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Computer Gift Guide
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There are many gifts that come to mind when thinking of a computer user. Getting the right gift can depend a lot on what type of computer user they are. For simplicity, this guide has been broken down into catagories pertaining to a few different types of users.
The Casual Computer & Internet User
People who only use their computer from time to time for tasks such as surfing the internet, word processing, or solitaire might be catagorized as the casual computer user.
Internet Keyboard: Stylish internet keyboards can be purchased for around $30 and come with extra buttons built in. They cost a little more if you want wireless.
Optical Wheel Mouse: These have practically taken over the standard ball mouse. They have a laser on the bottom instead of a ball and require less cleaning. The built in wheel makes navigation and scrolling much easier and efficient.
Bigger or Flatter Monitor: Bigger monitors have dropped in price drastically over the past few years. Nowadays you can pick up a 19 inch monitor relatively cheap, and a 17 inch is even cheaper. This is due largely to the release of the new LCD monitors (LCD are the thin ones, also known as flat panel. CRT are the bulky ones and can have flat screens, but only the glass is flat, not the whole monitor). LCD monitors are expensive, but they are very nice if you have the money.
Computer Furniture: A new desk or comfortable chair is always nice.
New PC: Casual computer and internet users can get by with just about any new computer. An inexpensive new computer can be found for around $500 from Dell or Gateway sometimes.
The Business Computer User
Printer: Inkjet and laser printers have gotten cheaper as well. Sometimes inkjets can go for as low as $30 to $50, but be careful, sometimes they don't come with ink. If they do, it's usually a starter cartridge. Be careful and ask a lot of questions before purchasing. Laser printers cost more for toner to print with, but they can print a lot more pages. Color laser printers are still fairly expensive (around $600 for a cheaper one), but black laser printers are getting cheaper (around $200 for a cheaper one). Laser printers print very fast.
Computer Furniture: A new desk or comfortable chair is always nice for a business user as well.
Internet or Office Keyboard: The same applies here as for the casual user, except there are also keyboards built around office software. Shop around, and ask questions to make sure it supports the software needed by the user. Also, cordless keyboards make less clutter in an office.
Optical Wheel Mouse: Same as with the casual user, except cordless mice make less clutter in an office.
Bigger or Flatter Monitor: Same as with the casual user.
New PC: Business computers can run relatively cheap just like the computers for the casual user can.
The Casual Computer Gamer
Gift Certificate: Gift certificates are great for games and hardware. Sometimes gamers are hard to shop for. This makes things easier.
Video Card: Gaming video cards aren't usually standard in most budget computers. These require a little more homework. Check out our Gaming Computer guide for more help on this. It is one of the most vital parts of a gamer's computer.
Keyboard and Mouse: Just like the other catagories.
Case: A new case is always nice. It all depends on whether the older case is getting boring. New cases come with snazzy options that gamers like such as windows in the side and neon lights. This takes a little more homework on your part. You must make sure that the new case will support the old components.
Barebones System: This involves buying a bundle that usually includes a CPU, motherboard, a case, and sometimes some memory. These can be a great upgrade for a casual gamer, or for anyone.
Gaming PC: A nice gaming computer for the casual gamer can run around $1000 to $1500. Look below the Hardcore Gamer catagory for a few manufacturers to help get you started.
The Hardcore Computer Gamer
Everything above, especially the video card.
The Motherload: This is the computer
that does it all, and if it can't, it can easily be modified to do so. This
thing is a gaming monster truly inspired by gaming gurus whose addiction to
flashing pc graphics went into overdrive years ago. These are a dream come
true for most gamers, but these systems are also out of reach of most
gamers. Here are suggestions for making your hardcore gamer the happiest on
the block (if not in the whole neighborhood).
Something to remember when purchasing a gaming pc: Top of the line is a
dream come true, but top of the line comes with a premium price tag. Within
maybe six months it won't be top of the line anymore. This doesn't mean that
the machine still won't scream through games, it just means that the very
best won't be the very best for long. If you are trying to save a little
money, one or two steps right below the top of the line should be fine as
long as you know which parts you should or shouldn't skimp on.
Falcon Northwest: Dedicated to gaming pcs, this company is one of the best. However, high quality top of the line parts do come at a premium price.
Alienware: Also dedicated to gaming pcs with high quality parts and prices.
Dell: Everywhere you look you see something about this company. They have grown very large over the years and people seem to love them. They have a new line of gaming computers that have some nice parts.
Give these places a call and they can give you more information about what you need. You can also customize your computer on their website and see how much it all would cost should you decide to purchase from them.
Yes, there are many other companies that
would be great as well. However, there are too many to list. Also, many
gamers know how to build their own machine. Don't forget that gift
certificates can often be the perfect gift as well!
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