Graduation gifts should be cool, and nothing says "cool" like electronics. Need help sending that hard-working graduate out into the world in style? If "commencement" means "commence shopping" for you, don't worry. Consumer Guide has done some of the homework for you. This cheat sheet gift guide will give you some great ideas for a pretty cool electronic gift that says "congratulations, graduate."
Canon HV10 HD MiniDV Camcorder
If the grad on your list is into high def, then the Canon HV10 HD MiniDV Camcorder would be a perfect gift. The HV10 is one of the most compact 1,080i HD camcorders you can find, and the images that this little wonder captures are truly amazing. This model costs less than $1,500. The compact size can hinder operation, but most grads should be able to handle the shooting with this wonder. Weighing less than a pound, the HV10 would be a fine unit to take on a trip or on to college.
 Canon HV10 HD MiniDV Camcorder |
Philips DVP5960 DVD Player
For a bargain-priced DVD player, the Philips DVP5960 delivers the goods. This unit has an HDMI output for up-converting standard DVD to 576p, 720p or 1,080i playback--meaning that the picture quality will astound when displayed on a true high-def screen. This player also lets you listen to music files and stream JPEGs to your television screen. The street price of this unit is less than $90.
Nikon Coolpix P3 digital camera
For those taking a trip, a good digital camera is a must. Nikon's Coolpix P3 delivers outstanding image quality, and it has "Vibration Reduction" technology that can help with the blurred images. And for traveling, it is very portable. It is about 1.2 inches thick, so while not a true ultra-thin, you can fit it in many shirt pockets or in small travel bag compartments. The 3.5X optical zoom lens is slightly better than average. This model is available for about $450 or less.
Panasonic SC-AK340K Compact Stereo System
The Panasonic SC-AK340K Compact Stereo System plays music, loud music, and does it well with a total output of 420 watts. For about $165, this model will get the party started. This system would be perfect for a dorm room, and furthermore lets you connect an MP3 player so you can access a portable library. The SC-AK340K also lets you play CD-R/RW and MP3 files burned to disc.
Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS System
For the grad that's navigating toward the working world, a great gift might be the Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS system. This handheld contains detailed maps of North America and a voice-guidance system that includes text-to-speech functionality, so the c550 announces actual street names. The c550 includes an FM Traffic Message Channel (TMC) receiver, which enables the unit to receive real-time traffic updates, so being on-time to the new job is a little easier. This system is widely available for less than $700.
 Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS System |
Nintendo Wii or Sony PlayStation3 Video Game Console
If you are going to give a grad a video game console, make sure you know which system is the preferred. The two consoles that were introduced in fall of 2006, the Wii and the PS3, also provide different experiences. The PS3 is more traditional, with powerful graphics and a high-def look. The Wii is unconventional, with a Bluetooth-wireless, motion-sensitive controller that makes the act of swinging a tennis racket more lifelike, for example. Both have DVD players built in. The PS3's is a high-definition Blu-Ray DVD player, while the Wii has a 480p output standard def DVD player.
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