Dr. Mac's Guaranteed Gifts for Dads & Grads (Part I)

Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves
Episode #125

Every day I play with interesting products for Macs and iDevices so I can tell you about the best of them. But June and December are my favorite months, because that’s when I get to tell you about cool products that make awesome gifts. And so, without further ado, here is Part 1 of this year’s Gifts for Dads & Grads:

First up this year: iPhone cases. I have three picks for you this time around, with three levels of protection for your device.

At the minimalist end of the scale is the SwitchEasy Nude, an extremely thin and lightweight polycarbonate case that protects your iPhone from scratches.

It really does look like your iPhone is, well, nude.

It comes in a variety of transparent and opaque colors. I got the crystal-clear model and my iPhone does indeed look naked. Pair it with an inexpensive tempered glass screen protector like the Autolizer Premium Real Tempered Glass Film Ultra Thin 9H Screen Protectors I’ve been picking up at Amazon.com for $6.99 each and your iPhone will be somewhat protected on all sides with so little additional bulk or weight you won’t believe it’s covered with anything at all. 

At the other end of the spectrum is Seidio’s ultra-protective OBEX case, which in addition to being waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, is also less bulky and easier to insert and remove your phone from than any of the other ultra-protective cases I’ve tested (including my previous fave, LifeProof, which I loved, but was a pain in the ass to use).

Protection from almost anything and easy to open and close as well.

My last iPhone case pick this year is something completely different — a handsome leather wallet/case from Bison Made. Available in a variety of colors, these classy cases are made of 100% natural leather with no linings, rubber, or glue. Of course they protect your iPhone, but they also include an outer pocket so you can carry some cash and credit cards as well.

BisonMade’s wallet is not only handsome, it’s more functional than many other “wallet” cases.

Moving right along, if your dad or grad loves music, consider giving them a set of wireless Bluetooth headphones. If you want to be kind to your loved one’s ears, consider the Kids Wireless Headphones (aka BT2200) from Puro Sound Labs.

They may be designed for kids but my wife and I both like the way they sound and feel.

Designed for kids but great for grown-ups as well, these headphones offer superb sound as well as exclusive Volume Limiting Ear Protection that guards your ears against damaging sound pressure levels without compromising sound quality. My wife and I agree that these are among the most comfortable and best-sounding wireless headphones we’ve tried and they’re a bargain at $79.99.

Another wireless headset I like a lot and recommend without hesitation is Blue Ant’s Pump HD Sportbuds, which are waterproof and sweatproof, stay put during exercise (including swimming), and sound far better than you’d expect.

The BlueAnt Pump sounds great, works in and under water, and remains secure during exercise including swimming!

They usually go for $129.95 but Amazon.com currently offers them for just $49.99 (which I consider a steal).

And that’s all he wrote…

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