Gifts for the techie dad: Father’s Day 2017 Australian gift guide

It’s always hard shopping for Dad and the temptation is often just to make a beeline for the latest power tool or the best barbie. But we reckon there’s a different tack you can take – getting him a cool gadget and you can help the grown man relax and feel like boy wonder  instead. 

For this year’s gift guide, we’ve skipped the boring bits — you won’t find any recommendations for the best power pack or the best storage devices — and instead, we’ve rounded up the coolest gizmos at a range of different price points, so you can get your father something special to best match his personality.

So start planning and get shopping as, this year, Father’s Day is on Sunday, September 3.

For the hardworking dad

• Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch; 2017 edition): Gift dad the “touch of genius” with Apple’s latest 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. Replacing the function keys at the top of the keyboard, the Touch Bar gives him the power to customise how he uses his laptop. The newest 13-inch Retina display MacBook Pro is incredibly light, thin and comes with a 227ppi screen at a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. With 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory and an Intel Core i5 processor, there’s plenty under the chassis to keep dad’s work flowing smoothly. It admittedly costs a pretty penny, but you can find a good deal that’s lower than its usual RRP of $2,699.
• Dell XPS 13 2-in-1: This is the smallest 13-inch 2-in-1 from Dell and it features an QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) InfinityEdge display that will give dad an almost edge-to-edge screen. Highly portable, with the promise of up to 8 hours of battery life, this sleek silver 2-in-1 comes in various configurations with prices starting at $2,299, but if you’d like to get dad the model with the most bang for buck, we’d recommend the Intel Core i7 CPU/512GB SSD/16GB RAM. It costs $2,799 on Dell’s website, but if you purchase it before August 31, you can save $148 on the machine by snagging one from 13 IT for $2,650.
• ASUS ZenBook UX430 laptop: Don’t judge this little beauty of laptop by its smaller price. The ASUS ZenBook UX430 features a vibrant 14-inch 1080p display squeezed into a well-crafted 13-inch chassis, making it ultraportable and lightweight. Under the hood is an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage. The ZenBook UX430 is priced at an affordable $1,399 and makes for an excellent ultrabook.
• Gigabyte Aero 14: If your Dad is one of the many that enjoys his weekend gaming, then the slim and lightweight 14-inch Aero 14 from Gigabyte is a great option to satisfy those gaming needs. The QHD (2,560 x 1,440) anti-glare display tilts back a whopping 190 degrees and comes equipped with an 2.8GHz-3.8GHz Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. And, of course, there’s a 6GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card that can drive games along at a steady clip. The Gigabyte Aero 14 is available at Mwave for $2,499.
• Apple iPad Pro (10.5-inch): Apple has finally produced a tablet that could possibly replace a MacBook if Dad ever needs to get work sorted while on the move. And the Cupertino firm has also managed to cram the best of everything into the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro – great audio, an amazing screen and plenty of power. The iPad Pro is now an entertainment hub that flips to become a mobile work station. The cheapest 10.5-inch model has an RRP of $979, but it’s available for just $881 at Officeworks.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S3: This is by far the best Android tablet till date, with Samsung adding an HDR-ready screen to keep your on-the-go entertainment looking vibrant and sounding just as good with four speakers placed around the body. Included in the box is the S Pen, but dad will have to shell out a bit more if he wants to use it as a 2-in-1 as a keyboard isn’t included. The 9.7-inch Galaxy Tab S3 is priced at $949 for the Wi-Fi-only model and $1,099 for the one with 4G capabilities, but a bit of hunting around could see you save some dosh on this amazing tablet.
• Microsoft Surface Pro: Microsoft has dropped model numbers for the latest avatar of the Surface Pro, but has revamped the motherboard, added a larger battery, updated the Intel CPU and redesigned the cooling system. So allow dad to unleash his creative streak by getting him the brand new Microsoft Surface Pro with prices starting at $1,199.

For the communicative dad

• Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: If you think dad needs to upgrade his old mobile, perhaps Apple’s latest flagships might tickle his fancy. They’re bigger than Apple’s previous flagship handsets and not everyone considers them to be the upgrade Apple usually promises with each new release, but they’re both great phones nonetheless. They usually retail at a four-figure price tag, but shop around and you could get a bargain that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The iPhone 7 is available in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options. If you wish to get the bigger model, head to our sister site Getprice to compare prices on the 32GB, 128GB and 256GB iPhone 7 Plus options.
• Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+: Would dad prefer Android over iOS? Bring him up to date by upgrading his old handset to Samsung’s latest offerings. the Galaxy S8, and it’s bigger brother, the Galaxy S8+, have generated a great deal of hype with the excellence. The new range’s impressive Infinity Displays take up almost all of the front-of-handset real estate and offers gorgeous 5.8” and 6.2” screens respectively. And, like the iPhone flagships, it’s possible to find a brand-new handset for less than its actual RRP – you can get the Galaxy S8 for anywhere between $763 to $1,1199 while the Galaxy S8+ will set you back between $849 and $1,349.
• Huawei P10 Plus: If dad isn’t too enthused about the big brands, but you’d still like to spoil him, the Huawei P10 Plus is one heck of a phone with mighty specs, plus it sports front and back Leica cameras, if you dad loves mobile photography. With 6GB RAM, 128GB of internal storage and a 5.5-inch QHD display, this phone can give the big brands a run for their money. You can get dad one for anywhere between $759 and $1,099.
• Motorola Moto G5 Plus: Upgrading dad’s old phone doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are some very good budget options and the Moto G5 Plus is one of them. This new model from Motorola comes in 32GB storage and 16GB storage options, but they both look and feel like a premium handset and perform really well. And the more expensive model is just $449.

For the snap-happy dad

• Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 compact camera: The latest in the RX100 line is one of the best compact cameras available in the market, if dad loves to capture family memories. It is, however, a pricey option. The first generation RX100 might be a tad old, but it’s still a darn good camera for a bargain price. The large 1.0-inch 20.2MP sensor delivers excellent details and the 28-100mm lens is broad and fast. Plus the Cyber-Shot RX100 retails for only $649, but Sony occasionally does have it on sale.
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II: The original E-M10 was a small, versatile and budget mirrorless camera option, but the second generation E-M10 has more features, giving you plenty more bang for your buck and dad the thrill of taking excellent pictures, despite the smaller micro three-fourths sensor. And even if you add in a lens, you can still get an E-M10 for less $1,000.
• DJI Spark: Gift dad the ability to take to the air with the Spark from DJI. This little drone is packed full of features crammed into a package no bigger or heavier than a can of Coke. It features automatic flight capabilities and has the ability to recognise hand gestures. The main camera comes with a 12MP sensor that can capture Full HD video at 30p and 3,968 x 2,976 resolution images. Get dad one for less than its RRP of $859.

For the audiophile dad

• Audio-Technica AT-LP120 turntable: Has dad been hoarding his vinyls in the garage? Give him the pleasure of dusting them off and playing them again on one of the best turntables there is in the market today. The AT-LP120 can be connected to to mixers and computers via USB and, with fewer moving parts than most traditional turntables, there’s less vibration, meaning less additional noise. And the AT-LP120 is available for just $448 from Addicted to Audio.
• Pro-Ject Essential II turntable: If your Father’s Day budget doesn’t extend to the $450 mark, the Pro-Ject Essential II is a minimalistic turntable with a price tag of just $399. Despite the budget pricing, the sound is warm with a low-vibration brushless motor. Get the Pro-Ject Essential II for dad from Todds Hi-Fi.
• Bose QuietComfort QC35 over-ear wireless headphones: Dad deserves the best, and if he enjoys his music, gift him a pair of headphones to match that love. Bose have been leading the way with premium audio for quite some time, and with the QuietComfort series they’ve done well to bring that high fidelity to the wireless headphone market. With top-notch noise cancellation, a 20-hour battery life, and luxurious padding, these headphones will make his listening experience a pleasant one. These premium headphones retail for $499 apiece, but it is possible to find good bargain online. Head over to our sister site Getprice and get a set for lesser.
• Sennheiser Momentum in-ear headphones: The candy-apple detailing on the Sennheiser Momentum in-ear headphones is a nice touch, giving it these budget headphones a premium look. And dad will love the sound quality. But bear in mind that there are different models for each mobile OS, so make sure you get a set that matches his phone. They’re $169 a pop for Android and iOS at MiniDisc.com.au.
• Bose SoundLink Revolve+ Bluetooth speaker: Sit with dad this Father’s Day and let him radiate the love of his favourite tunes everywhere with this 360-degree Bluetooth speaker from Bose, which promises excellent sound quality. It also features Siri and Google voice commands, is water resistant and very portable. Like the Bose headphones, the SoundLink Revolve+ carries a premium $439 price tag, but head to VideoPro and get one for just $395.
• Logitech UE MegaBoom Bluetooth speaker: If you think won’t be too impressed with the premium speakers, the UE MegaBoom from Logitech had big sound, long battery life and easy to use. Plus the MegaBoom can give dad hours of enjoyment for just $268 when purchased from OfficeWorks.

For the couch potato dad

• LG OLED55C7T 4K smart TV: When we said dad deserves the best, we weren’t joking. And one way to show him how much he means to you is by upgrading his entertainment system and teaching him to relax some more. LG’s 55-inch OLED TV is sure to impress with its promise of vibrant colours, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Sound. It will set you back by almost $3,500 but you could save a couple of hundred by comparing prices for the LG OLED55C7T at Getprice.
• Kogan 65-inch Agora 4K smart TV (series 9): Think OLED technology is overrated? Well, we’re quite sure that dad wouldn’t mind a 65-inch UHD 4K telly that will enhance his entertainment. Kogan’s built a huge company off the back of affordable TVs and the Agora Series 9 prove how. If you’d like to gift dad a basic 4K telly, nothing else will beat the price point of $1,299.
• Google Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra: Dad love to Netflix and chill but doesn’t have a smart TV to directly stream from the app? Then gift him the ability to cast his favourite shows on his TV with Google Chromecast. This little nifty device plugs into a telly’s HDMI port and set up via a smartphone app. Once done, dad can ‘cast’ whatever he wants to watch from his device to his TV. And it costs as low as $55. If you think he’d like more features than what the Chromecast offers, for less than $100, the Chromecast Ultra will give him what he wants, and then some. 
• Cambridge Audio TVB2 sound bar: If you’re going to help dad set up the ultimate cinema experience at home, the Cambridge Audio TVB2 sound bar promises room-filling sound plus easy connectivity via Bluetooth and NFC for streaming from mobile devices. Optical and AUX-in analogue input means any TV or source can be connected, letting dad get his feet up and enjoy great audio with 120W of power behind each beat. The TVB2 sound bar is available through VideoPro for $597.
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: If your dad loves to read, give him the convenience of carrying his entire library around with him. The latest version of the Kindle Paperwhite is the best yet. With Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity globally, downloading books anywhere is a breeze. The screen light is easily adjusted to suit the reading environment and the battery generally lasts a few weeks between charges, even with the light on. And it’s the most cost-effective Kindle too, available for a wallet-friendly $191.85 from Kogan.
• Kobo Aura H2O and Aura One: If your fathers prefers to read where it’s nice and quiet, taking books to the bath might be his way of relaxing. Or perhaps he loves to laze on the beach with his favourite read. If that’s the case, the dust- and waterproof Kobo Aura H2O is the perfect reading platform. With speedy page turns and long battery life, it’s just like reading a book, and you can lay your hands on one for $259 from Mighty Ape. You could even consider gifting him the Kobo Aura One, which has a larger, beautiful screen and a high-quality reading experience. You can get the Aura One from Mighty Ape for $359.

For the metrosexual dad

• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Sonic Toothbrush: Bring dad’s oral hygiene habits to the digital age by upgrading his boring old toothbrush to the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean rechargeable electric toothbrush. The head vibrates hundreds of times each second, providing excellent cleaning with minimal effort. Plus the battery could well last all week before it needs a top-up, making the Sonicare DiamondClean Sonic toothbrush well worth the $299.95 price tag.
• Braun Series 9 razor: If dad travels a lot, for work or otherwise, disposable razors are all well and good, but why let him compromise when he can be pampered with a great shave every day thanks to Braun’s Series 9 razor and its five-element system. It’s great for wet or dry use and comes in a nifty travel case too. Prices start at $599.

For the gaming dad

• Nintendo Switch: We love that Nintendo’s new console is designed to go wherever dad wants to be – at home or on the go. If your father loves a bit of fun and games, the Nintendo Switch could give him hours of joy with Mario and the gang. Go on, bring out the little boy in him with the Switch, available for $469.
• Samsung Gear VR: Has dad got a Samsung smartphone? Then gift him the ability to step into a whole new world of virtual reality and experience the universe through a different set of eyes… well, goggles over his eyes. The Samsung Gear VR is compatible with all Galaxy devices – except the Note 7, of course – and is great for VR newbies who own a compatible Samsung device. And with the controller, the Samsung Gear VR costs just $199.
• Logitech G920 Driving Force gaming wheel: This you dad drives like a Formula One driver? And if he loves his video games, then gift him something that will see him drive like a pro without getting hurt. The Logitech G920 Driving Force gaming wheel features dual-motor force feedback, quiet helical gearing with anti-backlash, and on-wheel controls, plus it’s compatible with both Xbox One and PC. The G920 retails for nearly $500 a pop, but you can save some cash by getting it from Wireless1 for just $345.

For the outdoorsy dad

• Fitbit Charge 2: Not too keen on you father’s dad bod? Give him a nudge by gifting him a fitness tracker that will remind him to get his cuddly curves tightened. It’s great for everyday use and will help dad focus on getting fit and back in shape. The revamped version even comes with a tap-activated OLED display. Grab a Charge 2 for less than its $249.95 retail price by heading to our sister site Getprice.
• Garmin Fenix 5X: There might come a day when dad would be hiking out of the woods at sunset, only to be confronted by the meanest dropbear this side of the Hawkesbury. Dad’s tough, but he’ll need something tougher to help him through the ordeal. The Garmin Fenix 5X will not only keep tabs on his heart rate and details of his hike, it will even open maps for him so he can find his way back to civilisation. The watch is scratch resistant and waterproof to 100m, and will sync to his smartphone notifications. So go on, get the big man one of the best outdoor GPS watches available in the market. The watch isn’t cheap, but you could get one that costs less than its $999 RRP.

For the smart dad

• Google Home: Every dad could use a little help around the house, and the Aussie-speaking Google Home AI assistant can do just that, giving dad the opportunity to get lazy and talkative. Google Home can control lights on the house, play dad’s favourite tunes, give him updates on traffic or read him the news, amongst other things. Google Home retails for $199 in Australia, but if you’re comfortable with an imported model, you could save a bit of money and upgrade the Home to the ‘Strayan version by going into the app’s settings. Head to our sister site Getprice and see if you can find a good bargain on the Home.
• Google Wifi: Has dad been complaining about the Wi-Fi connection at home? Get him Google’s simple, easy-to-use mesh system and wait for those complaints to disappear. Google Wifi is the most value-packed Wi-Fi mesh system yet, and you can get dad a single unit for $199. If the family home is large, a pack of three units, which would work together to ensure every nook and cranny has seamless Wi-Fi, the pack of three is $499.
• Nest indoor/outdoor cameras: Every dad wants to protect his family, so give him a head start by getting him the smart security cameras from Nest. The outdoor camera is weatherproof and there’s a subscription service where dad can access the footage captured if he ever needs it. The cameras are available exclusively from iSelect for $319 apiece.
• Philips Hue smart lighting: Whether you father wants plain ol’ white light or wants to zhuzh up the home’s ambience with coloured or dimmable lights, Philips Hue is the smart lighting system that will take care of his needs. Philips Hue is easy to install, easy to use and works with Google Home voice commands. Starter packs are available for the regular white bulbs, the dimming lights and the coloured versions with prices ranging from $59 to $289 at Officeworks.

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