Sony A7 Compact Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera – This breakthrough camera uses what’s known as a full frame sensor, considered the Holy Grail in digital cameras. What sets Sony’s apart is that it is the first “affordable” camera in the class and the lightest weight. It has just about all the bells and whistles you can think of. With a relatively inexpensive adapter Dad can use his legacy lenses from Nikon, Canon, and others to take advantage of the big sensor. Price is just about $1700 for the body only.
Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Touch 2014 – Lenovo’s Thinkpad line is the reference standard for lightweight, full-featured business laptops. The newest is the Lenovo Thinkpad X-1 Csrbon Touch 2014. It comes with some unique features including its top row of keys. Gone is the traditional row of almost useless function keys. In its place is a row of what Lenovo calls “adaptive keys”. The functionality of the keys will change according to which program Dad is using. It also has features to let him use gestures and voice commands. It’s all wrapped in a lightweight, durable carbon fiber case, which is about half the weight of magnesium cases. Prices begin at $1291.
Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 Tablet – This may be the best tablet yet for Boomers and Seniors. The vibrant screen has a 12.2″ crystal clear HD display. It weighs in at just 1.65 pounds, yet delivers an excellent reading, editing and viewing experience. We really like the ability to take notes using the intuitive “S” Pen™ and it also has enhanced multitasking, which allows you to simultaneously use four different applications side-by-side. The 64MB Wi-Fi only version is about $750.
Garmin Forerunner 15 GPS Running Watch with Heart Rate Capability – This is Garmin’s top of the line running watch, which tracks distance, pace, heart rate and calories. It has up to 8 hours of battery life with GPS on or 5 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode Forerunner 15 captures essential stats from Dad’s run like time, distance and pace. When paired with a heart rate strap, it also records his heart rate and heart rate zone so he’ll know when he’s hit his target. The Forerunner 15 will also track activity between runs, without wearing a separate activity tracking device. Forerunner 15 counts steps and the calories he burns all day. Forerunner 15 will also remind Dad when it’s time to move if he’s been sitting for more than an hour. Price $170.
Dragonfly DAC
Dragonfly DAC - If Dad enjoys the convenience of digital music but misses the bygone days of great vinyl records, but doesn’t want to spend thousands on new audio gear, the Dragonfly Digital Analog Converter from AudioQuest $139-$149) coupled with JRiver Media Center software ($50), provides a great way to get started in Hi-Res audio without breaking the bank. The Dragonfly DAC is basically a chipset on a USB stick that takes the digitally encoded audio files on his computer and converts them into an analog signal to pump into a set of headphones or a stereo pre-amp. The net effect is to deliver music that is stunningly superior to MP3 files on any headphones or speakers. Another advantage of using a system like this is that it allows him to rip his own CD’s at a higher quality than can be done through a standard desktop music player.
The Black & Decker BDCDE120C Drill/Driver -This power tool is ideal for drilling and driving screws though wood, metal, and plastic. This drill features Autosense Technology that drives most screws flush on the first try. It is Black and Decker’s most compact cordless drill ever. The 20-volt max system uses a Lithium-ion battery that holds a charge up to 18 months. It has a built-in LED work light that illuminates the surface for easier drilling in dark places. Price is about $80.
Audio Technica Quiet Point Headphones ATH-ANC70 – If Dad flies a lot, works in a noisy office, or simply loves the stillness of a silent reprieve, these Audio Technica noise cancelling headphones provide a listening experience free from distractions. The ATH-ANC70 QuietPoint® active noise-cancelling headphones are lightweight and compact to effectively reduce distracting background noise by up to 90%, while offering the quality reputation that goes with the Audio-Technica line. Closed-back headphones deliver clear, high-resolution sound, with intense bass, a detailed mid-range, and extended treble. When used with a smartphone, Dad can simply press the illuminated logo-button on the earcup to take a phone call or to return to music or silence. A high-sensitivity mic has been built into the earcup, rather than the cable, for improved speech clarity and volume. Price is about $200.
Samsung Galaxy s-5 smartphone – Samsung’s newest flaghip phone has a lot going for it. It’s got a brilliant 5.1″ HD display. It has built in fitness functions including the first smartphone we’ve seen with a built-in heart rate monitor. It has a great camera with lots of software features that mean you might not need to carry a standalone camera again. In order to save power if you’re on the road for a while it has a maximum power saving setting. It’s dustproof and water resistant, so Dad won’t have to worry about it dropping into the sink or other bathroom fixture. Price for a two year contract with either AT&T or Verizon is just about $200.
Ventev Glide Case - To protect Dad’s new Galaxy S5 you might consider the new all leather glide case from Ventev. Also available in a choice of colors for the Apple iPhone 5, these cases are cleverly designed with a piece of elastic at the bottom. Dad can slide his phone in and secure it with the magnetic latch. Then release the latch, and the phone instantly slides up about 1/2″ making it easy to gtab. Price is just about $40.
Members Only Cellphone Holster - Another unique way for Dad to carry his smartphone is in this cellphone holster. It has separate detachable pockets that can hold keys, glasses, smartphones, or other devices. It’s designed to fit under a blazer or jacket. The leather holster comes in two colors, chocolate and black, and in two sizes, medium and large. Price – $91 for the medium, and $105 for the large.
Nyne Cruiser Bluetooth Speaker – If Dad likes to take his music with him, the rugged Nyne Cruiser speaker is an ideal traveling companion. Adjustable handlebar mounting clips lets Dad take his tunes on a leisurely bike ride or a humdrum gym workout. He can use the carabiner to clip the Cruiser onto your backpack for a hike. The two-tone rubberized finish protects against spills or raindrops. The versatile NYNE Cruiser also features a 10-hour rechargeable battery, state-of-the-art NFC technology, and a built-in noise-canceling microphone for hands-free calling. Price – between $70 and $80.
Extreme Beam Flashlight TAC24 SR3 -This is a heavy duty flashlight that will let Dad face the dark with confidence indoors or out. The bright 1200 foot beam will let him see down the road or through the woods in even the most challenging circumstances. It has three modes: high, low, and strobe. It was designed for use across many applications from hunting or hiking, to search & rescue and patrol. The TAC24 Series is one of the most compact, yet powerful lights ever produced. With its anti-glare, stealth coated, aircraft aluminum body and ruggedly dependable shockproof design, a TAC24 flashlight can withstand just about anything. Price roughly $95 as a standalone, or about $160 for the rechargeable bundle.
Samson C01U Pro Microphone - Whether for chatting from his desktop, doing a YouTube video or recording a family history, Dad will enjoy the superb quality of the professional grade USB condenser microphone, which doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Sound quality has often suffered with desktop audio, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The CO1U Pro adds a headphone output for no delaymonitoring and an improved signal-to-noise ratio to ensure the natural warmth and detail of vocal and instrumental performances are captured in your recordings. Perhaps best of all, you can give Dad one of the best USB mikes we’ve heard for the very modest price of just about $80.
BBQ Dragon Fire Supercharger - If Dad is also the family grill master, he’ll be able to get the job done with less fuss and in less time. The Dragon reduces the start time of charcoal grills to less than ten minutes. Charcoal grills are now ready faster than gas. He’ll also be able to use it to quickly and easily start: fireplaces, fire pits, campfires, smokers, and wood stoves. The Dragon is AA battery-powered, and has a USB charging port for optional rechargeables. It also works hands-free, and clips to any grill. Price – just about $50.
iGrill Mini - This is a meat thermometer that works over Bluetooth, so it keeps track of your meat while you keep an eye on your smartphone instead of running to open the oven, or sticking a thermometer into beef on the grill. It features a Smart LED, proximity sensor, extended battery life of 150 hours and magnetic mounting. There’s also a new app to connect to your iGrillmini. The iDevices Connected app is available for free in the App Store. One caution. the iGrill mini is only iOS compatible, not Android. Price, $40.