How to Help Your Father Learn to Use a New Smartphone

Dads love technology, but the capabilities of today's modern smartphones can be hard to grasp at first. If your father hasn't upgraded his phone in a few years and he seems interested in new smartphone technology, here's what you'll need to get him up to speed this Father's Day.

A Smartphone With A User-Friendly Interface - First of all, dad will need a smartphone that's somewhat intuitive, as he'll have to eventually learn a few things on his own. Google Android smart phones like the Nexus S 4G (starting at $129 with contract) and the Galaxy S (starting at $139 with contract) can be very easy to pick up. Apple's iPhone ($299 and up, depending on the model) is also exceptional and has a famously accessible interface that even technophobes will warm up to.

Look for a touchscreen phone and read user reviews--even among Android phones, the quality of the user interface can vary greatly. The best tactic would be to take dad to an electronics store to try a few phones out.

Plenty of Chargers - If your father's last phone didn't do much more than make calls, he might be surprised by how quickly a smartphone's battery can be drained. A car charger and an extra wall charger are perfect Father's Day gifts to pick up. Universal chargers like the iGo ($9.99 and up) are a good safe bet; otherwise, be sure to buy a compatible charger designed for your father's smartphone.

A Reliable Case and Accessories - Everyone eventually drops or scratches their phone, so don't expect your father to behave any differently. A good case will keep his smartphone safe and maybe add a little extra style--if he's concerned about that sort of thing.

Cases also vary according to the model of smartphone that you're buying, but an example of a very protective case is Otterbox's Defender case ($30), which fits the iPhone and similar smartphones. It's made from polycarbonate and silicon, which means it's capable of absorbing some serious shock. It's also fairly lightweight. Other great accessories include window mounts and headsets, both of which will make it easier for your father to safely use his phone in a car.

The best way to help your father out when he's getting a smartphone is to show him how to find apps that can expand his phone's functionality. Cool apps like Shazam, which quickly finds the name and artist of any song by using a smartphone's microphone, are a very good place to start.

Most parents will pick up on the capabilities of their smartphones fairly quickly--the devices are designed to be somewhat universal--but you can also pick up books like "Incredible iPhone Apps for Dummies" (9.99) to help him along. Be supportive and accessible, and your father will pick up on his new Father's Day gadget in a matter of no time.