A Great Buy for the Computer Guy

Sometimes it is difficult to know what to get the ones who are closest to us, especially when it seems that they have everything. If your "someone special" is a computer guy or gal, then, it is quite challenging because you know little about the computer world and have no idea what they might actually want or need. Here are some internet sites to help you choose an appropriate gift for that technologically obsessed person in your life.

First, check out their hardware and software. chances are that they support a specific company. Most companies have a website and offer new products and novelties with their logo. A branded gift might be the way to go because you are certain that your computer enthusiast has enjoyed products from that company. The same could be said for their favorite television show or movie. Computer games, software maintenance tools, other software, site subscriptions, file sharing and file storing are all wonderful gifts for the technologically advanced. However, an overview of these sites, services and options will be discussed in subsequent articles.

www.thinkgeek.com
has a large array of computer and science related items. There are the usual mugs and t-shirts, but there is also a an Iron key Military Strength Flash Drive, gold key personal security key, many different spy cameras and a Mandylion Password Manager which speaks to the desire for security. The spy equipment includes: Button Pinhole Video Spy cam w/ Mini DVR, Spy cam Video/MP3/Camera Sunglasses and Spy cam Video Pen Camera. There are such gifts as a titanium spork, survival kit and lots of different tools with a technological twist. There is even a section for the Geek who enjoys a good prank on his/her office mates with an annoy-a-tron or an evil tron. If you want to get really geeky, you can buy a "Phantom Keystroker V2," which is a pin drive that when attached to the computer will move the mouse and make the keyboard type out unwanted characters. In their computer section, there are gifts such as Doctor Who Tardis 4 Port USB Hub, USB Squid and USB to SATA/IDE Combo Kit. But, who knows what these things really do or if your favorite computer geek needs them?

There is a specific "electronic" area as well as a "home and office" category, which has a staple free stapler. I might have to check that out myself. There is also a selection of books to choose from. The junior Geeks are not left out, as there are BuckyBalls Magnetic Building Spheres, powerful air guns and specific movie and TV show items. I did not see a robot, though. To round out the visit, there is a caffeine and snack area which sells such things as: Astronaut ice cream, Bloody Brains and Gooey Eyeballs Candy, Star Trek Enterprises bottle Opener, whiskey stones (cubes to keep your drink cold without dissolving or diluting) and Shower shock caffeinated soap. They certainly have some unique items to choose from. It is worth a look. There site is pretty accessible. My only complaint is that I wish that they would describe the items a bit more in terms of dimensions and such to the blind customer.

www.beegift.com
This site is more comprehensive than the last. They not only have gifts for the computer enthusiast, but they display such gift categories as: office gifts, Romantic Gifts, Wine Gifts, Cooking Gifts, Crafts Gifts, Outdoor Gifts, sports gifts, fitness gifts and baby Gifts. They offer searching by recipient such as: gifts for the host or gifts for a special man. They even sell stock in Apple, yahoo, Microsoft and other companies, as well as a subscription to "PC magazine" and "wired." This site has collected all of the interesting gifts and displayed them, along with their company in an easy to read list. They display a range of alarm clocks and apparel as well. Some of their unique computer items include: Power Squid Outlet Multiplier by thinkgeek for $11.99, Rio Cali 256 MB Sport MP3 Player from Amazon for $99.99, Robosapien V2 made by Sharper Image for $249.99, Solar Gadget Charger which is $99.99 from Red Envelope and a Vinyl and Cassette Music Ripper for $49.99 at Thinkgeek. My favorite is a usb drink chiller that is $29.99 which is also found at Thinkgeek. Since this site collects listings from different companies, they do have a vast selection of gifts to display. They do have some robots such as Robo pet for $59.95 and Roboraptor for $99.95. Both are from Amazon. Their ability to describe the specific gift is similar to that of Thinkgeek. The site does make it easy to search and therefore find the perfect gift quickly.

www.x-tremegeek.com
This site is relatively accessible and does offer a print catalog. There are lots of similar items such as alarms, lights, office accessories and camping supplies. They have many different types of cables and computer accessories. These may not be unique, but they are necessary. If your computer guy or gal happens to mention the exact type of connecter or accessory he/she needs, then you are in business. They sell a Star wars cookbook 2 for $16.95. The "echobot voice messenger," sounded quite interesting but I received an error message when I clicked on the item.

www.smellygourmet.com
The site does not sound like it would be a site for computer enthusiasts. However, Collier Digital Graphics which is in Metamora, Indiana, is a part of this business. This is a unique gift site that has recycled computers made into clocks. These are called "sculptures." The clock displays a hard drive or cd drive and it is incased in a wooden frame which is artistically sculpted right in their brick and mortar shop. They have clocks made from hard drives, mother boards, and any other computer hardware. They also offer a few geek/nerd magnets and a memory keychain. The clocks are not mass produced and need to be specially ordered.

www.kleargear.com
This site is not original, but has a wide selection of gifts for your computer expert and your Science addict.

If after searching all of the sites and not finding that great gift, you might try a personalized gift site such as www.zazzle.com. After all, you know best what he/she might enjoy and it will give the ordinary gift such as a mug, plaque or t-shirt a unique and intimate flair. Whatever you purchase, I am sure that your computer enthusiast will appreciate the thought and energy that you have taken to choose the gift.