Android Central Graduate gift guide 2016
Perfect gift ideas for every graduate this year.
Anyone celebrating a graduation this year deserves a gift. A heartfelt handshake and a card are nice enough, but wouldn't you like to treat your special graduate to something more? We've done the research and come up with a list of gifts suitable for any graduate at any age.
- Dell Chromebook 13
- Dell XPS 13
- Google Chromecast
- NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1
- UE ROLL wireless mobile Bluetooth speaker
- VIZIO M-Series 4K 43 inch TV
- Huawei Nexus 6P
- Samsung Gear VR
- SteelSeries Stratus XL controller
Dell Chromebook 13
A well-built laptop is an essential tool for students and professionals alike, and whether your young grad is finishing high school or completing college, the Dell Chromebook 13 is a gift every graduate will appreciate.
The magnesium frame and soft outer coating makes for a sturdy build that's easy to hold onto. The battery lasts up to 12 hours so reports of any kind will be filed long before a recharge is needed. Grads can plug in a USB 3.0, USB 2.0, or HDMI cable and turn their new Chromebook into a multimedia, multitasking machine.
You'll have the option to purchase the Dell Chromebook 13 with or without a touch screen; it will add a few ounces to the overall weight of the unit, but it's a worthwhile investment.
Dell XPS 13
A more cost-friendly option for a celebratory laptop this graduation season is the Dell XPS 13. It's lightweight and exceptionally portable, so whether it's college-level literature they're headed for, or an entrepreneurial endeavor after college, your graduate will be work ready.
With or without a touch screen, the InfinityEdge Display is impressive and the first of its kind. With two USB 3.0 ports, a three-in-one Card Reader, and a Mini DisplayPort, not to mention the 15 hours of battery life, the Dell XPS 13 is an impressive machine for its price point.
Google Chromecast
If you own a smartphone, streaming video to your television doesn't get much easier than a Chromecast. This WiFi video dongle plugs hides behind your TV and waits patiently for you to tap the Chromecast icon in your app of choice on your phone.
Access to Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and dozens more without pesky buffering will let your new grad unwind with some binge-watching of favorite shows. They'll also have access to loads of free and inexpensive games that are fun to played on a big screen. An added bonus? Google's Chromecast app regularly offers free Play Movies rentals and credits for free apps in the Play Store.
NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1
If your grad is a dedicated gamer the right gift for them is the NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1. They'll be able to download popular and yet-to-be-discovered Android games with the SHIELD games app, or access PC games galore with a subscription to GeForce NOW.
The front facing stereo speakers and eight inch HD display make for an impressive game experience. There are also some must-have accessories for the SHIELD, like the wireless controller, stylus, kickstand, and a microSD card that provides up to 128GB of storage. You can purchase the tablet by itself, or choose from a number of bundles if you want to spoil your graduate just a little bit extra.
UE ROLL wireless mobile Bluetooth speaker
Let your young graduate take their music everywhere and anywhere with the UE ROLL wireless mobile Bluetooth speaker. The bungee cord it comes with attaches to just about anything, from bikes to backpacks, so longs walks or days celebrating graduation on the beach or poolside will have the perfect soundtrack.
The waterproof shell can withstand half an hour of submersion and the battery will keep the music going for nine hours. With a 65-foot range and the ability to pair with multiple devices and additional speakers, a little backyard get together will sound more like a nightclub.
The UE ROLL 2 is also available, but the the first generation speakers are a little less expensive, still provide stellar sound, and are some of the best mini Bluetooth speakers around.
VIZIO M-Series 4K 43 inch TV
If it's time for the graduate to move out, it's time for a new TV. Treat them to a Smart TV; we're fans of the VIZIO M-Series 4K. It's Ultra HD and the perfect size for any room.
It comes with five HDMI ports and one USB port to accommodate gamers and those in need of a second screen. The two-sided remote is easy as pie: one side gives you one-touch access to selected apps while the other is a full QWERTY keyboard. Apps like YouTube, Twitter, Netflix, and Spotify are already in place with the M-Series so movies and social media will be even more addictive and fun. Come to think of it, maybe this gift would be better for you...just give your grad your old TV and they'll be none the wiser, right?
Huawei Nexus 6P
Whether your graduate is heading off to college or heading out into the workforce, you're going to want to keep connected. How about a shiny new phone for a graduation gift? We recommend the Nexus 6P. It features Nexus Imprint, a built-in fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone.
The solid, smooth aluminum phone features two front-facing speakers, a camera users can't stop raving about, and runs on the Marshmallow operating system that Android fans were wishing for. The battery provides a full day of online searches, texting, calls, and some casual gaming. If your grad needs a phone upgrade, this is the one to grab.
Samsung Gear VR
Give your graduate the gift of ridiculous amounts of fun with a Samsung Gear VR. It's compatible with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+, and Note 5 phones, and the headset is lightweight and comfortable.
Tour amazing cities around the globe without ever leaving home, watch blockbuster movies in a whole new way, and feel surrounded by the 360-degree view in any of the outstanding available games. You might find yourself begging to play with this gift. Better just buy one for you and one for them.
SteelSeries Stratus XL controller
What to do if your grad already owns the Samsung Gear VR? Accessorize! We think the SteelSeries Stratus XL controller will do nicely.
It pairs to any Android device via Bluetooth and takes the world of VR gaming to an entirely new level. Two AA batteries provide up to 40 hours of play time and the triggers are completely customizable within the SteelSeries Engine 3 interface. Now your graduate can up their speed and accuracy...and maybe let you take a turn every now and then.
What's your gift of choice?
Have you come up with a fabulous gift idea for your favorite graduate this year? Tell us about it in the comments and be sure to let us know why it's the perfect present for a graduate.
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