The journey from there to here
Published on October 28, 2007 By Gideon MacLeish In Misc

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!


Comments
on Oct 28, 2007
Some interesting choices in there.  Personally, I want the helicopter, but I ain't gonna demand anything as gifts should be picked by the giver, not the recipient   (see: Gift cards only please)
on Oct 28, 2007
Great article! With all the thrift articles floating around right now this one's fitting right in.
on Oct 28, 2007
Thx, jythier. I figured with the holidays coming up, this might be handy.
on Oct 28, 2007
Personally, I want the helicopter, but I ain't gonna demand anything as gifts should be picked by the giver, not the recipient


Agreed. Although if anyone is so inclined, I'm especially partial to #4, 5, 6, and 7 (I already have #1, 2, 3, and 9).
on Oct 29, 2007
#7. Palm Size R/C Helicopter: What geek wouldn't want one of these? Heck, what GUY wouldn't?


Yes, please...
on Oct 29, 2007

I say a 2gb Sandisk for about $25 at a drug store.  I suspect you could find one for less than $20 at some computer stores.  By Christmas, probably even the 4s will be on sale for less.

Great list tho!

on Oct 29, 2007
Great list tho!


Thanks.

I actually thought about making the list "under $25" specifically so that I could include the 2GB Sandisk, but I figure this list gives people a good starting point and they can look around and adjust it to their price range.

Yes, please...


ditto...lol!