Isn't it time desktop phones start catching up to the utility offered by today's powerful smartphones? The touchscreen-based Verizon Hub ($200; Release date TBA) takes a huge step in this direction, with widget-style traffic, weather, directions, pizza ordering and movie trailer functionality, the ability to add contacts and calendar events remotely, and visual voicemail. [via]
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If you're still holding on to your landline, consider upgrading your home handset with the VTech LS5145 Bluetooth Phone System ($150). This sleek system uses 5.8GHz technology for clear calls, supports both photo caller ID and Bluetooth to connect with your cell phone, and features a built-in answering system, a color LCD display, and the ability to work with up to 12 handsets.
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Fact: Bluetooth headsets make you look like a tool — but we'll be damned if they're not useful. As far as usefulness goes, though, the Sennheiser VMX Office ($TBA) appears to be about as solid as can be. And with capabilities to connect to both your office phone and your cell, you can now look like a tool at work and on the go.
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The Hulger Pappa Phone ($300) is a gorgeous solid walnut and brass USB handset that boasts plug-and-play compatibility with both Mac and PC, letting you chat in style over any VoIP service, including Skype, iChat, Vonage, and GoogleTalk. Since each one is handmade, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to be delivered, but from the looks of it, it's well worth the wait.
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If all you're craving in a mobile device is email (and lots of it), check out Peek ($100; Sept.). This slim, one-trick mobile device features a full QWERTY keyboard, a side scroll wheel for navigation, and will need a $20 a month subscription for unlimited emails on T-Mobile. Look for it to hit your local Target store next month. [Thanks, Horatio]
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The Vtech IS6110 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone ($95) is the first cordless landline phone system with instant messaging capability, letting you chat with your BFF's from the couch. The Treo-like phone works with AIM, MSN, and Windows Live, and features a full QWERTY keyboard and a large color LCD screen. Other features include a click-to-talk option for instant voice chats, memory for 50 phonebook entries, caller ID and call waiting, and storage of the last 50 calls.
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Shakespeare bust with hidden switch? Check. Red Batphone? Check. Young sidekick in weird tights? Uh, yeah, we'll think about that. In the meantime, this Commissioner Gordon-approved phone, just like the Caped Crusader's, lights up when a call comes in to your own Batcave.
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If you're tired of waiting for your favorite bar or park to get Wi-Fi, do something about it and build a long-distance wireless network yourself. Using advanced mesh routing technology to increase range and network capacity, the Meraki Mini ($50) and Meraki Outdoor ($100) can extend your personal internet connection as far as you want, depending on how many of the repeaters you buy. Your connection can be shared with thousands of other laptop-toters for free, or kept private. If you're a wantrepreneur, you'll need to order the Pro Editons of the Meraki Mini ($150) and Meraki Outdoor ($200), which offer features for user management and billing.
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Don't get us wrong — we really do like our iPhone Bluetooth Headsets, but they really can't compare to the Bang & Olufsen Earset 2 ($350). With specially designed vents and an advanced audio processor for more accurate voice reproduction, a protective carrying case that doubles as a charger, and automatic activation, the Earset 2 is best of the best when it comes to Bluetooth.
Save
Shakespeare bust with hidden switch? Check. Red Batphone? Check. Young sidekick in weird tights? Uh, yeah, we'll think about that. In the meantime, this Commissioner Gordon-approved phone, just like the Caped Crusader's, lights up when a call comes in to your own Batcave.
Save
If you're tired of waiting for your favorite bar or park to get Wi-Fi, do something about it and build a long-distance wireless network yourself. Using advanced mesh routing technology to increase range and network capacity, the Meraki Mini ($50) and Meraki Outdoor ($100) can extend your personal internet connection as far as you want, depending on how many of the repeaters you buy. Your connection can be shared with thousands of other laptop-toters for free, or kept private. If you're a wantrepreneur, you'll need to order the Pro Editons of the Meraki Mini ($150) and Meraki Outdoor ($200), which offer features for user management and billing.
Save
If you're still holding on to your landline, consider upgrading your home handset with the VTech LS5145 Bluetooth Phone System ($150). This sleek system uses 5.8GHz technology for clear calls, supports both photo caller ID and Bluetooth to connect with your cell phone, and features a built-in answering system, a color LCD display, and the ability to work with up to 12 handsets.
Save
The Hulger Pappa Phone ($300) is a gorgeous solid walnut and brass USB handset that boasts plug-and-play compatibility with both Mac and PC, letting you chat in style over any VoIP service, including Skype, iChat, Vonage, and GoogleTalk. Since each one is handmade, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to be delivered, but from the looks of it, it's well worth the wait.
Save
Fact: Bluetooth headsets make you look like a tool — but we'll be damned if they're not useful. As far as usefulness goes, though, the Sennheiser VMX Office ($TBA) appears to be about as solid as can be. And with capabilities to connect to both your office phone and your cell, you can now look like a tool at work and on the go.
Save
If that virtual keyboard is giving you thumb-splints, it's time to check out the Peek Pronto Mobile Messaging Device ($80). Small and stylish, the Peek weighs in at just under 4oz., and sports a full QWERTY keyboard for fast, responsive input without the pain. The updated Peek adds a ton of features, like push email, Microsoft Exchange support, unlimited texting, and access for up to five email accounts. Best of all, the new Peek can view documents, pictures, and PDF files. It's the perfect, pint-sized, portable office.
Save
Don't get us wrong — we really do like our iPhone Bluetooth Headsets, but they really can't compare to the Bang & Olufsen Earset 2 ($350). With specially designed vents and an advanced audio processor for more accurate voice reproduction, a protective carrying case that doubles as a charger, and automatic activation, the Earset 2 is best of the best when it comes to Bluetooth.
Save
The Vtech IS6110 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone ($95) is the first cordless landline phone system with instant messaging capability, letting you chat with your BFF's from the couch. The Treo-like phone works with AIM, MSN, and Windows Live, and features a full QWERTY keyboard and a large color LCD screen. Other features include a click-to-talk option for instant voice chats, memory for 50 phonebook entries, caller ID and call waiting, and storage of the last 50 calls.
Save
If all you're craving in a mobile device is email (and lots of it), check out Peek ($100; Sept.). This slim, one-trick mobile device features a full QWERTY keyboard, a side scroll wheel for navigation, and will need a $20 a month subscription for unlimited emails on T-Mobile. Look for it to hit your local Target store next month. [Thanks, Horatio]
SaveFrom the makers of Baconnaise and Bacon Salt comes a bacon-flavored product that you don't even have to eat. J&D's Bacon Lip Balm ($13/4-pack) will protect your lips with beeswax, aloe vera oil, Vitamin E acetate, and other ingredients, all while offering a subtle bacon flavor both you and your partner can enjoy.
SaveMost of us don't have the engineering, design, or architectural chops to recreate any of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterworks, but we can anyway, thanks to these new Frank Lloyd Wright Lego Architecture Building Sets ($TBA). Licensed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection, these terrific sets — of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater — were developed in collaboration with leading architects to be as accurate as possible, and come with booklets that not only tell you how to build you own model masterpiece, but exclusive archival historical material and photographs of each building, as well. [Thanks, Kris]
SaveEver wish you could combine your dual-monitor setup into one behemoth display? Get ready, because your wish has come true in the NEC CRV43 Curved Widescreen Display ($8,000). Boasting a unique curved design that's sure to immerse you more than a standard two display setup, this beauty also features a 2880x900 double WXGA resolution, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, single link DVI-D and HDMI inputs, USB 2.0 ports, an on screen display, and the assurance that you have the most unique monitor in the neighborhood. [via]
SaveEver wish you could take a Jägermeister shot machine with you camping, tailgating, and partying? Now you can, with the Jägermeister 6-Bottle Shot Cooler ($120). Available as a six-bottle value pack, the cooler has plenty of room for all six bottles, ice, and the requisite cans of Red Bull, and uses the same tech as the Jägermeister Tap Machine to deliver ice-cold shots straight from the external tap.
SaveShow your fang affiliation by stocking your fridge with Tru Blood ($16). Based on the synthetic blood drink favored by the more civilized vampires of HBO's True Blood, this carbonated real-world version packs a slightly sweet, slightly tart blood orange flavor and a rich red color that will have guests wondering if you're drinking the real thing.
SaveFlapjack lovers, rejoice. Now you can make fresh, 97% fat-free pancakes in as little as 30 seconds using the ChefStack Automatic Pancake Machine ($3,500). This microwave-sized wonder uses no-mess batter pouches to crank out stack after stack of four- inch diameter pancakes, and doesn't even require supervision, letting you cook up breakfast for you and your crew while you get your other morning activities out of the way — like taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or downing a half-dozen mimosas.
SaveWe love bacon, and we've seen everything from Canned Bacon to Baconnaise, Bacon Salt, Bacon Floss — hell, even Bacon Lip Balm — so it was only a matter of time before we discovered Bacon Soap ($6). Made to both look and smell like frying bacon, this soap will get you clean while giving your appetite a jump-start on the day.
SaveTempted by the MINI's go-cart handling, but not a fan of its boxy exterior? The MINI Coupé Concept ($TBA) is for you. Ready to accept any of MINI's powerhouse engines, including the 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged unit from the MINI John Cooper Works, this stylish two-seater pairs a decidedly MINI-like bottom with an aggressively designed upper half, including a swept back windshield, short contrast roof, hidden B-pillars, and more sexy than every other modern MINI combined.
SaveOne of the worst things about adding ice to a whisky is its ability to water-down the flavor. So chill your next drink down with Whisky Stones ($20). Milled in Vermont by some of the oldest soapstone workshops in the US, these stones chill quickly in the freezer, and won't impart any flavor to your favorite blend.
SaveWorried about RFID snoopers grabbing your account details while your card rests in your pocket? Worry no more with the Flipside Wallet ($40). Made from a mix of high-strength polymer and aluminum alloy, the Flipside offers complete RFID shielding, space for up to 6 shielded cards plus 15 bills, an automatic locking and opening system, and more.
SaveA nice business card can leave a long-lasting impression — so make sure yours stay in great shape with the Blomus Business Card Holder ($18). Made from brushed stainless steel, this heavy-duty case holds 25 standard business cards, keeping them safe from scratches, dents, and other unappealing signs of wear. Because no one wants to be the guy with the dingy, beat up business cards. [Thanks, Dan]
SaveCelebrate the various neighborhoods of your favorite city with Ork Posters ($22). Available for a number of large cities, each poster features a map of the area, with each neighborhood listed in beautifully twisted typography. [Thanks, Ryan]
SaveBlack on black is in and on display with the TX Pilot Watch ($575). This striking timepiece features a unique modern black dial with calendar, tachymeter, and dual time zone functions, a matte black stainless steel case, a plain black leather strap with buckle closure, and water-resistance down to 100 meters.
SaveLeave it to the air maestros at Dyson to create a fan with no blades. The Dyson Air Multiplier ($300-$330) uses a fairly ingenious design to suck air into the base, accelerating it through an small aperture in the device's ring and then over a ramp to channel its direction. As it happens, this also causes the air behind and around the machine to be drawn into the airflow, creating a smooth stream of air amplified 15 times, without the unpleasant buffeting caused by the blades of a traditional fan chopping the air. The only downside? It's a $300 fan.
SaveWhether you're an old pro at wetshaving or new to the game, the Merkur Heavy Classic Safety Razor ($49) will have you shaving more closely than ever before in no time. Handcrafted and double-edged, the Merkur's chunky body provides extra weight, letting you apply less pressure, resulting in a more comfortable, smoother shave.
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Looking for a way to monitor your energy usage and cut down on power bills during the economic crunch? Check out the Black & Decker Power Monitor ($100). This easy-to-use device provides real-time electricity use, cost, and outdoor temperature readings, thanks to a wireless sensor that attaches to your electricity meter. Offering an Appliance Mode that isolates the cost of individual appliances or gadgets, it could save you up to 20% each month on your power bill — meaning it should pay for itself in no time.
SaveKnown primarily for its sporty pro outerwear, the new line of Arc'teryx Veilance ($175-$1,000) tops, coats, and pants combines tough, outdoor-ready fabrics like Gore-Tex and Paclite with more traditional cuts and syling, letting you dress your best no matter what the weather's like outside. And no, we don't know how you're supposed to say "Arc'teryx."
SaveForget simulated wood grain — Shwood Sunglasses ($95) are handcrafted from actual wood. They're available in two basic styles, the Wayfarer-like Canby and the more squarish Govy, and can be ordered in a variety of different woods, all with your choice of Carl Zeiss lenses. Just remember: these probably aren't the best shades to wear to the beach, water park, or campfire — we're guessing they're at least a little flammable.
SaveIf that virtual keyboard is giving you thumb-splints, it's time to check out the Peek Pronto Mobile Messaging Device ($80). Small and stylish, the Peek weighs in at just under 4oz., and sports a full QWERTY keyboard for fast, responsive... [More]
Isn't it time desktop phones start catching up to the utility offered by today's powerful smartphones? The touchscreen-based Verizon Hub ($200; Release date TBA) takes a huge step in this direction, with widget-style traffic, weather, directions, pizza ordering and movie... [More]
If you're still holding on to your landline, consider upgrading your home handset with the VTech LS5145 Bluetooth Phone System ($150). This sleek system uses 5.8GHz technology for clear calls, supports both photo caller ID and Bluetooth to connect with... [More]
Fact: Bluetooth headsets make you look like a tool — but we'll be damned if they're not useful. As far as usefulness goes, though, the Sennheiser VMX Office ($TBA) appears to be about as solid as can be. And with... [More]
The Hulger Pappa Phone ($300) is a gorgeous solid walnut and brass USB handset that boasts plug-and-play compatibility with both Mac and PC, letting you chat in style over any VoIP service, including Skype, iChat, Vonage, and GoogleTalk. Since each... [More]
Sponsored Product
Powerful graphics? Check. Blu-ray? Check. Wi-Fi? Check. Downloadable games and movies? Check. 120GB hard drive? Check. Multiplayer online gaming? Check. The new PlayStation®3 120GB system does it all using 34 percent less power and taking up 32 percent less space.
If all you're craving in a mobile device is email (and lots of it), check out Peek ($100; Sept.). This slim, one-trick mobile device features a full QWERTY keyboard, a side scroll wheel for navigation, and will need a $20... [More]
The Vtech IS6110 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Phone ($95) is the first cordless landline phone system with instant messaging capability, letting you chat with your BFF's from the couch. The Treo-like phone works with AIM, MSN, and Windows Live, and... [More]
Shakespeare bust with hidden switch? Check. Red Batphone? Check. Young sidekick in weird tights? Uh, yeah, we'll think about that. In the meantime, this Commissioner Gordon-approved phone, just like the Caped Crusader's, lights up when a call comes in to... [More]
If you're tired of waiting for your favorite bar or park to get Wi-Fi, do something about it and build a long-distance wireless network yourself. Using advanced mesh routing technology to increase range and network capacity, the Meraki Mini ($50)... [More]
Don't get us wrong — we really do like our iPhone Bluetooth Headsets, but they really can't compare to the Bang & Olufsen Earset 2 ($350). With specially designed vents and an advanced audio processor for more accurate voice reproduction,... [More]
Belkin's sexy new N1 Vision Wireless Router ($200) has the brains to back up its beauty. The N1 features an interactive display that shows you the activity of your network, including download and upload speeds, bandwidth usage, and the number... [More]
While many cordless phones worked great when they were purchased, they don't get along so well with their new, wireless counterparts. The Vtech 6032 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone ($60) solves this problem with its DECT technology, which uses new technologies... [More]
We've been waiting for something like this for a long time. Belkin's Wi-Fi Phone for Skype ($160) lets you make free calls to anyone using the Skype service — without being stuck in front of your computer. The phone connects... [More]
Never worry about dropping your home phone in the pool (or toilet) again with the Uniden WXI477 Waterproof Phone ($63). This 5.8GHz phone floats in water and is housed in submersible, waterproof plastic. A back-lit LCD provides on-screen data and... [More]
Remember the days of pay phones everywhere? Relive those glory times in your crib with this Crosley 1950s Style Pay Phone ($100). This reproduction of the classic 3-style slot pay phone will actually let you make calls for free, though... [More]
Latest Questions from Uncrate Answers
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| Satellite Phone
Stay connected on a cruise and in remote areas with a satellite phone. |