Author Topic: Christmas Gift Ideas Under $25... Make a List! (Read 42223 times)

mouser · « **Reply #25 on:** December 03, 2008, 04:42 PM »

not me, thats a pic from the amazon page.

mouser · « **Reply #26 on:** December 04, 2008, 10:08 PM »

i bought a $13 electronic dart board on a whim at store.
sure it's a tiny bit buggy, but actually it's quite fun. great little xmas gift i think.
http://www.target.co...ard-16/dp/B001J4COBE

40hz · « **Reply #27 on:** December 04, 2008, 10:48 PM »

Finally. A book light that actually works.

Webpage: http://readinglight....cart_id=5407266.8184

(These guys have a great website BTW. Historic even! I'd bet this vintage static page hasn't been changed much since the day they put it up back in the 90s. They're even still using a textured background and cgi. Gotta love it! Show it to your kids to let them see how the web 'used' to look back when it was just starting...)

Also see the Slate Review at: http://www.slate.com/id/2157756

BNR LED 3 Light
BNR LED 3 Hands Free Light

Cutting edge, cost effective

BNR LED 3 Hands Free Multi-Use Light

BNR LED 3 Multi-Use Light has:

* Perfect non-glare light for reading, especially all models of eBook including the Kindle and Sony
* 3 white energy-saving LED bulbs with attachable red filter to soften the light where needed
* BNR Light saves $$$ by using 3 LED bulbs which extend battery life at full brightness to at least 120 hours
* includes 4 AA batteries
* includes adjustable reflector and neck strap

Comments

$ 19.95 + S&H (Shipping and Handling)

Deozaan · « **Reply #28 on:** December 05, 2008, 03:42 AM »

Finally. A book light that actually works.
-40hz (December 04, 2008, 10:48 PM)

Hmm... I think my grandma had one of those.

40hz · « **Reply #29 on:** December 05, 2008, 08:15 AM »

Finally. A book light that actually works.
-40hz (December 04, 2008, 10:48 PM)

Hmm... I think my grandma had one of those.
-Deozaan (December 05, 2008, 03:42 AM)

I find they're handy for reading in the car while I'm waiting to collect my GF from her carpool. (Why are Connecticut's commuter parking lots so poorly lit?)

This light is also pretty useful for when you're crawling around behind a server rack or network patch panel. For some stupid reason, most server rooms tend to adequately light the aisles in front of the equipment, but neglect the back side where everything get's plugged in. Nice to have both hands free, and still be able see what you're plugging and unplugging back there.

I tend not to read in bed. I discovered much better uses for my time when I find myself in one.

Darwin · « **Reply #30 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:07 AM »

I tend not to read in bed. I discovered much better uses for my time when I find myself in one.
-40hz (December 05, 2008, 08:15 AM)

There are several variables to consider, though...

Darwin · « **Reply #31 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:17 AM »

Back to the reading light, were LED light bulbs available in the 90's? I have a headlamp from about 1996 that uses a traditional flashlight bulb - as I recall I didn't have the LED option at the time. My year old LED headlamp is so much better on so many levels... Battery power being the biggest one.

That website is PRICELESS - I haven't seen one like that since about 1997

EDIT: just noticed this:

all contents copyright © 2003-2006 ASF Associates Ltd.

at the bottom of that page - inexcusable! Emphasis mine.

mouser · « **Reply #32 on:** December 05, 2008, 11:43 PM »

Cartoon guide to (Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, etc.) series. All about $13 each. Fantastic books even for adults.
Screenshot - 12_5_2008 , 11_43_39 PM_thumb.png

Screenshot - 12_5_2008 , 11_43_39 PM_thumb.png

http://www.amazon.co...e+to&x=0&y=0

40hz · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2008, 03:24 PM »

Know somebody that gets stuck upgrading PCs, or fixing them when they're broken?

There are lots of "computer" tool kits out there. Most of these kits offer tools of dubious quality. And many of them have a lot of useless things included. (How many of us really need a soldering iron in our kit?) So unless you decide to spring for something from a company like Jensen, you're pretty much stuck with consumer grade junk.

Fortunately, there is an inexpensive kit that offers a useful selection of decent quality tools. It's called the Kronus™ 25-Piece Mini Tool Set, and it's available from RadioShack. It's currently on sale for $11.99 USD through 12/25/2008. Regular price is $16.99 USD.

These tools will never be mistaken for something from a company like Xcelite or Jensen. Still, the quality of this set is way above what you would expect at this price point. And the nifty little storage box it comes in is a definite plus. I've seen $50 sets that weren't as nice.

I bought a bunch of these to leave at various client sites for those times when I needed to do something quick, but didn't feel like lugging my full "Go Box" inside. This tool selection easily handles about 90% of what I need to do. If it included a small LED flashlight and a small "retrieval" tool it would handle almost everything.

Kronus™ 25-Piece Mini Tool Set

http://www.radioshac...sp?productId=2062790

This Kronus™ 25-piece mini tool kit features pliers, cutters, tweezers, a bit-driver, sockets, screwdrivers and more, packed in a convenient, latched carrying case. Chrome-vanadium steel construction provides durability and rust resistance on select tools. Kronus™ tools by RadioShack compare with the best in the industry. Precision-crafted and ruggedly constructed of durable materials, they're built to last. And Kronus tools are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Plus, they're engineered to help you get the job done right, with comfort, convenience and ease. So, whether you're working on precision electronics projects, hobbies or household wiring needs, you'll know your Kronus tools are the only ones you'll ever need.

* Chrome-vanadium steel construction provides durability and rust resistance on select tools (with †)
* Comfortable, cushion-grip handles on pliers and cutters

What's in the box

* 1 x 5" Mini Long-nose Plier
* 1 x 4-1/2" Mini Diagonal Plier
* 1 x Stainless Steel Tweezer
* 1 x 1/4" Drive x 3" Extension Bar
* 4 x 1/4" Drive Sockets (5, 6, 8 and 10mm)
* 3 x Philips Bit Set (#1, #2, and #3)
* 3 x Slotted Bit Set (5/32", 3/16", and 1/4")
* 3 x Torx Bit Set (T-10, T-15 and T-20)
* 1 x 1/4" Socket Adapter
* 4 x Slotted Screwdrivers (1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0)
* 2 x Philips Screwdrivers (#0 and #1)
* 1 x Trifold Bolow Mold Case

BTW: To "complete" your tool kit, add these in and you'll be all set, and still be at or under $25.

Hobbs Innovation retrieval tool. Hobbs makes 3 different retrieval tools. They cost between $3 and $4 dollars depending on which you want.

Add in a Hampton 29432 LED Telescoping Flashlight w/Magnetic Tip (about $9 USD).

You can get both of these at Cyberguys or from your favorite tech supplier. Here's the links if you want to get a closer look:

http://www.cyberguys...l.asp?productID=3359

http://www.cyberguys...=28538&curpage=2

iphigenie · « **Reply #34 on:** December 10, 2008, 06:48 AM »

I'd love some good science based toy ideas for kids all ages - not the gimmicky stuff, but stuff that will be fun while perhaps encouraging a passion for knowing...

They got a telescope with small astronomy books (adapted to each age) 2 years ago, but I think I need something more fun this year

Considering the usb microscope, or a plain old one, but that might be silly to receive in the winter.

40hz · « **Reply #35 on:** December 10, 2008, 06:04 PM »

I'd love some good science based toy ideas for kids all ages - not the gimmicky stuff, but stuff that will be fun while perhaps encouraging a passion for knowing...
-iphigenie (December 10, 2008, 06:48 AM)

Most of the decent science kits I've seen are fairly expensive. This link has a bunch of great DIY science projects. Every so often, when I get bored, I'll do something off of this website. Quite a lot of fun, not to mention being educational.

Link: http://scitoys.com/

If you'd like to browse for something you can buy ready-made, take a look at this site. They carry almost every science kit you could want at all price levels.

Link: http://www.discoverthis.com/

ewemoa · « **Reply #36 on:** December 10, 2008, 08:57 PM »

Cartoon guide to (Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, etc.) series. All about $13 each. Fantastic books even for adults.
-mouser (December 05, 2008, 11:43 PM)

I read the Genetics one and the Statistics one and felt they were helpful for acquiring some basic understanding -- I'm not a specialist in either field but I got the sense they might be fairly good places to get some initial exposure

FWIW, I remember interfacing with further material after reading the Genetics one and feeling that some parts of it were getting dated. I hope if my impression is not off it gets updated at some point.

On a somewhat-related note, I found translations [1] of Chih-Chung Tsai's [2] works to be nice. I liked some of the Tao/Dao-related ones in particular. The following may produce a list of some of the English translations via Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.co...ode=blended&Go=o

My impression of looking through this list is that there have been at least 2 separate series of attempts to publish translations -- I only have direct experience w/ one of the books from the earlier 199x set.

[1] I read "The Tao Speaks: Lao-Tzu's Whispers of Wisdom" in English and I think I looked through a few of one of the Zhuangzi ones in some CJK language.
[2] IIRC, the author is from Taiwan and the originals are in some Chinese language.

cranioscopical · « **Reply #37 on:** December 23, 2008, 08:58 AM »

Bit late, but I just received one of these
Beats using my electric shaver on the potatoes!

TAF2000 · « **Reply #38 on:** December 23, 2008, 01:31 PM »

Beats using my electric shaver on the potatoes!

-cranioscopical (December 23, 2008, 08:58 AM)

An Electric Shaver?!?

cranioscopical · « **Reply #39 on:** December 23, 2008, 02:02 PM »

Beats using my electric shaver on the potatoes!

-cranioscopical (December 23, 2008, 08:58 AM)

An Electric Shaver?!?
-TAF2000 (December 23, 2008, 01:31 PM)

Have I been doing something wrong?
Surely you don't want mashed potato with a five-'o-clock shadow!
You do mash yours with a rolling pin, right? Or is that only for squash?

TAF2000 · « **Reply #40 on:** December 23, 2008, 02:08 PM »

::Blink::

You are kidding, right?

mouser · « **Reply #41 on:** December 23, 2008, 02:51 PM »

Few things in my house are as essential to me as these Hefty OneZip bags, which i think would make a great stocking stuffer type gift for anyone:
Screenshot - 12_23_2008 , 2_50_50 PM_thumb.png

Screenshot - 12_23_2008 , 2_50_50 PM_thumb.png

http://heftybrands.p...OneZip/OZFamily.aspx

I use them to organize all my loose cables, electronics, installation parts, manuals, etc.

kovi2 · « **Reply #42 on:** December 23, 2008, 03:51 PM »

Cannot help mentioning the strange website (posted already in another forum) where they say time can be a gift, lol:
www.haveagoodminute.com
Would any of you think they will sell one?

40hz · « **Reply #43 on:** December 23, 2008, 06:39 PM »

If you know somebody who likes fantasy and humor, I'd suggest starting them on Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. Zany British humor combined with some rock-solid imaginary physics. The beauty of Discworld is that it works on so many levels.

The Discworld is a flat planet - like a geological pizza, but without the anchovies. It offers sights far more impressive than those found in universes built by Creators with less imagination but more mechanical aptitude. It exists right on the edge of Reality; the least little things can break through from the other side. It is allowed to exist either because of some impossible blip on the curve of probability, or because the gods enjoy a joke as much as anyone else. More than most people in fact.

Chaotic as it sometimes appears, the Discworld clearly runs on a special set of natural laws, or at least on guidelines. There is gravity. There is cause-and-effect. There is eventuality - things happen after other things. After that, it becomes a little more confusing. The following theory can be gingerly advanced:

The Discworld should not exist. Flat is not a natural state for a planet. Turtles should grow only so big. The fact that it does exist means that it occupies an area of space where reality is extremely thin, where 'should be' no longer has the veto it has in the rest of the universe. The Discworld creates an extremely deep well in Reality in much the same way as an incontinent Black Hole creates a huge gravity well in the notorious rubber sheet of the universe.

The resulting tension seems to have created a permanent flux which, for want of a better word, we can call magic. There are several secondary effects, because the pressure of reality is so weak. Things that might nearly exist in a 'real' world, have no difficulty at all in existing in quite a natural state in the Discworld universe; so here there will be dragons, unicorns, sea serpents and so on. The rules are relaxed.

Here's an excerpt from the Chapter 1 of The Colour of Magic:

http://www.harpercol...x?isbn=9780061020704

I picked up the first book (The Colour of Magic) in paperback on a whim.

I now own every title. In hardcover.

Darwin · « **Reply #44 on:** December 23, 2008, 08:39 PM »

Cool graphic, 40hz - sort of Mayan!

TAF2000 · « **Reply #45 on:** December 24, 2008, 11:35 AM »

Nice!

I know the next series of books I will be reading!

steeladept · « **Reply #46 on:** December 24, 2008, 02:42 PM »

My wife has read that series several times. Now she has me hooked on them. Grr...