Ask Slashdot: Gifts For a 90-Year-Old, Tech-Savvy Dad?

Maybe a 3d printer? by joaommp · 2012-12-20 05:17 · 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.

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Onda Technology Institute

Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by laejoh · 2012-12-20 05:19 · Score: 5, Funny

Add in the plans of a coffin!
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by toutankh · 2012-12-20 05:27 · Score: 2

Of course no mod points - still, thanks for the laugh :)
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by war4peace · 2012-12-20 05:48 · Score: 1

Add in plans for steampunk gizmos.

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...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by MrHanky · 2012-12-20 06:00 · Score: 3, Funny

Yeah, why not give the old man the gift of mod points.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by jcoy42 · 2012-12-20 06:12 · Score: 3, Funny

I'm sure he has stacks of books, whey not get him a nice bookshelf coffin?
I've always loved this idea. Doubt it would ship by Christmas though.

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Never trust an atom. They make up everything.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by Translation+Error · 2012-12-20 06:32 · Score: 1

Forget that! Add in the plans for a 90-year-old woman.

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When someone says, "Any fool can see ..." they're usually exactly right.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by Beardo+the+Bearded · 2012-12-20 06:48 · 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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ECHELON is a government program to find words like bomb, jihad, plutonium, assassinate, and anarchy.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by fsterman · 2012-12-20 06:49 · Score: 1

I'm pretty sure he has a newer model already.

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Is there anything better than clicking through Microsoft ads on Slashdot?
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by Frosty+Piss · 2012-12-20 07:15 · Score: 4, Funny

Get him something that YOU want. After all, at 90 you can be sure it will soon be yours anyway!

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If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by mcgrew · 2012-12-20 07:27 · Score: 3, 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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Free Martian Whores!
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by rwise2112 · 2012-12-20 09:04 · Score: 2

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!

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"For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert"
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by Beardo+the+Bearded · 2012-12-20 09:25 · Score: 4, Funny

But they'll give a wicked gum job. ;)

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ECHELON is a government program to find words like bomb, jihad, plutonium, assassinate, and anarchy.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by mattack2 · 2012-12-20 10:07 · Score: 1

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.
3d printer: Projects, you're nice.
Projects: Thanks.
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by andrewa · 2012-12-20 11:25 · Score: 1

Hey, how about a 30-year-old woman? If the Hef can do it...

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:(){ :|:& };:
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by Bearhouse · 2012-12-20 14:32 · Score: 1

Good idea! Thanks
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by tehcyder · 2012-12-20 22:14 · Score: 1

Forget that! Add in the plans for a 90-year-old woman.
He'd probably prefer the plans to a hot 21 year old pornstar, although he might not still be around next Xmas to thank you.

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To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by tehcyder · 2012-12-20 22:24 · Score: 1

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.
One of the main disadvantages of growing older is that you effectively lose the "hot older woman" fantasy/option.
The sweet spot is roughly 30 when you can still be interested in the range from 18 up to 55 or so.

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To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by udin · 2012-12-21 02:19 · Score: 1

Yeah, but in a year or two whatever you get him will be obsolete...

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udin
Re:Maybe a 3d printer? by Frosty+Piss · 2012-12-21 13:24 · Score: 1

So, you replace all your technology *every* year?

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If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.

Raspberry Pi stuff by TheRealMindChild · 2012-12-20 05:17 · Score: 3, Insightful

A breakout board. A 16x2 LCD. A case.

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"When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!" -- Cave Johnson

Re:Raspberry Pi stuff by WegianWarrior · 2012-12-20 05:26 · Score: 1

One of the many RasPi Expansion Boards - once I relearned the basics of programming with the help of my Pi, I'm getting at least one of those beauties.

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Everything in the world is controlled by a small, evil group to which, unfortunately, no one you know belongs.
Re:Raspberry Pi stuff by jackb_guppy · 2012-12-21 17:57 · Score: 1

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023218/turn-your-raspberry-pi-into-a-tiny-linux-laptop.html
3D printer and some parts... A PI Laptop?

If he is into tech and cameras.... by Lumpy · 2012-12-20 05:18 · Score: 5, Interesting

Get him a Camera Axe. Utterly cool things being done with that toy.

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Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.

3d printer? by Trepidity · 2012-12-20 05:18 · Score: 1

they're a bit pricey still, though

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10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10

Max out his RAM by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:20 · Score: 1

Unless he already has 32GB or more.

same thing I always tell others by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:22 · 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 :)

Re:same thing I always tell others by Jeng · 2012-12-20 05:24 · Score: 2

That is probably the best advice.

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Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
Re:same thing I always tell others by toutankh · 2012-12-20 05:26 · Score: 4, 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 by cruff · 2012-12-20 05:36 · Score: 4, Insightful

Unfortunately for those who are really into the details of a subject area, it can be next to impossible for the gift givers who are not also into those details to determine what would be a meaningful gift, especially of the recipient can afford to purchase their own items whenever they want, and they do so.
Re:same thing I always tell others by bmxeroh · 2012-12-20 05:44 · Score: 1

I really feel that this should at least be modded up funny at a minimum.

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Central Ohio Home Theater Installation - The Theater People
Re:same thing I always tell others by CastrTroy · 2012-12-20 05:54 · Score: 4, Insightful

I find the best gifts, tech-wise, are ones that are form non-tech people who spent the time to research what's out there and manage to get something good. My step-mother buys wood working (and other) tools for my dad all the time, and it amazes me how well she selects them, even though she knows very little about the subject. She takes a lot of time to research and find out what's good, without just going out and buying the most expensive thing. This shows a lot of thoughtfulness, and he usually appreciates them a lot.

--

Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
Re:same thing I always tell others by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 06:09 · 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 by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 06:14 · Score: 2, Informative

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".
Re:same thing I always tell others by Translation+Error · 2012-12-20 06:35 · 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.
Of course he did! Now he can accessorize!

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When someone says, "Any fool can see ..." they're usually exactly right.
Re:same thing I always tell others by niado · 2012-12-20 07:18 · Score: 1

Too bad there's not a "depressing" mod option.
Re:same thing I always tell others by CptNerd · 2012-12-20 07:22 · Score: 1

At 90, can anything really surprise him anymore, given what he's seen and lived through?

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By the taping of my glasses, something geeky this way passes
Re:same thing I always tell others by BigBunion · 2012-12-20 08:08 · Score: 1

I wish your step-mother would talk to my wife. She consistently buys me the worst possible tools.
Re:same thing I always tell others by sootman · 2012-12-20 08:16 · Score: 1

> 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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Re:same thing I always tell others by mattack2 · 2012-12-20 10:09 · Score: 2

At 90, I think anything would surprise him, over and over and over.
Re:same thing I always tell others by porges · 2012-12-20 17:55 · Score: 1

This deserves more than mod points.
Re:same thing I always tell others by Abstrackt · 2012-12-21 08:38 · Score: 1

What's so depressing about making it nearly a century and still having your wits about you?

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They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett

Rockets by gtirloni · 2012-12-20 05:22 · Score: 1

and Lasers!

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none

What about... by Synerg1y · 2012-12-20 05:23 · Score: 1

An electronics DIY kit? Check out these to begin with. DIY radios are pretty cool, so is anything dealing with a DIY motor. Another idea is one of those christmas lights programming kits, but that might be a bit much.

Another Pi so he can network by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:23 · Score: 1

You can always get more than one Pi

Enigma-E kit by AYeomans · 2012-12-20 05:23 · Score: 2

From Bletchley Park http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/shop/view_product.rhtm/133066/238531/detail.html

£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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Andrew Yeomans

Re:Enigma-E kit by fsterman · 2012-12-20 06:51 · Score: 1

AND it helps fund the restoration effort!

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Is there anything better than clicking through Microsoft ads on Slashdot?

Viagra by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:24 · Score: 5, Funny

Viagra

-- Your 90 year-old dad.

Captcha: Buttocks.

A couple of suggestions by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:24 · 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

Re:A couple of suggestions by I+Mean,+What · 2012-12-20 05:58 · Score: 3, Interesting

Spinning off the breadboard idea, a friend of mine built a light-sensitive theramin on a cheap Radio Shack proto board. Normally theramins are played with movement of your hands around an antenna, but the light sensitive one plays different notes as you cover the photo resistors. Here's a great source of info: http://www.instructables.com/id/Light-Theremin/. He'll probable have more fun building it, but the fun of having one may not be apparent until he sees it in action.
Re:A couple of suggestions by TheGratefulNet · 2012-12-20 07:17 · Score: 1

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.

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"It is now safe to switch off your computer."

FPGA Dev Board by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:24 · Score: 1

a fpga dvelopment board with a few accessories would be a really cool present!
they are relatively cheep and can provide hours of fun and can be used to make pretty much anything

Re:FPGA Dev Board by Miamicanes · 2012-12-20 17:23 · Score: 1

^^^ Yes.
For those who don't know what a FPGA is, think of it as being like an ephemeral homebrew ASIC. It's the integrated circuit equivalent of a Star Trek "replicator". FPGAs are usually too expensive to use as compoents in finished commercial projects (at least, mass-market ones), but for prototyping, they're the greatest thing that's ever existed.
Let me put it this way -- Freescale might have discontinued the last of their "real" m68k CPUs and non-Coldfire MCUs, but thanks to the magic of FPGAs, you can synthesize your own whenever you want to ( http://opencores.org/project,tg68 ). With a little tweaking, you can synth a hypothetical 50mhz 68000 that can address 4 gigs of ram, use DDR, and execute "move SR, <ea>" without going down in flames.
With FPGAs, you can make an Amiga, turn it into a Commodore 64, resynth it as an Atari ST with two SID chips hypothetically grafted on, then repurpose it to overlay your own bitmap data on top of HDCP-protected HDMI content (as long as you know how to use Google well enough to find a copy of the leaked HDCP master key).
However, I'd recommend the Xgamestation Mach64 CPLD kit as a first step, instead ( http://www.xgamestation.com/view_product.php?id=40 ). It comes with everything you need, includes a good manual that's well-written and easy to understand, and works flawlessly under Vista & Win7 (including 64-bit) as long as the computer has a real (non-USB) parallel port. AFAIK, it's the ONLY dev board that's targeted towards users who understand programming and have some background in electronics, but nevertheless have some huge gaps in their background knowledge that an EE wouldn't have.
Note: I'm not affiliated with them. Just a really happy and satisfied customer :-)

Time by Dynedain · 2012-12-20 05:24 · 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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I'm out of my mind right now, but feel free to leave a message.....

Re:Time by DoctorBit · 2012-12-20 05:53 · Score: 2

Maybe a trip to the Tech Museum in San Jose or the Exploratorium in San Francisco.
Re:Time by MMC+Monster · 2012-12-20 05:55 · Score: 3, 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.

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Help! I'm a slashdot refugee.
Re:Time by Quiet_Desperation · 2012-12-20 05:56 · 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.
Re:Time by neminem · 2012-12-20 06:03 · Score: 1

Oh, for "Funny" mod points right now...
Also, I'm jealous. :p
Re:Time by tlhIngan · 2012-12-20 08:40 · Score: 2

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.
And related equipment. How about getting a nice camcorder and tape him telling stories and such, then preserving it and his memories? Your gift will be basically ensuring he's remembered.
Don't go for a cheesy GoPro, get a NICE camcorder or dSLR with full high def and everything, and lots of memory cards. Record record record. After all, at that age, the best things would be to be remembered, and in case he used to do stuff he can't do anymore, be able to relive those moments.
And anything that'll let the rest of the family spend time with him - videoconference if necessary. It may mean having to buy iPads and iPhones and Macs so the less tech savvy part of your family can FaceTime him (he probably can do anything, but if you make it too hard on the rest of the family, they won't want to chat).

Interview this guy for Slashdot by wjwlsn · 2012-12-20 05:25 · 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!

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Getting tired of Slashdot... moving to Usenet comp.misc for a while.

Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by smurd · 2012-12-20 05:33 · Score: 1

Agreed,
Where are the mod points when you need them?
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by bmxeroh · 2012-12-20 05:47 · Score: 5, Insightful

Seriously good idea. One of the things that stuck me when my grandfather died was just how much knowledge was lost. That probably bothered me more than him actually dying, but mostly because we knew it was coming.

--
Central Ohio Home Theater Installation - The Theater People
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 06:02 · Score: 1

Or better yet interview him as part of the StoryCorps project: http://storycorps.org/
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 06:20 · Score: 1

congrats on the video game interest but the guitar screams midlife crisis.
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by WGFCrafty · 2012-12-20 06:46 · Score: 1

You're also half his age!
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by CastrTroy · 2012-12-20 06:57 · Score: 4, Interesting

This is probably half the reason he's still alive/sane. I find that a lot of people die/deteriorate shortly after they stop working, or doing whatever it is they love. Sure a lot of the stories are anecdotal but I wonder if any serious studies have been done. I just read a story the other day about a 103 year old that rides his bike (now an adult tricycle) every day. He's still in great shape, at least for his age. If you look at most of the people to live past 90, most of them have some activity they are still actively engaged in. It's my theory that very soon after one loses the lust for life, their life goes downhill, and fast. My step-dad died at 55, shortly after his mother died. She had a stroke, and for about 10 years visited almost every day and spent a lot of time taking care of her. He had health problems for a while, but he stayed alive until shortly after she died. It almost seemed that he was holding out until she was gone.

--

Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by mvdwege · 2012-12-20 08:35 · Score: 4, Insightful

I know way too many people in their 50s and older that refuse to learn anything new
And as Slashdot proves, there are plenty below-30s that refuse to learn anything new because they think they know best already.

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"I know I will be modded down for this": where's the option '-1, Asking for it'?
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by Bigbutt · 2012-12-20 09:42 · Score: 1

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]

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Shit better not happen!
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by cognoscentus · 2012-12-20 12:08 · Score: 2

What he said.
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by tehcyder · 2012-12-20 22:35 · Score: 1

congrats on the video game interest but the guitar screams midlife crisis.
Cashing in all your savings, buying a Porsche, leaving your wife and shacking up with an 19 year old stripper is a midlife crisis.
Learning new skills is what keeps your mind active.

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To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot by tehcyder · 2012-12-20 22:37 · Score: 1

My step-dad died at 55, shortly after his mother died. She had a stroke, and for about 10 years visited almost every day and spent a lot of time taking care of her. He had health problems for a while, but he stayed alive until shortly after she died. It almost seemed that he was holding out until she was gone.
It's called love.
Having a hobby wouldn't have made any difference.

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To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it

Re:An Arduino kit? by Georules · 2012-12-20 05:25 · Score: 3, Funny

Help him start putting together his own gadgets? It sounds like he's been doing that for a lot longer than any of us. Without Arduinos.

Best gifts for techy people by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:26 · Score: 1, Interesting

Anything non techy.

Re:Best gifts for techy people by edrawr · 2012-12-20 06:32 · Score: 1

I have to agree, I generally like to buy my own new tech as I find things that peak my interest. I have gotten a lot of nice non-tech gifts that I use on a daily basis- wallets, (analog) watch, and my favorite are benchmade knives. They even have a custom shop to make your own Griptilian series with different steel, colors and blade styles: http://www.benchmade.com/customize/default.aspx [benchmade.com]. Maybe add engraving of a special occasion, service or milestone in life.

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Sauer
Re:Best gifts for techy people by mattack2 · 2012-12-20 13:05 · Score: 1

as I find things that peak my interest.
I think a dictionary would be a good gift. Pique.

How about... by SternisheFan · 2012-12-20 05:27 · Score: 4, Funny

... internet service for life!? *ducks*

3d printer by CaptSlaq · 2012-12-20 05:27 · Score: 1

So he can design and print his own cases for his builds.

try this site by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:27 · Score: 5, Informative

try this site:

http://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/

A membership to a hackerspace by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 05:28 · Score: 1

See if you have a local hackerspace around and give him a couple months of membership. Then he can work on whatever he wants.

Samsung Tube amps and docks by mrmtampa · 2012-12-20 05:31 · Score: 1

I know you said he has tube amps but he might want something to complement them. I'm a 66 year old tech savvy grandfather who want's http://www.samsung.com/us/video/home-theater/HT-E6730W/ZA
and http://www.samsung.com/us/video/home-theater/DA-E750/ZA

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"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet (I, v, 166-167)

Binary Desk clock by realsilly · 2012-12-20 05:35 · Score: 1

It's fun and reasonably priced. You might find one on Think Geek.

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Life takes interesting turns, but the most interest is when you're off the beaten path.

For the man who has everything ... by gstoddart · 2012-12-20 05:38 · 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.

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Lost at C:>. Found at C.

If he's into his health and stuff... by Jesse_vd · 2012-12-20 05:42 · Score: 4, Interesting

http://www.indiegogo.com/misfitshine

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 by jackb_guppy · 2012-12-20 05:45 · Score: 1

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.

Nixie! by wjwlsn · 2012-12-20 05:48 · Score: 3, 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

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Getting tired of Slashdot... moving to Usenet comp.misc for a while.

digital oscilloscope and logic analyzer by TheGratefulNet · 2012-12-20 05:49 · Score: 1

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 on 'power designs precision' and you'll find $100ish power supply boxes that are restorable (easily) and the metal 'dial it in' knobs are just too cool to explain in words. techies 'get it' and I bet he would, too.

HTH

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"It is now safe to switch off your computer."

Re:digital oscilloscope and logic analyzer by sirsnork · 2012-12-20 08:02 · Score: 1

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

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Normal people worry me!

GPSr & a Geocoin by ackthpt · 2012-12-20 05:51 · Score: 1

Get that man Geocaching.

There's an 82 year-old out hiding and finding caches and having a blast, around here.

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A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar

A donation to his favorite cause by milgr · 2012-12-20 05:53 · Score: 1

Does he really need or want more stuff?

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Where law ends, tyranny begins -- William Pitt

russian tank by lkcl · 2012-12-20 05:55 · Score: 2

http://www.tanksforsale.co.uk/Surplus%20Russian%20BMP1%20APCs%20%20for%20sale.html

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.

Re:russian tank by tehcyder · 2012-12-20 22:42 · Score: 1

As someone from the UK I find it ironic that you can buy a fucking tank but not a .22 handgun here.

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To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it

Weather Station? by Java+Commando · 2012-12-20 05:56 · Score: 3, Interesting

What about a networked weather station? Nearly everyone's interested in the weather, and from direct experience I can tell you it's really cool to be able to connect to your station from your smart phone, tablet, or any web browser, and observe current conditions. There are relatively inexpensive complete systems available now, such as from the likes of AcuRite. I have a Rainwise MK-III LR, myself, but those are probably more expensive than most would wish to spend.

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!

Fenix flashlights by billmil · 2012-12-20 05:57 · Score: 1

While more "gear head" than "techy", the new hi-tech LED flashlights (Fenix) can probably fit in anyone's home arsenal of tools and toys--whether it's one to 'always carry' or 'store at home for emergency'. These AFAICT are "police grade"--well engineered tools

I've read that some of the models are effective in temporarily blinding intruders

http://www.fenixlight.com/newping.asp

Get a Mac. by Andy+Prough · 2012-12-20 05:57 · Score: 3, Funny

Just kidding.

Hookers and Blow by Tokolosh · 2012-12-20 06:03 · Score: 1

If I reach the 90's, that's what I want!

--
Prove anything by multiplying Huge Number times Tiny Number

Sharks, by mark_reh · 2012-12-20 06:06 · Score: 2

with frickin' laser on their heads!

Re:An Arduino kit? by aurizon · 2012-12-20 06:08 · Score: 3, 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.

A stack of dollar bills by geekoid · 2012-12-20 06:09 · Score: 1

and strippers..lots of strippers.

--
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

Re:A stack of dollar bills by TheGratefulNet · 2012-12-20 06:10 · Score: 1

you mean..... dikes?
(tech's will get this, I'm sure)

--

--
"It is now safe to switch off your computer."
Re:A stack of dollar bills by gstoddart · 2012-12-20 06:21 · Score: 2

you mean..... dikes?
Her refusal to have sex with you doesn't make her a lesbian. ;-)

--
Lost at C:>. Found at C.
Re:A stack of dollar bills by geekoid · 2012-12-20 06:47 · Score: 1

But her acceptance to have sex with your mom does.

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The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

Re:An Arduino kit? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 06:11 · Score: 1

I second Arduino, I recieved an Arduino based quadcopter kit and have found it to be a lot of fun both from the programming and aeronautic point of view.

as a complement for the raspberry pi by goffster · 2012-12-20 06:12 · Score: 1

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

Re:An Arduino kit? by bluescrn · 2012-12-20 06:15 · Score: 1

Quadcopters are great fun, and you can build one quite cheaply these days - but flying/learning to fly one might be a bit much for a 90yr-old? (they do need decent vision and good reactions)

Computer Supplies?? by Art+Challenor · 2012-12-20 06:15 · Score: 1

I bought my 80+ year old father-in-law a whole box of punch cards and 20 rolls of paper punch tape. He's always complaining he needs computer supplies, I have a feeling these will last him a lifetime!

Ham Radio by gorodish · 2012-12-20 06:16 · Score: 1

Ham Radio is a great hobby for someone like your dad. There are technical, social, competitive, and public service aspects to it, and there are so many areas of interest within the hobby that any technical person can find one or more things to pursue. Check out the information and publications at the ARRL (arrl.org) web site.

Re:Ham Radio by MrNiceguy_KS · 2012-12-20 08:17 · Score: 1

Though at 90, plan on climbing a few ladders yourself to install antennas.

--
Redundancy is good And also good.
Re:Ham Radio by mister_hoberman_to_y · 2012-12-20 09:37 · Score: 1

Absolutely what I was going to recommend.
A new-in-box 2-meter transceiver, power supply, and antenna will set you back less than $300. No tower is required; you can install a 2-meter antenna on a six-foot post bolted to the side of the house.
The Technician Class test - which allows him to talk on his new radio - only requires basic electronics knowledge and an understanding of some common sense rules. As long as you can find someone to administer the test - around here they do testing almost every week or two - you can have him licensed and on the air within a month.
With a 2-meter radio he'll be talking to people in the local area and probably find a lot of people like him: retired and enjoying the company.
Of course, once he starts into the hobby, he'll find that there's a whole new bunch of things to learn and gadgetry to go with it. Before long he'll start pining for an HF rig and antenna, and an antenna tuner, and... oh, now you've really opened a pandora's box!

nixie tube clock kit by Yonder+Way · 2012-12-20 06:19 · Score: 1

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 by Miamicanes · 2012-12-20 06:20 · Score: 1

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 by a nonworking new favorite toy) on my T61 running Vista/32 with generic cardbus parallel port bought on eBay. It installed & flashed the board without a hitch :-)

Makeblocks? by Bradmont · 2012-12-20 06:23 · Score: 1

Saw this recently, thought it was awesome. Basically legos for building robots: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1397854503/makeblock-next-generation-of-construct-platform

Don't give him tech. Give him future. by Shoten · 2012-12-20 06:26 · Score: 1

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 you...fixing TVs and other electronics for his friends. He'd get up in the morning, make breakfast, and talk to his friends via CB radio. He kept active, was the first person I knew to get a computer (even before I got mine, back in the mid-80s), and was always looking at new technology.

I'll get to the point in a minute...it's this. One day, I found myself getting up in the morning, making coffee and breakfast, and then talking with my friends on IRC as I read the first emails of the day. I was working from home as a consultant, good at what I do and successful professionally. I help my friends with their computers, and am always playing around with new technologies. And I have to think that perhaps my grandfather would be so happy to know that I followed in his footsteps in so many ways.

So, whether you're highly technical or not, see if you can get involved in what he's doing, a project, an interest. Or, if you have a son or daughter, see if your grandfather can do the same with him/her. At his age, progeny is more precious than any gadget...the idea that things keep flowing forward, the glimpse of the future, the marvel at what technologies his son or grandson/granddaughter will get to play with, even after he's passed away after a long, happy, and fruitful life. This, sir, (I assume sir...forgive me if I'm wrong) is more precious than any gadget you could give him.

--

For your security, this post has been encrypted with ROT-13, twice.

Re:An Arduino kit? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-12-20 06:27 · Score: 5, Funny

Heathkit Pacemaker

jr

Re:Wait for his answer by timothy · 2012-12-20 06:28 · Score: 1

Heh: I just posted the question to the site (submitted by reader Bearhouse); it's not about *my* dad. (My own dad does very occasionally read Slashdot, and is tech savvy in his own, very scattershot way -- he's an EE, which helps, but he can make VCRs blink a mean 12:00. But he's got all the tech toys he needs, scattered somewhere around his basement.)

timothy

--
jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5

Shapeoko CNC mill by WillAdams · 2012-12-20 06:31 · Score: 1

He can build it, then use it to build more things:

http://www.shapeoko.com/

--
Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.

Impossible to tell by obarthelemy · 2012-12-20 06:35 · Score: 1

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.

--
The Cloud - because you don't care if your apps and data are up in the air.

Snowball board by agoliveira · 2012-12-20 06:41 · Score: 1

Maybe a board with more ways to interface with the real world like the Snowball?

--
Scientia est Potentia

Re:An Arduino kit? by geekoid · 2012-12-20 06:43 · Score: 1

Then he can write collision and out of bounds software.

--
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

Re:Wait for his answer by HornWumpus · 2012-12-20 06:45 · Score: 1

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.

--
John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'

Good Book by Moof123 · 2012-12-20 06:47 · Score: 1

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 by geekoid · 2012-12-20 06:51 · Score: 1

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!

--
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect

Sorry to Say... by CMYKjunkie · 2012-12-20 07:00 · Score: 1

A casket. Oh, but you could add a Raspberry Pi in there to make it high tech. :)

Always Popular by trongey · 2012-12-20 07:04 · Score: 1

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.

--
You never really know how close to the edge you can go until you fall off.

*THIS* is how I want to be by condition-label-red · 2012-12-20 07:10 · Score: 1

THIS is how I want to be when I am 90!

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.

Software defined radio by stox · 2012-12-20 07:11 · Score: 1

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.

--
"To those who are overly cautious, everything is impossible. "

I'm going old school Slashdot with this.. by fliptout · 2012-12-20 07:22 · Score: 1

But how about a RealDoll?

It is the pinnacle of silicone/endoskeleton technology.

It would be a great automation project for the rasppi. :D

--
A witty saying proves you are wittier than the next guy.

TIME.... by iccaros · 2012-12-20 07:46 · Score: 1

@90, Give him your time. You are missing the point of life. You don't know what he has and are just amazed, let him teach you some of what he works with, Start the day with hay Dad show me some of the things you have been working on. IT will be worth more to him and you in the long run, even after he is gone.

23andme gift kit by bill_mcgonigle · 2012-12-20 07:51 · Score: 1

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 usefulness.

--
My God, it's Full of Source!
OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)

Re:Wait for his answer by SternisheFan · 2012-12-20 08:08 · Score: 1

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.

Protip: Stick a 2" piece of electrical tape over the flashing 12:00. FTFY.

Drawing tablet by greg80221 · 2012-12-20 08:23 · Score: 1

If he is into CAD or just doodling, a bamboo usb drawing tablet might be a nice addition. Yes very hard to shop for dad and even harder with what seems a tech savvy dad.

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www.400fps.com for the kid in all of us

Give him something that MATTERS by erroneus · 2012-12-20 08:25 · Score: 2

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.

Nothing Specific by Jane+Q.+Public · 2012-12-20 08:39 · Score: 1

I don't have recommendations for anything specific, but or a geek dad, you might browse InnovaToys or probably more appropriately ThinkGeek.

heart monitor... by schlachter · 2012-12-20 08:39 · Score: 2

why not get him a Garmin GPS watch that connects to a heart monitor?
practical tech for a 90 yr old!

--
My God can beat up your God. Just kidding...don't take offense. I know there's no God.

title for the post... by schlachter · 2012-12-20 08:48 · Score: 2

"How to get an IT job at 90, and age discrimination in the workplace"

--
My God can beat up your God. Just kidding...don't take offense. I know there's no God.

Time by slapout · 2012-12-20 09:00 · Score: 2

Spend time just talking with him. Or maybe working on a project together.

--
Coder's Stone: The programming language quick ref for iPad

Re:Wait for his answer by HornWumpus · 2012-12-20 09:07 · Score: 1

Peal it off when you want to see the display? Put it back when you are done? These things aren't _only_ clocks.

--
John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'

Re:Wait for his answer by SternisheFan · 2012-12-20 09:42 · Score: 1

Yeah, I'm thinking about back in the day of old vcr's, I guess. On those, the clock and timer and counter leds were all separate. I'm old. :-(

Gizmag by jdray · 2012-12-20 09:44 · Score: 1

Poke around on this website: www.gizmag.com. It's mostly short articles announcing new or future products, but maybe you can find something you think he'd like that's been released and get it for him.

They have sections, and some of these might be helpful:

http://www.gizmag.com/aroundthehome/
http://www.gizmag.com/electronics/
http://www.gizmag.com/wearableelectronics/

--
The Spoon
Updated 6/28/2011

Something analog? by macbeth66 · 2012-12-20 10:33 · Score: 1

Find some analog dials. They feel so much more satisfying than having it hooked up to a digital counter. And I once saw an old-fashioned typewriter used as a keyboard. A real pain for serious work, but it looked so cool.

Re:Wait for his answer by HornWumpus · 2012-12-20 11:23 · Score: 1

I remember mechanical counters on VCRs. Mechanical digital clocks.

When I was a kid we had to get up to change the channel, and we only had 4 channels, that all ran news at the same time, and we liked it.

--
John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'

do something by defective_warthog · 2012-12-20 11:31 · Score: 1

Just do something together. He doesn't see you very often.

Software Defined Radio starter kit by whistl · 2012-12-20 11:31 · Score: 1

http://www.amazon.com/SDR-Starter-Bundle-64MHz-1700MHz-EMI-Protected/dp/B008V5NGDY/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=electronics&keywords=rtl+sdr+starter+kit

$50 at Amazon, although it's a little late to be shopping online today.

3D printer by anavictoriasaavedra · 2012-12-20 11:58 · Score: 1

Get him a 3D printer... the kind with micrometer resolution...get him a Form1 at Kickstarter.

Re:Wait for his answer by SternisheFan · 2012-12-20 13:06 · Score: 2

I remember mechanical counters on VCRs. Mechanical digital clocks.

When I was a kid we had to get up to change the channel, and we only had 4 channels, that all ran news at the same time, and we liked it.

When I was a kid, my older sister made me get up to change the channel. :-)

A good set of electronics tool kit by TuxWithoutPants · 2012-12-20 13:42 · Score: 1

With that many gadgets and time on his hands, he's have just as much fun fixing them as he takes them apart.

Thank you for your suggestions. by Bearhouse · 2012-12-20 13:59 · Score: 1

OP here.

Thank you all for taking the time to make *mostly* great suggestions.

Of all of them, the most insightful is the one telling me to spend more time with my Dad.

Thank you 'erroneous'.

http://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/ by issicus · 2012-12-20 15:41 · Score: 1

nt

Give him communication, give him I/O..A Gert Board by elkto · 2012-12-20 15:47 · Score: 1

I am sure he would enjoy a GERT board for his RaspberryPi http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/RASPBERRY-PI-/83-14460

Whatever gadget you get... by NotQuiteReal · 2012-12-20 16:31 · Score: 1

You do NOT need the extended warranty. Save that for flowers.

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This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.

Re:An Arduino kit? by SomePgmr · 2012-12-20 17:16 · Score: 1

It sounds like the budget is somewhere around $35. Though that would be a pretty nice present.

A Fake ID by HideyoshiJP · 2012-12-20 18:41 · Score: 1

Let him rent some sweet ultraporn.

How about a SIP/PBX Asterisk server that runs Pi? by SpzToid · 2012-12-20 23:38 · Score: 1

Since he already has a (SIP-compatible) Droid smartphone, and he knows about the Raspberry Pi already, get that old fart into low energy server-connectivity pronto I say!

http://nerdvittles.com/?p=3026

Charge him up with credit from 12voipand that that man go.

--
You can't be ahead of the curve, if you're stuck in a loop.

Re:An Arduino kit? by aurizon · 2012-12-21 00:58 · Score: 1

Well, Imputing his max as $35 for the Pi may be in error. Intel 160 Gig SSD drives are about $125 or so, other makers are cheaper, and are harder to install, but if the father is indeed tech savvy he will be able to install any SSD from basics, and so a 160 could be under $100.

Of course, he may already have SSDs installed - like a true tech-savvy 90 year old.

When I was a kid by lsatenstein · 2012-12-21 16:50 · Score: 1

I used to go to carnivals and put a penny into the shock machine. This was a gimmick thing where you held two round door knobs in each hand and turned one knob to raise the voltage. We tried to see how many volts we could sustain before letting go.
About 60cps of up to 50 volts voltage was available. When I played with valve (tube) stereos, I played with 350 volts dc. I learned the famous rule.
One hand in pockee, no get shockee.

Would your dad want something other than electronics stuff? With my 70+ year eyes, the 7 inch tablet is a pain to use, and the 10 inch ones are no better.
What about a weather station with remote monitoring and with a Radio controlled clock (sometimes referred to as an atomic clock?

--
Leslie Satenstein Montreal Quebec Canada

An empty hard drive... by Paul+Fernhout · 2012-12-24 02:47 · Score: 1

... that you use with him to organize family memories for your grandchildren...

--
A 21st century issue: the irony of technologies of abundance in the hands of those still thinking in terms of scarcity.

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Ask Slashdot: Gifts For a 90-Year-Old, Tech-Savvy Dad?

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