All I want ...

"Dear Santa,

"This year for Christmas I want a pony ..."

If only it were that simple. In today's world, teens want to stay connected to friends or be able to disconnect from their surroundings. Some gadgets to help you out: a laptop to take anywhere and be able to do homework or just take a break to goof off with a game, an iPod to drown out siblings or school bus noise, or how about a car so you don't even have to deal with bus drama anymore?

No matter what you're trying to escape from -- or who you're trying to reach -- high-tech gifts rank high on this year's holiday wish list.

Some teens want a little something more than a Web site getaway, though. Getting into a particular college was mentioned as a slightly intangible, but oh-so-coveted surprise.

"I really want to go to Middlebury in Vermont," said Russell Hoffman, a senior at Central High School. "It's really hard to get in because it's the best college for psychology, which is what I want to go into. I also want to major in neuroscience."

~-- From staff reports

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No. 1 want: a car

Where to get it: Any car dealership

"A car is freedom. If I had a car I would not have to rely on my parents to get me anywhere and my social life would be so much better. Yeah, and I guess, academically I would be better because I could always drive somewhere quiet to do my work."

Dillon Poole, junior

No. 2 want: a camera

Where to get it: Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target

"I love all of the new technology and software that all new cameras have. I have been taking pictures now for two years and mostly focus on friends, but I take a lot of nature stuff too."

Lyndsey Keener, sophomore

No. 3 want: a laptop

Where to get it: Best Buy, Staples

"I want it for mostly practical reasons like school. College is coming up really soon, and I will need it. Also, I love playing computers games and the family doesn't like it when I play on theirs all of the time."

Nikki Cochran, senior

No. 4 want: the new iPhone

Where to get it: store.apple.com

"I would like to be able to listen to music, take pictures, Facebook, talk with friends and watch videos at the same time on the same device. Now that's sweet."

Will LaFoe, senior

No. 5 want: the new iPod Nano

Where to get it: Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Radio Shack

"Apple keeps coming out with new stuff, and every time I always want it. They are amazing and all of their products are worth buying."

Reagan Butler, sophomore