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Laptops and desktop PCs for Dads

Some hot laptops and desktop PCs for Father's Day.

Dan Ackerman
Dan Ackerman leads CNET's coverage of computers and gaming hardware. A New York native and former radio DJ, he's also a regular TV talking head and the author of "The Tetris Effect" (Hachette/PublicAffairs), a non-fiction gaming and business history book that has earned rave reviews from the New York Times, Fortune, LA Review of Books, and many other publications. "Upends the standard Silicon Valley, Steve Jobs/Mark Zuckerberg technology-creation myth... the story shines." -- The New York Times
Rich Brown Former Senior Editorial Director - Home and Wellness
Rich was the editorial lead for CNET's Home and Wellness sections, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Louisville in 2013, Rich ran CNET's desktop computer review section for 10 years in New York City. He has worked as a tech journalist since 1994, covering everything from 3D printing to Z-Wave smart locks.
Expertise Smart home, Windows PCs, cooking (sometimes), woodworking tools (getting there...)
Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Dan Ackerman
Rich Brown
Scott Stein
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Apple MacBook Pro

The go-to 15-inch laptop for creative types, Apple's MacBook Pro is a common sight in offices, dens, and even living rooms. It's a significant investment, but there's probably not a better one-stop shop for power, portability, and looks. The slimmer Air comes close, but Dad probably still needs an optical drive occasionally.

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HP Folio 13

HP's thin but durable 13-inch ultrabook has a look like a Stetson: classic and utilitarian. While it's light on onboard storage (128GB SSD), it has all the ports you'd need for work/travel.

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Sony Vaio Z series

After you've got a decade or two of a career under your belt, it's ok to stop looking for bargains and instead splurge on the very best. Sony's high-end 13-inch Z series laptop is expensive, but has that 'executive laptop' sheen and a unique GPU/optical dock for after-work (or at-work) gaming.

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Apple iMac 27-inch

Apple's big screen iMac is due for a refresh any week now, but assuming the new model keeps the same, gorgeous display, any new specs will seem secondary. Browsing, gaming, movie watching, and any kind of written or design-oriented productivity work are no match for the 27-inches/2,560x1,440 pixels of glory.

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Samsung Series 5 Ultra

Samsung's sleek and very affordable laptop is the best of both worlds: an ultrathin-type laptop that still has a DVD drive and more hard drive space than the average MacBook Air.

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Origin Chronos

We like Alienware's take on the small scale gaming desktop, but the Origin Chronos shows that for just a little bit more money, true boutique PC vendors still have the performance edge thanks to their willingness to overclock.

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