How cool is your Dad? Or if you are a Dad, how much of a hint do you need to give the kids about just how passionate you are about the latest tech gear? Either way, we’ve got some great gifts lined up for this Father’s Day:
Smartphone – LG G5 – This newest flagship phone from LG has plenty of features to make Dad happy. For starters, it has a modular design that will let him build his own smartphone ecosystem. It has a removable/swappable battery so he can keep talking and surfing all day long. There’s an add-on DAC, or digital audio converter, that makes the phone into a Hi-Res music player. And that’s just one of the accessory options that LG is calling “LG Friends.” Among the others are a 360 degree camera and a wide angle camera option. The LG G5 is available from all the major carriers. Price at Verizon is $200 with a two-year contract. You can also get an unlocked version from Amazon.com for $650.
Interchangeable Lens Camera – Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera – This is Sony’s Flagship camera using the compact-sized APS-C sensor. It’s a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that uses Sony’s ever-growing collection of E-Mount lenses. Its biggest claim is its incredibly fast auto-focusing system and hundreds of focus reference points that will let Dad shoot all the action in stunningly sharp detail. He can also use the A6300 to capture 4K video. Sony has a great gallery that shows off just what can be done with the A6300. If Dad is serious about his photography but doesn’t want to be weighed down by a traditional DSLR, this is the camera for him. Price for the body only at Amazon.com is $998.00.
Convertible Computer – Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga – If Dad is still a road warrior, this is about as good as it gets. Lenovo has taken the best of its famous Thinkpad X1 Carbon line and combined it with the popular Yoga form factor. That means he can use it as a laptop, tablet, stand, or tent. It’s packed with a ton of features and there’s even an available OLED version of its 14” display. Among the goodies is a rechargeable pen that, unlike offerings from Apple or Microsoft, fits snugly right in the machine so he won’t lose it. This is a premium machine, and you’ll be paying for that. Models begin at about $1400 on the Lenovo website.
e-Bike Kit – GeoOrbital Wheel – Does your Dad have an old bike sitting in the garage that he gave up using? Perhaps because the hills were just getting too tough? Well, with the GeoOrbital Wheel he can convert that bike into an e-bike in less than a minute by swapping out the front wheel for this unique re-invention of the wheel. It has no spokes, but does have a powerful motor and a hefty battery to carry Dad for anywhere from 20 to 50 miles. And it handles hills, no sweat. You can pre-order it now for August delivery at $499, a major discount from the intended retail price.
Multi-Room Music System – Raumfeld Stereo Cubes – These compact WiFi stereo speakers use a double bass reflex system that crank out 160 watts of power. The two identical speakers create an authentic stereo panorama. The multi-room enabled system supports a wide range of audio files, including lossless (Hi-Res). Dad can setup and control the system with a free smartphone app. These speakers have a broad range in a small package and are particularly strong at the lower end of the audio spectrum. The Stereo Cubes can also be used with other Raumfeld components like the One-S single speaker to create a multi-room system that allows him access to a variety of different sources in each room. Price for the pair is $699.00 at Amazon.com.
Hi-Res Music Player – Astell&Kern AK320 – For the Dad who is a consummate audiophile. The AK320 is described as a “more affordable flagship” music player, though it’s pricey by any standard. It comes with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well as a headphone connection. It also has an optical output so you can feed the digital input of your stereo system. It uses the same dual DAC system as its big brother, the almost doubly expensive AK 380. It plays just about every Hi-Res or Lossless music format, has a big touchscreen, and 128 GB of internal storage which can be doubled with an optional micro-SD card. Like other A&K models, this is machined from a solid block of aluminum. It’s available from Amazon.com for $1799.
Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Sony MDR-ABN100 – Whether Dad wants to listen to his Hi-Res audio player or music from his smartphone, he’s likely to make these Sony headphones a new traveling companion. These are part of Sony’s new h.ear on series. This particular set is Bluetooth enabled, NFC enabled for quick pairing, has active noise cancellation, and is Hi-Res audio compatible. Sony is also getting away from the basic black style, making these available in a range of bright colors. They are great traveling companions, and fold up after the journey. Price is $348 at Amazon.com.
Soundbar – Zvox Soundbase 350 – This system fits under your television and perhaps its best feature is its all-digital processing that adds clarity and impact to speech, video sound effects, and music. It’s a great sound system for a medium sized television and a small to medium room. And its compact cabinet is packed with performance and features like aptX Bluetooth reception, so you can stream music wirelessly from your phone or tablet. The Zvox PhaseCue virtual surround technology allows sound effects to fill Dad’s office or den. He’ll quickly forget that all the sound comes from only one compact cabinet. Like the best multi-cabinet sound systems, the SoundBase 350 has individual left, center, and right speakers, plus a 5.25″ powered subwoofer, all housed in a robust wood cabinet. It produces super-clear dialogue and smooth musical sound, from a system that works with his existing remote control. Available for $219.07 at Amazon.com.
Tablet Computer – Apple iPad Pro 9.7” Tablet – Harkening back to the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you might call the newest Apple iPad Pro the mama bear of tablets – not too big, not too small, but just right. And we think Dad’s going to love it. If you get him the smart keyboard cover, he can use the Pro 9.7” as a laptop replacement, though the keyboard maybe a little tight for that. However, if he is really interested in tablet sorts of things, this has a terrific screen, with new color technology that adjusts based on the lighting in the room. It has four speakers to create great sound when watching a video and it has the best camera ever put on an iPad, a 12 MP rear facing camera that can shoot 4K video. This tablet is likely to satisfy many of his computing needs, including the ability to video chat with his friends and grandkids. As is usual with Apple, pricing depends on the amount of memory and whether you get Dad a cellular plan. The 9.7” iPad Pro starts at $599 for a Wi-Fi only version with 32GB. It goes all the way up to $1029 for one with a cellular plan and 256GB.
GPS Golf Watch – Garmin Approach S20 – This multi-tasking watch can function as Dad’s everyday watch as well as his golfing companion. It combines elegant watchband design with high-resolution display and activity tracking. The AutoShot round analyzer measures and auto-records shot distances. The Approach 20 pairs with Garmin’s TruSwing™ sensor for metrics to improve Dad’s swing consistency. The CourseView feature automatically updates frequently played courses for free. And it also lets Dad receive smart notifications for incoming calls, texts, and other alerts. It comes preloaded with more than 40,000 courses around the world — plus automatic map updates and daily activity tracking. The Garmin Approach S20 is available at Amazon.com for $209.99.
Universal Remote Control – Logitech Harmony Elite – If Dad’s coffee table is strewn with remote controls, he’s going to enjoy having just one that will take control of almost everything. The Logitech Harmony Elite works with 270,000 different devices including televisions, Blu-ray disc players, connected thermostats, Roku boxes, Apple TV, and a lot more. He can control several devices at once by grouping them by activity, such as “Watch a movie.” There’s also an app for iOS and Android that will let him adjust his devices using a smartphone from anywhere in the world. Price at Amazon.com is $294.
Connected Thermostat – Honeywell Lyric Round Wi-Fi Thermostat – This is one of those devices that Dad would be able to control with his Logitech Harmony. It also works with Apple HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings. It’s a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat with a few extra features. It uses a smartphone app that tells the thermostat when he’s away from home so it can save energy. The app also lets the system know when Dad is heading home so it can make the house comfortable. The same app can also control other Honeywell products such as lighting. If Dad’s not into DIY, you should probably offer a helping hand for the installation, which will take a little time and patience. Available for about $170 on Amazon.com.
Connected Garage Door Opener – Chamberlain MyQ Garage – Does Dad sometimes leave the garage door open by mistake? This device runs with an app on his iOS or Android smartphone and will let him open or close the garage door from almost anywhere in the world, as long as it’s hooked up to your home network via Wi-Fi. It’s a breeze to install next to your existing garage door opener. The system comes with a Wi-Fi Hub, a door sensor, mounting bracket, and power cord. There are no monthly fees. It’s available from Amazon.com for about $90.
Document and Photo Scanner – Xerox DocuMate 3220 – If your Dad is one of the many who spend a lot of time in his home office, this is a good addition to help him with his work and to help him save his precious family memories. It’s a versatile automatic two-sided document scanner that can handle up to fifty sheets at a time. But it also has a flatbed scanner which is ideal for scanning those old family photographs into digital media to preserve them from the ravages of time. Price is $279 at Amazon.com.
Robotic Lawn Mower – Robomow RS612 – Give Dad the gift of freedom from mowing the lawn. Robomow has a series of robotic mowers for almost every lawn size. We tried out the RS612, designed for lawns ranging from 0-14.000 sqft (1/4 acre). It has a robust build, with large steel blades and souped-up ‘heavy-on-the grass’ motors to have Dad’s lawn trimmed, clipped, and looking pristine in a snap. The unit sits on a power pad, then goes off to do its work before returning to be recharged. A lot like Roomba for the lawn. Be forewarned, you will probably need to count on spending some quality “Dad time” to set this up. Just like an invisible fence for a dog, you need to run a wire around the perimeter of the lawn, and around flower beds and other obstacles. Available from Amazon.com for $1500.
Smart Outlets – ConnectSense Smart Outlet – The Smart Outlet features two internet-connected electrical sockets that enable Dad to control devices plugged into them using Siri Voice Control via his iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The design of the Smart Outlet fits over any existing standard North American electrical outlet and will enable Dad to automate his house simply and securely. With quick and easy installation, the Connect Sense Smart Outlet gives Dad greater command over his environment by allowing control and monitoring of everyday plug-in devices, such as lights, fans, televisions, and washing machines. The Smart Outlet features Apple Home Kit technology, which provides safe, end-to-end encryption. After installing the Connect Sense Smart Outlet, Dad will be able to configure it from any compatible app with a just a few simple steps and create custom scenes to control their home settings. It’s available from Amazon.com for $79.95.
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