Looking for some cool new gear to capitalize on those manly urges? There’s a little something for every kind of guy on our list: The athletic type, the music junkie, the self-appointed beer connoisseur. Whoever you are, we got you covered. Here are our top picks for some of the best gadgets for men that money can buy.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 Headphones – $350
Audio-Technica rarely disappoints, and these over-the-ear headphones are no exception. The excellent design combined with soft, faux-leather memory foam ear pads make for a comfy, snug fit. And the sound? Absolutely superb with or without noise cancelling engaged. These professional headphones are great for any guy who likes quality audio at home or on the road.
Eton Boost Turbine – $60
If the Mayan calendar holds true, the end of the world is upon us. The Boost Turbine is a nifty way to keep your electronics alive and well during any power outage, apocalypse-induced or not. The durable power pack features a sleek aluminum body, LED charge indicator, and a Micro-USB DC input that is compatible with most standard phone charges. Oh, and in case you want a little workout on the side, the device can also charge gadgets via a hand-powered crank in addition to a lithium ion battery. How’s that for manly?
Fitbit One – $100
One of two new devices in the Fitbit lineup, the One is a dramatic improvement over its predecessor, the Fitbit Ultra. The small fitness device clips onto your clothing and tracks your various daily activities including the amount of calories burned, steps taken, and overall sleep quality. You can also access all this data with a free Web account on Fitbit.com or the Fitbit app to analyze activity trends. The rechargeable battery can last up one week on a single charge so you can clip it on and go. Check out our Fitbit One coverage to get a better idea of how it works.
JBL OnBeat Xtreme – $430
The JBL OnBeat Xtreme is your one-stop option for the best all-around iPod speaker dock. The sound quality is fantastic, whether your device is docked or streamed over Bluetooth, and the speaker is solidly built to stand the test of time. The addition of a ⅛-inch auxiliary input makes it compatible with pretty much anything that has an analog audio output, and the built-in microphone allows you to take calls while playing your favorite tunes. Be forewarned though: You may want to lower that music volume before accepting a call. Take a look at our in-depth OnBeat Xtreme review for a closer look at the speaker.
Google Nexus 7 (16 GB, WiFi) – $200
The Apple iPad may be the most popular tablet, but it’s not the only option out there. The Nexus 7 is equipped with a top-notch processer, gorgeous UI, and a screen to write home about. While we would love to see the addition of a rear-facing camera and a more robust app selection, the quality and coupled Google integration make the tablet a sheer standout in the Android market. Besides, that price is just too difficult to argue. Why not check out our Google Nexus 7 review for all the details?
3M Streaming Projector By Roku – $300
Everyone likes an enormous TVs — especially men. Where else are we supposed to play Call of Duty:Black Ops or watch Sunday’s game? A portable projector capable of 120 inches of screen real estate is exactly what you need. The tiny device can stream Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Instant Video, and it runs off a built-in rechargeable battery so you can forget about wires. The set also comes with a single HDMI port that houses the included Roku Streaming stick. Be sure to check out our 3M Streaming Projector review for more information. Sorry, popcorn is not included.
Clicker Bottle Opening Universal Remote – $13
Need we say more? The handy gadget is programmed with more than 800 factory pre-sets, houses a built-in bottle opener, and can control up to eight devices without ever leaving your couch. It’s also one of the cheapest universal remotes on the market and is compatible with most major cable and satellite dish boxes.
Apple iMac (27-inch) – $1,800
Apple’s newest version of its iconic iMac ranks among the best all-in-one PCs. The 27-inch IPS LCD display is simply breathtaking, the Intel Core i5 processor remarkable, and the industrial design top-notch. It boots up quick, remains quiet, and is a joy to use whether you’re working or playing. While it may be a bit more expensive than similarly equipped PCs, it’s certainly not a letdown for the money. Let our glowing Apple iMac review shine a little more light on the subject if you’re still hesitant. If you’re working with a slightly smaller budget, consider the 21.5-inch iMac.
Nikon Coolpix P7100 – $500
There’s a thin line between simplicity and complexity — and the Coolpix P7100 can’t quite make up its mind about which side it’s on. The hardware is impressive and the advanced customizable options allow the savvier user more leeway when it comes to shooting control. More importantly, the image quality is superb for a 10.1-megapixel CCD sensor, and the images retain the natural color saturation and hue that Nikon has become known for. Check out our Coolpix P7100 review for more details.
iGrill Bluetooth Meat Thermometer – $80
The simple Bluetooth-enabled thermometer rod wirelessly beams the temperature of the meat directly to your iOS device so you don’t have to check the oven every 15 minutes. It also doubles as a kitchen timer and offers temperature suggestions for those who skipped out on the latest episode of your favorite cooking show. It’s a neat way to simultaneously make your momma proud while impressing the ladies with your perfectly cooked steak.
What do you think of our best gadgets for men picks? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below.
