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Best sub-$100 tech gifts for grads

Looking for a good graduation gift, but don't want to spend a fortune? We've got plenty of choices for teens and twentysomethings -- none of which cost more than $100.

John Falcone
John P. Falcone is the senior director of commerce content at CNET, where he coordinates coverage of the site's buying recommendations alongside the CNET Advice team (where he previously headed the consumer electronics reviews section). He's been a CNET editor since 2003.
John Falcone
Roku_LT_Family.jpg
1 of 10 Roku

Roku LT

Whether they're coming from a dorm or heading out to one, the Roku LT is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to access Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, Crackle, or hundreds of other video (and audio) channels on a TV without paying for cable or satellite TV.
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2 of 10 Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch

Unlike the $99 and $79 Kindles, the Nook Simple Touch is ad-free. (Spend $40 extra, and you can upgrade to the new version with a built-in GlowLight.)
Apple_TV.jpg
3 of 10 Apple

Apple TV (2012)

If your gift recipient already owns an iPad or an iPhone, the Apple TV is the logical next step. It's the only streaming box that can handle Netflix and iTunes, and its AirPlay compatibility lets him or her stream audio or video from those iOS devices straight to the big screen.
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4 of 10 Grado

Grado SR60

There are dozens of fantastic headphones available for under $100, but we think the Grado SR60s have geek street cred and hipster appeal. And where else can you find great headphones that are manufactured in Brooklyn, USA?
Amazon_Kindle_Touch_15.jpg
5 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Amazon Kindle Touch

Whether they're using the built-in dictionary or the X-ray feature to keep track of characters in the latest "Game of Thrones" book, the touch-screen makes navigating text as easy as tapping the screen. The $99 model is ad-supported and Wi-Fi only (no 3G).
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6 of 10 Sarah Tew/CBS Interactive

Epson Stylus NX430 Small-in-One

Whether it's in a dorm room or home office, the Epson "Small-in-One" is a great printer that's perfect for tight spaces.
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7 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Amazon Kindle 2011

Think owning an iPad means they don't need a Kindle? Wrong. The featherweight Kindle is great for distraction-free reading, and -- unlike that beefy iPad -- it won't cause wrist fatigue during long sessions of content consumption.
Soundfreaq_Sound_Kick_35227916_07.jpg
8 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Soundfreaq Sound Kick

There are a glut of Bluetooth speakers with rechargeable batteries out there, but the $99 Soundfreaq Sound Kick strikes a strong balance between size, sound quality, and price. And unlike AirPlay speakers, it can stream audio from nearly any tablet or smartphone -- Apple and non-Apple alike.
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9 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip

The iPod Nano still costs a bit more than $100, and the Shuffle is a bit too stripped-down for our tastes. That leaves the 4GB Sandisk Sansa Clip Zip as the go-to choice for a sub-$50 music player. Great for anyone who jogs or works out and wants a music player that's lighter and cheaper than any smartphone.
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10 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Logitech Mini Boombox

This tiny Bluetooth speaker plays bigger than it looks and makes for a good traveling companion. It also has a built-in speakerphone -- perfect for keeping in touch with classmates.

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