Travel Tips

Gadget Guru on Gifts, Gadgets and iPhone Apps for Dads and Grads

Peter Greenberg Worldwide

A Student StudiesDon’t know what to get for dad or those soon-to-be-unemployed grads?  

Gadget guru Phil Baker offers top choices in gadget gifts from the world of technology and beyond.

So whether you’ve got a globe-trotting dad or a student of international relations, these Father’s Day and graduation season gadget gifts may be just what they need.

CC WiFi Radio

Weighing in at just a pound, the CC WiFi is one of the smallest and easiest-to-use tabletop Internet radios available. It tunes into 16,000 radio stations from around the world, with very good sound quality.

Wi-Fi RadioIt also has 99 memory presets, remote control, an alarm clock, and an Ethernet port for a wired network connection. Compared to others I’ve tried, it’s more effective in connecting to a Wi-Fi router in another part of the house. $159; www.ccrane.com

Leica D-Lux 4

This is ultimate small camera for its superb image quality and Leica-quality finish, and it’s become the favorite second camera of many photographers (their primary choice is usually a more complex digital single-lens reflex camera).

While it’s based on the similar, but lower-priced Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3, its own image-tuning software and the lens produce exceptional images. It has a Leica-designed f2.0 lens, a 2.5x zoom starting at a wide 24mm, which creates beautiful low-light scenes. I bought one six months ago and carry it with me everywhere. $700; https://en.leica-camera.com

Boingo

A $10 monthly subscription to Boingo provides unlimited accesses to more than 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, including AT&T, Wayport, iBahn, T-Mobile, and other networks. Its nifty software identifies a compatible network and connects you in seconds without needing to sign in. www.Boingo.com

Circa NotebooksCirca Notebooks

Circa’s popular notebooks offer the unique ability to keep your notes organized with its removable pages that come in a variety of sizes. You can move pages around in each notebook, or transfer pages from one size to another. There’s a wide variety of leather covers, as well. $16 and up. www.levenger.com

Tell Me More Language Learning

Tell Me More’s v9 language learning software for the PC is a great way to learn a second language. It offers a variety of speech, writing, grammar, and comprehension activities. The product also includes cultural workshops and authentic content to truly immerse the student in the experience of a native speaker.  Spanish, English, French, Italian, German,  Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, and English for kids. $210-$400 for a complete 10-level course; www.tellmemorestore.com

Flip Ultra HDThe Flip UltraHD

This generation of the Flip is among the best of the new simple-to-use pocket camcorders. Compared to earlier models, it has a wider-angle lens and works better in low light. The camcorder easily connects to your computer or TV to send or play back, and works on rechargeable or regular AA batteries. $200; www.theflip.com

Skooba Checkthrough Brief

Skooba is one of the originators of the check-through bag—eliminating the need to remove your computer when passing through a TSA checkpoint—and it’s still the best available. Unlike others, the bag and all of its contents can be carried securely with or without the hinge zipped shut. Once through the checkpoint, the traveler can simply pick up the bag and move on. It has an intelligent array of pockets of all sizes, holds more than other similarly sized bags, is very well made, and is extremely lightweight. $109; www.skoobadesign.com

Garmin Nuvi 260Garmin Nüvi 260 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Available for as little as $100, this compact GPS is ideal for travelers. The 260 model combines a thin profile with directions spoken in real street names. It uses maps that let you search by name for more than 6 million points of interest, such as stores, restaurants or hospitals. www.garmin.com

Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack

This is the perfect carrying solution for the photographer who prefers a backpack, but wants quick access to the gear, and wants to carry a laptop. Tamrac’s dual-access system provides access through a side door when the pack is worn over one shoulder. It holds a DSLR camera, three lenses, flash unit, and accessories. A foam-padded compartment holds laptops up to 17 inches. $120; www.Tamrac.com

BlueLounge Organizers

Cable BoxBlueLounge makes a variety of clever products that all have similar characteristics: they organize the clutter around your gadgets, wires and adapters; they’re attractively designed; and they really work. Take a look at The Sanctuary ($129), The Space Station ($80) and the just-released Cable Box ($30). I’ve been using each of them to organize my devices and hide my chargers and wires on my desk. I love the simplicity of their designs. The Sanctuary is a high-tech update of the dresser tray to deposit your wallet, watch, coins, and keys at night. But it also contains a built-in charger that works with nearly every device. The Cable Box hides a power strip and all the cords and chargers under a shoebox-size container. Father’s Day gifts that Mom will love! www.bluelounge.com

ION iTTUSB 05 USB Turntable

This is a simple and affordable solution for transferring your vinyl record collection to CDs for preservation, as well as importing the songs into your iPod. It easily connects to a PC or Mac computer with a USB connection. The included software makes the process a snap. About $8.

M-ClipThe M-Clip money clip

A favorite item from an earlier review, this elegant money and credit-card clip makes a great gift for both dad and grads. It has greater capacity and less bulk than any other money clip or wallet on the market. It comes in a variety of metals and finishes, with prices ranging from under $100 to over $200. www.M-clip.com

iPhone/iPod Apps

For all of those with iPhones and iPod Touches, here are some applications that dads and grads might appreciate. Apple sells gift cards from their online store at www.apple.com:

  • Graduation Countdown: Add your own graduation pictures and countdown to the big day! $1.99
  • Jobs: Perfect for the new graduate, CareerBuilder gives you the easiest way to search for jobs and find your future career. Free
  • iTie: Keep it professional. The iTie application gives you a step-by-step guide to tying your tie in order to look slick in the office. Free
  • The Masters Golf Tournament: The official app and your guide to the masters. Follow scores and watch live streaming video. Free
  • GreenFinder: Play golf on Father’s Day with this application. Using the iPhone’s built in GPS, GreenFinder determines the exact distance to the green. $34.99
  • GolfCard: GolfCard uses satellite pictures of more than 20,000 courses worldwide to determine your distance from the green. Keep track of your score and analyze your game with previous rounds. $19.99
  • iXpenseIt: Simplify daily expense tracking and manage your family’s budget any where you go. $4.99
  • Bloomberg: The most trusted financial report is now available on your iPhone. Get the latest financial news and create a customized list of the most important stocks from markets around the world. Free
  • Gas Cubby • MPG & Car Maintenance: Track your gas mileage and vehicle maintenance to keep your car running at its best. $3.99
  • iFitness: Take your workout plan with you with iFitness. The application features pictures and instructions of various exercises to get you in the best shape ever. $1.99
  • MLB.com At Bat 2009: Get real-time scores, speed and pitch data, and video highlights. $9.99
  • Heart Monitor: Heart Monitor is a real monitor on your iPhone. The application listens to your heartbeat and measures your heart rate. $3.99

By Phil Baker for PeterGreenberg.com. You can read Phil’s blog at blog.philipgbaker.com, and check out his new book, From Concept to Consumer: How to Turn Ideas into Money.

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