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Secret Lives of U.S. Presidents
Like Trivial Pursuit with a sense of humor, the Secret Lives of U.S. Presidents Trivia Card Game ($14) tests your knowledge of the quirks and sometimes strange habits of our past leaders. The game features more than 150 questions in all, packed with hilarious, and often times embarrassing, stories. Which president liked to skinny-dip in the Potomac? We're not sure, but we're guessing they haven't held office this century.
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.
AMC Best Picture Showcase
Get caught up on all the recent movie buzz with an all-day showing of the 2008 Best Picture Oscar nominees. On Saturday, Feb. 23, the AMC Best Picture Showcase ($30) will let you waste your entire day watching all five nominees — Michael Clayton, There Will Be Blood, Atonement, Juno and No Country for Old Men — back-to-back at 81 select AMC theaters. The admission also includes a free large popcorn with unlimited refills all day.
Panasonic Lumix FX35
While the first thing that pops in your head when you hear FX35 is probably "Infiniti," Panasonic is out to change that with the Panasonic Lumix FX35 ($350; March). It boasts a 25-mm ultra-wide Leica DC lens, a 4x optical zoom, a 10.1 megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization, the ability to record HD video at 720p resolution, and the ability to take photos in 1920x1080. It's a pocket shooter for the HD-era. [via]
Theory11
If you've always wanted to be that guy who impresses the crowds with a couple killer card tricks, it's time to finally step up and learn. New Uncrate sponsor Theory11 is here to help. An alliance of 11 of the most respected guys in the magic industry, Theory11 offers some of the most non-cheesy magic and card tricks ($20-$30) we've ever seen. Our favorites include the pulse-stopping (literally) "Control" and the melty goodness of "Panic". All of their tricks, available as instant downloads or on high quality DVDs, are broke down and explained in great detail for even the newest wannabe illusionist. Theory11 also sells kick-ass playing cards.
LaCie LaCinema
Like an Apple TV on steroids, the LaCie LaCinema ($230) is not only the same price as the fruit-branded set-top box, but also offers similar features with real internal storage — either 500GB, 750GB, or 1TB. Simply drag your audio and video content over from your PC or Mac, and then connect the LaCinema to your TV. It supports most popular audio and video formats, including videos up to 1080i resolution, making it yet another nice addition to your HDTV.
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.
Garmin Forerunner 405
Garmin has finally made a GPS watch that doesn't make it look like you've got a clock radio strapped to your arm. The very wearable Forerunner 405 ($300) is a fitness watch that runners can use to track speed, distance, calories, heart rate and location. When you're back from your jog, the 405 will wirelessly send the data to your computer. There's even a Virtual Partner feature that lets you "compete" when running alone.
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.
Lutron Maestro IR Dimmer
Using a Smart Clapper to control your lighting is like using a rock to control your computer. If you want superior control over your lighting, check out the Lutron Maestro IR Dimmer w/Remote ($38). This in-wall wonder lets you customize all sorts of settings, including a delayed fade so you can leave the room before the lights go out, and is compatible with most learning remotes, meaning it'll easily integrate into your home theater setup.
Gillette Clinical Strength
If you sweat anything like Scott Van Pelt, you're probably in need of something stronger than the average stick. Gillette Clinical Strength ($6) is an anti-perspirant deodorant that provides 34% better wetness protection than a prescription product, according to the company, thanks to its Triple-Protection technology and odor-fighting microcapsules.
LaCie Hard Disk by Neil Poulton
There's really not much to an external hard drive — they're made up of just a couple of parts — so there's no reason to buy one that looks like the radiator off the Millennium Falcon. LaCie's new Hard Disk by Neil Poulton offers a minimally sleek design, sporting only a glossy black case and an awesome blue glow. Featuring a fanless cooling system for quiet operation, the Hard Disk is available in capacities of 320GB ($120), 500GB ($150), 750GB and 1TB ($400).
Superbad - Unrated
From the mind that brought you The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up comes a raunchy, heartfelt coming of age story. Superbad ($23) stars Arrested Development standout Michael Cera and Jonah Hill as a pair of pals who embark on a hi-jinks-filled mission to get laid before heading to college. The funniest movie of 2007? Maybe, maybe not, but definitely a must-see. Also available on Blu-Ray for those who prefer their shenanigans in hi-def.
Shun U2 Ultimate Utility Knife
The Shun U2 Ultimate Utility Knife ($100) is a rugged, all-purpose knife with a combination straight-scalloped blade that can perfectly slice everything from tomatoes to bread. The U2 sports a Damascus-look, VG-10 steel blade that's clad with 16 layers of stainless steel on each side, as well as an ebony PakkaWood handle with ergonomic "D" shape.
Charlybox
Make sure your pooch has as much fun on your afternoon picnics as you do with the Charlybox ($60). Split into halves, the 'box uses one half as a two-liter canteen, while the other features two bowls for water and food. Made of injection-molded shatterproof plastic, it's sure to hold up to even the most playful of pups.
Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio
Be ready for any disaster with the Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio ($50). When the power goes off, you can use this self-powered radio to listen to AM or FM (local news or insane right wing pundits), NOAA (weather information and alerts), and TV-VHF channels (listen to Lost while being stranded in real life). The rugged FR300 — which can be powered with the Dynamo hand-crank, the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery, or 3 AA batteries — comes in six different colors and features an integrated flashlight and cell phone charger.
Eye-Fi Wireless SD Card
If you're using a dSLR or other digicam that doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, there's still hope. The Eye-Fi Wireless 2GB SD Card ($100) packs 2GB of storage (obviously) and Wi-Fi functionality into a normally-sized SD card that's compatible with any SD-capable camera. Send pictures wirelessly back to your computer, printer, or to your favorite photo-sharing service, including Flickr. A great way to add some functionality to an older camera. [Thanks, Todd]
UGODOG Indoor Dog Potty
You can't always be home when your pooch needs a potty break, but with the UGODOG Indoor Dog Potty ($35), at least it won't be messing up your floors. The base is sturdy enough to support any dog, and the grates make sure your pup's paws stay clean. When you get home, simply remove the grates, dispose of the newspaper underneath, and be happy that you're not trying to get some funky smell out of your carpet. [Thanks, Tyler]
Anthony Grab + Go Portables
This set has everything you need for that trip to Scranton next week. The Anthony Logistics for Men Grab + Go Portables ($35) includes 2 oz travel-size bottles of: Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Facial Scrub, Cleansing Gel, Everyday Shampoo, Astringent After Shave, and Shave Cream.
2008 Airstream Basecamp Trailer
For those of you who ached when we posted the un-buyable Nissan Airstream BaseCamp Trailer, your time has come. The 2008 Airstream Basecamp Trailer (from $26,000) is the production version of that Cylon-esque concept, packing features like room enough to sleep two, wrap around windows, a skylight, an optional tent, a sink, cooking area, and a ramp for storing ATVs and other outdoor gear while you're on the move. [via]
Vers 2X
Bring some natural style to your place with this eco-friendly wooden iPod/iPhone sound system. Built using sustainable plantation-grown wood, the hand-crafted Vers 2X ($180) features an energy efficient class D amplifier, two 3-inch custom designed speakers that deliver 30 watts peak of full range sound, and comes with a 14-function IR remote. Possibly the best looking iPod audio system we've seen.
Honda CR-Z
Paying homage to the classic CR-X hatchback, Honda will premiere this bad-ass hybrid sports concept at the 40th annual Tokyo Motor Show this month. The Honda CR-Z ($TBD) is a lightweight sports car with amazing styling and a gas-electric hybrid system for clean performance. Standing for "Compact Renaissance Zero," the CR-Z sports an aggressive front end, LED headlights, and big 19-inch wheels. The mesh and glass interior, meanwhile, gives "futuristic" a whole new meaning. [Click the title of this post for more photos.]
Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control Watch
The Nike Amp+ Sport Remote Control Watch ($79) works with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and any Nike+ shoes to give you quick access to iPod controls and instant voice feedback of time, stance, calories and pace. The watch features a cut-to-fit polyurethane strap, 50m water resistance, and LEDs that display the time of day and icons for iPod nano controls. Choose from four color options.
Incase Sling Pack
For those of you who are "one strappers," the Incase Nylon Sling Pack ($90) offers all the functionality of a normal backpack-style laptop case with a nice cross-chest shoulder strap design. Features include a reinforced laptop compartment with fur interior lining, an integrated iPod pocket with cord management, interior pockets for organization, and break-away key ring and accessory attachments.
Reef Fanning Bamboo Sandal
It won't be flip-flop season much longer, so splurge while you can. The limited edition Reef Fanning Bamboo Sandal ($60) features a leather and eco-friendly bamboo upper, pig suede lining, contoured footbed with anatomical arch support, heel airbag, a natural cork outsole, and the all-important bottle opener in the sole.
TiVo HD
All of you out there who've been waiting for a low-priced, HD-capable Tivo box, you're day is here. The TiVo HD ($300) features two CableCard slots, storage for up to 180 hours of SD programming, or 20 of HD, outputs in 480p, 720p, or 1080i, over HDMI or component. It has an ethernet connection, two USB 2.0 ports, and an E-SATA port for future storage expansion.
Sunlawn EM-2 Electric Mower
Cutting grass is a common chore, yet few folks who claim to live "green" realize their gas mower puts out more pollution in an hour than several cars combined. The Sunlawn EM-2 Electric Mower ($380) is powered by two easily replaceable 12-volt SLA batteries that let the mower run for more than a full hour on a single charge. Its seven-blade cutting system keeps your lawn looking great, and the relatively silent operation lets you mow at any hour without disturbing the neighbors.
Incase Protective Cover for iPhone
If you spent last Friday waiting in line all day for an iPhone like we did, then you're probably in need of some good accessories. The Incase Protective Cover for iPhone ($30) offers the best combination of fit and protection we've seen for the new handset, with great looks — the black model looks as if it was meant to be there all along — and covers for the volume and sleep buttons. There are already plenty of different cases for the iPhone, but only this one seems like it was actually made using an iPhone.
Sony Ericsson W960 Walkman Phone
Just when we get our significant other to agree to our $600 expenditure coming up at the end of this month, here comes Sony Ericsson to remind us that there are other decent cell phones in the world. The W960 Walkman Phone ($TBA; Q4 2007) packs 8GB of memory for your music, video support, a 2.6" touch-sensitive display, UTMS, Wi-Fi, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and Symbian OS into a sleek candy bar-style body. Of course, we'll probably be lining up on June 29 just the same — but it's nice to know we have options.
Patagonia WaterShed Duffel
When it comes to packing for summer outings, you need to be ready for anything — including the occasional downpour. The Patagonia WaterShed Duffel ($175) will keep your gear nice and dry, thanks to the bag's hybrid welded/sewn construction and ShiftLayer nylon fabric outer with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. In addition, the bag features a gape-mouthed opening, a prismatic reflective lining for locating items in low light, a separate side pocket for shoes or wet clothes, and an internal zip pocket for travel documents.
Toyota Hybrid X Concept
Toyota recently took the wraps off the Toyota Hybrid X Concept ($TBA), one of the coolest futuristic cars we've seen in a long time. In addition to sporting hardcore hybrid technology, the car features conventional family car dimensions, an open-space design, and cool "interactive ambience" touches like two independent rear seats that can swivel by 12 degrees to allow back seat passengers to view the scenery passing by or turn towards each other for more intimate conversation.
Incase Canvas Sleeve
Incase steps away from its modern and minimalist designs with the rugged Incase Canvas Sleeve ($40). The first in the company's line of Technology Transport products, the military-inspired laptop case is made of washed canvas with a fur-lined interior. Available for the 13" MacBook and 15" and 17" MacBook Pros, the Canvas Sleeve has enough style and storage space that you can leave your laptop bag at home indefinitely.
The Cyclopedia
If you're one of those people who need constant internet access to answer any question at any time, perhaps you should consider picking up Running Press Cyclopedia: The Ultimate Visual Reference Tool ($14). A pocket-sized wonder, the Cyclopedia features over 1,000 illustrations and more than 200,000 facts covering topics such as world history, science, arts, and the environment — it's like having a blazing-fast Treo in your pocket, but without the email, phone, or internet connection. Okay, maybe it's not like a Treo at all, but it's still damn cool.
Multi-bin Organizer
If you're like us, you probably have quite a few items that you use regularly but don't necessarily want to keep out in the open. With a Multi-bin Organizer ($150), this isn't a problem. Throw shoes, toys, tools, or supplies in the angled, open bins to keep them handy yet out of the way. Whether it's for a closet, the kids' play room, or the garage, the Multi-bin organizer is ready.
Picco Z Mini Helicopter
We've had our hands on this little jewel for a few days now, and we can sum up the experience in one word: fun. The Picco Z Mini Helicopter ($40) is the world's smallest R/C helicopter, featuring a do-it-all remote that has controls for up/down and left/right movements, and also serves as a portable charger for the Picco Z. Despite it's light weight, it's remarkably durable — trust us on that one. Fun to use and inexpensive — two things we'd like to say about any purchase.
Oenophile's Bar
Give your pad a touch of the wine country lifestyle with Oenophile's Bar ($689). This bar, crafted out of a recycled oak wine barrel, opens to show off two shelves which can store useful items such as glassware, bar tools and, of course, wine bottles. Other cool features include rolling casters and a removable top tray for serving.
Steelcase Think Chair
Do you think your office chair knows you? Steelcase is betting their Think chair ($700) will. This stylish looking chair has back and seat "flexors" which are designed to observe the individual movement of your body and respond accordingly. Other innovative features include recline support based on your body weight, four comfort settings and an environmentally friendly design.
Alcantara MacBook Sleeve
Alcantara has long been used by European luxury auto makers for its sensory comfort. Now you can get the same treatment for your MacBook with the Alcantara MacBook Sleeve ($60). It features a tailored fit that won't lose its shape after washing, and a micro-fiber lining to keep scratches off your laptop. If you don't have a MacBook, they also make a MacBook Pro model in both 15-inch ($65) and 17-inch ($70) sizes, and sleeves for both the iPod nano ($19) and iPod video ($25).
Bionic Wrench
We readily admit to not buying a lot of tools here at Uncrate HQ — but when we do, we make sure they serve their purpose well. The Bionic Wrench ($30), a hybrid between a wrench and pliers, is one of our newest additions. It uses a patented design to grip bolts on all six flat sides, reducing the strain on the corners of the bolt and allowing the user to multiply their gripping force, making it easy to turn the hardest of bolts. It also won the Red Dot Award Best of the Best 2006 for pioneering design in a category (Tools), which tells us it's just as easy to use and efficient as it sounds.
Tom Bihn Imago Yin Bag
We've been putting this bag to the test carrying our MacBook around over the last couple of weeks, and it's been nothing short of great. The Imago Yin Bag from Tom Bihn ($85) is a perfect midsized bag, designed for use with their Soft Cell Laptop Sleeves ($30). We've been using it in that configuration basically since we received it, and it has really impressed. Several exterior and interior pockets give plenty of space to store accessories and other goodies, including two Ultrasuede-lined side pockets, perfect for carrying valuable and scratch-prone items. It's available in three color combinations, including the stylish Cocoa/Cocoa/Wasabi one that we tried out. There are a lot of options out there for MacBook owners, but if you haven't gotten a bag yet we suggest you check this one out.
Motorola MOTOFONE
Amidst the cell-phone bomb that was dropped by Moto the other day, we almost missed out on the one new phone that seems to be, well, just a phone. The Motorola MOTOFONE ($TBA, Q4) is a redefinition of simplistic style, with physical design cues from the SLVR and a redesigned UI that leverages iconography and voice prompts as opposed to text. It also features a new ClearVision Electrophoretic Display that works great in bright sunlight, speakerphone, long battery life, and a louder-than-normal volume so that it can be used easily in crowded, busy places. Sounds to us like this may be the best true phone out of the new lineup.
iDrops iPod Cleaner
So you've got an iPod, and you've had it for a while. Undoubtedly, it's starting to show some wear and tear in the form of scratches and blemishes in the plastic. Well, iDrops ($15) were made just for you. Using a special formula, iDrops allow you to restore your iPod's plastic to "like new" levels of shine and clarity simply by applying a couple drops on the surface and rubbing. Sounds like magic, and works like it too.
Ziro Ceiling Fan
The Ziro Ceiling Fan from Chiasso ($600) is sure to make a statement in any room. Available in ultra-modern translucent plastic (shown) or a more natrual maple finish, the fan offers a contemporary design that moves air better than most traditional fixtures. The aerodynamic fan features a three-vane design, built-in light, and comes with its own remote.
Teak Bath Mat
We hate having water on our bathroom floor, but hate having a towel or not-so-sweet rug on the floor even worse. We were delighted then when we saw the Teak Bath Mat ($70). It's made of reclaimed teak so it helps protect what we have left of this endangered wood, and it features a maze-design slat on the top to drain away water. Plus, it actually looks good and will for a long time, which is more than we can say for our last bath mat.
Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen
Although we deal with lesser writing instruments on a regular basis, there really is nothing like a fine fountain pen for doing business. The Ohto Tasche Fountain Pen ($20) is unique in its design that allows it to take up much less room than a normal fountain pen when closed, yet still offers a full body when opened. As Uncrate reader Cormac Eubanks told us, "This is a pen that feels and writes like a much more expensive instrument." Sounds good to us. [Thanks, Cormac]
Philips 7-inch Digital Picture Frame
If you want to keep your enjoyment of photography as digital as possible, you should take a look at this 7-inch Digital Picture Frame from Philips ($210). Its 720x480 resolution makes sure your best shots look crisp and clear, and it also features 14MB of internal memory, adjustable brightness, and can work off an included rechargeable battery or AC power. Oh, and unless your camera uses xD cards, you can stick your memory card in one of two built-in slots and immediately start the show. FYI: It looks like Philips has dropped the new product bomb on us as part of its "Holidays in June" launch, so expect a lot more stuff from the company in the coming days.
Paul Frank Volume Knob Tee
Rockin' out has always consisted, at least in our minds, of two things — hard-ass music, and louder-the-better volume. Now we have the perfect way to show when we're in a rockin' mood with the Volume Knob Tee from Paul Frank ($28). Made from cotton and coming in vintage black, the graphic on the front shows the volume knob cranked to 11 — which is just the way we like it. Spinal Tap would be proud.
Spinner T-Shirt
If you’ve used a Mac at all since the advent of OS X, you should be familiar with the graphic on this tee. The Spinner T-Shirt ($19) is based on a UI graphic designed to illustrate the passage of time in a program — it’s basically what lets you know your computer hasn’t locked up. We’ve always found it to be pretty cool-looking, and the combo of white spinner and blue fabric makes this tee look even better. [via Preshrunk]
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