Christmas Gift ideas for GNU/Linux Fans!
You cSo, every year we see commercials for just about every type of Christmas gift one can think of...The sports equipment, the cars, the romantic getaway...
But what about the Linuxbeard guy behind the twelve monitors? What do you get him? Well, here are some awesome gift ideas for the techy we all know!
Star Wars Linux T-shirt
Okay, tell me that’s not cool. Especially with Star Wars episode VIII just around the corner! I would totally wear that shirt when I went to see the movie, and any chance I got in the future. You really can’t go wrong with Star Wars and Linux together.
Happy Hacking Keyboard
While some of the higher end keyboards are expensive, I know that I personally love the feel of a nice, minimal, mechanical keyboard, over a giant and fancy keyboard with 40 extra buttons or something.
I personally am using a Razor Blackwidow Tournament Edition, which is a bit smaller than other keyboards I have owned, and I love it. Happy Hacking keyboards are even more compact, cutting all unneeded keys out in favour of numerous key combinations for a slew of effects.
The idea behind hacking keyboards, is that users who love hotkeys and shortcuts, can essentially never lift their fingers off the keyboard, and do almost everything they ever want to do.
Martin's remark: You could also try and buy an IBM Model M keyboard from marketplaces like eBay for some extra credits. These keyboards are quite expensive on the other hand, and a less expensive mechanical keyboard may do the trick as well. Keyboard tastes are different though, and you may want to check first to see if there is demand, and if such a keyboard is the right one.
A course studying advanced Linux usage
Another great gift idea, is to buy someone entry into a course of something they may enjoy. I’ve touched a little on things like hosting, systems administration etc. in some of my articles, so perhaps a course in these topics might be of interest!
You may also want to check out the highly discounted Linux courses on Ghacks Deals.
A Tux Statue
Okay, so this one is a little simplistic, but what list would be complete without a little Tux statue to sit on your desk?
A Linux Laptop
There are numerous companies out there, that sell machines pre-installed with GNU-Linux. System76 is a very well known company, that sells everything from thin and lightweight ultrabooks, to powerhouse machines that will absolutely crush gaming of any level. So, why not surprise someone with a brand new machine?
A Raspberry Pi Starter Kit
Last but not least, a Raspberry Pi is always an awesome idea for any enthusiast, as it makes room for many projects. Build yourself a media center, or perhaps use an Open-Source AI to make your own version of Google Home. Host a Minecraft Server, or use it as a web/email server. The ideas are plenty, and the cost is cheap.
What about you? What are some other great Linux-centric gift ideas for this holiday season?
ThinkPenguin.com is centered around FOSS based products and even has some T-shirts and coffee mugs:
https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/catalog
Another alternative to the inexpensive (but heavily IP encumbered) Raspberry Pi and Intel Compute Stick platforms is the expanding line of OpenWRT based routers built by GL Innovations. They finally navigated the FCC hurdles and released a 802.11ac capable ‘travel’ router for about $45. OpenWRT has a package manager that makes it easy to repurpose the host into a non-router – I use one for a print spooler.
Nothing better than a Linux distro w/ persistence on a USB.
And, a great way to introduce folks to Linux.
There is a cute Penguin–https://www.shoplinuxonline.com/linux-related.html
Daughter loves him! But she’s never touched Windows–afraid of an infection.
Oh, and I believe one could do someone a really great favor and buy the laptop Linus Torvalds uses for Linux:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/2017s-best-linux-laptop-the-latest-dell-xps-13/
A good bet some idiot would wipe the drive and install Windows, but one can say he/she tried.
For more fun gifts: Zazzle sells a huge array of Linux accessories, both generic (penguins) or OS-stamped (Ubuntu, Mint &c). Hats, bags, ties, wallets, buttons and so on. Everything is possible as long as you know your friend’s favorite OS. Better not pick the wrong one! For example (I don’t make this up) you can get a “Debian Belt Buckle” or an “Arch Linux Messenger Courier Bag”.
No that t-shirt isn’t cool, a boring design. For keyboards I’ve a full size Filco which is nice but tend to use my Pok3r more as it’s compact at 60%, basically the same size as the HHK but much cheaper (different switches though).
If you can’t get a reasonably priced IBM Model M keyboard (I got mine from a dumpster), consider one from Unicomp. Same buckling spring technology from the people who originally built the Model M.