We are in the gizmo generation. This can be a good or a bad thing when you are looking for a gift for today’s tech-savvy grads.
The good thing is that there is a wide range of gadgets that can be a great gift for a grad. The bad is that the sheer quantity of options means settling on one can be somewhat nerve wracking.
This list of 10 is by no means unanimous but can get you on the right path to getting a perfect gift for a grad.
1. iPad2
No surprises there. The iPad took the tablet market by storm and has become one of the most discussed gadgets. It does not replace a laptop but has numerous capabilities that grads will find handy as they prepare for the next phase in their life.
A convenient tool for job searching, resume tweaking and eBook reading.
2. JBL OnBeat
Instantly convert your iPad2 into a powerful boom box using the easily portable JBL OnBeat.
What makes JBL OnBeat exceptional is that it is not limited to the iPad2. The universal connector can just as easily dock an iPhone or an iPod.
3. Toshiba Satellite E305
The iPad2 is great but can still not replace a laptop. From one of the most trusted laptop brands comes the Satellite E305.
A 14-inch screen, Wireless Display 2.0, USB 3.0 and Blu-Ray player will leave you wondering why it is still considered a budget laptop.
4. iPod Touch
Another Apple gadget just had to make the list. Despite the phenomenal performance of the iPhone and the iPad, the iPod is still a popular product in its own right.
The iPod Touch of course is a class above earlier iPods and is effectively an iPhone minus the phone function.
5. HTC Droid Incredible
The iPhone was simply dominant in the smartphone market, but that was until Google’s Android smart phone OS came along and crashed the party.
The HTC Droid Incredible is one of the best Android phones in the market and can go toe to toe with the iPhone in several respects.
6. Sennheiser CX 880i
Sennheiser is considered by some as the de facto standard in headsets. The Sennheiser’s CX 880i has an inline remote that allows one to adjust volume, skip tracks and answer calls without having to fiddle with your phone.
This is a great accessory to make hands-free calls and enjoy your music in high-fidelity sound.
7. Squeezebox Radio
Download or stream and listen to music from virtually any online source – from Rhapsody and Sirius to Pandora and Slacker.
Logitech’s Squeezebox Radio’s look and feel is a throwback to older radios that is easy on the eyes and retro enough to look cool in any home.
The radio is a Wi-Fi powered so you will need a wireless connection for streaming.
8. Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera
Smart phones have gradually been taking over the function of pocket cameras, but there is still a place for specialized devices like cameras. smartphones sacrifice too many options for the amateur photographer.
The Kodak Zi8 can capture a wide screen 1080 High Definition video and still fit snugly in your jeans pocket.
9. 250GB Xbox 360 Console with Kinect
It does not have to be all work and no play for new grads.
Get them an Xbox 360 which can be combined with Microsofts new Kinect accessory and help your grad get back in shape.
This powerful Xbox also provides access to TV and movies on the Xbox live portal. If you’re buying your grad a new laptop, take advantage of Microsoft’s deal where you buy a Windows-powered PC and get an Xbox for free.
10. NotePal X2 from Cooler Master
Cool your laptop with this intuitive, easy to use and light gadget. You can place it on your lap or on the desk then position your laptop on top of it and power it using your computer’s USB ports.
Say goodbye to the roaring sound of your straining internal laptop fan and burned thighs. This baby will not only keep your laptop cool, but also your lap.
So what are you getting your graduate this year? If you find that some of these items are out of your price range or the grad already has the gadget, you may want to look into accessories that complement these gadget.
