If you don't know the difference between an iPhone, an android, a netbook or notebook you're not alone.

Tech experts at Best Buy say many parents are still confused when they come in looking for gadgets for their kids.

"It feels like when parents are shopping for them, they're still getting mixed up between a netbook and a notebook and a tablet and what does all of this really do," said Best Buy store manager Roopsy Sharma.

According to a new poll from Angus Reid Public Opinion, British Columbians are the most likely Canadian shoppers to purchase a smartphone or computer for a child this holiday season – but with so many on the market, how do you know which one fits the bill?

Tablets are portable and popular, but more fun than functional when it comes to school work.

Sharma said a tablet may not be the best choice for kids using them for school and projects.

"You don't want to go for a tablet because it's very internet driven -- basic apps, going on Facebook -- people just love doing that on their tablet."

Netbooks are like mini-laptops, and are usually about 10 or 11 inches. They're affordable but pretty basic.

"They're more geared towards internet usage so they're not as powerful," Sharma said. "So if you're getting it for your teen to do homework and projects and things like that, it may not be the best bet."

Notebooks are bigger and more expensive, and have a CD ROM drive and a better processor.

"So they're going to be a lot faster, more powerful -- you'll be able to stack up all your programs and things like that on it," Sharma said.

Netbooks run between $200 and $500, while notebooks can cost from $300 to $2,000. Tablets are between $300 and $850.

Smartphone shopping can also be confusing. Parents have three basic choices: The iPhone, Blackberry and android phones.

When it comes to the iPhone the key word is synchronicity.

"The iPhone, and apple products in general, are all synced up by one program, one application and one manufacturer: iTunes," said Best Buy's Jordan Padrinao.

The Blackberry is easy to use, and its BBM messaging service offers what amounts to a free texting service for users.

"BBM is a free worldwide service that you can message people -- friends, family across the world without any extra cost, it's just part of your data plan," said Padrinao.

And the android smartphone is easy to customize to your liking.

You can change the look of your phone, icons and themes – as well as the ring tones.

The iPhone is the most expensive and arguably the most popular phone in the bunch, especially with the release of the much-hyped 4S model.

The best advice when shopping for tech toys is to do your homework and ask questions.

Listening to what your kids want and actually need in the classroom will ensure there's no disappointment come Christmas morning.

New research by Angus Reid Public Opinion has found that one in five B.C. residents (20 per cent) is considering buying a smartphone or computer for a child this holiday season, compared to the 16 per cent national average.

Atlantic Canada logged the lowest average, with 13 per cent.

Only seven per cent of those aged 55 and older are considering a purchase like this for their child.

Watch CTV News for the full report from Lynda Steele…

Have your say: Are you buying a tech toy for a loved one this year?