for preorder in black, blue, and purple.

Buy | Amazon.com [$149.00]

The Western Digital My Book 3.0 1 TB [$149.99] is one of the first external hard drives to support the new USB 3.0 standard. Forget about firewire! The My Book 3.0 transfers data at up to 10x the rate of USB 2.0, so it will copy over movies and other large files in no time.

In case your computer isn’t already equipped for the new standard, this WD 1 TB external hard drive comes with a PCIe USB 3.0 adapter card and is backward compatible with USB 2.0. The drive is NTFS formatted and will play nice with any Windows PC out of the box.

Buy | Amazon.com [$149.99]

When the tax man comes a knockin’, TurboTax Deluxe 2009 [$52.99] has you covered. Whether you own a home, have hundreds of deductions, or are filing for the first time, this long-trusted software will do both your federal and state taxes for you. Several dozen IRS forms are supported and the software will tailor itself to your specific situation.

Turbotax Deluxe is likely to pay for itself and possibly pay you because of its large database of tax deductions, many of which you probably don’t know about. It will maximize your return and even efile your refund with the IRS. Given how much time and money Turbo tax 2009 can save you, it’s one of the best bangs for the buck in software.

Buy | Amazon.com [$52.99]