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Ask HN: Birthday present for a soon to graduate CS student?

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Re: Ask HN: Birthday present for a soon to graduate CS student?

#13

Post by procinct »

If he doesn’t have a mechanical keyboard yet, you could consider that. Keep in mind, you’d have to do a fair bit of research. There are obviously plenty of gamer options off the shelf, but I’m thinking something more boutique with a great looking keycap set.

Devs spend a lot of time with a keyboard and they will last a decently long time so imo it could be a meaningful gift.

I’d highly recommend checking out the mechanical keyboard subreddit for inspiration.

Re: Ask HN: Birthday present for a soon to graduate CS student?

#14

Post by kritr »

Things that I would like if I was moving out and getting setup. Not particularly CS degree / job focused, but I would hope either interesting or useful.

- A nice ubiquiti access point (wifi router).

- Smart lightbulbs (nanoleaf) / other cool home automation.

- A nice mouse/keyboard (but this is very much personal preference)

- A good waterbottle / fun coffee mug (can never be too hydrated)

- Basic home fitness equipment (yoga mat/exercise wheel/etc) if they work from home

- Balance board if they use a standing desk

I would personally not do something learning related. Companies usually sponsor pluralsight / oreilly memberships.

Re: Ask HN: Birthday present for a soon to graduate CS student?

#16

Post by braingenious »

I generally buy people stuff that they ask for, it makes for a nice system.

A gaming console is literally a uniquely-designed purpose-built computing device, so aside from being a useful bit for recreation, it could lead to professional curiosity.

IMHO it is a little condescending to immediately get this person something work-related unless asked for. It communicates the message that their free time should be devalued, and you don’t view this milestone as something to be rewarded, but rather a reminder of your present perception of them lacking in professional accomplishment.

Re: Ask HN: Birthday present for a soon to graduate CS student?

#18

Post by vector_rotcev »

Nobody ever actually reads TAOCP*. Beyond that, you'd have to ask him.

Anything 'useful', or industry/professional related, are particular, specific things that he can get for himself, as and when necessary.

Anything 'meaningful', well, you'd have to figure that one out yourself - what would your son find to be meaningful? Certainly you don't think fun, or relaxation, or what he wants, holds any meaning for him. And certainly not reward. So you definitely don't think he should get the message that hard work actually pays off beyond being given more work to do, and tools that make him focus on work, because you think the only meaning of his life is to work, and that he shouldn't have fun except on your terms and when and how you allow.

He already has the objects he needs for professional development - a laptop. I'm sure he can figure out how to dual boot on it if he wants to dev on linux. Maybe the most meaningful thing you could do is let him make decisions - he'll never learn how to if you keep trying to control him just a little bit more.

*This is a(n obvious) generalism. I am aware some of us actually do go and read TAOCP - I have read some of it myself. I will profess that, on balance of probabilities, TAOCP will be a heavy and pointless shelf-weight if bought for OPs son.

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