You are viewing arnor's favorites
Carlton Safety Razors
Get the shave of a straight razor without the irritation with Carlton Safety Razors from Truefitt & Hill ($190-$290). Made from high-end materials such as ebony and ivory, these razors use one blade and require virtually no pressure to glide across your face, mowing down whatever is in their way. Perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Samsung TL9
This ultra-compact shooter has the usual set of features — 10-megapixel resolution, a 2.7 inch LCD, 5x optical zoom, maximum ISO of 1600, and Dual Image Stabilization. But what sets The Samsung TL9 ($280) apart from other cameras is MP3/PMP capability and two awesome empty/full analog gauges that track remaining battery life and memory capacity. [via]
Hasselblad H3DII-50
Feast your eyes on the most ridiculous piece of photo equipment you're going to see this year. The Hasselblad H3DII-50 ($TBA). That 50 stands for megapixels — as in 50 million pixels. Suffice to say that this is about as ultra high end as current technology will allow. The Kodak sensor embedded in this beast should be more than enough to finally null the line between film and digital. But quality, of course, comes at a premium. While no price has yet been set for this monstrosity, if the astronomical cost of its baby brother, the H3DII-39, is to be taken into consideration, the H3DII-50 will probably weigh in somewhere between the national GDPs of Eritrea and Guam.
Acadia Mini Bar
Hide your booze, glasses, and bar gadgets in elegant style with the Acadia Mini Bar ($400). Its acadia veneer gives it a warm, 50's-era feel, while the generous cabinets with adjustable glass shelves and roomy drawers give you plenty of room to store all your bartending necessities. Powdercoated gunmetal legs and pulls finish the piece, which will look great in any living room, den, or entertaining area.
Mensgroom Sore No More
If you're still recovering from that "friendly" softball game this past weekend, you're probably wishing you had some of this stuff. Made from a secret mixture of Menthol, Aloe Vera and Mannetake Mushrooms, Mensgroom Sore No More ($24) is a quick-drying gel that helps quickly soothe your atrophied office muscles.
Pico USB Flash Drive
You won't find a smaller drive with this much storage anywhere. The easily-lost Pico USB Flash Drive ($50) is less than 4mm thick yet holds 8GB of digital miscellany. It sports a polished chrome finish and is shock and water resistant.
Ultimate Professional Drink Maker
Ever notice how your frozen drinks never come out as good as the ones you had on vacation? Don't blame yourself — blame your gear. The Ultimate Professional Drink Maker ($2,000) is the pro's secret to the perfect drink, featuring the Revolution Portion System that maintains just the right ice-to-liquid ratio, a 3hp motor, a water drain to keep ice fresh, and a Wave-Action system that continually forces the mixture down into the blades, resulting in smooth, well-mixed, consistent drinks.
Super Side Bar
The Super Side Bar ($500-$580) lets you dispense five of your favorite drinks without picking up a single bottle. And, like your own personal bartender, the Side Bar is fully programmable for automatic measuring of mixed drinks. Allowing you to store your bottles up to 10 feet away, it uses five separate pumps and individually transports beverages to your glass via separate flexible tubing, so your vodka and rum will never mix. The Side Bar operates on either 110 volt AC or 12 volt DC, letting you order one for your pool house, one for your yacht, and one for your jet. Black and white bases with black, white, brass, and chrome spouts are available.
KOR ONE
A reusable water bottle as healthy as the water you put inside it. The KOR ONE Hydration Vessel ($30) is BPA-free (good for your body) and cuts down on the amount of water bottles you throw away each year (good for the planet). The KOR ONE features a pretty stunning industrial design, topped off with a just-right spout and a hinged cap (screw you, screw-on caps) for quick one-hand opening and closing.
Funny Games
Some call it a brutal and horrifying film that doesn't deserve to be seen. Others call it a work of art. But one thing's for sure — it's unrelentingly sadistic and will be appreciated by any cinephile. The controversial Funny Games ($20) is a shot-for-shot remake of a 1997 Austrian film of the same name, focusing on a family terrorized by two insane young men at a country vacation home. Even though a lot of the violence happens off screen, the disturbing film is still hard to watch. Besides the physical and psychological torture, there are other oddities thrown in, such as when the thugs break the fourth wall, talking directly to the audience, and even altering the plot of the film at one point.
Slipoffs
Sick of seeing other dudes wearing your kicks? Then grab yourself a pair of Slipoffs ($180). These custom designed shoes begin life as a standard pair of Vans slip-ons (or Converse, if you so desire), and are then hand decorated with acrylic paint and ink, then coated dirt/rain repellent to keep the art looking great. Since you pick the subject (Yoda, Land Rover, Tila Tequila, etc.), the sneakers are guaranteed to be unique to you.
Perfect Peeler
Watch out, vegetables. The Perfect Peeler by Kyocera ($20) features a diamond-hard, corrosion-resistant zirconium oxide blade that stays sharp 10 times longer than other pro steel blades. Its blade also adjusts angle from vertical to horizontal and is paired up with a lightweight comfort handle.
Scout Journey Pack
The Scout Journey Pack ($135) is a great baby bag for stylish dads. It features absolutely tons of pockets and comes with a water resistant changing pad and a cool antique brass wipes case. Available in heathered gray or olive green felt. The Scout Rubican Rucksack ($235) is nearly identical, but comes in black or brown buffalo leather.
USB Mix Tape
Burning a CD for someone is all well and good, but it just can't capture the feeling of an old mix tape. Now you can get that handmade feeling with digital files thanks to the USB Mix Tape ($40). This clever kit comes with a 64MB USB drive that is hidden inside a cassette tape, complete with a blank liner you can use to write down your playlist and message — no rewinding required.
Samsonite Male Attache
Mixing clean lines with old-school sensibility, the Samsonite Male Attache ($399) is a great modern briefcase. The textured ABS shell offers a 1960's FBI vibe, while the interior offers cell phone and PDA pockets, a removable laptop sleeve, portfolio, and pencil case. A leather shoulder strap and key lock with color-coordinated keys provide the finishing touches. [Thanks, Joe]
MobileMe
Apple's MobileMe ($99-$149) is a new subscription-based web service that replaces the feeble .Mac service. Redesigned as "Exchange for the rest of us," MobileMe delivers push email, push contacts and push calendars to your iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, or PC, keeping everything absolutely in sync and up to date. Also included with MobileMe is a suite of slick web apps that work and look just like desktop applications. Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Gallery (photos), and iDisk (sharing files) are all included. It may sound a bit confusing in its description, but it'll make your life easier without question. MobileMe will be released alongside the new iPhone 3G on July 11th.
iPhone 3G
Time to upgrade. Apple overlord Steve Jobs just introduced the all-new iPhone 3G ($199-$299). Besides the faster 3G wireless connection speeds and all of the previous revolutionary iPhone features, the new model also gets built-in GPS, better battery life (10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours using 3G), a flush headphone jack, and iPhone 2.0 software with support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, the new MobileMe web suite, and a bunch of new downloadable applications from the iTunes App Store. The iPhone 3G also sports a new (and slightly thicker) glossy case in standard Apple black or white. Both 8GB (black) and 16GB (black or white) capacities remain. The iPhone 3G will go on sale July 11th in over 20 countries.
HTC Touch Pro
If your thumbs just aren't made for the iPhone's virtual keyboard, you'll like the new HTC Touch Pro ($TBA). The HSDPA phone sports a slide-out, five-row QWERTY keyboard, along with a 2.8-inch touch screen (with "four times the resolution of most phones") and a pretty classy Windows Mobile-based TouchFLOTM 3D user interface. Other features include a 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera with flash, Wi-Fi, GPS, and video calling. [via]
Flip Video Mino
The already-compact Flip Video Ultra camcorder just got a new little brother. At about 40% smaller than the Ultra series, the Flip Video Mino ($180) weighs only 3.3 ounces, but packs in features like 2GB of storage (good for up to 60 minutes of VGA-quality video), a rechargeable lithium ion battery (which recharges with a built-in USB arm), touch-sensitive buttons, and a 1.5-inch anti-glare LCD display. You also get the easy to use PC/Mac software for quickly sharing your videos. The Mino comes in Apple-esque white or black.
Peugeot Electric Wine Opener
If you're planning a long night of drinking, let the Peugeot Electric Wine Opener ($120) do all of the heavy lifting. The stainless steel wine opener uncorks bottles in seconds with only a press of a button. It's rechargeable, fits any size bottle, and works with natural and synthetic corks.
Bacon Salt
Because everything should taste like bacon, there's Bacon Salt ($5). Available in three tasty flavors — Original, Hickory and Peppered — Bacon Salt is a zero calorie, zero fat, vegetarian and kosher seasoning salt that tastes just like real bacon. It's pretty wonderful on just about anything you can think of — we honestly didn't have one bad experience of bacon overload. (OK, so the Hickory no-bake cookies could have been better.) For extra healthiness, there's Natural flavor, which is also gluten free and has low sodium. Bacon in a bottle. It doesn't get much better than that. [Thanks, Adam & Jamie]
Black Rome Belt
Classic Roman architecture meets modern-day clothing in the Black Rome Belt ($95) from Sugarcrane. The belt's elegant black buckle features a pair of Roman columns and smooth curves, and is paired with a black Italian leather belt with hand stitched accents that add just the right amount of flair. Perfect for the Uncrate summer uniform of jeans and a tee. [Thanks, Ty]
Residential Bowling Lanes
Take your dudeness to a whole new level with a Residential Bowling Lane ($TBA). They feature full-length, regulation lanes, genuine AMF and Brunswick equipment, and require over 1,000 sq ft. of space for a pair of lanes. Built to USBC standards, these custom lanes provide all the fun of a night at the alley without the stinky rental shoes, hassle of travel, or pesky managers that call the cops when you bust out a handgun to settle a line violation.
Crocs Santa Cruz
Sure, Crocs are comfortable — but they're also pretty awful-looking, at least in their normal form. The Crocs Santa Cruz ($50) break this mold by pairing the company's super-comfy croslite footbed to a tough canvas upper, leaving you with a shoe that feels great on your feet and boasts a casual, laid back style that's perfect for those warm summer afternoons. [Thanks, Steve]
Iomega eGo Hard Drives
Iomega is trying to give the boring portable hard drive some character. They've recently introduced the Leather eGo Hard Drive ($143) and Camo eGo Hard Drive ($143). Both 2.5-inch, USB-powered drives offer 250GB of storage, are compatible with Mac OS X and Windows, and feature DropGuard technology. The first model sports an exec-friendly leather wrapped enclosure, while the second features a camouflage case and a black Iomega Power Grip band for extra protection. A variety of solid colors are also available.
Bonobos Pants
We've just found the holy grail of pants. To be more precise, we've just located the most perfect-fitting pants we've ever tried on. Hand-made in New York and San Francisco, Bonobos pants ($110-$350) provide an excellent tailored fit, including just-boot-cut-enough-but-not-too-girly pant legs. Current styles are available in a variety of colors in corduroy (in several different weights), wool/cashmere, and twill, with pairs that go with everything from tees to blazers. Only available online, you also get an awesome return policy and tremendously fun waistband and pocket fabrics. The bad thing about Bonobos? Every pair is produced in limited quantities. So don't even look at the "retired" section unless you want some major trouser regret.
iChime
Sometimes we get our hands on a product that turns out to be more fun than we could have ever imagined. Such is the case with the iChime ($90). This customizable doorbell can be set to play any of the 50 or so included songs/sounds (everything from holiday music to a dog barking) or one of 6 custom recordings that you can change anytime. You can add custom sounds/songs with the built-in microphone or use the audio input jack to connect your iPod or PC. It's an easy two-wire replacement of your existing doorbell, and works with lighted and non-lighted buttons. You can also order an auxiliary speaker ($25) to hook up outside your door so guests can clearly hear your custom doorbell. The first two custom choices loaded onto our iChime? "The Imperial March" and "We'll do it live!"
Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
Take a lot of notes? Then consider investing in a Livescribe Pulse Smartpen ($150-$200). Available with 1GB or 2GB of internal storage, the Pulse has a microphone, camera, and special paper that allows it to make a digital record of your writing and associate it with the audio it captured at the time you were writing. Watch this for an example. It also features an OLED display, and has a growing developer community working on new ways to use the device — meaning it might become even more useful after you buy it.
Penguin Blowfish-Print Board Shorts
Stay stylish while hanging poolside in these Penguin Blowfish-Print Board Shorts ($65). The chalk-colored shorts feature a colorful pink and tan blowfish-inspired design, with stripes running down the legs and a contrast waistband. With a nearly foot-long inseam, you also don't have to worry about being the guy in short shorts.
BlackBerry Bold
The new BlackBerry Bold ($TBA) finally shows that RIM isn't going to stand around and let Apple snatch up all its users. Featuring a sleek black exterior with satin chrome bezel and leather-like backplate, the iPhone-esque quad-band EDGE and tri-band HSDPA smartphone features GPS and Wi-Fi, a half-VGA (480 x 320 resolution) color LCD, and the usual Blackberry email/web functions and QWERTY keyboard. The Bold is powered by a 624 MHz mobile processor and also features 1GB of on-board storage (as well as a microSD/SDHC memory card slot), Bluetooth 2.0, and a 2-megapixel camera with video recording capability, built-in flash and 5x digital zoom.
Typhoon Nonstick Hot Wok
Great for wannabe Asian chefs, the Typhoon Nonstick Hot Wok ($30) offers an asymmetrical shape that makes it easy to toss and turn food when stir-frying. Made of carbon steel with a nonstick finish, the wok also features a quick-heating flat bottom and an ergonomic stay-cool handle. Also pick up a Wok Utensil Set ($15) and some All-Natural Stir Fry Tea Oil ($17).
British Imperial Pint Glasses
Drink your ale the way it was meant to be in one of these authentic British Imperial Pint Glasses ($7). These British style pub glasses, etched with the official European Union pint seal, finally allow you to replace your oh-so-classy Budweiser frog mugs. But these aren't just for looks — the heavy ridge on the Imperial glass provides durability and easy stacking.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grant Theft Auto is a series that needs zero introduction, so we'll refrain from telling you that it's one of the most influential (and controversial) video games ever. We won't waste your time telling you that the franchise has sold more than 65 million copies, or that your grandmother is carjacking fools right now from the secrecy of her bedroom. No, we'll just let you know GTA IV ($60) is now available and you want it — you want it badly. The game takes place in an environment with an uncanny resemblance to New York City, but a bizarro version with a lot of crime. Using Serbian war vet Niko Bellic as your instrument, you can either kick, cut, drive and/or shoot your way to the top of the crime world. With hours of gameplay, tons of games-within-a-games, and a number of all-new multiplayer modes (!), even Granny is upstairs wondering why you haven't bought it yet. And truthfully, so are we.
Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste
A hardcore toothpaste for your hardcore breath. Ideal for smokers and rancid breath sufferers, Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste ($9) offers a powerful minty taste that provides a lot of fresh in your mouth. The museum-worthy tube is worthy of display. For a sweeter, cooler taste, try Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste ($9).
Full Swing Golf Simulator
Bring the course to you with the Full Swing Golf Simulator ($TBD). Like the simulators found in golf stores across the country, the Full Swing system allows you to use real clubs and balls to play over 50 real-life courses, including Oakland Hills and St. Andrews, providing valuable practice and unlimited drunken fun. Two 360-degree curtains of infrared beams provide exact and immediate ball-flight statistics, so you can be sure that you really would have hit your ball into the Pacific on the 18th at Pebble Beach.
Fossil Gallery Bags
Two-tone is in with the new leather and canvas Gallery Bags from Fossil ($150). Available in both Tote and Messenger varieties, the bags feature multiple interior and exterior compartments, contrast stitching, and natural tones that will look great with whatever you're wearing.
Master Lock Street Cuff
Standard bike locks not secure enough for you? Lock your wheels down police-style with the Master Lock Street Cuff ($100). This unique lock is designed like a pair of handcuffs, and offers maximum cut and pry resistance, no fixed anchor point (for leverage), and virtually no space for jacks — leaving would-be thieves SOL.
Fox Racing Fedora Hat
It's what you wear after doing Moto X double backflips all day. A nice departure from their normal dirt-worshipping gear, this Fox Racing Fedora Hat ($35) features Herringbone fabric, a leather band, and Fox Head pin.
The Ultimate Bar Book
Regardless of you're skills in mixology, you're bound to find something to like in The Ultimate Bar Book ($14). This tome of tantalizing refreshment includes more than 1,000 drink recipes, with drinks using traditional liquors, wine, sake and beer, and even a few nonalcoholic options. There are also recommendations for stocking your bar, garnishing drinks, and, of course, hangover remedies for when you've followed the book's advice a bit too much.
Bird-Electron EZ0 Portable Speaker
A leather strap brings some serious style to the Bird-Electron EZ0 Portable Speaker ($90). Perfect for blasting your iPod during workouts, long subway rides, or bikini car wash competitions, this Japan import features a compact aluminum body and requires no power source. It's available in red, white, and limited edition gold, silver and anodized blue.
Original Leather Postal Messenger
You know how the postman in old movies always has a well-worn, great-looking leather mail bag? Well, it's not just fiction. From 1868 until the '70s, the USPS carried oil-tanned mailbags, which have been faithfully reproduced in J. Crew's "Original" Leather Postal Messenger ($800). This gorgeous bag is hand-oiled, stained, and burnished, sewn by artisans on century-old machines from hand-picked leather. Just like the old USPS bags, it's made to last for years, and is large enough to hold a smallish laptop, a book or two, and yes, even the mail.
Red Scarlet
The monstrous Red One just got a little sister. The Red Scarlet ($TBA) is a more handleable hi-res camera, offering insane specs like a 3K resolution with Red's 2/3-inch Mysterium X sensor, 1-120fps (180fps burst) shooting, and up to 100MB/sec Redcode Raw HD and RBG recording to dual compact flash cards. The Scarlet sports a 4.8-inch LCD, 8x T2.8 Red zoom lens, full auto or manual modes, HDMI/Firewire 800/USB 2.0, and Wi-Fi control.
BR Monogram Cashmere/Linen Blazer
Banana Republic has launched a Summer collection under its upscale BR Monogram brand. We're digging the BR Monogram Gray Cashmere/Linen Blazer ($700), which pairs up perfectly with the BR Monogram Silk/Cashmere V-Neck Sweater ($98), BR Monogram Cotton/Linen Textured-Dot Dress Shirt ($98), and crisp BR Monogram Heritage Slim Straight White Jeans. Wow, we never thought we'd write "white jeans" on Uncrate.
Nikon Coolpix P80
Nikon gives new meaning to Mazda's lame "Zoom zoom zoom" slogan with the new Coolpix P80 ($400). The compact digicam boasts an impressive 18x Zoom-Nikkor lens with optical vibration reduction, a 10.1-megapixel sensor with EXPEED image processing, a 2.7-inch LCD, manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and programmed auto shooting modes, and can shoot as many as 30 consecutive pictures at up to 13 frames per second. For those looking for dSLR features in a smaller body, it's the new king of the compact zoom.
Custom Bust Cuff Links
From the makers of the fantastic Opus Football Table comes another unique item: Custom Bust Cuff Links (from $450). Designed to show a side-profile on each cuff, the 'links are made specifically for you, and can feature anyone you want — a family member, pet, or even yourself. When not in use, the cuff links combine to form a miniature bust, perfect for displaying around the office or in your dressing area. [Thanks, Ryan]
Adidas Stan Smith I De Lux
Perforated black leather and tan accents meet 70's tennis shoe chic in the Adidas Stan Smith I De Lux ($80). These plain sneaks are the perfect way to finish a funky outfit, with classic styling that won't draw too much attention away from your perfectly tailored jeans.
There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis won best actor for 2007's There Will Be Blood ($23), and after watching it, there's little doubt that he's one of the greatest actors to ever grace the screen. The film, P.T. Anderson's first in almost five years, is a loose adaptation of the Upton Sinclair novel Oil!. It follows the life of Daniel Plainview, a man so occupied with success that it consumes him, rendering him one sociopathic husk of a person. Strong performances all around with great cinematography and an amazing score composed by Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood, make this a must buy.
Puma Madison Evo Sneaker
You can be understated without being boring. For an example, check out the Puma Madison Evo Sneaker ($90). A simple monotone upper hides the signature racetrack stripes and helps the sporty styling of the shoe blend in with more serious attire. Fun, yet functional.
Thierry Mugler Angel Men Pure Coffee
Coffee, you say? In a cologne? Yes. Thierry Mugler Angel Men Pure Coffee ($65) is a limited edition scent with its roots firmly planted in the world of java. With a base scent of slightly burnt coffee, the cologne also exhibits notes of different chocolates, giving it a rich, inviting, masculine smell that is sure to attract more attention than your average fruity sport scent.
My Pro Kitchen Set
Skip the expensive Williams-Sonoma stuff and pick up everything you need to cook great meals in this 36-piece Cooking Set from My Pro Kitchen ($280). This single-stop set includes all the essentials for a working kitchen, sourced from commercial restaurant suppliers — in other words, the same stuff the pros use, for way less money than you'd pay at a normal culinary store. Do you smell what the Uncrate staff is cookin'?
Korres Absinthe Shave Cream
Absinthe makes everything better. Korres Absinthe Shave Cream ($22) is a great brushless, non-foaming prep that allows for effortless shaves. Formulated at a milder PH to prevent skin roughness, it's enriched with absinthe extract, jojoba oil, vitamin E, active aloe, and provitamin B5.
Working Class Heroes iPhone Multi Case
Protect your iPhone while eradicating excess pocket bulk with the Working Class Heroes Multi Case for iPhone and iPod touch ($66). The case is handmade from gray 3mm wool felt, and features a back pocket made from soft brown leather, perfect for storing an ID and credit card, letting you leave your wallet at home. Elastic herringbone on the front and sides finishes the case, letting you store your headphones or Bluetooth earpiece, along with a pen.
Ply-Bak Love Seat
Lunar Lounge Design describes their Ply-Bak Love Seat ($430) as "comfortable minimalism". We can't attest to its softness, but its design is a definite winner. This handcrafted mid century modern piece will look great in any number of differently styled dwellings. Available in blonde birch with black or brown vinyl, royal walnut with black vinyl, or dark walnut with cream vinyl.
Incase iPhone Slider Case
Make your iPhone a little more durable with the Incase Slider Case ($35). This 1mm-thin hardshell plastic case features interior rubber guardrails that provide shock absorption plus impact and scratch protection. The removable bottom cover slides away for docking. The Slider case is available in black gloss, white gloss, and black matte, and is also available for the iPod Touch.
Paul Smith Spring '08 Cufflinks
Freshen up your sleeves with one of 10 new sets of Paul Smith Spring '08 Cufflinks ($75-$135). The brightly colored enamel designs come in a variety of styles and feature torpedo or flip back designs.
Custom Laser Engraved Moleskine Notebooks
If you're the type who carries a Moleskine with you nearly everywhere you go, you're probably also the type who will dig these Custom Laser Engraved Moleskine Notebooks ($25 and up). Pick your notebook, upload your artwork (or choose from one of 10 artist designs), and you're done — unless you want custom spine engraving, as well. The hipster's favorite accessory just got a little cooler. [via]
Zivity
Although Zivity is still in closed beta, it's already rousing quite a stir among the blogerati. The site harnesses the many Web 2.0 fundamentals to create a social network built around tasteful (read: artsy) nudity. Dubbing themselves purveyors of Beauty 2.0 and encouraging submissions from women of all sizes, races and ages, Zivity is something akin to Suicide Girls for anyone who likes sexy. The result is something most excellent (read: nudity). And while the site is not yet be opened to the public, we've got free six month memberships to dole out to the first 10 Uncraters to email uncrate at zivity dot com. Supplies are limited, so act fast or be left to wait with the other lackeys.
Lollyphile Lollipops
Who's in the mood for some pig and alcohol flavored suckers? Lollyphile is a San Fran-based company selling odd lollypop flavors (4/$10), like its first two creations, Absinthe and Maple-bacon. The Absinthe lollypops are made with real absinthe, and the Maple-bacon ones are made with organic, cured bacon and Vermont maple syrup. Seriously.
Pagani Stereo System
If you happen to have a Pagani parked in your driveway, you might have the dough it will take to pick up this Pagani Hi-Fi Stereo System ($TBD). Made from aluminum and carbon fiber, the system's main control unit is designed after the radios found in Pagani cars, and the four-pipe bass port recalls the Zonda's exhaust system. Other features include two turntables (one for 33s and one for 45s), twin 350 watt tower speakers, a CD player, and a dedicated amplifier. [via]
Wild Turkey American Spirit Bourbon
Ah, Wild Turkey. We've had some great drunken times with this classic bourbon, and now its makers are celebrating its tradition with Wild Turkey American Spirit ($TBD). Produced in extremely limited quantities as a super-premium bourbon, the 100-proof, 15-year-old hooch will come in a great-looking unique bottle, complete with strip stamp seal and commemorative box. Cheers. [Thanks, Doug]
Burton Mess Pack
We've had a hankering for wool lately, and the Burton Mess Pack Messenger ($80) fits the bill. Made from — you guessed it — felted wool, the bag features a modular strap system, full lining, plenty of pockets and interior space, Velcro flap fasteners with exterior clip backups, and a subdued style that lets it look at home almost anywhere.
Waterford Crystal Bar Trunk
If you're looking to have the most extravagant portable party box ever, here it is. The Waterford Crystal Bar Trunk ($16,000) is a rosewood bar trunk with brass accents and leather trim, filled with a wide array of Irish crystal barware, along with a crystal clock, serving dish, a four-piece sterling silver-plated bar tool set and eight Versace serving plates. Party like an 18th-century rock star.
Industrial Re-pollution T-Shirt
DesignGive, an online T-shirt shop that donates a portion of sales to charities, takes on the poisoning of our planet with the Industrial Re-pollution T-Shirt ($15). Only 200 of these special edition tees will be printed and are only available by pre-order. When placing your order, you can choose one of seven charitable organizations you want your donation to go to.
Dane Pendant Lamp
Looking for a slightly retro way to light your dinner table? The Dane Pendant Lamp ($100) has you covered. The shade features a great-looking Brazilian sandalwood veneer and a built-in diffuser, to make sure the light from the 60-watt bulb gets spread evenly over the area. A translucent cord adds a little extra polish to the simple, modern lighting solution.
Alessi Pop-Up Bottle Opener
We're suckers for beautiful kitchen gadgets, and the Alessi Pop-Up Bottle Opener ($47) is no exception. Made from stainless steel, one simply presses down on this simple ovoid-shaped object to open the bottle below, while the cap is held by a magnet inside the opener, keeping caps from flying around your room. Simple, functional, and gorgeous.
Sigma DP1
Not content to challenge the leading pocket shooters on their own terms, the Sigma DP1 ($1090) is more of a dSLR in a compact body. It uses the same full-sized, 14 megapixel Foveon X3 image sensor found in Sigma's SD14 dSLR, and for fans of prime lenses, its 16.6mm F4 lens is equivalent to a standard 28mm offering, providing low distortion, high contrast images. Support for RAW, the "TRUE" image processing engine, manual focus, and more make this the ideal pocket cam for old-school photography enthusiasts. [Thanks, Patrick]
FlipSticks Folding Chopsticks
If you're wanting to enjoy some sushi out on the trail, but still need pack minimally, you'll want to order a pair of FlipSticks ($22). The world's first set of bamboo folding chopsticks, they're perfect for hiking or camping with some class.
Sony BDP-550 Blu-Ray Player
Move over, PS3. Our current favorite Blu-Ray player is about to get knocked off its perch by the new Sony BDP-550 Blu-Ray Player ($500; Fall 2008). The slim, blue-faced player offers support for Blu-Ray 2.0 spec, Bonus View PiP, and BD-Live, and features a 1GB storage device, 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output, 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, dts-HD High Resolution Audio, and dts-HD Master Audio decoding and bit-stream output, as well as 7.1 channel analog audio output.
Rösle Boston Shaker
You know all those cocktail shakers we've told you about? Yeah, you shouldn't have bought any of those. Our bad. The Rösle Boston Shaker ($47) is our new favorite. Instead of the sometimes-leaky shakers that you can't see inside or measure easily, this one comes with a glass tumbler that's marked with measurements, letting you free-pour your ingredients like a pro bartender.
Powerstick
Wouldn't it be great to have an extra portable power source for your gadgets that didn't take up much space and was easy to charge? The Powerstick ($70) is a thumb drive-sized accessory that charges via the built-in USB connector and can provide extra juice for lots of different devices, including most cell phones, iPods, and others that charge via mini-USB. A simple fuel gauge graphic lets you know how the charging is going and how much power you have left. Genius.
True Religion Ricky Jeans
Treat your favorite graphic tee to a new springtime companion with a pair of True Religion Ricky Jeans ($200). These low-rise, skinny-cut jeans come in a great "The Boss" wash, with just the right amount of distressing. Flapped rear pockets and a zipper fly complete the details, and the jeans will look just as good with a button-down as they do with a tee, adding extra versatility to effortless style.
Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser
Finding the right face wash can be a challenge, and finding a toxin-free cleanser can be even tougher. Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser ($25) is a good choice, with a vegetable glycerin base in lieu of animal fat, Egyptian calendula to soothe your skin, and blood orange to degrease. Hand-crafted, it's the most natural face wash we've found.
Acme Vert Tote
Sometimes you need to carry more than a traditional messenger bag will hold, which is why they make bags like the Acme Made Vert Tote ($200-$270). Available in red nylon or black canvas, the vert has plenty of room for your stuff, including a zippered document pocket, internal and external accessory pockets, and a spacious main compartment with enough room for a laptop + sleeve. Leather straps and trim offer a classy finish to this hold-it-all bag.
Apple Aperture 2
Finally outgrowing iPhoto? Then it's time you stepped up to Aperture 2 ($200). Apple's professional strength photo editing and management software just got over 100 new features, including a streamlined user interface, a new image processing engine, and a ton of new imaging tools. If you've got an SLR camera and consider yourself semi-pro, Aperture needs to be on your shopping list.
Zwilling Ultra-Slim Nail Clipper
Keep your claws trimmed with the Zwilling Pour Homme Ultra-Slim Stainless Steel Nail Clipper ($29). Winner of an iF Design Award, the clipper features a precision engineered flat design and comes with a leather storage pouch.
Utilikilt
Don't call it a skirt. Fashioned after the traditional garb of celtic warriors, the Utilikilt ($140) is a mainstream kilt for the non-Scottish man. It's made of a durable poly-cotton blend and features two deep cargo pockets for all your gear. Riveted snaps keep your curious bits packed neatly away.
Eddie's Room
If you really love your pet, and have a similar affinity for great design, you might consider checking out Eddie's Room ($600). This stylish and modern pet house is made from furniture grade walnut or white acrylic, and features a simple rectangular shape with a single round hole for the doorway. It might not fall under the traditional definition of a dog house, but isn't that the point?
Canon Super Telephoto 1200mm Lens
Damn, son. The Canon Super Telephoto 1200mm f/5.6L EF USM Autofocus Lens ($99,000) is the King Kong of lenses. Measuring 33-inches long and weighing a hefty 36lbs, the rare lens was built-to-order by Canon from 1993 to 2005 — and only at a rate of about two a year. Even though this one is slightly used, it's still going to cost you about the same as two Land Rovers. And good luck trying to find a tripod that will hold up this beast.
Excursion Travel Case
Keep your grooming products handy, organized, and ready-to-go with this Excursion Travel Case ($100). Made from brown leather with tan lining and metal hardware, the case offers a hanging hook for easy access once you've arrived, four pockets, one of which functions as a removable case for mid-day spruce-ups, a mesh pocket for wet items, and a dual-strap closure. Like your American Express, don't leave home without it.
Tumi Townhouse Collection
Old world styling and craftsmanship meets modern materials and technology in the Tumi Townhouse Collection ($150-$2000). This new line of travel and business luggage draws on the company's well-known design prowess to create bags that look classically elegant, yet are made to withstand the abuse of modern travel. High-end leathers and fabrics let you transition easily from boarding area to boardroom without the need for changing bags, saving you time, and the embarrassment of forgetting a key item in your carry-on.
Cheers Ring
A $135 bottle opener might seem a little overpriced to you. Hell, a $135 ring might seem a little overpriced to you. But when you combine the two, all of a sudden it sounds like a terrific bargain, right? The Cheers Ring ($135), made of antiqued brass, features a great "Cheers" engraving and a handy cut-out bottle opener.
Lacoste Supima Cotton Sweater
Just in time for Spring, this Lacoste Supima Cotton Jersey Sweater ($165) offers fashion that will serve you well as the weather transitions from winter's cold to springtime cool. Made from super-soft supima cotton, the full-zip sweater features a ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem, and is available in standard black or a light, versatile grey.
Luna Desk
The Jetsons-worthy Luna Desk ($12,885) features a crystal-thickness glass top that's supported by arched asymmetrical legs (obtained by a monolithic fusion), varnished aluminium, and a huge red leather inlay. With awesome futuristic looks, it'll have you bossin' better than Cosmo Spacely.
Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
We've covered ice cream makers before, but never one that makes soft serve, and certainly not any this topping-friendly. The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker ($100) can make 1.5 quarts of fresh soft serve ice cream in just 20 minutes, and features built-in containers for toppings like sprinkles, chips, or candy pieces, that can be mixed directly into the ice cream and into your bowl by simply pulling a tab. Vanilla cone with Reese's Cup bits, here we come.
Clinique M Cover
No, we didn't just jump the shark. Bunny-hopped it, maybe. Clinique M Cover ($14) is a coverup for men that helps camouflage blemishes, shaving nicks, and the dark circles under your hungover eyes. It's water and sweat resistant, and is said to blend invisibly. And you don't have to be a makeup artist to use this stuff — just dab it on and smear it in with your finger.
iPod Recycling Speaker
Save a little bit of plastic and gain some DIY accomplishment with the iPod Recycling Speaker ($40). Fitting perfectly in the packaging for the iPod Nano (1st & 2nd Gen.) and iPod Shuffle (2nd & 3rd Gen.), the easy-to-install set requires no power and works with any device with a standard headphone jack.
Tiffin Lunch Box Set
Organize your pail lunch with more than just Ziplocs with this Tiffin Lunch Box Set ($80). Getting its name from the term “tiffin,” which is used in parts of Britain and India to mean a light meal or snack, the Tiffin Lunch Box Set includes three stacks of containers that lock together for easier handling, and allow you to separate the different parts of your meal, whether they be hot or cold. Plus, they come in stainless steel, which adds to their good looks, and makes them easier to clean.
2nd Shadow Lamp
Turn any wall in your home into an organic backdrop with the 2nd Shadow Lamp ($170). Designed by Tord Boontje, the lamp features natural images of leaves, vines, and blooms painted on a Mylar interior, which is projected by the interior lamp through stretched gauze filters to create soft, inviting, and intricate patterns on your walls. Available in a subtle cream hue (Morning Garden) or a vibrant green (Spring Garden), it's an easy, stylish way to help decorate your dwelling.
Wood Grain Rug
It may not sound like a stellar idea, but putting this Wood Grain Rug ($109-$749) on top of your wood flooring works pretty damn well. The carved soft wool pile rug ranges in sizes from 2.5' x 7' to 9' x 12' and comes in espresso brown only.
Monkey Picked Tea
We haven't sampled this rare tea yet, but anything that's hand-picked by monkeys has to be good. Loaded with antioxidants, Monkey Picked Tea ($25) is, as the name implies, picked by specially trained monkeys in a remote Chinese village.
Time Capsule
It may look like just an AirPort Extreme base station — but it's not. Apple's Time Capsule is a new backup device that works with Mac OS X Leopard's Time Machine feature to automatically and wirelessly backup everything on your Mac. With super simple "just plug it in" set up, Time Capsule is available in 500GB ($300) and 1TB ($500) sizes. And, as you might guess, the device also functions as a full-featured Wi-Fi base station with with the latest 802.11n technology. Seriously, you now have absolutely no excuse to not be backing up.
MacBook Air
Um, wow. Ol' Steve just hopped off the stage at Macworld, and once again has left us with our mouths open. The MacBook Air ($1,800) is the world’s thinnest laptop. Measuring only 0.16 to 0.76 inches and weighing 3.0 pounds, the MacBook Air sports a 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display, a full-size backlit keyboard, a built-in iSight camera, and an iPhone-like trackpad with multi-touch gesture capability. The MacBook Air has five hours of battery life and comes with a 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo chip (upgradeable to 1.8GHz), 2GB of RAM, an 80GB 1.8-inch hard drive (there's an option to add a 64GB solid-state drive), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Anything missing? Oh yes, the disc drive. Fear not — Apple is selling a matching MacBook Air SuperDrive ($100) or you can just use the new Remote Disk feature to share the optical drive of a nearby computer.
Alchemy Side Table
While it might not have much to do with chemistry, the Alchemy Side Table ($250) boasts a nice formula, with its blend of a handcrafted, sustainable shesham wood tabletop with water-based lacquer finish and industrial-strength pewter finish steel legs. A nice element to add to your living room or office decor.
American Apparel Salt and Pepper Hoodie
The American Apparel Salt and Pepper Hoodie ($40) is just the right mix of trendy and classic to warrant a spot in your closet. A favorite of Hollywood scenesters, the fitted zip-up sweatshirt features gym class-style peppered grey polyester/fleece and contrasting drawcord and zipper.
Dymo DiscPainter
Just when we had given up on our discs saying anything besides "TDK" or "Memorex", someone comes out with an actual working CD/DVD printer. The Dymo DiscPainter ($280) prints 600 dpi graphics directly onto your CDs and DVDs in about a minute. The USB wonder features RadialPrint technology (it spins the disc while it prints), works with Macs and PCs, and is compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or the included Dymo Discus software.
Metrokane V1 Vacuum Decanter
It's time you stopped pouring out your leftover wine. The world's first decanter with vacuum sealing, the Metrokane V1 ($74) will keep your favorite bottle fresh until the next pouring. The 52-ounce handblown crystal decanter comes with a vacuum stopper and an easy to use hand pump for saving the good stuff.
Pirate Scope
Being successful as a pirate was as much about sailing as it was about looting and pillaging, and to be a good sailor, you've got to know where you're going. The Pirate Scope ($70) is much like the ones used in the pirates' heyday, but with modern improvements like high-quality, coated achromatic lenses that magnify up to 25x and a precision-crafted brass body. Plus, it collapses down to a manageable 5.5-inches, and comes with a mahogany storage chest.
Puma El Roo
Puma's Giftbot brings us these winterific El Roo sneakers ($85). Adopting the rubber band from the Puma El Rey shoe, the El Roo will keep your toes warm as you venture out for some holiday shopping thanks to a faux fur lining and a corduroy upper that's treated for cold weather. The El Roo also comes in a low-cut version ($75).
OXO Wine Stopper/Pourer
We're all for two-in-one tools, and this OXO Wine Stopper/Pourer ($11) looks to be a great one. The gadget quickly switches from being a wine stopper to a dripless pourer with the pull of its small lever. As a bonus for connoisseurs, its wide spout aerates wine as you pour.
Modern Gingerbread House
It's about time the gingerbread house got an extreme makeover. The Modern Gingerbread House ($80) is a 50's-style version of the classic, complete with a garage and rock garden. It comes assembled and ready to eat, but will last up to a full year as decoration. Even better, it can be personalized, making it a great custom addition to your holiday decor.
Seven Deadly Sins Plates
Indulge yourself with these awesome Seven Deadly Sins Plates ($250). The black plates feature the famous seven deadly sins — lust, envy, greed, sloth, gluttony, wrath, and pride — in gold-tone lettering. As a bonus, they come in a funeral-worthy black gift box. [Thanks, Dylan]
Salvatore Ferragamo Textured Leather Briefcase
If you're looking for something more substantial than your current messenger bag, check out this Salvatore Ferragamo Textured Leather Briefcase ($1800). This classically-designed bag sports high-end pebbled leather on the outside, and features two main interior compartments, two zippered pockets, a cell phone pocket, credit card slots, and a pen loop on the inside.
Volcom Ransom Hooded Twill Blazer
This may officially signal the end for the blazer-and-hoodie duo, but for anyone who wants the look without the fuss, the Volcom Ransom Hooded Twill Blazer ($85) will do perfectly. It features a finely striped black blazer with a matching black hoodie (or at least parts of one) grafted right in.
Fusion Chrome Power Shaving Set
If you're looking for the most high-end shaving experience you can get, check out the Fusion Chrome Power Shaving Set ($325). It combines The Art of Shaving's Fusion Chrome Power Razor with a chrome razor and brush stand and one of the company's terrific badger hair brushes for building up a nice lather to offer beauty, function, and a bit of old-school charm in one complete package.
Lexus LS Hybrid
Wouldn't it be nice if you could buy a luxury sedan with muscle car horsepower that's still good to Mother Nature? That's precisely what you get with the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L (starting at $104,000). Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine and a high-output, electric-drive motor, this five-passenger hybrid sedan is capable of producing 438 total system horsepower. The all-wheel drive Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) goes 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, while getting 20 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Reverse Stripe Suit
This modern-cut suit has a unique reverse stripe pattern that will help you stand out a bit at the office. The aptly named Marc by Marc Jacobs Reverse Stripe Suit (jacket $398; trousers $238) comes in separate pieces in case you just want to roll blazer-style.
Thirsty Light
If you're anything like us, your green thumb is actually a nasty shade of brown. The Thirsty Light ($10) can help this problem. The digital plant moisture sensor continuously checks the soil conditions, testing the moisture level every second. A LED light blinks when it's time to add water, taking the guesswork out of gardening and giving you a better chance of taking care of your plants. [via]
Working Class Heroes Felt Laptop Sleeve
In need of a new home for your laptop? The Working Class Heroes Felt Laptop Sleeve ($49) is a good option, made from soft, water-repellent 3mm grey German felt, and finished with two snaps for closure and Austrian leather accents. Its slim profile also makes the sleeve a great option for protecting your notebook inside a traditional messenger bag. For the completist, the company also offers a matching Moleskine pouch ($35) with a holder for your pen, so whether you go analog or digital, your thoughts and ideas will be well protected.
Vudu
Sick of trying to get downloaded movies from your computer to your TV? Vudu ($400) eliminates the middleman by connecting directly to its companion service's catalog of over 5000 films, available to both rent or own. Along with the expected HDMI and component video and coax and optical digital audio outputs, Vudu also features built-in storage capable of holding one hundred hours of purchased content, making it a one-stop shop for movies in your living room.
Hercules 400 Laser
Whether you want a beam powerful enough to melt through plastic, or just need something to light up the night sky, the Hercules 400 Laser ($3000) will get the job done. This handheld laser is capable of all sorts of laser-based mischief — like igniting fireworks fuses and matches, popping balloons, and more — all with a beam that can be seen miles away. It's kinda like a lightsaber, but skinnier, and with a longer reach.
Amazon Kindle
While it's not the sleekest looking gadget out there, Amazon's new Kindle ($400) may finally make eBooks mainstream. The portable reading device uses free, built-in EVDO wireless to download digital books, magazines, newspapers and blogs for reading on the go. It sports a super crisp E-ink display that works great even in bright sunlight, and can hold over 200 titles. There are almost 90,000 books now available for Kindle, with most costing $10.
Fire-Safe Waterproof Hard Drive
Face it — your backup data isn't going to do you any good if both your computer and your backup hard drive are stuck in a house fire. Fix the situation and give yourself some peace of mind with the new Fire-Safe Waterproof Hard Drive ($260 - 80GB; $320 - 160GB) from Sentry Safe. It's the world's only fire resistant and waterproof hard drive you can buy, protecting your porn and bootleg MP3's from fire and water damage. [via]
Ductigami
If you just can't get enough of Duct Tape-based projects, check out Ductigami: The Art of the Tape by Joe Wilson ($10). It contains 18 highly-detailed projects, all of which can be made almost entirely out of the ubiquitous sticky stuff, explained in a way that is both easy to understand, and humorous at the same time. Why buy a Duct Tape Wallet when you can make one yourself?
Redbean Design Holiday Cards
Get a jump start on spreading your holiday cheer with these 2007 Holiday Cards from Redbean Design ($18/box of 12). Featuring one of nine terrific modern designs, the 5.25-inch square cards are printed with environmentally responsible inks on premium matte coated cardstock, trimmed with rounded corners and offer full ink coverage on the outer side. If you're really digging the designs, they're also available as Gift Tags ($4/set of 12).
Computer Key Cufflinks
Show off your inner geek at the most formal of events with these Computer Key Cufflinks ($70). Available in "Esc/Ctrl" or