After only a couple hours with the game, I found myself wishing for the same thing.

I actually just created a thread looking for a printable tech tree.

It would be nice if you could look. But, look at it this way...

If the alien offering the deal is a friend, or a potential friend, and you want the tech offered and don't mind if they have the tech asked for take the deal. Trading with them makes them like you.

On the flip side, sometimes an alien who wants to buddy up with you will show up and offer you a fantastic deal. So, it works both ways.

Also keep in mind that they're going to get that tech anway, especially if it's early in the game (like 2 hours or less). Might as well generate some goodwill.

Just a tip.. You can make a FORTUNE early on in these games by trading early techs with everyone. Research or buy a tech and then go sell it to everyone else, especially the indy worlds. Use the money to beef up your planets, especially to rush economic or research improvements which will further boost your economy.

Of course! But only if someone else has researched it. Go to the trade screen. You can trade techs, cash, ships, starbases, planets, wonders, treaties, and probably some other stuff too.

I've never been able to get an alien to give up a planet, though. (in GC I).

As one person already mentioned...Just "right click" on the technology in the trade window to see its properties.

Part of this issue is learning curve - all the techs are new to us. Once you've played thru the game a few times you'll have a better understanding of tech "value", which to me doesn't necessarily always equate to where a tech sits on the tech tree anyways.