Asymptomatic

You know I'm not going to give you the same washed-out "Buy an iPod Accessory" crap that you're getting from all the sales sites. I'm a pedigreed gadget-hunter. I've been meaning to write more about some of the crazy junk I have around the house, but I'm too busy messing with them and opening the UPS deliveries of new gadgets to bother!

Do you have a geek in your life? Maybe a blogger that would like to go pro? If so, then I've got a few gift ideas for you. If you know my tastes, you'll not be surprised by the gadgety for-kids-but-cool toys on the list, but also be aware that some of these prices aren't stocking-stuffer-sized.

And if you're buying for me - Yes, I want everything listed here.

Item #1 - Neuros MPEG4 recorderThis device hooks to any standard RCA a/v output, like that from your VCR or cable box, and allows you to record the video and audio directly to Memory Stick (yes, the video format used plays back on the PSP) or Compact Flash.

Oh, but that's just the first...Item #2 - Quality Notebook/General-Purpose BagI'm a sucker for a well-designed bag, and I've checked out these two online since seeing their advertising. First is Bumbakpaks, whose Urbanomic doesn't look like a notebook carrier, but they have a notebook compartment and expandable sections for books and gadgets. Second is booqbags, who produce the elegant BP3 pack and vyper slipcase, which might even fit my tiny notebook snugly.

Item #3 - Walkie BitsMaybe you saw my earlier post about these little toy robot turtles. They're cute and gadgety, and a perfect desktop conversation piece, or a way to while away download time.

Item #4 - Fostex MR-8What's this musician's recording gear doing in a geek's gift list? This kit is the ultimate portable podcasting studio. Run it off of batteries or wall power, record at CD quality to Compact Flash. Hosts two microphones (the kit comes with only one) and record them to separate tracks. And it comes with a bag, so you can set up your gear anywhere.

Item #5 - Custom Arcade Cabinet KitAs a young geek you played Pac-Man until there wasn't a quarter left within 3 miles of the coin-op's collection box. Now you can rig your own system at home and play whatever game you want, whenever you want. These cabinets house a PC system, which you can use to play classic games via emulator. I like the cocktail table models.

Item #6 - Media Center PCYou'd better grab a media center before they're illegal! The Voodoo Aria looks pretty slick. It features an front face touchscreen for controlling the media guide, so you don't have to miss a second of the show that's on your main screen while setting up a recording.

Item #7 - L33T TilesMost of the other stuff on the list is stuff that would cause someone to call you a geek because you posessed them. This is an item that you would only get after you attained true geek status. Use l3375p34k with these tiles on a Scrabble board instead of the regular tiles.

Item #8 - Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote for Xbox 360Sure, you need an XBox 360 to use this thing, but if you're a true geek, you certainly already have one by now, don't you? The Harmony remote is the best thing to happen to off-the-shelf programmable remotes in, like, forever. Adding XBox capabilities (including controlling the XBox linked to the media center in the other room) makes it even that much more uber-geek worthy.

Item #9 - AntWorksIt's not your traditional ant farm. It uses eerie blue gel! You can even get a kit to illuminate the setup.

Item #10 - BooksI don't think it's a secret that geeks like books, but I think it's sometimes forgotten as a gift. Check with your favorite geek to see what kinds of books he or she likes. If you want your gift to last, a manual can be better than a thrilling story. Trendy topics these days include Ajax, Ruby, and tricks for the various Google APIs. Don't forget to check whether Audible has an audio verison of your selected novel, which can help maximize your geek's time - on the road or at the consle.

Bonus Item #11 - Site RedesignYou like reading your geek's weblog site, but are kind of tired of the dry presentation. There is something you can do! There are a bunch of services that provide graphic design for blogs. I humbly suggest contacting my own group, Shimmer Studio. Even though we tend to angle more toward corporate design and development, we might be able to help you out. If not, search around and you might find someone to do similar work for you.

Yeah ok, my list of suggestions has a high average price tag. Dreaming is ok, though. And on the off chance that someone snatches that Media Center for me, I like the black, not the red.