Gift Ideas for Linux Geeks

Productivity Sauce

The holiday season is approaching fast, but there is still time to buy a nice gift for the Linux geek in your life. Not sure what to give? Here are a couple of gift ideas.

Nothing makes a geek happier than hardware which is designed to run Linux. This year, you might consider TonidoPlug -- a tiny and inexpensive Linux server that runs a slimmed-down version of Ubuntu and the Tonido application suite. The Tonido apps are top-notch, and the fact that you can access and tweak TonidoPlug via SSH is guaranteed to make your Linux partner ecstatic. Kingston V series solid-state disks are not designed specifically for Linux, but they make a great gift anyway. One of the most affordable SSDs on the market, the Kingston V series SSD is an excellent replacement for a traditional hard disk. This particular model is available as a notebook kit bundle which includes an external enclosure that turns the replaced hard disk into an external hard drive. Speaking of notebooks, a spare notebook battery is a welcome addition to any notebook-toting Linux geek. If your budget allows it, purchase an original battery from a reputable dealer. A notebook bag is another gift many mobile Linux users will most likely appreciate. There are dozens of places on the Web where you can buy a decent notebook bag or rucksack, but my favorite right now is the one from Yanko designs. A Victorinox CyberTool Swiss Army Knife makes a perfect gift for a Linux geek with a penchant for DIY. This knife contains 29 (yes, that's twenty-nine) tools for upgrading computers and dismantling hardware for fun. Finally, if you are on a tight budget, consider stickers and clothing. Canonical store offers a wide selection of Ubuntu-branded merchandise, and you can find a few neat items at Think Geek (I particularly like the lightweight recycled Tux jacket).

This post was inspired by the 7 Fabulous Gifts For Your Favorite Linux/FOSS Geek article.