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Men might not ask for directions when they're lost, but they will give directions on what they want for Father's Day. High-tech gifts lead the list, and with summer vacation approaching, dads want technology to start the season off right.
According to Brian Woods, executive vice president and general merchandising manager for CompUSA, 'With all the great high-tech helpers on the market, men don't have any excuse for getting lost. From PDAs to GPS, to on-board DVD players, dads have every support option for a successful summer vacation.'
Here are tips for helping your dad ask for directions:
Get expert help before you leave.
Many dads may ask for high-tech gifts this Father's Day, but won't ask how to use them. A recent CompUSA TechInsights survey found the majority of dads, 55 percent, think the biggest downside to getting new technology is setting it up and integrating it with their existing electronic devices. The survey also found 35 percent of dads admit they need expert tech service help.
To ensure dads know how to set up and use tech gifts, moms and families are giving the gift of tech support by checking local retailers to find flat rate, easy-to-understand in-home service packages and gift cards. The best packages include:
* In-Home Wireless Networking to configure a wireless network and make sure it's properly WEP-encrypted to help prevent neighbors or strangers from using a private Internet connection or stealing personal information.
* In-Home Connection and Set-Up Package to save time and get a computer system, iPod, PDA and other digital technology up and running quickly.
Take the road less traveled.
* Obtain driving directionsWhile maps may work for some, others need step-by-step instructions when trekking across the country. Most dads won't admit they are lost, but luckily for families, GPS navigation technology is becoming more affordable and easy to use.
* Gift ideaStreetPilot c330 GPS by Garmin ($599.99), a portable auto navigation system makes navigation easy with voice prompting, automatic route calculation, turn-by-turn guidance and touch-screen technology to access any address, including nearly 5 million points of interest. Dads can choose between three-dimensional view or the more traditional 'bird's eye' overhead view. On-screen icons show the location of restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and more.
* When to ask for helpYour family will still be lost if Dad can't figure out how to operate his StreetPilot. You should consider adding a gift card for in-store setup to ensure Dad's GPS equipment is pointing him in the right direction.
Pack light.
* Lighter cars get better gas mileageStaying connected while away doesn't mean taking every piece of technology you own these days. Invest in one piece of equipment that can combine the functions of a laptop, cell phone and organization device to keep your extra luggage to a minimum.
* Gift ideaPalm Treo 650 Smartphone ($599.99) holds essential information, along with a phone in case of emergencies or for checking hotel reservations. The Treo combines a compact mobile phone with email, an organizer for vacation to-do lists, messaging capabilities, Web access to stay connected while on the road, as well as an MP3 player, digital camera that captures video, and a vibrant color screen. With this device, dads have everything they need in one place. If dads aren't quite ready for a power-packed phone, the Sprint Mobile Broadband Connection Card PC-5740 ($229.99) keeps laptops connected anywhere with a Sprint signal -- without relying on hotspots or wired networks.
* When to ask for helpWhile the Treo and broadband cards are helpful, they can be difficult to set up. Have tech service consultants install the devices to make sure mobility functions are up and running before Dad takes it on the road.
Entertain the crowd.
* Prepare a bag of tricks -- Offer your kids lots of activities to keep them from asking the inevitable question: 'Are we there yet'? Packing a special backpack or bag for each child with books, toys, activity sets, handheld games or an iPod, and borrowing audio books from the library helps keep them entertained.
* Gift idea: PL-510 10-Inch Portable DVD Player ($299.99) -- Whether dads use it to keep the kids entertained in the back seat or to watch favorite movies in the hotel room at night, this portable DVD player has all the features of the bigger models. Or, to pump music throughout the car, the Pioneer Inno XM2go portable satellite receiver for XM radio ($399.99) ensures your kids have something to listen to when the radio stations fade out between cities. MP3 capability lets your family bring your favorite tunes for the ride.
* When to ask for help -- The portable DVD player may be a piece of cake, but larger, more robust home entertainment systems can be difficult to install. Rely on expert service technicians to help dad set up and integrate a new television or media center PC with existing devices. Knowledgeable sales staff can give you tips on how to set up satellite radio receivers.
Relive your vacation year-round.
* Capture the memories -- Vacations offer once in a lifetime moments to share with your friends and relive year-round. Digital cameras and camcorders make it easy to record memories without worrying about bulky film, and pictures can be shared instantly without waiting for developing.
* Gift idea: Dads can take their slide show into the digital age with the Olympus Evolt E-500 Digital SLR Camera with 2 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lenses ($899.99). This eight Megapixel camera has a Supersonic Wave Filter that vibrates 35,000 times per second to eliminate dust from the image sensor. A two-and-a-half inch HyperCrystal LCD display makes pictures clearer for preview and the camera's menu easier to navigate.
* When to ask for help -- When cameras cause problems, you should rely on expert technicians for repair and troubleshooting. Many retailers also offer service for a variety of camera models. |
| Author: Nicholas Phillips |
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Author Bio:
Polywood shutters from Sunburst are the only ��green�� window treatment to bring classic beauty, value, and energy savings to your home year-round. To locate a Polywood retail store near you, visit www.sunburstshutters.com. - ARA |
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