Father’s Day is coming up quickly, and we know that some of you are still stressing over what to get your special guy. We’re here to help! So with that goal in mind, Wayne and I culled through a few of our past reviews, things we found on the web, and vendor emails to see which gifts might make dad smile…

Free

Coupon for FREE Beer Battered Onion Rings at T.G.I.Friday’s, because “Nothing Screams “I Love You Dad” Like Free Beer Battered Onion Rings.”

Link: T.G.I.Friday’s Father’s Day 20087 Promotion

Under $50

The BernzOmatic Premium Lighter

These lighters have a flexible gooseneck that looks like it can stick a fire into even the hardest to reach crevices…

Oh, don’t act like the inner tool-guy in you isn’t going “hrrrrmmmhhh?!” I’d love to have one, too.

Check out the features…

You can find them in various brick and mortar stores, and they will set you back about $10.

Despairware Tees

Words can’t express on how many levels these tees appeal to me, and I bet dads with good humor will love them, too…

If you purchase during the month of June, you can take advantage of their “Bummertime” sale. I need to order the “Fe” shirt; it’s only $14, too.

I would buy their Pessimist’s Mug, but that would be too ironic.

iPhone Telescope from USB Fever

Chris Chamberlain said it best in his review, “I haven’t seen a camera accessory like this anywhere else for the unstoppable juggernaut that is iPhonemania. Sure, it’s a bit of a novelty, but the ability to bring life a little closer to us is something that all us dreamers want. Sometimes those unicorns just don’t get close enough to photograph…” Well with this contraption in place, that simply won’t matter any more.

iPhone Telescope with Crystal Case is available from USB Fever.
MSRP: $18.99.
What I Like: Excellent image clarity for the price if you can keep your hand steady. Sturdy, simple construction. Might be useful for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
What Needs Improvement: You either have to keep your phone in this case all the time and remove the lens when you’re not using it or install the whole contraption to take advantage of the device. Slightly unwieldy.

ZIBRA Packaging Removal Tool

Wayne says, “Using these you’ll quickly slice easily through almost any packing thrown your way. Imagine yourself happily sitting on your couch — king of your holiday morning. Opening packages so quickly you become a hero to your kids, family and significant other. Adored by neighbors and co-workers.” Who wouldn’t want dad to be a hero? Better get him these, then.

“Overall I think no household should be without a Zibra Open-It!. I found mine at the Home Depot for $ 9.99 (look on the displays at the ends of aisles). Or you can find it at Amazon.com for around $ 15.”

Coghlan’s 0.5 W LED Headlight

These types of light are so convenient when you’re camping, because they allow you to use both hands when fumbling with the coffee pot at night or cleaning up the picnic table before climbing in your tent. - Joel McLaughlan

Walmart.com has it for $16.94.
What I like: It’s very bright.  It’s almost too bright.
What needs improvement: Nothing needs to be improved.  If you want something not as bright, stay tuned for my next headlight review.

Evolve Showerhead

How often does this happen? You start the shower so that it can warm up and then you’re distracted by other things. Maybe the kids call you from another room, you start folding clothes, reading an article in the newspaper. Suddenly 5, 10 or 15 minutes can suddenly pass and the entire time you’re wasting hot water. Evolve Showerheads has a solution. And it’s not the typical reduced flow showerhead. What they’ve done is add a temperature flow valve that auto-senses when the shower reaches 95 degrees. Then it slows the water to a trickle - saving otherwise wasted hot water. When you’re ready to enter the shower, pull the flow cord and the warm water flow resumes! - Wayne

Link: EvolveShowerheads.com
Cost: RoadRunner Showerhead - $ 39
What I Liked: Easy way to do you part to save natural resources - and money!; Simple installation; Low flow waterhead without the feeling that your shower is trickling
What Could Be Improved: Still need to check water temperature very carefully before stepping under the shower - must pull cord from outside shower and re-adjust temperature; Once the cord releases the water you cannot re-use the cord to stop the flow of water - which seemed like a natural task for an eco-friendly shower adapter.

$50 - 100

The Energizer Hard Case Tactical Flashlight

Energizer has a light that is the toughest flashlight that you will ever need. It’s weatherproof, will survive abuse, and has a 125 degree rotating head and 5 different light modes. It definitely looks “rugged” and has some unique features that will serve me well. - Jack Cook

Visit Energizer here to see the different variety of flashlights available.

MSRP: Prices vary by reseller.  The best price I have seen is here at BotachTactical.com for $59.99
What I Like: Light weight; Durable Construction; Locking Mechanism for IR
What Needs Improvement: Location of White Light main switch

Maximo Products iMetal iPhone Headsets

As anyone who owns an iPhone can tell you, a slight problem becomes apparent when you want to replace the stock stereo headset; namely that the iPhone’s headphone jack is deeply recessed, and the average 3.5mm plug simply can’t fit inside without trimming the rubber shielding the plug. When you are considering dropping some serious coin on a headset, the idea of butchering it simply doesn’t appeal; that’s when a model made specifically for the iPhone is the only “right” choice.

The Maximo Products iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset for iPhone is available from various retailers.
MSRP: $69.99
What I Like: The metal case and Art-Deco design gives an immediate style upgrade to the tried and true earbud form factor; the headset’s microphone is separate from the clicker; music sounds rich and full
What Needs Improvement: Some bottoming out when listening to bassier music

The Maximo Products iP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset for iPhone is available from various retailers.
MSRP: $69.99
What I Like: Inexpensive; sound quite impressive for the price; very attractive design; the headset’s microphone is separate from the clicker
What Needs Improvement: Nothing, these are a great value

The Targus 100W Auto Power Inverter

In order to use this product you’ll need to give up one of your vehicle’s cup-holders.

Why would I ask for something so uncivilized?

Because by giving up a cup-holder you might just gain the means to charge up to three devices at the same time, all from a single cigar lighter or power port.

The Targus 100W Auto Power Inverter is available directly from the manufacturer as well as other retailers.
MSRP: $ 69.99 for the Inverter, add $19.95 if you get the Targus Universal Auto / Dual Digital Device Adapter; tips to fit supported devices are approximately $10 each
What I Like: Allows you to use and charge electronics items while in a vehicle - even if you don’t have a DC adapter; gives the ability to use and charge up to three devices at the same time if you also invest in the PPS Port accessories
What Needs improvement: The inverter fits rather loosely in all four of my truck’s front seat cup-holders; I suspect that it will do the same in many other vehicles.

LapLogic Aerogel Extreme

If you have a laptop built in the last couple of years, then odds are good that you’ve experienced the heat, maybe even the burn, of having the laptop sit on your lap. Many of the newest laptops get extremely hot, even with internal fans trying to keep the heat down.  LapLogic is offering a cooling solution called the Laplogic Aerogel Extreme that is made with Aerogel (from a company called Aspen) that promises to offer you a more pleasant, cooler, computing experience. - Chris G.

I really like the Aerogel Extreme.  It’s a bit on the expensive side, but it has worked very well for me - I use it everyday and I haven’t seen red marks on my legs since I started using it!

MSRP: $69.95 (Aerogel Extreme) and $79.95 (Aerogel Extreme Wide)
What I Liked: Thin, light, rubbery surface keeps laptop from sliding all over
What Needs Improvement: Expensive; I’d like the Aerogel Extreme (and the cooling area of the Wide) to be about 1/2″ or 1″ wider.

$100 - $200

The Linear-Logic ScanGauge II

Digital displays for a car dashboards have always been a thing of the future shown in T.V. shows, movies and concept cars on display at the auto show. Here we are here in the 21st century, and cars still don’t come with a full digital dash. When I discovered a new device called the ScanGauge II Automotive Computer made by Linear-Logic, I was in awe that a little black box with a LCD could offer up digital gauges, trip computers, and OBD2 scan tools all in one easy to install package. - Allen Hong

The ScanGauge II is available from Linear-Logic.
MSRP: $ 169.95
What I Like: Small package device which mounts anywhere on dashboard, tons of features, ease of use.
What Needs Improvement: None

The Sleeptracker Pro Watch

I have never paid much attention to the science of sleep, so other than knowing that REM was a band, and that the acronym stood for “Rapid Eye Movement“, and that this was a sleep stage mentioned in the book Firestarter…well, you get the idea. I was pretty ignorant about sleep stages.

Why are these sleep stages relevant? Because the Sleeptracker Pro Watch claims that it can pinpoint the optimal times to awaken its wearer when they are sleeping, so that the wearer will “wake up refreshed instead of groggy.” Which is why I jumped at the opportunity to review the Sleeptracker Pro when I was offered the chance.

The Sleeptracker Pro Watch is available from the manufacturer.
MSRP: $179.00
What I Like: Watch does allow you to wake up feeling rested, providing you got a fair amount of sleep to begin with; understanding and using the included software is not necessary to reap benefits from using the device
What Needs Improvement: Watch is large, and will feel very foreign if you aren’t used to sleeping with one on; the software is a little bit clunky, but at least you don’t have to use it; sound sleepers may not hear or feel the alarm

The Targus 17″ Trademark II Overnight Roller

When Sarah and I traveled to Amsterdam, I was trying to travel with the lightest gear possible, so I brought along my HP TX1327 which easily fit into a sleeve inside my carry on. But when I went to CES, I wanted to bring the laptop I most enjoy writing on - the Toshiba X205. Now here’s the thing: the X205 is a 17″ beast, and I knew that it wasn’t a laptop I would be toting on the floor or bringing to meetings; I just wanted my laptop in the hotel room, waiting for me at night when I was ready to write daily recaps. So what I needed to make the trip was a carry-on bag large enough to accommodate my laptop and hopefully carry other items, too.

I soon found out that there really aren’t that many bags which can handle such a tall order, as it would seem most bags cap out at the 15.4″ screen size, but I did find one - the Targus 17″ Trademark II Overnight Roller. It wasn’t only a laptop carrier, it was also made to carry a couple changes of clothing!

The Targus 17″ Trademark II Overnight Roller is available directly from the manufacturer and from other retailers.
MSRP: $99.99
What I Like: Extremely well built and sectioned; makes traveling with a large laptop a breeze; easy access at check-in; room to store all your gear and several days of clothing; great price
What Needs Improvement: Some people might miss the D-ring on top of the bag for attaching smaller carry-ons

The iwavecube™ personal microwave

Kerry said in his review: “While Dad is toiling away in his home away from home, having his very own personal microwave in his cubicle will certainly bring immeasurable joy. Considering how nasty shared use office kitchen microwaves can be, he’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness. With a iwavecube™ personal microwave in the corner of his 8×8 cubicle, Ole Dad could be sipping on some reheated Starbucks coffee, a SmartOne or instant soup for lunch; or freshening the air with popcorn while reviewing TPS Reports.” This could be awesome in a dorm room too, I suspect…

The iwavecube™ personal microwave comes in several colors for your décor: black, red, silver, blue, green, pink, and yellow.
MSRP: $130.00 Available from Sharper Image.
What I Like: The novelty and coolness of the smallest microwave invented, ability to instantly fill the office air with the smell of bacon and convenience of reheated coffee at the desk.
What Needs Improvement: Is pricey at $130 considering other microwaves can be obtained for less… but there is only one personal microwave that looks cool on a desktop!

Over $200

The Beyza Cases MacBook Air Thinvelope Leather Case

The tan leather reminds me of Louis Vuitton’s Nomade line, and if the stitching were yellow, then I would seriously have to do a double-take. But instead of a discreetly embossed LV on the bottom right, there is an equally discreet embossed Beyza Cases’ logo on the envelope’s flap.

The Beyza Cases MacBook Air Thinvelope Leather Case is available directly from the manufacturer.
MSRP: $215
What I Like: Absolutely gorgeous; very well made; slim protection for the MacBook Air; can be carried on its own or placed in a larger bag; although the price may seem high at first, the quality is on par with items costing many times as much
What Needs Improvement: Nothing

Petty Driving Experience Orlando: Drive It Like You Stole It

What dad wouldn’t want to try this?

Five years ago while at a conference in Orlando I booked an 8 lap session at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. They hold two classes daily - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Surprisingly the hardest thing about the class was keeping up with the instructor. You’d think that once inside a race care that you’d tend to drive fast. I found (along with most of the others that day) that I was overly cautious. That doesn’t mean I still wasn’t able to round the track at 125 mph. - Wayne

Link: 1800BEPETTY.COM
Link: Frequently Asked Questions from 1800BEPETTY.COM
Cost: Start at $399 for 8 lap experience - may vary by tracks and location
What I Liked: Real racing experience; Authentic racing cars - NOT a simulation; They give you a sheet with your lap speeds at the end of the race
What Could Be Improved: Wait time can be considerable - and uncomfortable in hotter climates; It takes longer than 8 laps to get the hang of this - I’d have bought the 16 lap package if I knew

The Newer Tech Guardian MAXimus RAID Mirrored Data Redundant Solution

Do any of us need any more signs to be written on any more walls that redundant backing up of our data is the single most important thing we can possibly do? I hope not, because it seems that hardly a day goes by without another harsh reminder being driven home that it is imperative. Here to save the day is the Guardian MAXimus, a complete beast of a backup solution…

The Newer Tech Guardian MAXimus RAID Mirrored Data Redundant Solution is available directly from the manufacturer as well as other retailers.

MSRP: $379.00 for the 500GB version (as tested). Also available in 0GB “Add your own” matched SATA HD Kit ($149.99), 250GB + 250GB (Mirrored) Drives 7200RPM & 32MB total cache ($259.99), 320GB + 320GB (Mirrored) Drives 7200RPM & 32MB total cache ($289.99), 400GB + 400GB (Mirrored) Drives 7200RPM & 32MB total cache ($329.99), 500GB + 500GB (Mirrored) Drives 7200RPM & 32MB total cache ($379.99), 750GB + 750GB (Mirrored) Drives 7200RPM & 32MB total cache ($479.99), 1.0TB + 1.0TB (Mirrored) Drives 7200RPM & 64MB total cache ($649.99), and 150GB +150GB (Mirrored) Drives, 10,000RPM & 32MB total cache ($579.99)
What I Like: Elegant and substantial RAID-1 backup solution; extremely easy to set up (basically plug and play); easy to operate; choice of included software or Time Machine (for Mac users); peace of mind should there be a hard drive failure; ±1GB of included freeware, shareware and public domain software to explore
What Needs Improvement:I haven’t had any issues with it at all, so I’ll say “nothing needs improvement.”I’ll update periodically after using the system over time…

The Toshiba Satellite M305

I think that the Satellite M305 would serve as a great Father’s Day gift. Starting at $850 and weighing about 5 pounds, the M305s have a new sleek design called the Fusion finish, they have a 14.1-inch diagonal TruBright widescreen display so it’s not too big and not too small, USB Sleep-and Charge ports for charging Dad’s mobile devices (cell phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc.), and it has Face Recognition technology so Dad can conveniently access his laptop. - Ronald Ching

So those are our suggestions; what are you getting dad on Father’s Day?