Great Gadgets for Father's Day
Sweet smartphones, submersible summer electronics and more great ideas for dad.
June 18, 2009— -- Getting the perfect Father's Day gift isn't easy, especially in this economy. But for the gadget-inclined dad, we've included a toy for nearly any budget. Here are 11 gadgets that might make dad light up on his day.
iPhone 3GS
If the iPhone had a screwdriver attachment this list would be one item long. Apple isn't releasing the newest version of its world-conquering hardware until this weekend for no reason. The iPhone really does satisfy every need just in time for Father's Day.
It has traditional iPod capabilities for the musically inclined pop, video for the family documentarian, and millions of apps including rangefinders and scorecards for the dad who likes to spend his Sundays on the golf course. The possibilities are endless, and now with a recession-friendly $99 iPhone, it's sure to be a popular option.
Price: $199 with video and a $99 videoless option at Apple.com starting June 19.
Kindle
It might cost a pretty penny, but it's hard to beat more than 300,000 publications at your fingertips. At about a third of an inch thick, the Kindle easily fits into an already packed life, assuming you don't snap it in half.
Of course, for the dad who's going green, there's always the added benefit of no more wasted paper, and with an entirely free 3G network it's quicker than stopping at the newsstand for the morning paper.
Price: $359.00 at Amazon.com.
Pentax Optio W60 Digital Camera
Everything looks better underwater. Pentax's extreme weather-enduring digital camera is perfect for fun in the sun and on the slopes.
An enhanced design makes this 10-megapixel wonder able to withstand up to 13 feet of water. With features like HD Video recording, face recognition and even an underwater movie mode, this handy little recorder can keep dad busy even on the laziest of Sundays.
Price: $239.88 at J&R.com.
Tom Tom Go 740 GPS
The Tom Tom GO 740 Live is an Internet-connected GPS unit offering real-time traffic, live access to fuel listings and live Google local search. This also allows for quicker satellite fixes and the use of historical traffic patterns to calculate a more accurate arrival time.
Speech recognition capability lets you use your voice to give commands, and advanced lane guidance shows you which lane to stay in when the highway splits. Using Google Local Search you can find local restaurants and businesses or search for the cheapest gas station in the area.
Price: $369.95 at TomTomInnovations.com.
Flip Video MinoHD -- Ultra Slim HD Camcorder (720p)
Quick USB connectivity and compact design make this miniature HD camcorder ideal for the dad on the go. With four gigs of storage dad can record up to 60 minutes of HD quality video, which can be easily e-mailed or published to the Web simply by hooking it up to a computer.
An easy-to-use navigation system makes reviewing video extremely easy, and the compact design fits right in dad's pocket.
Price: $179.99 at Best Buy.
Jabra SP200 Bluetooth Speakerphone
If you're looking to better dad's driving habits this Father's Day, the Jabra SP200 Bluetooth Speakerphone is an affordable, easy way to put him on the right track. It might not have a lot of fancy features -- no voice texting, no holding calls -- but it does what it's designed to do: carry your voice clearly and effectively without the pain of wires. It clips to the car visor to let him talk and drive safely.
Just pair this nifty little gadget with dad's phone (assuming he's got that figured out), and all he'll have to do to answer a call is press a button.
Price: $48.73 at Amazon.com.
Coby MP305
iPods and iPhones might be all the rage, but some dads just want straight-up music on the go with no fancy designs or extras. Coby's MP305 does just what it's intended to do -- and just a little more. While the size is up to you (though four times the size for less than $10 more is a deal), every version comes equipped with a built-in FM radio receiver, just in case dad can't be without his classic rock radio station, or he decides everything he's been listening to suddenly stinks.
With quick USB connectivity and a simple, compact design, this little guy keeps music affordable and flexible.
Price: 1GB model $24.95 at Amazon.com -- 4GB model $30.73 at Amazon.com.
Slacker G2 Personal Radio Player
Slacker is the world's first personal radio company offering "Your RadioEverywhere." Slacker allows music lovers to play highly personalizedmusic online at the Slacker Web site or on the go, either with Slacker Personal Radio players or on their mobile phones.
Users can listen to one of more than 100 expert-programmed Slacker stations or custom stations that they can create. The free Slacker application is available on BlackBerry App World or on iTunes for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Price: $199.99 at Slacker.com.
Personalized Kodak Gifts
Kodak Gallery offers a wide variety of affordable, personalized gifts for Father's Day. At prices ranging from $1.49 to $30, you can create something dad will love. We made a personalized Frosted Beer Stein for dad this year -- something that will always make him think of the family and make him smile.
But you can also make other fun gifts, from a photo tie to a personalized desk organizer or a beautiful photo book.
Prices: Frosted Stein: $19.99 You can also make normal mugs or travel mugs, Photo Tie: $29.99, Father's Day Cards: Starting at $1.49 you can personalize with your own pictures and messages, Personalized Photo Books: Starting at $29.99, Personalized Desk Organizer: $29.99 at Kodak.com.
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