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We all knew “that dad” growing up. You know, the one that was the first to get a huge shoulder-mounted home video camera that they recorded everything with. The one that spent well over $500 for a top-of-the-line VHS recorder in the 80s. They were also the first to invest in a new gadget called the CD player and had the first flat screen TV on the block. And the Internet – in 1995 people would come by just to see the World Wide Web on his home PC.
Somehow over the years you’ve become the gadget dad. The one the neighborhood kids can always count on to have the latest piece of technologically advanced equipment the day it’s available. The one that takes a few PTO days to go to the Consumer Electronics Show every year.
In today’s high-tech world, there are more gadget dads than ever before. There are so many ways to feed our obsession that it’s now driven as much by the title of gadget dad as it is for the products themselves. If you’re in the club here are a few things to keep on your radar.
iPhone 7 and Accessories
Have you gotten your iPhone 7 case to protect that very delicate computer in your pocket? But the iPhone 7 doesn’t exist. That’s right, it doesn’t exist . . . yet. We’re all waiting for that magical day in September when Apple will release its latest smart phone. Even if it’s relatively the same as the iPhone 6 Plus, no self-respecting gadget dad is going to be seen with an outdated model after the newest version hits the shelves.
Retina MacBook Pro
Since we’re already taking a bite out of Apple products, let’s go ahead and discuss the new retina MacBook Pro. No matter what type of laptops and hybrid laptop/tablets other companies come out with the MacBook Pro is still the device with the most street cred for gadget dads. Imagine them going to a coffeehouse or airport without a MacBook Pro – they’d lose their gadget dad status immediately.
Robotics are part of the vision for a high-tech future. And if these fun toys are any indication, robots are going to start replacing a lot of things around the home.
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There are a lot of rumors swirling that are getting gadget dads all worked up. From the new Intel Kaby Lake processor to the Apple pencil compatible trackpad, the next MacBook Pro model is likely to have never before seen features that will prompt you to start writing up a Craigslist ad for your old laptop. After disappointing, minor upgrades last year, we’re all eagerly awaiting Apple’s official announcement with a release date.
Robot Butlers
Robotics are part of the vision for a high-tech future. And if these fun toys are any indication, robots are going to start replacing a lot of things around the home. The Tekno Newborns are already taking the place of real pets. Great if you have allergies, horrible if you hate the idea of packed animal shelters.
But seriously, the kid’s toy section is a clear indicator that robots are having a moment. For gadget dads, it doesn’t get any better than the Ninbot Segwey Robot. Segway technology and a robot – mind was just blown. You can even hop on and ride the Ninbot unlike human butlers. Ninbot is being dubbed a butler on a hoverboard, as if we needed any more convincing before throwing hoverboard out there.
Super techy dads will be the first to get their hands on a Ninbot since the company plans to release an open-platform developer kit before an out-of-the-box model.
Virtual Reality Headset
If you’re a true gadget dad virtual reality (VR) headsets were already on your must-have list last year. But if you have patience and restraint you knew to wait just a little longer for the kinks to get worked out of this very pricey equipment. That is, unless you have a Samsung phone. In that case we’re sure you already have the Samsung Gear VR.
Regardless of the headset you go with you’re sure to impress your kids and their friends, even if you hog it and don’t let anyone else have a turn.
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Oculus is still a frontrunner in virtual reality headsets, but now there are a lot of other companies with skin in the game. The Verge has a great VR headset buyers guide that should be read before you drop $800 for the HTC Vive. Regardless of the headset you go with you’re sure to impress your kids and their friends, even if you hog it and don’t let anyone else have a turn.
Super Smart Home
Gadget dads were the first on the block to get a smart home security system that allows them to carry out surveillance on their phones. While it was groundbreaking several years ago, that was just the tip of the iceberg.
You can now connect just about any piece of electronic equipment in your home with the right sensors and apps. Take a look in the fridge while you’re at the grocery store. Turn off the lights in the living room when the kids are pulling a summer all-nighter. Program things around your home to work in sync or trigger other actions. The realm of possibility is endless now that our homes are smart enough to essentially manage themselves.
Get the Good Stuff
We all know there are tons of places to find the best cool stuff out there. From brick and mortar stores to a myriad of websites. Then there’s the great As Seen on TV stuff you just have to have. Sites like New Easy let you find all the infomercial gear you saw at 3 a.m. but were too bleary-eyed to write down the website for. They also have reviews and ratings to help you decide if a new RC vehicle or a laser engraver is what you need….first.
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