Christmas tech gift guide: Over $1000

If you're looking to really spoil a gadget-obsessed loved one (or yourself) this Christmas, here are eight top-of-the-line pieces of kit to look out for. Presented by Microsoft and Surface Pro 4: the tablet that can replace your laptop.

All recommendations made by Fairfax Media, unless otherwise stated.
Light and powerful, the Surface Pro 4 runs full Windows and, with the help of some accessories, can comfortably replace your tablet, laptop and desktop. Available in a range of configurations to suite your computing needs. This recommendation courtesy of Microsoft.
The regular old HD Blu-Ray format is around a decade old at this point, and cinephiles itching to get a little more out of their movies on a brand new 4K TV will be looking for a 4K Blu-Ray player to go with it. The DMP-UB900 gets our tick as best of the bunch for being powerful, feature-complete and uncomplicated.
With Samsung's entry out of the running, the market for big screen phones not made by Apple is a little smaller than usual this year. Thankfully Google's take on its own Android platform is one of the best you can get, supported by a great camera and cool, clean design.
Keeping in mind you'll need a powerful PC and a decent amount of room to move around, the Vive is the most advanced VR you can currently get in your home. Kits come with the headset, motion tracking controllers and a pair of base stations that can turn a square area of your house into a virtual world.
Everybody needs a robot helper to vacuum the floors, and this is the best one you can get. iRobot's Roomba 980 has all the expected features - cleaning to a schedule, detecting different floor types, returning home automatically to charge mid-clean - but what sets it apart is that it can be controlled from anywhere in the world via a smartphone app.
DJI's latest flying machine might look like a toy but it's a serious piece of equipment. With a control range of 7km and a top speed of 72km/h, this is a drone for the serious and seasoned aerial photography enthusiast. That said, it's also extremely cool.
Samsung's Series 9 K950 home theatre sound system might look like a chunky soundbar and standard sub, but the angled design of the speakers inside the bar combined with the wireless rear tweeters is capable of producing sounds above, to the side and behind the viewer. Works best with films designed for Dolby Atmos sound.
There are many things to take into account when buying a TV, but if you're after the ultimate whole-family Christmas present and just want to be pointed to the best new set you can get, LG's 65EF950T is pretty close. If you're worried its 65-inch screen won't fit in your loungeroom, look for the 55-inch version at $5499.

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