Technology can make a perfect Father's Day gift, whether it's filling a need or for having fun. Here are eight ways to show him how much you care:
Best Dad in the World App
This great, illustrated book of quotes and vignettes on what it means to be a father is available as an e-book app for iPhone, iPod Touch and BlackBerry devices. Contributors include Bill Cosby, Queen Victoria, Nicolas Cage and Mark Twain.
Price: $4.99 on iTunes, $9.99 on BlackBerry App World
Adidas miCoach Pacer
If Dad is looking to get in shape or get get his game on, the Adidas miCoach Pacer has a heart rate-based training program for him. The Pacer monitors his heart rate and provides real-time auditory feedback to keep him on pace. Adidas has sport-specific programs for running, tennis, soccer, football and basketball. There's also a strength-training program that will walk him through exercises using gym equipment. This is the device I use every time I go to the gym.
Price: $139 on ShopAdidas.com
Olympus XZ-1
For the Dad that loves photography, take his pocket shooter up a notch with the Olympus XZ-1. It combines great low-light capability, full manual control and a beautiful 3-inch OLED display. Add to that responsive and accurate zoom control and full manual control, the XZ-1 is closer to a digital SLR than a standard compact camera.
Price: $499.99 on OlympusAmerica.com
iGrill
If Dad loves to grill, the iGrill is a perfect grilling companion. It operates as a stand-alone thermometer and will sound an alarm when the food is ready. It also pairs with an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad via Bluetooth for an extended range, up to 200 feet, according to the company — so he can hang out with family while the food is cooking. The iGrill supports two probes (one is included).
Price: $99.99 on iGrillInc.com
Hex Vision Metal Watchband
With its 1.5-inch-body and analog watch app, the Apple iPod nano (6th generation) makes a very cool watch when clipped into this attractive stainless steel band. The band comes in silver as well as a darker gunmetal.
Price: $69.95 on Apple.com
iLuv iCK826 Case for iPad 2
If Dad has an iPad 2, the iLuv iCK826 provides both protection and productivity. On the inside there's a Bluetooth keyboard for those times when he needs to get real work done. When it's all play, he can simply detach the keyboard and leave it at home.The leatherette case has a built-in stand for easy viewing at his preferred height.
Price: $129.99 on i-luv.com
Panasonic Viera TC-P55GT30 55-inch HDTV
Has dad been hinting he'd like to watch the FIFA World Cup in 3-D? Give him a great 3-D TV: the GT30. It's also one of the best 2-D TVs, with all the contrast, deep blacks, subtle shading, fast response and wide-viewing angle you'd expect from plasma. Plus Viera Connect delivers movies from Netflix and Amazon, sports programming like MLB.TV, Twitter and Facebook, as well as games and fitness apps.
Price: $1,699.97 on Amazon.com
SodaStream Fizz
Whether it's a refreshing soda or a splash of seltzer for his favorite cocktail, the SodaStream Fizz ensures his favorite non-alcoholic carbonated beverage is always fresh and on hand (a gas gauge tells you when you're running low on CO2). The Fizz carbonates 1 liter of tap water in its plastic bottle and then dad can add his favorite flavor. Choose from dozens of SodaStream varieties, including cola, tonic, fruit flavors, teas and energy drinks. Creative dads can even concoct their own syrups.
Price: $149 on SodaStreamUSA.com
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