X

Idiot boxes for smart graduates

Nothing says "congratulations on your newly completed education!" like a gateway to mind-numbing reality TV, so here's a few TVs to gift the new grad.

David_Katzmaier.jpg
David_Katzmaier.jpg
David Katzmaier
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
David Katzmaier
07Sony_KDL-32R400A_35670241.jpg
1 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony KDL-32R400A

Starting off small, the affordable 32-inch KDL-32R400A will fit into any new dorm room or tiny friend-filled apartment.

Samsung_UNF5000_3565620412.jpg
2 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung UNF5000 series

Then again, Smart features might not matter to the grad who already watches everything through a Chromecast. Samsung's base-bones UNF5000 is the perfect complement to external devices.

Vizio_E0i_series_TV_35508623_02.jpg
3 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Vizio E0i-A1

The practical, brand-unconscious grad will dig Vizio's E series. Yes, it has Smart TV and minimalist styling, but the real draw is solid picture quality. If this 2013 version proves hard to find, look for the 2014 "B" model numbers.

05Samsung_F5500_35757117_540x386.jpg
4 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung PNF5500 series

Truly know-it-all grads know that plasma delivers great picture quality for the money, and they also know the technology is getting rarer--and thus, waaaay cooler. Enter the PNF5500 series (with Smart TV) or, if you can't find it, the PNF5300 (without).

sony-kdl-60w850b-13.jpg
5 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony KDL-W850B series

We know this is a silly question, but does your grad like video games on a giant TV? If the answer is yes, and you can afford it, Sony's 60- and (gasp) 70-inch KDL-W850B, with its ultra-quick input lag, is the perfect reward for all that studying.

Vizio_M551D-A2_35781765_11.jpg
6 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Vizio M series

Is your grad kinda weird? You know, weird enough to actually like 3D movies? The M series is one of the best ways to get to that other dimension, and its passive 3D technology means he'll have plenty of glasses for all his weird friends too.

samsung-un55h6050-product-photos-15.jpg
7 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung UNH6350 series

Available in sizes from 32 to 75 inches, all of which boast that trademark sleek Samsung styling, spider-leg stand, and the most content-rich Smart TV suite in the business, the Samsung UNH6350 is sure to please the discerning gadget-happy grad.

philips-screeneo-hdp1590-product-photos-05.jpg
8 of 8 Sarah Tew/CNET

Philips Screenio HDP1590

Iconoclast? Lover of the unique and unusual? Android fanatic? If any of these things describe your grad, and you really want to please him or her, the strange-duck Philips Screenio projector could be just the thing.

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
2023 BMW Z4 Is 100% More Purple
2023 BMW Z4

2023 BMW Z4 Is 100% More Purple

17 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos