Home > Technobuddy > Archives > 2007 > December > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe paradox of shopping for a geek
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re shopping for someone who is really into gizmos and high tech, keep one thing in mind: The last thing they want you to do is buy them a gadget.
You’d think it would be a perfect choice: a nice digital camera for someone who wants one; a new computer, MP3 player or external hard disk. You know they love that sort of stuff, so how can you miss?
Easy. Speaking as a guy who absolutely loves devices that beep, flash or plug in, let me explain. I know what I want. I’ve dreamed about it, read reviews and pondered the differences for months now. If you buy something blindly for me it is almost certain to be wrong. I’ll be polite and pleased on Christmas morning but will quickly go back to plotting how I can get the one I really want.
The easy way around that problem is to ask what I want. That works fine for some people. My wife, for instance, folds down pages on clothing catalogs as a hint. After all these years, I believe her when she says that is how she prefers things.
But some people still love surprises. So, is there a way to give the gadget-lover on your list a high-tech gift without picking the wrong thing?
Yes, but you may have to think outside the box.
Let me suggest gifts that will come as a surprise and yet have a good chance of being welcomed. You notice that I said “have a good chance.” Like any gift suggestions, there is the possibility you’ll be off the beam. But I promise the odds will be in your favor.
My first suggestion is to give them the world - almost literally. A portable shortwave radio opens a universe of new experiences. There’s a thrill in exploring the large commercial broadcasters that beam news, music and drama to anyone who cares to listen. Many foreign stations have English language broadcasts. Or someone learning a language can listen to native speakers to perfect prononuciation.
You can also listen to ham radio operators (I’m one myself) or sample the unique programming of what the radio community calls “pirate stations”. Usually operated illegally, these quirky broadcasters offer their own take on music and commentary.
The first step is to buy a terrific book called Passport of Worldband Radio. You can go to this Web address and read about the book and even order it. It contains reviews on almost every shortwave set made. There’s no pandering to advertisers so you won’t see puff reviews that look like advertisments.
My recommendation: Consider small battery powered shortwave radios made by Sony, Sangean or Grundig.
Plan on spending at least $100, and as usual you can go a lot higher for better models. Two shopping sites to try are are Ham Radio Outlet and another here that will take you directly to a selection of radios.
My next suggestion is affordable and almost certain to please a true techie. It’s a terrific magazine called “Make:Technology on your time.” Subscriptions are $35. It includes high tech projects ranging from the easy to those that seem designed for graduate engineers. All are fascinating reading and I’ve enjoyed the magazine without ever building a single of its projects.
You’ll find a link to the magazine’s site on this blog - in the listing of my favorite five Web sites.
Finally - and I borrowed this one from my wife, a veteran shopper if there ever was one - you can hardly ever go wrong with accessories. If the techie on your list has a digital camera consider memory cards or, for some cameras, a new lens. Memory cards are also handy for MP3 players and even fancy cellphones. Your iPod owner would probably love a new protective case or armband.
OK. I’m fired up now. I’m going shopping - for myself.
�
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Columns
Services »
Comments
By weatherall
December 16, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Have you considered recommending Kaito shortwave radios? Many of their portable shortwave radios are under $100, but receive praise from Passport to World Band Radio for excellent reception capabilities. The KA1103 is a highly-regarded radio, save for its quirky user interface. Kaito solved the user interface problems by improving the KA1103 to produce the radio that is now sold by Eton/Grundig as the E5 and G5 models respectively. I own one of these and it is superb. I like my Eton E5 more than I like my Sony SW7600GR which cost approximately the same as the E5.
Neither Sony nor Sangean have released new shortwave radio products in recent years, and a employee of Sangean USA has posted on a shortwave radio forum to indicate that Sangean does not see much interest in shortwave anymore.
Product innovation and introduction of shortwave radios is strictly the work of Chinese radio manufacturers these days, including Tecsun, Redsun, and Degen. Some of their products are sold under other brand names.
By Bill
December 16, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
I just don’t know much about - other than what you told me - Kaito radios. But I do know a lot about Passport to World Band Radio. I’ve talked to Larry there off and on for years. and if they say Kaito is good - heck, it’s good.
I know that it would be hard to find a better portable SW than the Sony 2010 I have (out of production). But I’ve used it with just the whip and it does an amazing job, even when compared to my Yaesu FT-990 (getting old in the tooth, just like me) transceiver’s reception.
So I learned something and will read about the Kaito radios - thanks for the heads up.