Gadget Gifts for Fathers, Men and other Geeks
Unique Ideas for Christmas, Valentine's, Birthdays and Anniversaries
Dec 13, 2008
It is difficult to explain to normal people, the fascination that geek have with gadgets. Fortunately it is not necessary to become a geek, in order to choose a gadget that will keep one happy.
Multitool
No geek is complete without a MacGyver knife. Today's multitools even come with full-sized folding pliers.
Major brands include Victorinox, Wenger, Leatherman, Gerber and SOG. There is a bewildering variety of models available. The Internet (or the shop sales staff) is a good source of information on which are the most popular models.
An advantage of having a geek as a friend or in the family is his eagerness to fix all things mechanical. A multitool allows full use to be made of any friendly geeks.
To impress the geek, it should be mentioned that the multitool is "suitable for EDC".
LED Flashlight
An LED flashlight will also appeal to the MacGyver in all geeks.
A small flashlight that uses AA batteries will be the most practical. Small is good as flashlights that can be carried in the pocket will have a higher cool factor compared to larger models.
50mm Lens
A photography geek will start off with a digital SLR and the bundled kit lens. A 50mm f1.8 lens will expand his photographic horizons by allowing
- available-light photography under low-light conditions
- portraits of people with pleasingly blurred out backgrounds
Geeks will be impressed if the words "good bokeh" are used.
Pinhole Glasses
Geeks suffering from eye strain from too much Internet surfing will appreciate the relief that these controversial alternative-medicine devices are reputed to give.
Even if they don't work, the sheer novelty of such a crazy-looking device is sure to appeal.
Pinhole glasses are difficult to find in retail outlets. The Internet is the best bet when purchasing such unusual eye-wear.
Netbook
A netbook is a small, affordable notebook PC. Often sporting screens as small as nine or ten inches, they weigh in the region of one kilogram (2.2 pounds).
Just as for multitools and LED flashlights, portability is the key factor. The key to geekdom is not just in owning lots of gadgets, but in carrying them around.
A light PC means that the geek is able to carry the netbook with him everywhere, able to surf wirelessly at coffee shops and feed his Internet addiction.
ASUS EEE and Acer Aspire One are popular models. For the ultimate geek chic, the Linux version (not the Windows version) is best. They are also cheaper. Models with Solid State Disks (SSD) are also cooler than those with conventional hard disks (HDD).
Solar-Powered Battery-Charger
A geek will have a backpack full of electronic gadgets, and a constant fear of running out of power. The appeal of a solar-powered battery-charger, especially to a camping geek, is obvious.
The charger should be able to charge AA batteries, as well as provide a 5 volt USB output. Unfortunately, it is not practical to power notebook computers this way. They consume too much power, requiring large and heavy solar panels.
Anime DVD
Though not strictly a gadget, anime is often full of robots and other mechanical toys. Classic Japanese animation never goes out of style. Directors to look out for include
- Satoshi Kon
- Mamoru Oshii
- Miyazaki Hayao
- Katsuhiro Otomo
Original Japanese dialog is a must (with English subtitles, of course). No self-respecting geek will watch English-dubbed anime.
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