As a tech geek, I have been asked several times what to get for everyone's favorite techie. This year, I've decided to compile a list of top ten tech gifts for under $20 for those who want to buy a meaningful gift on a budget. That, and it gives me the chance to promote a few favorite sites.
In compiling this list, I only chose good sample products. You may find a brand you like better, a website you like better or something slightly different. I only put the list together as a starting point. Happy shopping!
#10. Circuitboard Business Card Case: If you are environmentally conscious, this is definitely a good choice. Made from recycled circuit board, this business card case says "I'm geek, I'm chic, get used to it!". $19.99 from thinkgeek.com
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/5d15/
#9. Altec Lansing BXR1120 2-Piece Computer Speakers: Altec Lansing puts out a great budget line of speakers. Although these will never be confused with expensive surround sound speakers, they're perfect for standard home/office use. $19.99 from tigerdirect.com
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3296566&CatId=2891
#8. Netgear Wireless Adapter: USB wireless adapters can be rather nifty little tools in troubleshooting networks. Netgear is a reliable name, and this adapter comes at a great price. $18.99, also from tigerdirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3144962&sku=N100-2157
#7. Palm Size R/C Helicopter: What geek wouldn't want one of these? Heck, what GUY wouldn't? Available at thinkgeek.com for $19.99 (and up)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/934c/
#6. Star Wars Pillows: The Power of the Darkside...on your backside. These nifty little pillows are a fun homage to one of the greatest scifi franchises of all time. Available at thinkgeek.com for $19.99
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/blankets/9334/
#5. Pen Style USB Flash Drive: This is probably as close to the perfect gift as you can get. It's a USB flash drive concealed in the body of a rather nifty little pen. If you wish to express thanks for this article, this pen would be a good way to do so (I also accept PayPal). $12.99 from newegg.com, although larger flash drives can be bought for slightly more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609192R
#4. WinCustomize Subscription: No gift list would be complete without a nod to the publishers of this site, Stardock. This would be a great gift for anyone, and at $19.99 is definitely worth the price. I can't think of many geeks who would not be thrilled with this one.
https://www.wincustomize.com/subscribers.aspx?info
#3. Ethernet Loopback Jack: This tool is a very handy part of my tool kit. You can use it to identify connected ports on switches, or to test patch cables. $6.99 at thinkgeek.com. I've also included the link for the crossover adapter, which adapts patch cables to crossover cables, and is also $6.99. Both are keychain devices, and would make a great bundle.
loopback: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/6c20/
crossover: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/7470/
#2. Sandisk Cruzer 1GB Flash Drive: Of all of the flash drives I've owned, I absolutely love my Sandisks, and recommend them over all other brands. Of course, you can get other brands (going rate for flash memory right now is about $10/GB, so you can use that as a benchmark), but this is my personal recommendation. $12.99 at newegg.com, although larger flash drives can be had for extra money:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820171119
#1. Notebook Cooling Pad: I use a notebook cooling pad with my laptop, and it makes a big difference. USB powered, these pads use very little energy but make a significant difference in cooling. I use a Mi brand (purchased at Radio Shack for $19.99), but found an Evercool at xoxide.com for $17.99:
http://www.xoxide.com/evnopad.html
Well, that's my list for this year. Happy gift buying!