Save your Dad tech-trauma this Father’s Day!
09/06/08
Father’s Day is right around the corner and tech gadgets rank high on every Dad’s wish list. But will your old man know how to use the high-tech gift he receives on the day? Geek Squad has some advice on getting your gadget gift right in two steps.
Step 1: Identify your Dad’s technology profile:
The “Techno-Phobe” Pop
This Father is recognized by the following characteristics:
Spends less than one hour a day on a computer (if at all).
Prefers phone and face-to-face talk to email, IM or VOIP (like he’d know what that was!).
Possible steep technology learning curve due to skepticism or fear of looking foolish.
The “Tech-Savvy” Daddy
Typically working professionals, small-business owners and families with kids, these Fathers could be described with the following characteristics:
Use technology more for everyday communication and less for creative self expression.
Like technology because it keeps them in contact with others, enables them to perform their jobs and helps them learn new things.
Spend time participating in online activities (chatting, social networking sites, emailing, etc.).
The “Geek-Freak” Father
These Fathers have a deep appetite for technology and tend to use the latest and greatest gizmos in pretty much every area of their lives. Common traits:
Live and breathe technology and proudly show off their devices that the rest of us will want in six to twelve month’s time.
Prefer user-generated content to pre-packaged, and are highly satisfied with the role that technology plays in their lives.
Confidently adopt new technology in a quick and creative manner.
Freely use technology for blogging, exploring virtual worlds, paying bills, making purchases online and even buying and trading stocks.
Step 2: Choose technology that’s right for your Dad:
Things to keep in mind when buying for “Techno-Phobe” Pops include:
Techno-Phobe Pops are “phobic,” because they haven’t been successfully shown how easy and effective technology can be. Anything you do for a Techno-Phobe Pop should aim at simplifying the experience, while bringing a new and exciting benefit. Your Techno-Phobe Pop may not spend a lot of time on a computer right now, but what if you show them how much easier life can be with a Wi-Fi connection? Give a wireless router to your Techno-Phobe Pop and enlist the help of a Geek Squad Agent to set up a home wireless network. Once it’s installed, the computer will have wireless Internet access within range of the router, typically all around the home.
Things to keep in mind when buying for the “Tech-Savvy” Daddies include:
Techno-Savvy Daddies are doing a lot already, but there’s untapped potential there. Show your Techno-Savvy Daddy how they can use the Internet to communicate with long-distance family and friends via digital images or a streaming Web cam. First, buy him a new digital camera or Web cam, then book a tutorial with the Geek Squad to demonstrate how easy it is to share life online via imaging sites like Flickr, or to speak face-to-face with Skype. Techno-Savvy Daddies can keep up with friends and family (even if they are thousands of miles away) and will be happy to learn how to fully utilise a brand new digital camera.
Although they’re at the forefront, “Geek-Freak” Fathers can follow these tips to maximize their experiences as well:
The Geek-Freak Father in your life undoubtedly has a wireless network, but do they know just how much it can do? Purchase a Slingbox or any new gaming console for your Geek-Freak Father. A Geek Squad agent can install the Slingbox and gaming console so that they sync perfectly with a HDTV. Now he can enjoy hours of uninhibited gaming and his favourite TV shows or movies no matter where he is.
Whether it’s introducing a new gadget to a Techno-Phobe Pop, or simply giving the gift of Geek to help Techno-Savvy Daddy’s gadgets all work together, Geek Squad knows there’s a bit of technology that’s just right for every dad on his special day.
