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Paul's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide |
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by Paul Arnote (parnote)
As in years past, we’ve tried to select items we think our readers will be interested in. We’ve also tried to target items in a wide range of budgets, so even our readers with more limited funds should be able to find things that they can afford. As usual, all prices are expressed in U.S. dollars. Items on our lists are/were available at the time that they were added to our individual gift lists. We cannot, thanks to international trade regulations and barriers, guarantee that all items will be available to residents outside of the U.S. However, you should feel free to use our “suggestions” to find a suitable replacement item that is available in your region. So, without further ado, here is my holiday gift list for 2025.
 I actually have and use this printer with PCLinuxOS. I got myself this printer within the past year to replace an aging (and failing) Samsung laser printer (Samsung stopped making printers YEARS ago, and sold their printer division to HP). With this laser printer, I can scan documents, use it as a copy machine, or just print documents. What I love about this printer is that it has an Ethernet port on the back, since my printer is attached directly to one of my network routers. (Walmart sells a similar model cheaper, but it lacks the Ethernet port). Its paper tray holds half of a ream of paper (a ream of paper is 500 sheets, meaning this printer holds 250 sheets), so paper refills are less frequent. The printer also has a manual feed slot for envelopes and stickers (or specialty paper). It prints at a pretty decent 36 pages per minute, and with a maximum printer resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. Toner cartridge refills are quite affordable, and last for a generous amount of page prints (I tend to keep at least one … most often two … in “reserve” and ready to go). I typically use the 830XL toner cartridge, which is the high-capacity toner cartridge. I have yet to go through even my first toner cartridge since getting it several months ago. Brother has GREAT support for Linux, so installing the printer drivers was super easy and painless. My printer was up and running in under 15 minutes when I initially set it up.
 This is another item I use with PCLinuxOS. Specifically, I use it with my HTPC (Home Theater PC), which also runs PCLinuxOS. A single USB dongle receives data from both the keyboard and mouse, freeing up at least one USB port on your computer. I have the USB dongle plugged into a USB 2.0 port, since keyboards and mice don’t typically need the increased throughput that a USB 3.x port provides, and it works perfectly. Battery life for both the keyboard and mouse are quite good (lengthened considerably if you turn the power switch off on both devices when they are not in use). I typically only have to change the batteries in both devices (I tend to change them at the same time) once a year. The keyboard is very responsive, as is the mouse. This is one of my favorite “accessories” that I purchased for my HTPC. I can sit back and control everything about my HTPC from my recliner, free from hassling with cords. (Note that the price listed above may or may not be a sale price at the time I am writing this article. I wasn’t completely sure. But, even if it’s not on sale, its “regular” price of $25.00 is still a great buy!)
 The perfect fit for your modern home, the D-Link Covr blankets every square inch of your home with high-speed AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi. Using Mesh technology, this dual-pack Covr kit creates a single, unified Wi-Fi network that covers up to 3,500sq.ft, and your device automatically switches to the strongest Covr unit when you move around in your home — so there's no need to manually connect to different SSIDs. The dual-band operation delivers wireless speeds of 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 866Mbps on the 5GHz band for a total of 1,166Mbps throughput. The intuitive mobile app allows quick, easy setup and comprehensive monitoring with parent control that protect your kids from excessive network use and inappropriate online content. This router’s other features include Dual-band AC1200 MU-MIMO, scalable seamless Mesh wireless network, supports wired dedicated backhaul, smart roaming & steering, 2x3 internal antennas produce optimal range and connectivity, coverage up to 3,500sq.ft (2-pack), and home-friendly design with interchangeable color plates.
 Are you looking to speed up an aging laptop? This will address one of the biggest “bottlenecks” in your computer’s hardware: the spinning rust hard drive. The 1 TB capacity provides more than ample room for your operating system AND all of your files. The advanced SLC Caching algorithm technology makes its read/write speed easily 4 times faster than traditional hard drives. The CX2 with innovative and bold design uses FLASH technology with low power consumption and high-speed transfer features. It is the best choice for replacing traditional hard drives. I have used SSDs from TEAM Group with absolutely zero issues or problems. Most of all, every computer I’ve installed them in has resulted in vastly improved performance, thanks to the far superior throughputs from a SSD compared to a traditional hard drive.
 This set of 2 symmetrical hand warmers can be combined into a palm-sized hand heater, providing 360-degree warmth for your hands. Alternatively, you can use them separately, each hand holding one, or share one hand warmers with a family. The portable pocket design is suitable for travel, hunting, golf, hiking, camping, skiing, and more. The UNIHAND hand warmers feature an integrated intelligent AI temperature control chip, offering 3 levels of precise heat release control, feedback, and guidance. By continuously analyzing and recognizing the temperature between the hand warmer and your hands, it ensures precise heat control for optimal comfort and safe heating. Maximum of 130 ℉ (54.4 °C). These hand warmers provide longer lasting warmth, and thanks to our AI smart chip, these electric hand warmers provide you with up to 8.5-20 hours of warmth during the chilly winter. It effortlessly caters to your entire day's needs. The 3-level indicator lights keep you informed about remaining battery power and heating status, perfectly addressing your diverse requirements. The included type C charging cable can quickly charge the hand warmer.
 I’m probably like a lot of people. I have a fairly decent collection of Bluetooth headphones and earpieces. But, until recently, I had never tried the bone conduction Bluetooth headphones. To say that I was blown away by the experience would be an understatement. The sound quality is phenomenal, while allowing me the best experience with hearing all the things going on around me. With bone conduction headphones, there is nothing in your ear canal, enabling you to hear everything going on around you, without unduly distracting from the sound you are hearing through the headphones. These headphones offer up a generous 10 hours of continuous playing time on a single charge. Plus, you can use these to talk on your connected phone. And, at this price, you could do a lot worse with headphones that cost two, three, or even four times the cost of these. Not only are these comfortable to wear all day long, but they are also sweatproof and waterproof, making them a good choice to wear in all types of weather, as well as on your workouts.  I’m an avid bicyclist, so this bike light set really piques my interest. Especially with the days growing shorter (in terms of available daylight), those late afternoon bike rides that I like to go on have a much higher potential of ending up when it’s getting dark. The last thing I want is to have to finish my ride up in utter darkness. This lightweight, rechargeable bike light set is an affordable solution. Do not hesitate to use this 6-Mode bike headlight to enjoy wider visibility and 5-Mode taillight to ensure your safety when you are on night cycling or outdoor adventures. Good for outdoor cycling and emergency back-up! This bike headlight has 6 modes, and is USB-C Rechargeable. The six lighting modes bike light (strong light broad, low light broad, high spotlight, low spotlight, strong light full light, flash) are available to serve your various needs, with up to 4–8 hours of battery life. With 4 LEDs power indicator, you would clearly know the power status anytime to minimize the inconvenience of sudden shutdown. Easily charged by mobile power or any USB device. This bike light set has an aluminum housing, is super sturdy, dustproof and waterproof, ensuring the bike light kit can work properly in rainy and foggy days on both city and country roads. A special heat dissipation shell quickly dissipates heat, fully protecting the battery life, ensuring the lights can be used for a long time. One-touch quick release installation, with no tools required.
 What a way to bring joy to any PCLinuxOS user on your holiday gift list! This custom t-shirt makes a PERFECT gift. This short-sleeve midweight fabric T-shirt is comfortable, economical and made to last. Designed with a traditional fit that runs true to size, he’ll show off his personality, humor, and interests with an easy, relaxed style. This comfortable t-Shirt is made of 100% preshrunk cotton (gray colors are made of a cotton/polyester blend). Your choice of 15 different color t-shirts, with the PCLinuxOS logo emblazoned on the front. Double-needle stitched bottom and hems for extra durability. Crewneck t-shirts professionally printed with sharp, vivid designs that resist fading. Designed for the cost-conscious shopper. Machine wash cold with like colors, inside/out, then tumble dry low. A portion of the proceeds go towards supporting the continued development of PCLinuxOS.
 The unique PCLinuxOS-branded ceramic coffee mugs will soon be your new favorite way to consume hot or cold beverages. Large mug size: 15 oz. capacity, 4.5” tall x 3.25” diameter; choice of all-white or with a color handle and interior. It’s like having 2+ cups of coffee, all in one cup (a cup of coffee is typically 6 oz.) There are six color options to choose from. This mug has durable ceramic construction with an easy-grip handle, and a scratch-resistant finish. This coffee mug is ideal for both hot and cold beverages. Images are produced in vivid color and guaranteed not to fade. Microwave safe. Wash up by hand, or in the dishwasher on the top shelf. A portion of the proceeds go towards supporting the continued development of PCLinuxOS.
 If you’re at a loss for what to get the PCLinuxOS user on your holiday gift list, why not make a donation in the name of your PCLinuxOS user to help fund the future development of PCLinuxOS?! PCLinuxOS doesn’t have any millionaire or billionaire backers, and no corporate sponsors. Nope. PCLinuxOS exists because of one man’s (Texstar’s) vision to create a version of Linux that is easy to use for all computer users. PCLinuxOS is Texstar’s only “job.” Besides supporting Texstar to keep developing PCLinuxOS, your donations also help to offset the “other” costs associated with running and maintaining a Linux distro … like server costs (no, just like in life generally, those don’t come for free, either).
There you have it. These are my 10 holiday gift ideas for that PCLinuxOS user on your holiday gift list. Be sure to check out the holiday gift ideas from Meemaw and tbs. I’m certain that, between all 30 suggestions, you will be able to find something truly special for that PCLinuxOS user on your holiday gift list. And finally, from all of us here at The PCLinuxOS Magazine, we’d like to wish y’all the happiest, merriest holiday season! |
