Father’s Day Gift Ideas For The Tech Dad

By dcmediadesign • Creativity, Education, Style, Technology • 14 Jun 2012

If your dad is anything like mine, he is practical, giving, kind, and love all things involving technology.  Keywords here are “practical” and “technology“.

Although he may tell you not to get him anything for Father’s Day because it’s just another Hallmark holiday, do not be mistaken.  This is the opportunity to show him that you know that this could very well be considered the Tech-Gadget Christmas for Father’s.

So below, check out these great Father’s Day gift ideas that are perfectly practical for tech, photo and gadget loving dads.

Verbatim Store ‘n’ Stay USB Drive

Verbatim designed these tiny drives to stay in a laptop USB drive without the worry of something sticking out.

USB

It’s impossible to add extra storage to the 64GB Apple MacBook Air without hardware dissection. Adding an ordinary USB flash drive works, but most of them stick out too far to keep in the computer all the time.

Verbatim solves this problem with a tiny drive that stays in the USB port all the time. There’s no need to worry about it catching on a bag when traveling. The drive comes in sizes from 4GB to 16GB.

Amazon – 16GB for $15.16

Joby Gorillapod

Shutterbugs on the go love this versatile tripod that holds a camera in place in almost any environment.

JobyGorillaPod

Taking a sharp photo or a group shot that dad is still part of is easy with the Joby Gorillapod. The original Gorillapod comes in one of ten colors and holds smaller point-and-shoot cameras and with a special attachment it holds a smartphone too. The legs bend around bars, car doors or stand upright on a flat surface. If dad use a larger DSLR camera then opt for one of the larger Gorillapods. If dad’s a more serious photographer, he’ll love this Joby Gorillapod Focus with Ballhead X bundle at Amazon for $113. That’s what I’m getting for my Father’s Day gift.

Amazon – starting at $11.50 for lightweight version

Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android and iPad

A great Bluetooth keyboard with models designed for both iOS and Android devices.

We reviewed this last year and then I recommended it as part of our keyboard roundup earlier this year on this great little keyboard. Logitech makes one that includes keystrokes for iPad and one for Android, but they work the same so get one and share them between the two. I use mine with my iPad and my Samsung Galaxy Note.

It has great feel and the spacing works for touch typists. It’s not limited by the width of the iPad. It comes in a handy carrying case that doubles as a stand for a tablet or smartphone.

Amazon – $52.99 for iPad and $53.42 for Android

Roku 2 Digital Media Player

Like the Apple TV but with more media playing options for less.

roku-2-xs-1080p-streaming-player

Most people know about the Apple TV, but I think the Roku system offers a better selection of media playing features, especially for users who aren’t heavily into Apple.

It hooks up to an HDTV via HDMI or Component Video and offers Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, plus dozens of other niche video and audio options. It’s also possible to put home movies on a USB drive to watch.

Best Buy – $69.99 to $99.99

Apple TV

A great little add-on for the HDMI enabled HDTV with movie and sports streaming.

appletv

The Apple TV brings simple streaming to a TV. Watch movies and TV shows from iTunes or rent them directly. Apple also delivers Netflix and other great streaming content. Sports fans love the ability to watch Major League Baseball, NHL and NBA games out of market.

If Dad owns an iPad, iPhone or Mac, then he can stream content from the device to the Apple TV over Wi-Fi. It works great as a way to enjoy movie collections when he hooks it up to a Stereo receiver via the HDMI or Optical Audio output.

Apple – $99

Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation ($79.95)

mophie_juice_pack_620x480
If your pappy never goes anywhere without his smartphone or tablet, I’m pretty sure he has run into situations where his mobile devices have flat lined when he needed them most. Charging items four times faster than conventional USB batteries, the powerstation can simultaneously charge a smartphone and a tablet, and is portable enough, fitting nicely in Dad’s back pocket. This Mophie device is the perfect gift for that father that absolutely depends on his gadgets to keep him connected at all times. (Raises hand.)

Kensington Expert Multi-Angle Folio & Keyboard for iPad ($99.99)

KensingtonKeyFolioBluetooth_620x480
If Dad would prefer to take his iPad versus his laptop on trips, but still wants to get work done, the KeyFolio Bluetooth keyboard case from Kensington can make that possible. Tripling as an iPad case, stand, and Bluetooth keyboard, it is compatible with all three versions of the iPad. He can toggle between landscape and portrait view, or reposition the case to lock into several different angles. So whether your father is sitting at a desk, or has no choice but to prop his iPad on his lap, the KeyFolio case can adjust to fit his needs.

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