5. Microphone Headset
Fifth on our list is the microphone headset. Like headphones, but with an attached microphone, this headset is irreplaceable for a computer user. It can be used to make voice calls over an instant messenger or Skype, create audio reminders, organize a team in a multiplayer online video game, and much more. Ranging in prices from $10 to $50, this is an inexpensive tool for any computer user.
4. The Orange Box
Valve's Orange Box has been called the best video game deal ever, and with good reason. This 5-in-1 computer game set includes all high-quality titles. Though the games involve detailed graphics, they should be playable on a standard 3-D video card.
The box starts off with three sequential single-player first person shooters, starring the celebrated mute, Gordon Freeman. Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode 1, and Half-Life 2: Episode 2 will keep a gamer going for weeks, with multiple difficulties allowing them to play these games over and over.
Also included in the Orange Box is Portal, one of the most creative games of all time. This game supplies the player with a handheld portal device, used to create two linking portals and overcome obstacles such as stationary turrets, button-operated doors, and large gaps. Words fail in describing how amusing it is to move around using portals. With an amusing story-line and the ability to download extra levels online to top it all off, this would be a great gift for a creative thinker.
Completing the package is Team Fortress 2, an intense multiplayer online first-person shooter. With nine different characters to play as, ranging from medic to soldier to engineer to spy, amusingly cartoony but detailed 3-D graphics, and many different maps and play styles, it will be hard to remove a player from their computer. TF2 puts a spin on shooter games with its range of characters, allowing for the player to find their niche in the game.
With all these amazing games, including something for everybody, it is almost unbelievable that the Orange Box sells for roughly $55 - but it's true.
3. Virtual Laser Keyboard
Imagine red laser-projected lines on a table drawing out a keyboard. Now imagine that pressing one of the keys on the table inputs that key to a computer. The thought is enough to send any computer fanatic mad.
While more of a novelty item, giving this keyboard (which can be purchased at ThinkGeek
will make you seem like the coolest person ever, with good reason. Going for $180, this is one of the gifts that you have to consider the price of before deciding to buy.
2. USB Drive
A USB drive is so simple and cheap, but a must-have for any computer user. Though most fanatics already have one, USB drives have increased greatly in size over the past while. They are extremely useful, and can be used to replace CDs, transport files between home and school, get pictures from friends' computers, back up important data, and much more. They are cheap, too, selling for around $15-$40, depending on size. If they don't already have one, a computer lover would be very happy to receive one.
1. Tablet
Number one on our list of gifts for a computer fanatic is a tablet. What is a tablet, you ask? A tablet is basically a pen and a pad connected to a computer and used like a mouse. When the pad is stroked with the tip of the pen, the mouse moves. Placing your hand down on the pad, however, does not. There are left and right buttons on the pen for easy access.
A tablet is the most useful tool imaginable for digital art - you can draw right on your computer. Most tablets are also pressure-sensitive, meaning your stroke can become darker, thicker, or even a different color depending on how hard you press down the pen. With all the digital art software that is available, an artist can improve their work dramatically using a computer.
But this tool isn't for art alone - it can be used to handwrite notes with software such as OneNote, handwrite messages on an instant messenger, or even (with Windows Vista) input text to your computer with handwriting recognition, replacing a keyboard.
A tablet can also be used as a regular mouse. It feels much more natural to navigate with a pen than it does a mouse. Tablets have an interesting effect when playing games, making simple flash games seem much more hands-on.
Cheaper tablets can be found for $50, while the more desirable models go for around $100-$150, and the larger tablets are sold for $200+. This is an extremely reasonable price for such a useful computer tool, and the best gift you can buy for a computer fanatic.
