CNET’s Top Tech Gifts (For Dads)
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Before you decide on that iPad for Dad…
...there's a lot more tech toys out there to choose from. Even in this guide provided by CNET, the options can be overwhelming. We've got some quick tips to get you started on gifts that are sure to please any Dad!
(Photo credit by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
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Jawbone Jambox
Price range: $188 - $199 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
It looks like it won't pack a punch, but the tiny Jambox throws out great music through a small set of Bluetooth speakers, and has its own rechargeable battery. Thanks to a built-in mic, it will also work as a wireless speakerphone when paired with your cell. THE BOTTOM LINE: The Jambox is the most stylish portable speaker we've seen, with features and sound quality you won't find in comparable compact designs.
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Etymotic ER-4PT MicroPro Headphones
Price range: $215 - $289 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
Well-balanced clarity and Accu-fit noise-isolating eartrips make the Etymotic ER-4PT MicroPro Headphones an excellent option for an immersive listening experience. THE BOTTOM LINE: While the Etymotic ER-4PTs have less low-end oomph than some competing earphones in this price class, they deliver excellent sound with very accurate tonal balance.
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Booq Boa Flow
Price range: $224 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
It's one of the biggest backpacks we've ever used, but size is your friend with the Flow: it's well-padded, comes with pockets for both a laptop and an SLR camera, and has enough room to double as a weekend-getaway bag. THE BOTTOM LINE: Though it's far too large to be used as an everyday laptop backpack, the sturdy design and numerous pockets on the multipurpose Booq Boa Flow make it a great buy as a weekend or carry-on bag that can handle most laptops.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
Price range: $429 - $499 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
The FZ100 is what we consider a true bridge camera--something between a point-and-shoot and a digital SLR. While its photo quality can't compete with a good dSLR, its shots are still some of the best you'll get from a compact camera, especially if you don't mind doing a little post-shoot editing. Basically, if you want the freedom to experiment with photos and video, but aren't ready to commit to interchangeable lenses, the FZ100 is the way to go. THE BOTTOM LINE: As long as you're willing to work with raw image files, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is one of the best full-size megazooms you can get.
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Canon PowerShot S95
Price range: $399 - $430 (check latest prices | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
For the best combination of image quality, portability and manual features, you can't beat the Canon PowerShot S95. It's a bit pricey and not the speediest camera out there, but any photography enthusiast would love to get this as a gift. THE BOTTOM LINE: Though we'd like it to perform better, dSLR shooters looking for a sidekick camera will find the Canon PowerShot S95's top-flight photos and a full manual feature set worth the tradeoff of its compact size.
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TomTom GO 2405 TM
Price range: $290 - $299 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
Dads may not always ask for directions, but they won't need to with a TomTom GPS device on their dashboard. The GO 2405 TM's lifetime traffic and map updates help to make sure that your dad has accurate info about the road ahead. THE BOTTOM LINE: The new Go 2405 TM and 2505 TM are among the best GPS devices that TomTom has ever made, packing loads of useful features into a handsome chassis for a pretty good price.
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Alpine iDA-X305
Price range: $169 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
The simple Alpine iDA-X305 packs a ton of audio source options to fill your dad's or grad's ride with music. Between the iPod, iPhone, and USB connectivity, the X305 is as futureproof as single-DIN car stereos get. THE BOTTOM LINE: For people who listen primarily to MP3/WMA/AAC audio, the Alpine iDA-X305 offers one of the easiest-to-use interfaces for in-car browsing of digital media.
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HP Pavilion dm1z
Perfect for lugging around on the job hunt, this is one of our favorite of the new breed of low-cost ultraportables that have largely eclipsed Netbooks as the budget laptop of choice. THE BOTTOM LINE: The first laptop to offer AMD's power-efficient Fusion platform delivers on much of its promise, combining great battery life, decent performance, and basic graphics for less than $500.
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Logitech Harmony One
Price range: $148 - $303 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
A $200 universal remote might seem crazy, but don't knock it until you've used one. The Logitech Harmony One is one of the only home theater products that can make all your other gear easier to use, and simple commands like "Watch TV" take all the jargon out of the home theater experience. A solid choice for a dad with a stack of remotes on the coffee table. THE BOTTOM LINE: While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.
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Sony HT-CT150 Home Theater System
Price range: $243 - $299 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
Home theater fans might feel out of luck with dorm living, but the Sony HT-CT150 sound bar home theater system excels at fitting into small spaces. The sound bar itself is exceedingly slim, and its three HDMI inputs should cover all your home video devices. THE BOTTOM LINE: Sony's HT-CT150 sound bar home theater system sounds great and is way ahead of the competition with its three HDMI inputs; however, its IR receiver limits the subwoofer's placement options.
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Roku XDS
Price range: $98 - $139 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
Going away to college, but still want to follow your hometown baseball team? Roku's XDS Player supports live streaming of MLB.TV for all out-of-market baseball games, making it a perfect pick for displaced baseball fans. And when you're not watching MLB, the Roku XDS player has a full suite of other media streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Amazon Instant, NBA Game Time, and NHL Gamecenter. THE BOTTOM LINE: Thanks to its wide range of content offerings--including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu Plus, and Pandora--the Roku XDS is the best all-around streaming media box you can get for less than $100.
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Sprint MiFi Mobile Hotspot
Price range: $19 - $79 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
With an unlimited 4G data plan for just $60 per month, the Sprint MiFi 4082 makes a great mobile Internet solution for those who travel in a small group or with multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices. It sure makes a gift that the whole family can enjoy. THE BOTTOM LINE: For mobile users who travel within good Sprint 4G coverage areas--especially those traveling with laptops-- the Sprint MiFi 4082 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot makes a good companion.
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Canon Pixma MG6120
Price range: $114 - $208 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
The Canon Pixma MG6120's slower-than-average print speeds are offset by its competent home office capabilities including HD Movie Print, simple installation, and dual paper trays that let you store up to 300 sheets at a time. In the future we'd like Canon to allow adjustments to the touch-sensitive control panel, but we're satisfied to recommend a printer that finally achieves a balance between the modern luxury of touch sensitivity and the need for quick access to the control panel. THE BOTTOM LINE: We recommend the Canon Pixma MG6120 compact multifunction printer for its simple touch-sensitive control panel, HD Movie Print feature, and capable performance that stand out from the competition.
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Acer Iconia Tab A500
Price range: $423 - $479 (check latest prices) | (Photo credit by CBS Interactive)
Undercutting most Honeycomb tablets with its low price, the Iconia Tab A500 offers offers a typical Honeycomb experience, with many useful connection features. Undercutting most Honeycomb tablets with its low price, the Iconia Tab A500 offers offers a typical Honeycomb experience, with many useful connection features.
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