Geeks like technology, but they like making it useful. Nerds like information, and it doesn't matter if it's useful.
For example, Star Trek geeks think tricorders are cool and would love to design one that actually worked. Star Trek nerds track minutia such as when the design of the ST:TNG faceplate changed, or in which episodes a medical tricorder was used in engineering.
The difference in social skills comes from nerds not being able to understand how the rest of the world isn't similarly fascinated by information. Geeks, on the other hand, would like to win "converts" (e.g., Palm evangelists of days gone by). But they know when to stop.
Geek : Gadget :: Nerd : Information
Geeks like technology, but they like making it useful. Nerds like information, and it doesn't matter if it's useful.
For example, Star Trek geeks think tricorders are cool and would love to design one that actually worked. Star Trek nerds track minutia such as when the design of the ST:TNG faceplate changed, or in which episodes a medical tricorder was used in engineering.
The difference in social skills comes from nerds not being able to understand how the rest of the world isn't similarly fascinated by information. Geeks, on the other hand, would like to win "converts" (e.g., Palm evangelists of days gone by). But they know when to stop.