Ask Slashdot: Gifts For a 90-Year-Old, Tech-Savvy Dad? 211
First time accepted submitter Bearhouse writes "My Dad amazes me with (a) his longevity & energy, and (b) his continued ability to mess around with electronics stuff. Since he already has things ranging from valve amps made from war-surplus, via an original IBM PC kit to an Android tablet, I was going to buy him a Raspberry Pi for Christmas. Turns out he's already got one. I saw nothing that really got me excited here, so your ideas would be appreciated."
Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:5, Insightful)
Perhaps it's a bit expensive, perhaps it's not, depends on your bugedt, but he most likely would enjoy it as a nice addition and compliment to his projects.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:5, Funny)
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Of course no mod points - still, thanks for the laugh :)
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:4, Funny)
Yeah, why not give the old man the gift of mod points.
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I'm sure he has stacks of books, whey not get him a nice bookshelf coffin [dornob.com]?
I've always loved this idea. Doubt it would ship by Christmas though.
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Re:Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:5, Funny)
Forget that! Add in the plans for a 90-year-old woman.
Why not two seventy-year-old women?
They'll both assume you're with the other one and he can get to the lab to get some work done.
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Why not two seventy-year-old women?
They'll both assume you're with the other one and he can get to the lab to get some work done.
No those young women are just too wild!
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:5, Funny)
But they'll give a wicked gum job. ;)
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I'm pretty sure [youtube.com] he has a newer model already.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:4, Informative)
It don't work like that, kid. I'm sixty, most sixty year old women are as repulsive to me as they are to you. To me, women in their forties are HOT, women in their twenties look like children. So add the plans for a sixty or seventy year old woman.
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Add in plans for steampunk gizmos.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:5, Funny)
Get him something that YOU want. After all, at 90 you can be sure it will soon be yours anyway!
Nothing Specific (Score:2)
heart monitor... (Score:3)
why not get him a Garmin GPS watch that connects to a heart monitor?
practical tech for a 90 yr old!
Raspberry Pi stuff (Score:4, Insightful)
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One of the many RasPi Expansion Boards [elinux.org] - once I relearned the basics of programming with the help of my Pi, I'm getting at least one of those beauties.
If he is into tech and cameras.... (Score:5, Interesting)
Get him a Camera Axe. Utterly cool things being done with that toy.
3d printer? (Score:2)
they're a bit pricey still, though
same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
I always tell people the same thing everytime they ask this question. Ask them. I am sure they have a list... If they dont buy them something retarded. The problem fixes itself the next year :)
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That is probably the best advice.
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
For some people (including me), surprising someone and showing them that we really tried to find something they like is a very important part of making a present.
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
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That's like saying "Don't ask me what I like about sex, try to figure it out by yourself and surprise me".
Romanticism has its place. That place is called "novels".
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At 90, can anything really surprise him anymore, given what he's seen and lived through?
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At 90, I think anything would surprise him, over and over and over.
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Funny)
My parents' did that for their grandson - they asked what he wanted for his birthday and all he said was "I don't know/care". Well, that year he got a pink dress. Next year, he had plenty of good ideas.
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Funny)
Of course he did! Now he can accessorize!
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> I always tell people the same thing everytime :)
> they ask this question. Ask them. I am sure
> they have a list... If they dont buy them
> something retarded. The problem fixes itself
> the next year
OP is buying for a 90-year-old. There may not be a next year. :-)
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Rockets (Score:2)
What about... (Score:2)
Enigma-E kit (Score:3)
From Bletchley Park http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/shop/view_product.rhtm/133066/238531/detail.html [bletchleypark.org.uk]
£119.99
Enables you to build your very own battery powered Electronic Enigma machine. Does NOT include wooden case. Requires only basic soldering experience. Extensive easy to read 60+ page manual.
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AND it helps fund [bletchleypark.org] the restoration effort!
Viagra (Score:5, Funny)
Viagra
-- Your 90 year-old dad.
Captcha: Buttocks.
A couple of suggestions (Score:3, Informative)
Not knowing your Dad, or what tools he has, or how geeky he is, or knowing your budget ....
How about some Geek tools?
One thing I'd like is a PC -based oscilloscope.
Variable power supply to power his projects/bread boards?
Bread board kits?
kit to make his own boards?
subscription to Make?
electro luminescent wire and drivers? (coolneon.com)
good luck
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too funny; I also suggested a nice power supply (lab/bench) and scope ;)
older used brand-name test gear can be really a blast for those that remember when.
Time (Score:5, Insightful)
If your Dad is 90, and has the money for whatever gadgets he might want (as evidenced that he goes out and buys them on his own) then what he'd probably most want is to spend some quality time with you.
I know it sounds cheesy, but I run into the same problem trying to buy gifts for my grandmothers. They have everything they need or want, but what they can't buy is time with family.
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Re:Time (Score:4, Insightful)
How about a project the two of you can do together. Maybe wire a room for inbuilt speakers, add a video projector that hangs off the ceiling and a screen on a remote control and you've got a home theater. Throw in an XBMC system and a way to automatically rip DVDs and serve it off the network, with a universal remote control. Then add a TV tuner card, movie chairs, etc. Lots of things that can be done piece-meal but with a goal in sight.
Re:Time (Score:5, Funny)
They have everything they need or want, but what they can't buy is time with family.
Mine could. I made a small fortune that way as a kid.
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Oh, for "Funny" mod points right now...
Also, I'm jealous. :p
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And related equipment. How about getting a nice camcorder and tape him telling stories and such, then preserving it and his memo
Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Insightful)
Maybe he's not famous or well-known, but I bet he is interesting as hell. We should all aspire to have that much energy, drive, and interest as we get older... I know way too many people in their 50s and older that refuse to learn anything new. Hearing about a guy that has probably been on top of the latest tech continuously for 70-odd years is just inspiring!
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Insightful)
And as Slashdot proves, there are plenty below-30s that refuse to learn anything new because they think they know best already.
title for the post... (Score:3)
"How to get an IT job at 90, and age discrimination in the workplace"
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Don't care. I've had a guitar in the house since the mid 90's but in 2010 I finally started taking lessons and have enjoyed the heck out of the learning process.
Besides, I thought the two seat sports car was the mid-life crisis.
[John]
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
3d printer (Score:2)
try this site (Score:5, Informative)
try this site:
http://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/ [thisiswhyimbroke.com]
Binary Desk clock (Score:2)
It's fun and reasonably priced. You might find one on Think Geek.
Nixie! (Score:4, Interesting)
Oooh, even better... get him the plans and parts for a nixie-tube clock!
http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4396235/Microchip-s-Nixie-Tubes-light-up-Design-East [eetimes.com]
For the man who has everything ... (Score:5, Insightful)
A nice bottle of scotch or bourbon.
He can sip away at it while he noodles away with all of those gadgets.
It doesn't sound like he needs your help in finding technology.
If he's into his health and stuff... (Score:5, Interesting)
http://www.indiegogo.com/misfitshine [indiegogo.com]
This is like the Fitbit but new and more durable, longer battery life etc. They don't ship until March but they're leading the CES Last Gadget Standing Contest right now. I got one for my mom and one for myself
Add 4 more Rassberry PI and a router (Score:2)
He can start his own small Beowulf cluster.
Or 2 lego Mindstorm sets. Then you can compete building the best machine.
I tend to buy in two's for Christmas. That way a remote racecar has something to compeat with.
digital oscilloscope and logic analyzer (Score:2)
affordable ones such as the hackable rigol (50 to 100mhz).
there's an OLS (open logic sniffer) for $50ish that is kind of cool and lets you see 16/32 lines of 3.3v or 5v logic signals. runs on usb (laptop friendly) and is kind of cool for not too much money.
I'll also let on that one of my hidden-gem favorite tech toys is a 1950's or 1960's era power supply that is just so 'retro' its cool and he'd appreciate it. its now affordable, where back in the day, only high end labs could afford or own it. search o
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That's exactly what I was going to sugest. I've got one of the logic probes already and they are great for the price. I'm not sure the rigol scopes are still as upgradeable as they once were but they are still a cheap 50Mhz scope
GPSr & a Geocoin (Score:2)
Get that man Geocaching.
There's an 82 year-old out hiding and finding caches and having a blast, around here.
A donation to his favorite cause (Score:2)
Does he really need or want more stuff?
russian tank (Score:3)
http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/Surplus%20Russian%20BMP1%20APCs%20%20for%20sale.html [tanksforsale.co.uk]
get him a russian army surplus tank. tell him his mission, should he choose to accept it, is to convert its valve-based electronics over to modern silicon circuits.
Weather Station? (Score:3, Interesting)
Well wishes to your dad-- If I make it to that age I hope to exhibit the same energy and curiosity he still engages. This is great to hear about!
Get a Mac. (Score:4, Funny)
Hookers and Blow (Score:2)
If I reach the 90's, that's what I want!
Sharks, (Score:3)
with frickin' laser on their heads!
A stack of dollar bills (Score:2)
and strippers..lots of strippers.
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you mean..... dikes?
(tech's will get this, I'm sure)
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Her refusal to have sex with you doesn't make her a lesbian. ;-)
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But her acceptance to have sex with your mom does.
as a complement for the raspberry pi (Score:2)
you might try the open hardware laptop (if it actually appears)
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2020968/coming-soon-a-new-open-laptop-from-the-creator-of-chumby.html [pcworld.com]
Computer Supplies?? (Score:2)
nixie tube clock kit (Score:2)
These things are all over eBay and beyond. He'll have the thrill of building himself something hip & electronic that is practical and works well with tired older eyes.
XGameStation Mach64 CPLD kit (Score:2)
Check out the Mach64 CPLD kit at xgamestation.com.
It requires a computer with a "real" parallel port (non-USB), but pcmcia ports work fine (be careful with ExpressCard... they're probably pci-express, but COULD be usb in disguise), as will docking stations that implement them via pci or pass through the "raw" (hidden) signal lines from the southbridge (like Thinkpads).
It even works with Vista, Win7, and/or 64-bit Windows. I've personally confirmed and tested it (I didn't want to risk having Christmas ruined
Makeblocks? (Score:2)
Don't give him tech. Give him future. (Score:2)
This man has technology from 70 years ago, all the way up to what is current and cool. Forget buying him technology...especially since something that involves a project is best purchased by the person who finds that project interesting at a particular moment in time.
I would ask this: how technically savvy are you? How much are you like him?
Your father sounds a lot like my grandfather. The man was an electrical engineer, and I have memories of him working at his workbench...he was retired by then, mind yo
Impossible to tell (Score:2)
what we know of the guy is "he has a raspi", and an active mind.
For gifts, my personal opinion is that experiences are better than things: concert, play, opera, fancy diner, spa... Unless you're really really sure of an object he'll like, which you don't seem to be.
Snowball board (Score:2)
Maybe a board with more ways to interface with the real world like the Snowball [igloocommunity.org]?
Good Book (Score:2)
A friend of mine got me a really nice copy of Bode's book, which I now treasure. A look into the minds of the pioneers of your field can be fascinating.
At this poijnt all yuoir are doing (Score:2)
is getting yourself a present in a few years.
Do something with him. Take a week off and travel with him, or hang out, or build something. Play cards and reminisce. Get a new board game like pandemic. He sounds like a smart guy. There is a great card game called 'cold war' for two players. Or get the new x-wing mini game.
When I am 90, I want my kids to find two 45 year old women..and send me their daughters!
Always Popular (Score:2)
How about a smokin' 22 year old girl in a skimpy bikini. Every 90 year old dad loves those.
The best part is that you could get him another one next year and he'll appreciate it just as much. No more stressing about what to buy.
*THIS* is how I want to be (Score:2)
Software defined radio (Score:2)
Assuming he has a relatively current PC, you can start for $20 for a RTL2832 based dongle, $100's for a small kit, and $1000's for a complete Amateur Radio System.
I'm going old school Slashdot with this.. (Score:2)
But how about a RealDoll?
It is the pinnacle of silicone/endoskeleton technology.
It would be a great automation project for the rasppi. :D
23andme gift kit (Score:2)
23andme is down to $99 for a gene sequence and their usual panel of interesting things that can be identified by it. If your Dad is ninety, he's seen the discovery of DNA, and most of modern biology, so to have his genome sequenced should be pretty neat. He may be interested in his ancestry and there are some practical tips they can give you for health maintenance, drug effectiveness, etc.
It's what I got my ageing father for Christmas. The more family members that participate, the greater the eventual us
Give him something that MATTERS (Score:3)
Spend more time with him and be sure it is most definitely an inconvenient gift because giving time only when it is convenient doesn't mean quite the same thing. And it already seems like you have similar interests, so get him talking about the things he knows about which you may not fully know about. This work not just for older people, but ALL people. When people feel valued, they feel happy.
So, just go spend time with him and ask him for some kind of help. That'll be just about the best a father could ask for.
Time (Score:3)
Spend time just talking with him. Or maybe working on a project together.
Re:An Arduino kit? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:An Arduino kit? (Score:4, Interesting)
Has he converted his home/laptop computer to an SSD? Get him an Intel 160 to 256 gig SSD, with the install kit. It makes a large difference - but, only if he does not have one.
Re:An Arduino kit? (Score:5, Funny)
Heathkit Pacemaker
jr
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Then he can write collision and out of bounds software.
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Blinking 12:00 was a design defect. If I don't want another clock it should stay blank, not annoying. Modern microwaves finally got this.
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Peal it off when you want to see the display? Put it back when you are done? These things aren't _only_ clocks.
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