We never understood why the Gremlins wanted to kill the cute and cuddly Gizmo. Now we’ve figured it out.

This $US23 plush Gizmo from ThinkGeek dances while singing his bittersweet little mogwai ballad—a synthetically reproduced tune that we’ve come to realise would be the most grating sound known to man should it enter one’s ears for more than a few seconds. And those poor Gremlins…their ears are gigantic! [ThinkGeek via bbGadgets]

You see, today Dell and Gizmo announced that they were going to get intimate, with Gizmo services like setting up your Dell PC or setting up a wireless network available as an optional extra when purchasing a new Dell machine.

While it’s highly unlikely that anybody reading this would need tech support to set up their own computer, this could be the kind of thing that you purchase for your own mum or dad when buying them a PC, so you can save yourself the 1,742 phone calls about how to get the computer working or, in John Mayer’s case, finding an application.

Pricing is a bit on the expensive side, but look at it this way: they have to put up with all of those inane questions from old people so you don’t have to. Isn’t that worth something?

Pricing is below:

Stand alone services include:

Set Me Up – providing assistance with setting-up new Dell computers, transferring files or installing hardware and software for AUD$149.
Network Me – providing assistance with setting-up wireless networks and the devices connected to them, such as Dell laptops and Dell wireless printers, for AUD$169.

Combined services include:
Set Me Up and Network Me – providing assistance setting-up Dell computers and creating a new home network for the special price of AUD$243.50.
Set Me Up and Show Me – providing assistance setting-up Dell computers and training for an hour on how to use them for the special price of AUD$223.50.

As I hinted: Not so expensive if you consider the frustration you’ll be avoiding.

[Dell]

Here’s a gift idea to break the monotony of socks, ties, and hankies this Fathers’ Day, and it might give a hint to your family that there are professionals now available to do all that shitty family tech support you/we/all geeks are tired of having to do.

If you haven’t heard of Gizmo, it’s like the Geek Squad thing in America. Like tradies for your home computers and gadgetry – but unlike a tradesman they’ll come exactly when you book them to come. They sent us word on some ideas for what they could do for your Dad this Fathers’ Day. They’re getting creative with how you can use their services, so we thought we’d share:

Shop with me!
A Gizmotech will come shopping with you and help you with your home technology purchases, ensuring that you purchase the best products to meet your needs and budget.

Show Me!
What can’t you do? Tell Gizmo and tech will come to your place and show you how to do it. (eg. teach you how to set up email, web cam, organise your files).

Network Me!
Install the wireless gear you need (like a router and network card) and connect your computer to another computer or gaming console, ensure your wireless network is set up securely to deter hackers and prevent your neighbours from ‘borrowing’ your internet connection, and show you how to get the most out of your networking.

I like introducing my family to sexy new tech stuff, but I HATE the process of trying to show them how to use it. Funny how I can have patience when explaining stuff to people I don’t know, but as soon as it is family my frustration factor flies through the roof. A Gizmo tech could save everyone’s sanity in my house… how about yours? Anyone got any good stories to share on teaching the parentals / grandparentals to use tech? -Seamus Byrne [Gizmo]