Finding the perfect gift for techies is no easy matter. After all, by definition, geeks are steeped in the latest and greatest of tech gadgets, and it's just as difficult to find a tech-based subject they don’t already think they know everything about.
To help you find the perfect gift for the techie in your life -- or to steer a loved one toward something you'd really like -- InfoWorld.com has looked beyond the obvious to uncover 10 seriously cool new gadgets and 24 must-read tech books that will appeal to the geek in all of us. You won't find the iPhone or Droid here, nor will you light upon the latest external network drive; more likely than not, your geek already has those. Instead, you'll find items aimed at satisfying every geek's innermost desire: to explore.
[ Discover the 10 best gifts for techies in the InfoWorld.com’s "2009 geek gadget gift guide" slideshow. | Discover the 24 best new books for techies in the InfoWorld.com’s "2009 geek book gift guide" slideshow. ]
Because if there's one thing we geeks all love to do, no matter what type of science, engineering, or tech discipline floats our boat, it's to play with technology that is both cool and useful. Sometimes that means toying around with a somewhat esoteric gadget. Other times that means soaking up new tech know-how we can apply at home or at work.
This year's geek gadget gift guide includes the 55-cent Animal Clips for budding young geeks to the seriously useful and cool personal Pogoplug cloud storage device to a touch-based laptop that could show the way for real tablet computing.
This year's geek book gift guide has recommendations in seven categories: "something different" explorations, personal tech guides, hands-on deep technology how-tos, cloud and architecture expositions, business management primers for IT people, IT management how-tos, and tech best-practices "rethink" books.
This article, "2009 geek gift guide: The best toys and books for techies," was originally published at InfoWorld.com.
Read more about adventures in IT in InfoWorld's Adventures in IT Channel.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive Hardware Resource Alerts
18 Recommendations
GLT09a12peng01Wholesale Replica Handbags Handbags have their moments, but the services – the Sex and the City movie to replica handbags Firebird motard and Judith Leiber’s sparkling cupcake wallet and the screen actress Gwyneth Paltrow lent her quality The star will be a short film starring Todd around the Pashmy bag.
replica watches Replica Handbags Replica Handbags Gucci Handbags Gucci Handbags replica watches replica watches