Your boyfriend sounds a lot like my husband. We actually got a "quality TiVo-like substitute" (DVR system offered through our cable company) for each other for the holidays. We've had it about a month, and I already don't know how I ever lived without it
If you're thinking about electronics, you should ask him what he wants. As a techno-geek myself
I know that people who are into electronics often have something very particular in mind... for example, they'll have a specific make and model of MP3 player that they want, and will be disappointed if you give them a different MP3 player.
You said that he travels a lot. You could give him a good laptop bag, carry-on bag, or suitcase. Norm Thompson also offers a lot of clothing geared for travelers (things that don't wrinkle, etc).
Happy shopping!