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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.
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.
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 (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.
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
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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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