One great item to consider might be an LCD monitor. While your intended
gift recipient might already have a monitor for his or her desktop
system, many users can take advantage of their systems’ dual-monitor
capabilities to extend their visual workspace to multiple screens. This
can be extremely convenient for programmers, digital photo enthusiasts,
video editors, and anyone who likes to multitask. A flat-screen LCD
monitor might also make a great replacement for a bulkier older model,
providing a more vibrant picture and freeing up some needed space on the
desktop.

Another item that almost all users can benefit from is
an additional hard drive. With the continued popularity of digital
music, photos, and video, storage space has become increasingly
important for home computer users, and many desktop systems have empty
bays inside their cases that can be used to house extra internal hard
drives. What’s great about adding drives is that it not only offers
additional space but also gives the user an added incentive to organize
and back up his or her files. Even a relatively small hard drive can be
extremely useful as, for example, a documents-only storage drive or to
back up project files from applications.

Along with hard drives,
most users would also love to have more RAM to expand their systems’
capabilities and keep applications running smoothly and efficiently.
Whereas, years ago, computers operated with very small amounts of Random
Access Memory, today’s advanced applications require more RAM than ever
before, and this is an area in which most systems are highly
expandable. A lot of users will forgo additional RAM options to save a
few bucks when they initially purchase their computers, so it’s a great
component to add on later.

Of course, if you’re in the market for a bigger gift for your favorite
computer geek, an entire desktop or laptop system might be a good
choice. Though newer models can be prohibitively expensive, a system
that was state-of-the-art just a few years ago can now be purchased for
much less than its initial asking price; it might not deliver enough
horsepower for the most cutting-edge users, but an used desktop computer
or refurbished laptop is a perfect choice for a young computer
enthusiast or perhaps as a backup or portable machine for someone with
an established computer setup. Additionally, for laptop users, a docking
station can be a useful peripheral for those situations when they’re
working or playing on their system at home.

Whichever one of
these options you choose, keep in mind that used and refurbished
machines and parts offer significant cost benefits over brand-new
computer gear. A used or refurbished system in good condition can still
provide many years of use, and thanks to warranties, you can be
confident that your system or part will perform exactly as intended.
Computing can be expensive, but used and refurbished machines and parts
make it affordable to many more users, and as gifts they can spark a
hobby or interest that could lead to a lifetime of creativity and
productivity.