PC World - Dads and Grads Gift Guide 2008

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August 27, 2008

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Gifts on the Go!

Find the perfect gift for the Dad or Grad in your life.

A Word From Our Editor

Ramon McLeod, Editor, PCWorld.com
Finding the right technology gift for this season's big moments can be a challenge, but the expert buying guides and reviews you'll find here will help you make the right purchase at the right price. Inside, you'll find the best of show for the products that are sure to put a smile on the faces of those closest to you. Whether you're surprising Dad or your recent grad, we have products ranging from the practical to the entertaining the just plain fun. And this is a great time to get a cool technology product as many companies begin phasing out older lines for the new products they'll be touting later in the year. There are bargains out there, but become informed and prepared with our expert information.

Top Products

Notebooks

With the wide variety of laptops available, your lifestyle -- or the person you're shopping for -- should be the starting point in determining what you buy. Do you travel a lot? Are you rough with your stuff?

Apple iPod Touch

The iPod Touchs beautiful design, useful apps, touch screen, and built-in Wi-Fi outweigh minor audio-quality issues.

GPS

The boom in GPS devices has sent prices crashing below $150, but before you go for the lowest-price model, consider that you can get many useful safety features if you're willing to spend a bit more.

Cell Phones/Smart Phones

Apple's iPhone may be generating a lot of buzz, but it's certainly not the only smart phone around. These days, nearly all cell phones do more than simply make calls: they let you check e-mail, surf the Web, play MP3s, and--in some cases--edit documents.

Desktops

Today, even the lowest-of-the-low-end system can perform everyday tasks like browsing the Web, e-mail and word processing; so $1000 or less will buy a Value Desktop that suits most people's needs.

Digital Cameras

This year many pocket-size point-and-shoot models are available in snazzy colors--red, black, pink, blue, and purple, so you don't have to settle for a boring old silver one.

Printers

For snap happy families interested in producing 4-by-6 photos away from the PC, new snapshot models include surprising features like 3.6-inch displays and tempting prices starting at $100.

Gadgets, Gear & Games

Looking for cool gear? You've come to the right place. We've assembled some of the snazziest gear around, from the useful to the gee-whiz gadgets that the tech fiend on your shopping list is clamoring for.