Get Dad the gadgets he’s been waiting for all year with our Father’s Day Gift Guide for 2011.
Of all the holidays, Father’s Day is the one when Dad expects to get something he actually wants. And let’s face it: What he wants is some sweet new tech. But with all the great gadgets out there, narrowing down the possibilities to a solid short list can prove daunting, even for the most prepared gift givers amongst us. Luckily for you, we’ve already done most of the work. Here, the 10 best tech-centric gifts for every type of dad.
iGrill digital thermometer & iOS app, $99
…for dads who love to cook
The iGrill turns pop’s BBQ into a veritable space ship of outdoor cuisine creation. Used as a stand-alone device, iGrill serves as a digital thermometer that adds a splash of 21st Century style to the grilling operation. But fire up the Bluetooth-connected iGrill app on an iPhone or iPad, and a world of useful features reveals itself. The multiple-meat temperature monitoring system allows the chef to cook everyone’s cut to his or her exact specifications. A highly handy “estimated time to completion” function makes serving all the food hot at the same time a breeze. And if your old man gets caught up in an exaggerated fishing story, an alarm will sound through both the app and the iGrill device, just to make sure he doesn’t have to deal with an over-done T-bone.
Scottevest SeV Revolution Plus gadget jacket, $200
…for dads who travel
One of the few bad things about the wealth of spectacular gadgets now available to the modern man is lugging the dang things around. The SeV Revolution Plus gadget vest from Scottevest just makes that problem go away. Packing a whopping 26 various-sized pockets, the SeV Revolution Plus’ meticulous design lets dad carry everything from car keys to a water bottle to an iPad 2, all without looking ridiculously bulgy or uncomfortably weighed down. The waterproof and breathable jacket is insulated enough for a snowboard trip to the Rockies. And the zip-off sleeves enable it to quickly transform into a vest for warmer conditions. The jacket’s “Personal Area Network” hides all his pesky wires, and the collar loops make it simple to stow away his headphones. In short: This is the only jacket dad will ever need.
Dyson DC35 Digital Slim cordless vacuum cleaner, $299
…for tidy dads
Dyson vacuums are the Ferraris of the cleaning world. Even the laziest of fathers will be clamoring to do some neatening up once they bask in the awesomeness of the Dyson Digital Slim. At the heart of this cordless vacuum is a digital motor that Dyson says “spins up to 3 times faster than a conventional motor,” which keeps the power usage down for longer battery life. The patented “Root Cyclone” technology creates a vortex of suction for the ultimate clean. And the versatile design makes the Digital Slim the perfect cleansing tool for the living room or the garage. Just don’t let mom find out he has one, or he’ll never see it again.
GL1 vehicle diagnostics cable, $100
…for DIY dads
Back when dad was in his fun-having years, regular human begins could actually work on cars themselves. These days, with the addition of on-board computers that run and monitor every aspect of an engine, it takes tools that cost more than the car itself just to figure out what’s gone wrong. With the GL1 vehicle diagnostics cable for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch devices, Senior gets the power of a modern garage right on his mobile device. Simply plug the GL1 into the iOS gadget on one end, and into the computer of any US model car made after 1996, and the mystery of the “check engine” light is solved in an instant.
Apple iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi-only version, $499
…for dads who have everything
There are a lot of tablets out there, but none of them offer the ease of use and massive array of apps provided by Apple’s iPad 2. And let’s face it: Apps are what make tablets worth having. Lovers of Google’s Android operating system might say that the Motorola Xoom is a better choice. For some, it most certainly is. But at only $499, the 16GB Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad 2 delivers more bells, whistles and battery life than anyone can shake a stick at. Plus, with the upcoming iOS 5 update, dad can do everything from back up files to share pictures to listen to his favorite oldies stress-free with the iPad 2. Want to give him a little extra? Upgrade to a 3G model — but be warned: The added connectivity will cost pops a hefty bundle in the long run. And besides, he’s probably just going to use it on the couch, anyway. We say don’t bother coughing up the extra cash.
Check out our Apple iPad 2 review.
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