Compiled by Claire Reilly
Father's day gift buying doesn't have to be about socks and jocks. Here's Current.com.au's list of the best tech picks for Dad, all available from electrical retailers for under $500.
Click here to see our wrap up of appliances
Bush Heritage Retro System (RRP $249)
A great option for younger fathers, older fathers or grandfathers, this digital radio will pick up a huge variety of DAB+ digital stations in major cities, and it also features Bluetooth wireless audio streaming. Available in an old-timey wood finish or high gloss white.
Panasonic Lumix camera (DMC-FT5, RRP $399)
With Full HD video recording, a 16.1-megapixel MOS sensor and Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS connectivity, this camera is waterproof to 13 metres, freezeproof, dustproof and shockproof to 2 metres — in short, Dad proof.
Belkin Lego Builder Case for iPhone 5 (F8W283ttC00, RRP $39.95)
A good option for Mums buying on behalf of young kids, this iPhone 5 cover has an official Lego base plate on the back that turns the smartphone into a building platform.
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones (RRP $399)
Offering noise cancelling technology without the bulk, these headphones make a great gift for frequent flyers. Clear audio playback is coupled with an inline mic/remote for answering calls or skipping songs. Available for Android, BlackBerry and Windows phones (pictured) or iPhone (QuietComfort 20i).
Jawbone Up (RRP $149)
Designed to measure steps during the day and sleeping patterns at night, the Jawbone plugs straight into a smartphone with a 3.5-millimetre jack on the end, allowing users to plug in details such as meals eaten and daily exercise, and then endlessly analyse the results.
Guardian Wireless Home Surveillance System (G2711, RRP $429)
A plug-and-play system that helps Papa Bear keep an eye on the den, thanks to weatherproof outdoor cameras, indoor cameras and a tablet-style monitor, the Guardian also allows for remote viewing.
Samsung 11.6-inch Series 3 Chromebook (XE303C12, RRP $349)
A good laptop for everyday use, the Chromebook uses Google’s web-based Chrome operating system so there’s no software to buy and applications like Gmail and YouTube are already built-in.
TEAC Turntable Recorder (LPU190, RRP $149)
The Father’s Day option for vintage vinyl lovers, TEAC’s Turntable recorder not only plays Dad’s old Beatles and Stones vinyls, but it also lets him record the music onto a USB or SD card.
TomTom Runner (RRP $199)
Weatherproof and Waterproof up to 50 metres with a scratch-resistant screen and easy one-button operation, the TomTom Runner can be used to log runs, track goals and share results on TomTom’s online community.
iPad mini (from RRP $369)
You know, for Apple fans.