Top 5 best gadgets for 2010: Mashable Awards

In 2010 consumer electronics companies have focused on revising and enhancing existing gadgets, making them more streamlined, powerful and functional, rather than churning out a long list of innovative new products.

Amongst the soaring pile of microchips and circuit boards on the market in 2010, a few gadgets have surfaced as "the coolest happenings so far this year in gadgetry."

Technology blog Mashable has selected its (tentative) top five "Best Gadgets" for 2010 in the lead-up to its annual gadget awards event.

Apple's iPad is at the top of the list while Vizio's internet TV is not far behind in second place. Android devices also got a mention, as did Microsoft's re-vamped Xbox 360 and HP's connected e-All-in-One Printer.

"Huge movements were made in Android, with the platform accelerating rapidly across both carriers and devices," says Mashable.

"Apple defined a whole new class of iOS devices. The Internet finally wove its way into virtually every aspect of our lives, from hyperconnected mobile devices, to Internet TVs, there's just no stopping that 'series of tubes.'"

Mashable's 5 Gadgets that Broke New Ground in 2010:

1. Apple iPad
2. Vizio XVT473SV (internet TV)
3. Xbox 360
4. HTC DROID Incredible
5. HP Officejet 6500A Plus e-All-in-One Printer

Consumers can take part in the fourth annual Mashable Awards by nominating their favorite gadgets in categories such as "Best New Gadget," "Best Music Discovery Service" and "Must-Follow Brand."

Submissions are open until November 29, finalist rounds will start on December 1.

The Mashable Awards will take place on January 6, 2011 during the International CES convention. The event will be streamed live from the venue in Las Vegas and can be viewed online by visiting: http://mashable.com/awards/.

http://mashable.com/2010/10/17/best-gadgets-mashable-awards/