Consider This Before Shopping for Technophobes

Before I cared about HDTVs, TiVo, or MP3 players, I remember getting the occasional tech gift that just ended up somewhere in a closet until the time came to use it. I'm talking about the digital camera that somehow became the family's digicam because it was the only one in the house. Any time anyone needed to take pictures, they would "borrow" my camera. I didn't even get to choose my own gadgets, so I always ended up with clunky, cheap-looking models I could care less about. Sound familiar?

My point is that if you want technophobes in your family to take an interest in technology, you're going to have to school them a little. Non-techies want the latest cool gadget, and could care less about studying spec sheets. That's where your geek superpowers come in. No one's better qualified that you to help them understand the difference between a Zune player or an iPod, a PS3 vs. Wii, or LCD vs. plasma.

I found a survey over at Gizmodo that posed a great question to their audience: How do you handle your gadget fetish with your significant other? One of the choice answers was, "I give her gadgets as gifts in the hope of unlocking a heretofore unknown passion." Sure, that'll work for a day before she/he gets frustrated with your gift. Before you give up hope, check out the following dos and dont's when shopping for non-techies courtesy of the Geek Squad. Let it be a reminder that not everyone understands technology the way you do.

Here's what they say:

• Do realize you create more work and stress for technophobes when you try to bring them into the 21st century with a fun, whiz-bang present. Before you buy: Be prepared to set it up for them.
• Do pay attention to the system they own. Before you buy: Check for compatability.
• Do understand their lifestyle. Before you buy: Choose gifts they use; that is, don't get them a huge TV if they live in a small place.
• Don't buy another person the gift you'd like to get. Before you buy: Ask them what they want.
• Don't buy incomplete gifts. Before you buy: Make sure they're able to use their gift immediately.

You can read the rest of the tips here. Before you try to convert the unconverted, make sure you give them a quick overview of what's out there so that they can make an informed decision. I guarantee you, they will love their gift.

Don't have a geeky friend to help you? Don't worry, our geeky team of experts has already laid out the pros and cons of popular tech gifts for you. Check out this post for more shopping advice.