As we’re reaching the end of the year, I thought of sharing some of what I think was the best in 2007 in some random categories. So here goes:

Podcast:

TWIT (This Week In Tech). A podcast on everything technology-related.

Why?

Perhaps because it’s the only tech podcast I’ve listened to that’s actually funny and interesting. Oh, and John C. Dvorak. I love that guy’s honesty and sense of humor.

Podcast (Video):

Diggnation. A podcast where two dudes (the owners of digg.com) discuss some of the most popular stories submitted to their web site.

Why?

It’s pretty hilarious. And what I especially like is that it’s not scripted like so many video podcasts (vidcasts?) on the internet.

Blog:

LifeHacker. A blog that offers productivity tips and a plenty of useful hacks.

Why?

I’ve learned so much software and personal improvement tips that helped increase my productivity this year, which made it my personal favorite.

Service:

10 minute email. A site that makes you a random e-mail to use for 10 minutes.

Why?

Basically, it allowed me to view the contents of tons of web sites that require free subscription without exposing my real e-mail.

Software:

Firefox.

Why?

Despite all its great features, the add-ons alone makes the most useful thing in my PC.

Firefox Add-on:

Adblock plus with Filterset.G update. A Firefox add-on that blocks web ads.

Why?

Because I get to serve the web without around 95% of the ads.

Gagdet:

A Jailbroken iPod Touch.

Why?

When an iPod Touch/iPhone is Jailbroken (aka: Hacked), you get an installer that allows you to install tons of different applications on it - all kinds of applications: games, money management, IM clients, and even web servers!.

Book:

The 7 Habit of Highly Effective People. A very popular book talking about personal success.

Why?

It’s probably the only self-improvement book that offers practical solutions based on things we already know. So it’s crap-free. And it really works.

Videogame:

Warhawk. An online war game on PlayStation 3.

Why?

Almost perfectly balanced online play. Multiple vehicles and lots of interesting weapons. Very addictive gameplay. I would buy a PS3 just for this game if I didn’t have it already.

Those were the things that stood out this year, and really made a difference - whether it’s entertaining me, educating me or just making what I do easier. If you haven’t checked any of those, I highly recommend that you do. Especially the jailbroken iPod Touch/iPhone, that’s just too awesome to pass.