Introduction
Computer technology has become an integral part of our lives today. As a result, computer gifts are just as popular as a new high definition TV is. They make great gifts for families, students, gamers or pretty much anyone. Of course they are expensive so it is important to take the time and try to match the computer to the user(s) as best as possible. If you are looking for a systems but aren't quite sure where to start, you can check out my What Computer Should I Buy? questionnaire to narrow your search otherwise you can check out the various ideas for systems or upgrades that can make a great gift.
Laptop Computers
Portable computers now sell more than desktop systems. Their performance and features have increased dramatically where they are now able to fully function as a primary computer system. They take up less space then a desktop and can be carried and connected to the Internet pretty much from anywhere. If you aren't really sure what to look for in a laptop PC as a gift, check out my
Notebook Buyer's Guide for tips and advice.
Best Laptop PC Lists:
- Budget Laptops – For those looking for a notebook that costs under $850.
- Thin and Light Laptops – The most common sized notebook but with a bit more power and performance than a budget system.
- Desktop Replacements – Notebooks designed to provide roughly the performance and features one would expect in a desktop system.
- Ultraportable Laptops – Smaller notebooks designed for travelers.
Desktop Computers
While notebook computers are gaining in popularity, desktop PCs still have the advantage in terms of performance, price and expandability. These are a great option for those needing a computer system but not requiring it to be move from place to place. If you are considering getting one for the holidays but aren't sure where to start, check out my Desktop Buyer's Guide for tips.
Best Desktop PC Lists:
Monitors
Monitors are an essential item for any desktop PC system. So, if you are looking to purchase a desktop system don't forget to also pick up a monitor for it. They also make great upgrade gifts for those with older screens. LCDs take up less space, produce less heat and use less energy than older CRT monitors. Newer LCD screens are also available with better speeds, greater color depth and at a lower price than ever before. If you aren't familiar with LCD monitors, a good place to start might be to check out my
LCD Monitor Buyer's Guide for a better understanding of all the different terms and features.
Best LCD Monitor Lists:
- 17-inch LCDs – Best options for those on a tight budget or with little desk space.
- 19-inch LCDs – The most popular size monitor with good price points.
- 22-inch LCDs – Wide screen displays priced only a bit more than the 19-inch displays.
- 24-inch LCDs – Those who want a larger display but don't want to spend more on their monitor than for their PC.
- 27 and 30-inch LCDs – The largest PC specific displays currently available.
PC Upgrades
Computer systems and monitors can make great gifts, but they are also very expensive items. If you happen to know someone who is into computers and are looking for gift ideas that won't set you back on your credit card for a long time, then maybe you should consider getting them an upgrade. There are a variety of options available for desktop and even notebook PCs.
One of the simplest upgrades that can really improve a PCs performance is a memory upgrade. With Vista now out, the memory requirements of the operating system are even greater. DDR2 is readily available and priced extremely competitively.
- Computer Memory – What to consider to ensure you purchase the right type of memory to upgrade someones existing laptop or desktop.
If you know someone who is into PC gaming or PC video, then a video card or sound card upgrade can be a gift option. There have been a number of video card releases recently that add extra performance and high definition video acceleration that don't cost a lot. Similarly, a wide variety of audio cards have been released that challenge Creative's dominance of the market.
Storage upgrades are also an excellent option for those looking for PC based gifts. With the explosion of digital media files, the amount of space we need for our PCs keeps getting larger. Hard drives allow for more data to be stored on the PC itself. DVD burners are fairly standard for most systems, but they can provide uses of older computers with either faster recording times or even add DVD recording to a system that previously did not have the ability.
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