PaulTech Network

My Top Geek Gifts for 2009

Geeks, nerds, techies, trekkies – you may love one. And you may be trying to find a unique gift for your geek. Well, you’re in luck, because I have scoured the globe of nerdom to find that perfect gift. Yeah, it’s a biased post, but I’m doing it. I really hope you find something here that you like.

Marshmallow Blaster in Blue and Red

Okay, this is a little juvenile…..So it’s right up a geek’s alley! All you need is some marshmallows and it’s freakin’ go time.

Ny Central Dreyfuss Hudson Steam Engine

This is one of Lionel’s top models and it comes with all the bells and whistles, no pun intended. A rare train.

WowWee Tribot Talking Companion in Red/Black

Tribot Talking Companion/Personality Packed Robot/ Interactive Conversations and Entertainment
Built in wheel encoder driving games
Three wheeled Omni directional motion
Multiple activity modes/alarm modes
Numerous sensors and LED indicators/ remote controller requires 3 x AAA size batteries, not included

Night Vision Infared Stealth Goggles V2

People love these things. They are binocular, so you don’t get the ole’ one eye syndrome. So, whether your someone is wanting it for nighttime paintballing or just kick the can, it’s a certain hit.

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

High-Sensitivity, Watch-Like GPS Receiver That Provides Exceptional Signal Reception
1 Piece Training Assistant That Provides Athletes With Precise Speed, Distance & Pace Data
Includes Training Center Software, Which Allows Users To Download Workout Data For A Detailed Analysis
Used For Multiple Sports Such As Cycling, Cross- Country Skiing & Windsurfing
Data Acquired May Also Be Analyzed. Which Provides Online Mapping & Route Sharing

So, why does this “watch” look like a brick? It’s because it has integrated GPS. And yes, people love it.

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera

Seriously, do I have to describe this one? Cmon, it’s a freakin Canon Powershot that people go ape over. They also take really beautiful photos of apes. Really, they do.

Perfect Solutions Golf Ball Finder Glasses

Yep, that’s right. If your geek is a golf lover, then they will love these glasses that makes their forest shots much easier to find. Maybe they will get offended once the novelty wears off!

HP LX195 MediaSmart Home Server

Sleek, slim home server with 640 GB of storage for easy backups and media streaming in your home over over the Internet
Remotely streams photos and music to any Internet-connected PC or Mac; upload photos to Flickr, Facebook and more
Network-based backup of Windows PCs and Macs using Apple’s Time Machine
Expandable via four USB 2.0 ports for connecting to external USB hard drives
Intel Celeron 2.0 GHZ 64-bit Processor; 2 GB of RAM (800 MHz); Gigabit Ethernet networking

What could get a geek more excited than having a home server at his or her becking call. It will serve all your illegal, i mean legally obtained media.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

Well, I know this isn’t a unique item, but I have to post it. It’s just a hugely popular gift idea because it’s so easy to use, fun to use, and relatively cheap. Flip is really innovating the whole HD camcorder arena.

Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom
Simple user interface lets you start capturing HD video just seconds after powering on
Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required

Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
FlipShare’s advanced compression technology allows for quick and easy sharing of high-resolution HD video in compact-sized files (via email or publishing online)
Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries
Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it simple to watch video on your HDTV
Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files

La Crosse Technology Projection Alarm Clock with Outdoor Temperature

Why look at the time and temperature on a screen when you can project it? Screens, they are so yesterday.

EasyBloom Plant Sensor

Now this thing is cool. The Plant sensor takes all the guesswork out of gardening. If your geek is also into gardening, this is the perfect combo. Just read this uber geekiness, from the manufacturer:

“This ingenious in-ground sensor reads and analyzes growing conditions in specific spots inside your home or in your yard. It measures sunlight, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and drainage. It even uses the same technology used on NASA’s Mars Phoenix mission to measure the soil.”

Who can pass up having NASA technology in their garden?

Oregon Scientific AW131 Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer

Who wants to constantly check their foodstuffs? I would rather be watching the big game! Well, now you can literally do both. Put the probe in the meat and take the digital display with you to the couch. Plug in the meat type,etc. And then you will be alerted by screen and voice when your meat is done. That’s like meat hacking.

Telespy Telephone Motion Sensor Alarm Security Intruder

Okay, now this is hilarious. But this could come in handy. As the graphic says above, the motion detecting phone will be triggered and dial your phone. Then you can kick back and listen in on whoever tripped it. The options are limitless.

Orion Skyline Deluxe Green Laser Pointer

Oooooh, danger signs. Yes, I can’t go without posting a high powered laser. This laser will pop balloons or light matches. Yes, lasers can cost upwards of $3,000, but this one only goes for $100. And it’s good. Mmmmm, lighting matches with light. Serious geek factor, but it’s definitely not a toy!

Vinturi Essential Wine Aerators, Red Wine and White Wine, Set of 2

Okay, so this is simple tech, but it’s still cool. This gift would be a definite hit with any wine lover on your list who also loves gadgets. Instead of decanting wine, this product mixes in the right amount of air at the right time. People swear by this product.

Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup Rice Cooker and Steamer

You haven’t cooked rice until you have done it with a computer. Makes it so easy, a monkey super smart geek could do it.

Keurig B40 Elite Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System

Single cup coffee makers are all the rage these days. This Keurig makes it a super snap. There’s just something really nerdy sexy about getting a metered dose of coffee. Now we need bloodstream injectors.

Oster 4207 Electric Wine-Bottle Opener

Boy, it must be the year of wine gadgets. Nobody really enjoys opening wine bottles with cheap openers. Yes, there are some excellent mechanical wine openers, but why settle for mechanical? Your geek wants some piece of tech to open his wine! Here’s a video demonstration:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Now, I have to qualify this recommendation. People hate the PC version. Don’t buy it. But, if you are wanting it for Xbox360 or PS3, then go for it. There is nothing more satisfying than saving the world from the comfort and safety of your armchair.

Assassin’s Creed II

While I’m at it, another game that is must have for this season. Heck the trailer alone makes you want to play it.

Mindflex Game

If you have a junior geek in the house, the Mindflex Game may be right up his or her alley. Mindflex is a telekinesis game. Yes, you use your mind to control a foam ball! Um, the geek index just went to volcanic. Here’s a video demonstration from CES:

LEGO City Advent Calendar (7687)

Again, this one is for the younger crowd, but really fun. Get kids into advent with this hilarious Lego Advent Calendar. Geeky and family building at the same time, mmmmmm.

Moon in My Room

And now for the astronomer geeks out there. The Uncle Milton Moon in My Room has been a huge hit with kids. Here’s a nice video review:

Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

A geek needs storage. It’s like a geek’s brain – ever expanding. Grab a really nice, well reviewed external hard drive for that brain feeding fiend.

Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6

And what is true for computers, is true for cameras as well. Grab your photography nerd this really nice priced SDHC card from Transcend.

Cinemin Swivel Multimedia Pico Projector

How many times does a geek get to be cool and popular? Well the Swivel pico projector from Cinemin will. This tiny little projector can project a 61″ image from 8 feet away. It has a two hour battery life and is amazing for family get togethers or impromptu video showings.

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black)

Okay, I actually own these speakers. And let me tell you, if you have an audiophile nerdomatic in your family, these speakers are unbelievable. I simply could not believe the sound they put out. I reviewed them earlier and you can find it by searching on this site. I gave this system really high marks, for good reason!

ASUS VW266H 25.5-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor

Mmmmm, really large monitor. Video good. Sorry, I’m having trouble typing through my drool.

Toro 51599 Ultra 12 Amp Variable Speed Electric Blower

Now, I can think of how well this would do removing leaves from your yard. Orrrr, I could think of a million ways I could use the blower for certain “side projects.” **insert maniacal laugh

Playseats Limited Edition Forza 3 Evolution Racing Seat

I hear you, enough of the so called “practical” gifts. Now, let’s just see what we have here. It’s none other than your own racing seat. Ridiculous, perhaps. Geeky. Er, totally. Video demonstration:

uPro Golf GPS by Callaway Golf

Calling all golf nerds. This little GPS unit is going to make you giggle like a school girl. No, you will still be hitting balls into the pond, but at least you will know that you meant to hit it there.

iPhone Chocolate Bar Case

Okay, chalk this one up to weird. You can grab (or chew) the iPhone chocolate bar case from Hand Held Items. When the going gets tough, the tough get chocolate.

Products “features:”

Turn your iPhone 3G/3GS look like chocolate
Made from premium silicone with extra padded chocolate bricks
Free screen protector with free cleaning microfiber cloth
Retail packaging, which look like a real chocolate box
Special chocolate sense smell added on the silicone
All port are pre-cut open, including camera, side volume, screen, earphone and bottom dock connector
Compatible with iPhone 3G/3GS only

It also comes in pink. Use the coupon code: chocolateiphone3gs to get it for $3.99, expires 11-30.

Butterball Turkey Fryer

Yes, it’s that time of year to totally stuff yourselves. And the Butterball Professional Series Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer enables you to do just that. Stop needlessly packing the musket with dry, tasteless turkey. Flavorize and tenderize it.

I guess the thing people love about this fryer is that it is indoors, semi compact, super fast at cooking, and produces yummy turkey. It’s about a foot and a half on all dimensions and weighs in at 23 pounds. It can cook up to a 14 pound turkey and does it very quickly. I forget the cook rates, but it is so much faster, you will never go back to oven cooking.

Presto 05466 ProFry Stainless-Steel Dual-Basket Immersion-Element 12-Cup Deep Fryer

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $109.99

Amazon Price: $63.58

Butterball 2-Ounce Stainless Marinade Injector

NEC NP100 2000 Lumen Projector

Okay, so it’s not the greatest resolution projector in the world, at SVGA 800×600, but it is cheap and extremely popular. But the NEC 2000 Lumens SVGA DLP Projector is extremely popular and surprisingly affordable.

Another really good thing about this projector is that it only weighs 5.3 pounds. Contrast ratio 1200:1, keystoning, and other standard options make the NEC NP100 a surprising find at such an attractive price of $399. It’s really hard to go wrong with this one. Specs:

Resolution:	Native SVGA (800 x 600)


	Native Resolution:	SVGA (800 x 600)


	Brightness:	2000 ANSI Lumens


	Contrast Ratio:	1200:1


	Uniformity:	N/A


	No. of Colors:	N/A


	Aspect Ratio:	4:3


	Native Aspect Ratio:	4:3 Standard


	Display Technology:	DLP (0.55″)

	Data Signals:	Mac
		XGA
		SVGA
		SXGA
		PC
		VGA


	Video Signals:	NTSC4.43
		PAL-M
		PAL-N
		SECAM
		NTSC
		PAL-B,G,H,I,M,N

	H Sync:	31.35 – 68.7 kHz


	V Sync:	56 – 85 Hz


	Dot Clock:	N/A

	Inputs:	Stereo Mini-Jack (3.5mm)
		S-Video
		Composite Video: RCA jack
		Analog RGB (D-sub 15 pin)


	Outputs:	D-sub 15-pin


	Audio:	2 Watt Speaker


	Wireless:	No


	Input Type:	S-Video
		VGA/D-sub
		Composite

	Lens:	F=2.41-2.55, f=21.83-24 mm


	Zoom:	Manual focus
		Zoom Lens


	Image Size:	28 – 300 inches diagonal


	Throw Distance:	3.9 to 39.4 ft


	Keystone Correction:	Manual: ±40


	Projection Methods:	Ceiling Front
		Ceiling Rear
		Front Table
		Rear Table

	Power Supply:	100V – 240V, 50/60Hz


	Power Consumption:	228 Watts/190 Watts (Normal/Economic)


	Audible Noise:	35 dB

	Lamp Type:	180W


	Lamp Life Expectancy:	3500/4000 Hours (Normal/Economic Mode)

	Remote Control:	Included


	Carrying Case:	N/A

	Dimensions:	10.7″ x 8.1″ x 3.3″ (W x D x H)
		272 x 206 x 84mm (W x D x H)


	Weight:	5.3 lbs
		2.4 kg

	Projection Technology:	DLP


	Projector Type:	Business Projector

Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Converter

I don’t post much from Walmart, but this is actually pretty cool. I have been looking into home sound studio stuff. No, not professional grade, but enough to mess around. The Blue Microphones Icicle can help you out vocally.

This XLR adapter allows you to plug in your microphone or your guitar, if you have the converter, and then plug into your computer USB port. Then it’s just a matter of mixing it up. The Blue Microphone Icicle has a built in studio quality preamp so don’t fret. Okay, bad joke. It also does the analog to digital conversion. Oh, and no driver installation. Anyway, podcasters and vocalists may find use for it. Grab it for $59. Here’s a vid:

Dell Zino HD

It seems like computer manufacturers are all catching on that we want style along with function. Is that so hard to understand? Dell Zino HD is a pretty neat little device that you would be proud to display – not like most giant pieces of ugly electronic furniture.

As you can see, the Dell Zino HD comes with a lot of connectivity. It has HDMI, eSata, USB, media card reader. It’s hard to see, but you can also get an optional Blu-Ray player. It comes with an Athlon Dual Core processor and an ATI Radeon HD3200 graphics card. The bummer is 2.1 sound. Comes with Windows 7 and 2GB 800 MHZ DDR2 memory. Looks like options can range you in price from around $250-$2000. Obviously, the high number is with everything possible, including a very nice display. Also looks like 8GB ram is possible.

Dell Inspiron Zino HD Piano Black Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $469.99

Amazon Price: $459.99

Lexmark X4650 Wireless Printer

The great thing about wireless is that it gives you freedom. The sucky part is that your printer may not be so wireless. Well, kick that thing to the curb and stretch your legs out. The Lexmark X4650 gives you that ability on the cheap.

Well, Walmart was selling it for $59, but they sold out. Big surprise. You can still get the Lexmark X4650 at Amazon for $95. In any case, ppl love it. It’s got built in wireless, scanning, 25ppm black and 18ppm color. Vid:

BlackRa1n Plus Blacksn0w Equals Superfast iPhone Unlock

George Hotz has seemingly made it his life’s goal to jailbreak Apple’s hardware. Seriously, his new Blacksn0w jailbreak software, which is free by the way, is super easy and super fast. Download, run it, wait, voila.

Demo video:

ViewSonic VMP70 Cheap 1080p Video Player

Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner. Yeah, I still can’t believe that. Viewsonic has dumped the VMP70 deliciousness on us. What makes it so delicious? The price would be a very big part of that.

There is no .mkv file support on this, but it does have HDMI component and USB, among others. Here’s the rest of the specs:

DISPLAY
	Resolution	Full 1080p HD video playback
COMPATIBILITY
	Photo Formats	JPG, JPEG, BMP, PHG, GIF photo format
	Video Formats	MPEG 1/2/4, DivX/Xvid, H.264, VC-1, WMV9, RM/RMVB & more
	Audio Formats	WMA, MP3, DTS, OGG, AAC, (2-channel), Real Audio
POWER
	Consumption	11.48W (typ), standby mode < 48W
	Voltage Input	100~120V AC, 50/60Hz
	Voltage Output	DC 12V 2.0A
CONTROLS
	Basic	1 key power button, all functions controlled by remote
	OSD	English, French, Spanish
OPERATING CONDITIONS
	Temperature	32ºF –104ºF (0ºC–40ºC)
	Humidity	80% (non-condensing)
DIMENSIONS
	Physical (WxHxD)	8.03″ x 1.57″ x 5.5″ (203.98mm x 40mm x 140mm)
WEIGHT
	Weight	0.925 lb. (420 g)
REGULATIONS
		FCC, RoHS
PACKAGE CONTENTS
		ViewSonic VMP70 Digital Media Player, HDMI cable (1.0m), remote control with battery, AC/DC Power Adapter, User Guide
WARRANTY
		One-year limited warranty
INTERFACE
		HDMI, Component (CVBS), Composite (YPbPr), SPDIF inputs 2xUSB 2.0
SYSTEM STORAGE FILE SYSTEM
		EXT3, NTFS, FAT 16/32

Nightvision Digital Video Camera

Yes, it looks like a radar gun, but it ain’t. Nope, it’s your very own handy dandy nightvision digital video camera. The possibilities are endless.

The camera has 32MB of onboard memory. Yeah, that’s way too little. You can, however, upgrade up to 2GB via an SD card. That will allow around 75 minutes of record time as opposed to 2 minutes. Specs:

Technical Specifications:

1.3MP Still Image Resolution / 640×480 VGA Video Resolution
2″ Colour TFT LCD Screen Display
Fixed focus
32MB Internal Memory, SD/MMC Card Slot expandable to 2GB
2 minutes on-board recording time with up to 75 minutes with 2GB SD Card
USB, NTSC, PAL Output

Computer Requirements:

Windows 2000, XP or Vista
800MHz or faster processor
128MB RAM for WIN 2000; 512MB RAM for WIN XP and WIN Vista
500MB free hard disk space
USB Port required

Dimensions:

Approximately 16.5cm (H) x 12.8cm (W) x 5.1 cm (D)

Battery Requirements:

Requires 4x AA batteries – not included

Contents:

1x Night Vision Digital Video Camera
1x Video editing software CD
1x USB Cable
1x TV Out Cable
1x Quick-Start Guide

Available at Firebox for around $115.

PaulTech Network

My Top Geek Gifts for 2009

iPhone Chocolate Bar Case

Butterball Turkey Fryer

NEC NP100 2000 Lumen Projector

Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Converter

Dell Zino HD

Lexmark X4650 Wireless Printer

BlackRa1n Plus Blacksn0w Equals Superfast iPhone Unlock

ViewSonic VMP70 Cheap 1080p Video Player

DISPLAY

COMPATIBILITY

POWER

CONTROLS

OPERATING CONDITIONS

DIMENSIONS

WEIGHT

REGULATIONS

PACKAGE CONTENTS

WARRANTY

INTERFACE

SYSTEM STORAGE FILE SYSTEM

Nightvision Digital Video Camera