For those of you who think the Z4 is a too girly for your taste, feast your eyes on the BMW Motorsport Z4 GT3 (€298,000; roughly $410,000). While it's not meant as a daily — or even on-the-street — driver, the Motorsport Z4 GT3 has you covered in the track performance department, with a 4.0 liter V8 engine good for... [More]
Move over, Wii. The PlayStation Move ($TBA) is bringing motion-based gaming to the PS3, in full 1080p glory. The system will use a main motion controller, a "sub-controller," like a more advanced version of the Wii's nunchuk, and the Playstation Eye camera to offer precise detection of movement, angle, and absolute position in 3D space, which should make for some... [More]
Find yourself spending a lot of time in the tall stuff? Be sure you're equipped with a proper ball-removal tool (sounds horrific) like these Adams Idea Hybrid Golf Clubs ($120-$200). Available in three models — the Pro Black for skilled players, the a7 for average players, and the a7OS for weekend duffers, hacks, and John Daly — and sporting features... [More]
Sure, it costs as much as 47 Canon 5D MK IIs, but you'd need nearly that many — configured in some sort of crazy, Matrix-like setup — to match the unbelievable 1,052 fps high-speed 1080p recording of the Phantom HD Camera ($118,000). Other jaw-dropping specs include ISO 640 sensitivity, the ability to achieve 35mm depth-of-field, up to 32GB of in-camera... [More]
Does your life revolve around where to go for drinks immediately after you get off work? Well, you could probably stand to find yourself a hobby, and you'll more than likely enjoy the Happy Hour Watch ($50). Featuring a Japanese quartz movement for the analog face that sports only one hour marker — we'll let you guess which one —... [More]
God bless Gran Turismo, for giving us a chance to "drive" cars that we could only afford if we hit a Hurley-sized jackpot. The Koenigsegg Agera ($TBA) would qualify as one of those cars. This Swedish-built supercar sports the same 4.7-liter V8 as the company's prior CCX, but ups the ante with 910 hp, good for a 0-62 time of... [More]
It takes some real balls to put "Style" right in the name of your car, and despite its shark-that-ran-head-first-into-a-wall front end, the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style ($TBA) has it in spades. Still a concept at this point, the F800 boasts a ton of predictably high-end technology, including a plug-in hybrid drive system that pairs a 300 hp V6 gasoline engine with... [More]
For those of you (like us) who've been waiting years for an all-new TiVo interface, feast your eyes on the TiVo Premiere ($300). The new interface takes full advantage of HDTVs as well as its web-connectedness, with the ability to search across standard cable, YouTube, the web, Netflix, Amazon On Demand, and Blockbuster, all new specific movie and TV collections... [More]
Add some multi-function utility to your keychain with the Screwpop ($5). This diminutive, handy portable tool offers a bottle opener, #2 flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, and a 1/4" hex nut driver, all in a package no bigger than a standard key. Great for impromptu six-packs, handyman jobs, or grabbing cabinet hinges off the side of the street. [Thanks, Andrew]... [More]
So we have absolutely no clue what it has to do with Sparta, Spartans, or Sparty, the Michigan State mascot, but we're willing to overlook the silly name of the Spartan Daybed ($6,000) since it's so damn nice-looking. Hand woven from man-made, all-season brown wicker, this enormous enclosed daybed is made to withstand the elements, and also includes six 18"... [More]
If your alcoholic escapades often take you beyond the land of seedy bars and into black tie dinners with the rich and obviously miserable, be sure to grab a pair of Bottle Opener Cufflinks ($50). Made from polished stainless steel, these interesting accessories are subtle enough to blend in with an upscale crowd — although you're probably not being as... [More]
In the mood for some mindless apocalyptic action? You'll be hard pressed to do better than 2012 ($16-$25). Directed by world-destroying specialist Roland Emmerich — of The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day fame — this end-of-days film stars John Cusack, Danny Glover, and Woody Harrelson, who join the rest of the cast in chomping through what is at times... [More]
The result of a mad scientist's experiment involving a 911, a Prius, and the front end of a Ferrari F430, the Porsche 918 Spyder ($TBA) is a new plug-in hybrid concept borrowing bits of all three. A 500hp V8 mid-mounted motor is paired with two electric motors — one for each axle — giving the open two-seat 918 a total... [More]
Get a tablet and a high-performance laptop all at once with the HP EliteBook 2740p ($1,600 and up). This touch-enabled convertible tablet features a 12.1-inch LED-backlit display on a convertible hinge that lets you use in with the full QWERTY keyboard for laptop-style work, or flip it over for touch-enabled tablet computing, and also offers plenty of horsepower, thanks to... [More]
Folding into a low, sleek tow-behind package, the Opera Camper ($TBA) is like a pop-up luxury suite you can take with you anywhere. Elegant features include a teak veranda, two electrically-adjustable beds that can be combined to make for a larger single sleeping surface, a boiler for hot-water in the compact kitchen, a top-loading fridge with 36L of storage, a... [More]
Taking Phil Spector's production technique to its literal physical manifestation, the Wall of Sound ($4,500) is an astonishingly massive — 3' x 4' — handcrafted iPod speaker. Boasting 28 speaker elements hidden behind a minimalistic single black speaker grill, the WOS offers a frequency response of 40Hz - 20,000kHz and weighs a whopping 225 lbs., or more than every iPod... [More]
Purify your drinking water without adding a bulky box to your faucet or pitcher to your fridge with the Bottle & Kishu Binchotan (€68; roughly $93) set from Sort of Coal. Inside the mouth-blown bottle lies a piece of Kishu Binchotan charcoal that removes chlorine and other additives while softening the water and adding healthful minerals. As a bonus, it's... [More]
Johnny Cash may be gone, but luckily for his fans and music lovers in general, he left a surprising number of songs for future enjoyment in his American Recordings series. American VI: Ain't No Grave by Johnny Cash ($8) is the sixth and final installment in this celebrated series, produced once again by Rick Rubin, and packed with more of... [More]
Become a roaming barkeep with the Big Screw Bottle Opener ($12). Machined from a solid bar of aluminum, this pocketable, keyring-friendly tool resembles a screw with a bottle opener on the end, but screw that piece off and it becomes a compact corkscrew. Small caveat: according to the description, you shouldn't take it to the airport, lest you get "screwed... [More]
Nothing adds a sense of history and warmth to a home quite like aged wood, and the Old Barn Reclaimed Wood Co. is a fine place to acquire some. Apart from the eco-friendliness of re-using materials, Old Barn also goes out of its way to find high-quality, unique reclaimed wood, which it uses to make flooring, beams, paneling, and furniture,... [More]
Add flavor while keeping your meat tender and juicy with the Moistly Grilled Cast Iron Grill Humidifier ($30/2-pack). These sturdy cast-iron boxes can be filled with any liquid you like — including water, beer, liquor, juice, or other flavoring agents — and release steam as they heat up to moisten your meal while it cooks.... [More]
It's just a concept at this point, but the Peugeot 5 ($TBA) is likely to share more than a few features with the company's next 508 sedan — and that's a good thing. It's powered by Peugeot's Hybrid4 technology, which combines a 2.0L HDi FAP diesel engine, mounted at the front of the vehicle and good for 163hp, with a... [More]
Handcrafted in New Zealand using woods sourced from sustainable forests and toxin-free MDF, Q Speakers ($TBA) are as easy on the environment as they are on your eyes and ears. These minimalistic speakers are powered by Class D amplifiers for less energy waste, and mount the mid-high speakers on the underside of the cabinet, reflecting the sound off the metal... [More]
Looking for race car-like power in an unassuming package? You could do a lot worse than the Audi RS5 (€77,000; roughly $104,000). This stately coupe packs a lot of punch under the hood, thanks to a 4.2-liter, 450hp V8 engine, a dual-branch intake and exhaust system, and a seven-speed S tronic transmission with two clutches and two subsidiary transmissions for... [More]
We all know how to take down a horde of the undead with a trusty sawed-off shotgun, but what do you do when you run out of ammo? The Zombie Combat Manual ($10) can tell you. Penned by Roger Ma, the man behind hand-to-hand combat group the Zombie Combat Club, this 300+ page manual trains you in both melee and... [More]
Originally made for the military in the 1960s, the Converse First String Chuck Taylor Ox ($TBA) is a premium take on the classic sneaker that's sure to be in demand this spring. The OX is based on the classic All-Star design, but sports unique upgrades like a vintage rubber license plate logo in the rear, a higher rubber rand, a... [More]
Like a Swiss Army knife is to a standard blade, the Rapid Warrior Utility Knife ($20) is much more than a glorified box-cutter. This handy, versatile tool comes with drywall, hacksaw, and general purpose saw blades as well as a regular utility blade, and can also accept standard reciprocating saw blades, offering no-tools-needed switching between them while the soft grip... [More]
Get your home theater ready for upcoming 3D content with the Sony DN1010 3D AV Receiver ($500). Boasting four 3D-ready HDMI 1.4 inputs, it's already ready for upcoming 3D Blu-ray releases, and also packs 7.1-channel output with 110 Watts per channel, decoding for nearly every codec under the sun (including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio), Sony's S-AIR technology for... [More]
Thankfully abstaining from adding yet another edge to its multi-blade face, the new Gillette Fusion ProGlide ($11) improves on its predecessor in other ways. The blades that are there have been re-engineered to offer thinner, finer edges, and join a new blade stabilizer, streamlined comfort guard, a larger Lubrastrip, an enhanced precision trimmer, a larger, more comfortable handle, and, exclusively... [More]
Part 4-wheeler, part rail buggy, the new Polaris Ranger RZR 4 ($15,000) is the world's first four-seat sport side-by-side. Co-developed with racer Robby Gordon — or "Reckless Robby," as we like to call him — the RZR 4 boasts an 800cc High Output Twin EFI engine mounted behind the back seat for a lower center of gravity, a new suspension... [More]
Intrigued by — or even engrossed in — Need For Speed: Shift, but missing your favorite prancing horse chariot? Need For Speed Shift: Ferrari Racing Series ($10) is a new downloadable add-on for Shift that brings with it ten different Ferrari models, California, F430 GTC, and the FXX, as well as 46 new challenges, and a shot at 125 additional... [More]
Sleek, stylish, and tough aren't words that normally describe the same product, but they're certainly applicable to the Sony Cyber-shot TX5 ($350). The TX5 offers many of the same features found in the company's flagship TX7 compact — including an Exmor R CMOS sensor, Sweep Panorama mode, HD video recording (720p, instead of the TX7's 1080i), a touchscreen LCD, 10fps... [More]
Boasting an ultra-light weight and Pakka wood handle, the Kyocera Kyotop Damascus Ceramic Chef's Knife ($205) is a step above your average steel blade. The strength and density of Kyotop's ceramic blade allow it to be sharpened using diamond wheels, resulting in a razor-sharp blade that remains sharp up to ten times longer than its steel equivalent, and offers Juggernaut-like... [More]
Carry a cinema in the palm of your hand with the BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector ($500). Powered by a DLP display chip and BenQ's 3LED backlighting technology, the Joybee GP1 offers a projected image up to 80 inches in size, with 858x600 resolution and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. Other features include VGA, component, and composite video inputs, a built-in... [More]
Have a favorite old tee that sits unworn or simply doesn't fit anymore? Turn it into a Hello Rewind Recycled T-Shirt Laptop Sleeve ($50). Available in 13-, 15-, and 17-inch sizes, these laptop sleeves are made by cutting out the design and material from the old shirt, and sewing it up with batting, felt, and velcro. In addition to having... [More]
Just in time for the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back comes this re-imagining of one of the Star Wars saga's most awesome vehicles. The new Hasbro Star Wars AT-AT ($100) is a behemoth toy worthy of the All Terrain Armored Transport name, measuring in at over two feet tall, nearly 28 inches long, and 12 inches wide, with... [More]
Keep your facial hair in check throughout the day with the Kent Mustache & Beard Comb ($9). Saw cut and handmade in England, this diminutive comb -- just over 3 inches in length -- is small enough to keep in your pocket for mid-day grooming, and is gentle enough to use on both the face and scalp.... [More]
Whether you're building a house or just putting together some Ikea furniture, there's little more frustrating than having the necessary bolt, screw, or nail fall out of your hand or pocket only to disappear forever. MagnoGrip Magnetic Work Gear ($13-$110) can help you avoid this time-waster with a variety of goods — including wristbands, nail pouches, belt clips, hammer holsters,... [More]
What would it look like if Audi made a Mini Cooper? Probably a lot like the 2011 Audi A1 (€16,000 and up). This small compact Audi offers go-kart-like handling thanks to its sort overhangs, wide stance, and short height, and comes powered by one of four either TFSI gasoline or TDI diesel engines, ranging in power from 86hp to 122hp.... [More]
Whether you're running a small business, gearing up for your summertime lemonade stand, or simply want a way to process the door charges at your next multi-kegger, Square can help. This new service uses a small headphone port-connecting card reader and accompanying iPhone app to allow you to accept credit, debit, and pre-paid gift card payments anywhere you have an... [More]
Add a bit of rustic old-west flair to your home bar with the Railroad Spike Bottle Opener ($19). Hand-forged at 2,400º Fahrenheit from old, reclaimed railroad spikes, each opener is slightly different, but shares the same twisted design and bottle opening claw, with a thin coating of beeswax offering a protective, slightly colored finish.... [More]
That new 3D-capable TV you bought is begging for some content to go with it, so why not pair it with one of the new Sony Blu-ray 3D Players ($200-$250). The new BDP-S570 and BDP-S470 will ship ready for Blu-ray 3D, which will come via a firmware update this summer. The S570 packs built-in Wi-Fi while the S470 requires a... [More]
We're fans of nautical threads, so why not other accessories? The Portside Flask ($30) takes its design cues from the portholes on sea-faring vessels, with a window that lets you see the beverage inside. Made from stainless steel with a screw-off top, it holds up to 4 oz. of your favorite liquor.... [More]
Pick up some of director-writer-actor Mel Brooks' best films in the The Mel Brooks Collection ($90). This set includes nine Blu-ray discs with the same number of films -- six of which are making their Blu-ray debut -- in a collectible box, complete with an exclusive book highlighting Brooks' career and films. Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, and Young Frankenstein have never... [More]
NASA's official night launches might be over, but you can recreate them with one of the remaining NASA Space Shuttles (roughly $28 million). Space Shuttle Discovery has already been sold, but Atlantis and Endeavour are both still available, representing not only a verified piece of human history but billions of dollars worth of government funded R&D. Plus, you know, it's... [More]
With a legacy dating back to ancient times, Leather Vessels ($22-$200) are painstakingly-handcrafted cups, tankards, flasks, and bottles, each made with highest-possible level of detail and accuracy. A few more contemporary designs are available now, and will soon be joined by strict medieval reproductions of real-life vessels, some of which were studied by the creators at the Museum of London.... [More]
Not content to let traditional books have all the digital distribution fun, Panelfly (Free; App Store Link) lets you purchase, download, and read digital comics right from your iPhone or iPod touch. With hundreds of titles available from some of the biggest names in comics — including Marvel — Panelfly's slick, well-designed interface makes reading each issue as easy as... [More]
Sporting a lust-worthy design, the Radius First Aid Box (€50-€90; roughly $70-$125) gives you an excuse to keep your emergency medical supplies within easy reach. Made from stainless steel and nylon fabric, the Radius is available in "Home" and "Professional" styles, the former meeting the din 13164 standard for private use, with the latter meeting the more robust din 13157... [More]
There's nothing quite as annoying — or gross — as a clogged drain, which is why we're considering the PermaFlow Never-Clog Drain ($20) in the Uncrate HQ mens room. Made from clear ABS plastic and synthetic rubber, the Perma-Flow attaches easily to standard kitchen and bath drains, and features a unique, integrated drain-clearing wiper that helps you move clogs on... [More]
Go green and get fresh eggs for free with help from the Chicken Ark ($500). Handcrafted from renewable Douglas Fir timber, each ark provides space for up to four medium laying hens, and offers them a covered run, elevated roost, and separate nesting box — all the tools they need to leave you with nutritious eggs that are both better... [More]
As many long-time Uncrate readers already know, we have an affinity for sharp-looking automotive photography — and Curves of Steel ($50) is full of it. This 192-page hardbound tome features stunning images of some of the world's most streamlined autos, all painstakingly made by photographer Michael Furman. A total of 22 cars are featured within, all with a description of... [More]
Find yourself constantly playing with your wedding band or other rings? Perhaps its time to grab a Kinekt Gear Ring ($165) to fool around with. This intriguing little accessory is made from stainless steel and features six micro-precision gears scattered around the outside which allow the outer rims to spin independently of the ring itself. Great for watchmakers, engineers, and... [More]
Adorned with cover art for literary classics and curiosities alike, Out of Print T-Shirts ($28) will make a great addition to any book lover's wardrobe. Printed on fitted tees that have been treated to feel as worn and soft as the book covers themselves, these officially-licensed, often times out-of-print covers span the gamut from striking to strikingly simple, and even... [More]
Need to cruise in style, but with celebrity-like security? Check out the Armor Horse Vault XXL ($150,000 and up). This beastly, Brinks-like armored limousine is built using UL-rated thermal & composite ballistic panels and bullet-resistant windows, and offers security features like dual emergency escape hatches that double as skylights, and dual emergency gun ports for fending off zombies attackers. Of... [More]
We've long wished that the iPhone or iPod touch came with an IR port so we could use it as the remote for our home theater systems. Although Apple doesn't look like it will be building one in anytime soon, the L5 iPhone Remote ($50) is here to fill the void. This miniscule Dock-connecting accessory and companion app let you... [More]
If your PC-based gaming gets so intense that you find your keyboard struggling to keep up, perhaps it's time for an upgrade. The new Microsoft SideWinder X4 Keyboard ($60) should be right up your alley, with new anti-ghosting technology that ensures your keystrokes — up to 26 at once — are recognized in the fastest manner possible, keeping you in... [More]
As hilarious as it is gory, Zombieland ($24) is the latest undead romp to make its way onto Uncrate HQ's media shelves. Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson — in rare form, we might add — Zombieland tells the story of this duo's journey across the zombie-infested country to reach a Disneyland-style amusement park. Zany, brains- and guts-filled antics ensue,... [More]
While we think there's nothing wrong with the MB SL65 AMG, well-respected tuners Carlsson apparently saw plenty of room for improvement, as evidenced by the Carlsson C25 ($TBA). This ultra-exclusive supercar — only 25 will be made, with one going to each of 25 countries in which it will be sold — boasts a modified body with even more moxie... [More]
Continuing the storyline from the original sci-fi Role Playing hit Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 ($57) is bigger, better, and all-new. Improved features include a new damage system, an improved dialogue mechanic that gives you more options when dealing with computer-controlled characters, 19 different weapons, and integration with the original game, letting you import game saves so you can continue... [More]
Sporting an Apple-like monolithic design and gobs of high technology, the Sony Bravia NX800 HDTV ($2,300-$3,500; March 2010) is one of the Japanese electronics giant's sexiest yet. Features include a full HD 1080p, edge LED-backlit LCD screen in either 46-, 52-, or 60-inch sizes, Motionflow 240Hz technology for smooth on-screen motion, integrated Wi-Fi, and ambient light sensor, Sony's Bravia Internet... [More]
Feed your inner pyromaniac without putting yourself, family, or closest neighbors in danger of bodily harm with Dynamite Fire Starters ($40). Despite the name, these fire-starter sticks aren't actually made of dynamite, but do resemble cartoon-style TNT with their elongated cylindrical bodies. Made from paraffin and sawdust, 20 sticks come in each pack, encased in a finger-jointed cedar box that... [More]
Used for over 100 years in bars, kitchens, and anywhere else stains might appear, Bar Keepers Friend ($3) is a must-have cleaning tool. Made in the USA without nasty phosphates, bleach or abrasive substances, this eco-friendly powder cleanser can clean nearly anything, from chrome to ceramics, leaving nothing behind but a nice shine and silky finish.... [More]
Thinking of starting your own racing team? The Porsche 911 GT3 R (€279,000; roughly $390,000) is a good start. Designed and built by the Porsche Motorsport Department at the company's Weissach Development Centre, this 911 race car is powered by a 4.0-litre six-cylinder 'boxer' engine delivering 480 hp, and features an ultra-lightweight chassis and body for a total weight of... [More]
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER (In your hands April 3rd)The granddaddy of all Apple rumors finally came true today. It's not going to change the world, but it might get you reading more books. The Apple iPad ($499-$829) is the now-not-so-mythical tablet God King, featuring a 9.7-inch Multi-Touch LED-backlit display with IPS technology that's packed into a half-inch thick piece of... [More]
With a blue/black color scheme and multiple dials, the Diesel Time Zone Watch ($300) is a futuristic, cockpit-like timepiece for the frequent traveler. Sporting a traditional round body, the watch keeps track of time in up to four time zones, including a digital readout of the time in a specified zone, and finishes things off with a lightly textured leather... [More]
Originally formulated in the 15th century to lure bears out of their caverns, trees, and other hiding spots, Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur ($30) is a 70 proof blast from the past. Literally translating to "bear hunter," Bärenjäger is still crafted in a traditional manner with all-natural ingredients, as well as some new world fine spirits and premium Mexican honey.... [More]
Cut down on your electronics' energy usage with the iGo Green Power Smart Tower ($80). This smart surge bar offers eight outlets, four of which stay on in a fixed position, and four that feature iGo Green technology and also rotate 360 degrees to accomodate a number of differently-shaped plugs. The iGo Green technology automatically powers down outlets that aren't... [More]
If you're anything like us, chances are you have at least a couple extra holiday pounds you need to shed, and running is one of the most effective ways to do so. The Runner's Rule Book ($13) can help you along your way, with more than 100 rules that will help you pick the right shoes and apparel, keep up... [More]
When TaylorMade's R9 460 driver debuted, a lot of people were left wondering why the company's breakthrough Movable Weight Technology didn't appear on the gargantuan club — as it turns out, the company couldn't cut enough weight out of the 460cc head to allow both its MWT and Flight Control Technology to fit inside. Now it can. The TaylorMade R9... [More]
Ingenious and slightly ironic at the same time, the BookBook ($80) is a new case for the MacBook and MacBook pro that disguises your 'Book as, well, a book. Employing thick hardcover front and rear panels and a rigid spine, the BookBook provides ample protection for your laptop, while elastic corner clips let you use the computer while it's encased,... [More]
Longevity and success in both acting and directing of the type Clint Eastwood has enjoyed is quite unusual, as is the film icon's long-standing relationship with Warner Bros. Thankfully, it's this relationship that makes Clint Eastwood: 35 Films, 35 Years ($135) possible. This encyclopedic box set packs every WB Eastwood film since 1968's Where Eagles Dare, including the full Dirty... [More]
T-shirts from small, interesting bars and pubs are some of our favorite things to bring back from a trip, but unfortunately we don't get to make trips all that often. Enter the Dive Bar Shirt Club ($20/month). This service brings you one authentic t-shirt a month from the best of the U.S.' lounge lineup, along with a little bit of... [More]
Long before he ate green eggs and ham, Dr. Seuss — also known as Theodor Geisel — was a talented political cartoonist for the New York newspaper PM. Dr. Seuss Goes to War ($14) is a 272-page tribute to his two-year stint at the paper, featuring reproductions of roughly half of Seuss' 400 cartoons from 1941-1943, highlighted alongside explanatory text... [More]
If you've long wished of flying through the air or have simply seen Thunderball one too many times, perhaps it's time to get in line for a Martin Jet Pack ($100,000; late 2010). Powered by a specially-designed 2.0L gasoline engine producing 200hp and capable of traveling as far as 31.5 miles or up to 8,000 feet, this unique personal aircraft... [More]
Get a leg up on your tailgating brethren ahead of the 2010 season with the Traeger Double BBQ Trailer ($5,800). This commercial-quality smoker/grill features two independently operating cooking units — good for a total cooking surface of over 1,600 square inches — as well as a handy cargo box and four firepots, all mounted on an industrial-strength trailer.... [More]
In need of a Blu-ray player and receiver, and don't want to buy an extra box *cough* PS3 *cough* to get both? The Denon S-5BD Blu-ray Player/Receiver ($1,800) has you covered. This new all-in-one boasts a number of high-end features, including three HDMI inputs and one output, all HDMI 1.4 compliant, 1080p/24p video output, DVD video scaling up to 1080p,... [More]
It's not often we get to cover a concept vehicle that actually makes it to market, but that's exactly the case with the 2011 Honda CR-Z ($TBA; Late Summer 2010). Based on the company's prior CR-Z concept, the production CR-Z is a sport hybrid coupe, combining a four-cylinder i-VTEC engine with a 10-kilowatt electric motor and 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride... [More]
If you're the type of guy that needs more speakers in his headphones than most people have in their home theater setups, Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors ($1,350) are for you. These custom-made earphones sport an absurd six individually tuned drivers in each ear, providing the most life-like sound possible, as well as four-way crossovers, triple-sound channels, a newly-developed... [More]
Definitely near the very top of our favorite movie list for 2009, Moon ($20-$25) is a bleak sci-fi film that's an instant classic in the genre. The alien-less movie features an amazing performance from an isolated Sam Rockwell whose only companion for the last couple years has been the Hal-like GERTY 3000. We won't give away the twist, but rest... [More]
It's time to take sides and stand up for the funniest man on late night television. Show your support for Team Conan with this I'm With Coco T-Shirt ($16). Because, frankly, Mr. Chin needs to suck it up and quit being such a whiny twat.... [More]
If you have a thirst for audio in an area of your home where your partner might not be so thrilled having visible speakers, investigate the Klipsch LightSpeaker ($600). Designed to go into 5- and 6-inch recessed lighting fixtures, the LightSpeaker also offers 20 watts of power per full-range speaker, an integrated LED bulb good for 40,000 hours of use,... [More]
Ditch your smartphone and go retro with your day planning using the Casio Databank Watch ($110). Boasting an auto calendar, calculator, currency converter, stop watch, alarm clock, and more, the Databank aims to bring you 21st century organization in a decidedly 20th century-styled package, complete with auto LED light with Afterglow, face mounted numerical keys, and a white body with... [More]
We've covered complete periodical collections before, but never one that arrives on its own dedicated hard drive. The Complete National Geographic ($200) includes digital reproductions of every Nat Geo issue from 1888 - 2008, including all the classic maps, photographs, and articles, all searchable from within an advanced custom interface. All the content arrives on a 160GB USB hard drive,... [More]
Move over Kindle and Nook: there's a new e-reader in town. The Skiff Reader ($TBA) boasts the largest, most high-resolution display of any consumer e-reader yet, clocking in at 11.5 inches and 1200x1600 resolution. Made using LG's "Metal Foil" e-Paper technology, it removes the risk of breakage found in other, glass-based screens, and offers full touchscreen capabilities, as well. The... [More]
Unless you have some crazy SATA storage system going on, odds are the WD My Book 3.0 ($200) is going to be faster than your current external drive. Utilizing a new USB 3.0 interface — card included for those that need to upgrade — the 3.0 is up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0, with transfer rates of up... [More]
Join the wet shaving crowd with the Baxter Safety Razor ($60). With a classic polished design, textured grip, and double edge blade, the Baxter is a nice way to get into the world of wet shaving, and comes complete in a black gift box with a pack of starter blades and an instructional card.... [More]
Produced by Tim Burton and directed by Shane Acker, 9 ($25) isn't your typical animated film — and we mean that in the best way possible. Set against the apocalyptic backdrop of humanity's final days, 9 tells the story of nine small rag dolls, brought to life by a scientist, who must fight against the machines to save both themselves... [More]
If you were looking for a TV that's from the future — or just future-proof — the Samsung 9000 Series LED TV ($TBA; 2010) isn't a bad place to start. Available in a variety of sizes, the 9000 Series sets offer a host of advanced features like a proprietary 3D processor and emitter, built-in Ethernet allowing for set-based apps like... [More]
Pirates, ninjas, samurai, and more do battle aboard the Epic Battle T-Shirt ($20). Printed on a soft asphalt American Apparel tee, it's like wearing an action movie fiesta on your chest.... [More]
Sporting dual time zones and an integrated compass, the Diesel Compass Watch ($250) is one unique timepiece. The watch is dominated by the oversized stainless steel face, which boasts a large square main dial, a slightly rectangular secondary dial, and a circular compass window. Also available in gunmetal, the Compass additionally boasts a chronograph function and genuine leather strap.... [More]
We've had touchscreens now for a while, and we've had projectors for way longer than anyone reading this has been alive. So why haven't they been combined before now? Light Touch ($TBA) is only a reference product for now, but it features up-and-coming tech like holographic laser projection technology that allows it to create a bright, high-quality, always in focus... [More]
We told you it was coming, and now, finally, here it is. The Cadillac 2011 CTS-V Coupe ($TBA; Summer 2010) boasts an impressive 556hp, 6.2L V-8, a six-speed manual or six-speed auto with paddle shifters, Brembo brakes, exclusive Saffron interior trim, a one-inch wider rear axle than its standard stablemate, magnetic ride control, and optional Recaro seats — all of... [More]
It's one thing to love eating meat, and quite another to love learning about it. If you fall into the latter category, consider picking up Lobel's Meat Bible ($27). Written by the Lobel family of master butchers, this 320-page epicurean excursion includes extensive information on beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, poultry, veal, and more, explanations of texture, flavor, and contents, and... [More]
With support for two phone lines, a high-end full-duplex speakerphone, and more, the Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 5 ($TBA) might just be the world's best cordless telephone. It supports IP telephony alongside a regular landline, and features full customization — including color scheme and ringtone — on the cordless handset, as well as a gorgeous aluminum speaker phone meant to... [More]
Offering personalized online fitness tracking and electronic helper gadgets to bridge the real world/online gap, the Adidas miCoach system ($70-$140) is like a more advanced Nike+ system. Simply plug in your fitness goals at the MiCoach website, and sync up either the MiCoach Pacer — which offers an audio feedback box, heart rate monitor, and stride sensor — or the... [More]
We love it when designers encourage the buyer to customize their purchase, and when that customization involves smashing said purchase with an included hammer, you know we're in. Designed by Marijn van der Poll, the Do Hit Chair ($TBA) is a box made from 1.25mm stainless steel measuring roughly 40" by 28" by 30", which you're supposed to mold into... [More]
There's no better use for a bucketload of snow than a good old fashioned snowball fight, and the Snofling ($6) is here to make your bright white battles even better. Made from high-impact plastic, this nifty tool creates snowballs without the need for you to bend over and get your hands wet, allows snowballs to be flung farther than with... [More]
Ditch that knitted bit your grandma gave you and move up to the Nau Down Scarf ($65). Featuring a 100% recycled polyester shell and 650-fill down stuffing, this sleek scarf also offers variegated baffling for a more interesting look and secure hold, as well as two zip-closure pockets with can be used to hold the scarf when not in use... [More]
In case you didn't know it, bison — or buffalo — meat is a super-tasty, healthy alternative to beef, but it can be a little tricky to find. If your favorite neighborhood butcher isn't offering it, try placing an order with Gunpowder Bison Meat ($8-$70). All of their bison are raised naturally, without hormones or feed additives, and the meat... [More]
Get an extremely close shave while using a piece of history with these Vintage Straight Razors ($160-$170). With heritages dating back to the 1920s and '30s, these immaculate blades are in like new or better condition, with authentic vintage designs as well as original scales, pins, and super-sharp blades that will remind you why you ditched your electric razor in... [More]
Need to get a beer-loving relative a last minute gift? The Samuel Adams Winter Classics Collection ($14-$16) is a fine option, including two bottles each of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale, Samuel Adams Holiday Porter, Samuel Adams Cranberry Lambic, and the new Samuel Adams Coastal Wheat in an easy-to-wrap box.... [More]
Say what you will about his weird persona and on-stage fashion, but Brian Patrick Carroll, a.k.a. Buckethead, sure as hell can play a guitar. The Gibson Buckethead Signature Les Paul Guitar ($4,300) is a tribute to his prowess, featuring an oversized, chambered mahogany body, a two-piece maple top, ceramic humbucking pickups with modified electronics and red arcade button kill switches,... [More]
Just in case your normal, standard-issue Aston Martin isn't cool enough for you, there's the Aston Martin Carbon Black Special Editions ($TBA). The company's DBS and V12 Vantage will both get the carbon black treatment which includes a metallic black finish that's meant to offer a different look in different conditions, carbon fiber-and-Kevlar seats covered in black leather with silver... [More]
With hot rod-styling and high-end materials, The Roddler ($2,000) just might be the world's coolest stroller. It features two rear and one front chrome wheels with fin-shaped fenders and white wall tires, color-matching brakes, wheel bullets, chassis, seat, and top, stainless steel hardware, chrome grips, an ultrasuede seat insert for comfort and carbon vinyl leatherette for the seat and top... [More]
The rise of the martini has seen a slow decline in interesting "dark" drink offerings -- at least at the taverns, restaurants, and various dives we visit. Dark Spirits ($16) is a way to fight back against this trend at your home bar. Featuring 200 drink recipes based on bourbon, brandy, scotch, whiskey, rum, and other dark hooch, with accompanying... [More]
It's always a pain when you have an ice cold import in your hand but can't locate your bottle opener, but odds are that you can locate your dog (if you have one, of course). The makers of the Bark4Beer Collar ($15) know this as well, which is why they integrated a retractable bottle opener into this rugged black collar,... [More]
A private island is one of the most popular purchases among the world's über-rich, but unfortunately they tend to be stationary. Wally and Hermès teamed up to solve this problem, and the Wally Hermès WHY Yacht ($TBA) is the result. This floating island offers a host of unusual, elegant features such as a 200 square meter master suit with its... [More]
What do you do when Peter Jackson hand-picks you to direct a movie based on Halo and the project falls apart? You make District 9 ($18), that's what. Writer and director Neill Blomkamp mixes action, science fiction, documentary-style shots, and a drama-worthy plot into a gritty, compelling film that's one of the year's best.... [More]
Ponder an alternate history with the Battle of the Ironclads T-Shirt ($10). Featuring a fantastic drawing of the historic battle of the Merrimack vs. the Monitor, but this time with a giant seafaring robot added to the mix, it helps display your love of history and robots all at once.... [More]
If you're serious about your mixed drinks, you know that canned or bottled juice just can't compete with freshly-squeezed — which is where the Heavy Duty Citrus Juicer ($90) comes in. Constructed with die-cast chromed zinc alloy, this heavy-duty apparatus uses a patented lever mechanism and extra wide cone and funnel to make juicing as effortless as possible, and works... [More]
You shouldn't have to buy an all-new setup just to wirelessly stream music from your phone or music player to your existing audio equipment, and with the Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver ($50), you don't have to. This small black dongle includes 3.5mm to RCA and 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables to connect to nearly any piece of audio equipment, and uses... [More]
Get a fine storage box, some great-looking, rare t-shirts, and help out several independent artists all in one swoop with the Billy Reid Hand-Crafted Box Set ($300). The set includes four tees inspired by the indie artists Old Crow Medicine Show, Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, and the Drive-by Truckers, all encased in a hand-made and... [More]
Add a hint of industrial flair to your wine presentation with this Galvanized Wine Rack ($80). Hand-welded from galvanized sheet metal, this unpretentious rack holds up to 12 bottles of wine, and works in both horizontal and vertical positions.... [More]
No matter how hard we try, we're still guys, and we tend not to take care of our hands as much as our partners would prefer. On The Job Hand Regimen ($19) does the hard work for you, with a waterless Hand Cleaner that removes dirt, paint, grease, and other nasty stuff by getting in between the dirt and your... [More]
Meant to be savored and sipped at room temperature, Samuel Adams Utopias ($150) is only for the most daring of beer connoisseurs. The 2009 batch is the strongest yet, with a staggering 27% alcohol by volume rating (a standard beer is about 5%). The rich, dark, uncarbonated (and world's strongest) beer is brewed in small batches, blended, and aged in... [More]
Add an exotic kick to your cocktail party lineup with Pernod Absinthe ($65). Based on Pernod Fils, the original absinthe produced in the late 18th century, Pernod Absinthe is faithful to the original, offering high-quality ingredients, a light green hue, balanced taste, and a high alcohol content. Just in time for the holidays, it's also available in a gift set... [More]
If you love beer as much as life itself, make sure to put The Naked Pint: An Unadulterated Guide to Craft Beer ($14) on your wintertime reading list. Written by beer sommeliers Hallie Beaune and Christina Perozzi, this 300+ page book takes a humorous yet no-nonsense look at beer, exploring everything from the science of beer and beer + food... [More]
Any long-time writer knows the horrors of writer's block, but luckily, The Storymatic ($30) is here to help. By following two simple laws — a main character that changes during the story and doesn't die along the way — The Storymatic's 500 cards, separated by color into gold cards offering a character trait or occupation and white cards that contain... [More]
Looking for SLR-like control on a pocket-friendly cam? Check out the Canon PowerShot S90 ($400). Packing a high sensitivity 10-megapixel sensor, the DIGIC 4 image processor, and a customizable control ring, the S90 segues nicely from a beginner-level auto mode to full manual control, complete with aperture and shutter priority modes. A bright f/2.0, 3.8x optical zoom lens, RAW +... [More]
Pass the dreary winter days by perusing a copy of Mafia: The Government's Secret File on Organized Crime ($13). An exact copy of the old Federal Bureau of Narcotics reference on hundreds of gangsters from coast to coast — from the early 1960s — Mafia is a fascinating read for history and real crime buffs alike, offering details like addresses,... [More]
One of the best things about being a Star Wars fan is the seemingly endless array of Lucas-licensed merchandise. Written by Lucasfilm employee and master collector Stephen Sansweet, Star Wars: 1,000 Collectibles: Memorabilia and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away ($24) draws on Sansweet's 75,000+ item collection — housed at a place called Rancho Obi-Wan — to display some... [More]
Those looking for the most stylish, minimalist speaker system around would do well to take a look at the Sony Sountina ($11,800). This six-foot tower/speaker is made from glass, with cylindrical speakers that emit sound in a 360-degree circle to provide equal audio quality regardless of the listener's position. Other features include a 13cm woofer, a 7cm mid-range driver, and... [More]
With a body extruded from aluminum, a metal remote control, and three front-facing speakers, the Porsche Design P'9121 by Etón ($600) isn't your average iPod speaker. It offers a high-performance tuner for AM, FM, and Shortwave radio, XM Radio capability, an OLED display, a 3-inch rear-facing subwoofer, and a separate iPod dock. Impeccable styling, superb sound.... [More]
While it's certainly not the healthiest of drinks, nothing beats a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. Now you can make café style chocolate with the push of button with the Bialetti Hot Chocolate Maker ($94). From the builders of renowned expresso and cappuccino machines, this nifty gadget has you add milk and shaved chocolate, then lets you... [More]
The McIntosh 60th Anniversary MXA60 Integrated Audio System ($7,500), the company's first-ever standalone setup, gives you audiophile-quality sound in a beautifully compact design. And while its price tag might seem high, you've got to recognize that this thing was designed and built by the same team responsible for the $250,000 McIntosh Reference System. The tabletop system features a high-performance 75-watt-per-channel... [More]
This Tarantino-stamped WWII movie is full of scalps and set-pieces, golems and gore, and is everything you'd want in a kill-Hitler fantasy film. Special features of Inglourious Basterds ($17-$22) include extended and alternate scenes, a roundtable discussion with Quentin Tarantino, Brad Pitt and Elvis Mitchell, the making of Nation's Pride, and and the original Inglorious Bastards.... [More]
The premise — crazy Vegas bachelor party they can't remember and a groom missing — makes you think you're in for a turd of a movie. But The Hangover ($16-$20) turned out to be one of the funniest of the year thanks to Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helm and Old School director Todd Phillips. The special edition includes both the theatrical... [More]
Because you're really no better in the slush than you are in the sun, pick up a pair of Nike's All Weather Golf Gloves ($24/pair). They'll help you keep ahold of your clubs no matter what the conditions thanks to synthetic microfiber palms that thrive in bad weather.... [More]
De-complicate your time-telling with the Fossil Stark Palindrome Too Watch ($150). Available in colorful gray and orange or in a striking black-on-black combination, this modernly mod watch features dual dials — one for the hour, one for the minute — inside a stainless steel case that contrasts nicely with the comfortable polyurethane strap. [via]... [More]
Bank robbing renegade John Dillinger gets the movie he's always deserved with Public Enemies ($16-$23). Starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale (what hasn't he been in lately?), it's as artistic of a gangster movie that's ever been made. Special features include commentary by director Michael Mann and several featurettes about the real Dillinger and Purvis.... [More]
Getting Boxee, the awesome web-to-TV software, set up in your living room used to be a headache. Not anymore thanks to the Boxee Box (around $200; Q1 2010). This angled wonder lets you consume all the free movies, TV shows and music from the internet, all from your couch — and hooks it up to your system with just a... [More]
Keep clean and looking good while being your old, lazy self. Bread & Butter Skincare ($85) sends you a Winter Kit with all your bathroom essentials as soon as you place your order, and then in the first week of June, they'll send you their Summer Kit with warm weather specific face stuff. The winter kit includes two tubes of... [More]
Spice up your holiday gatherings with (rī)1 Whiskey ($45-$50). Pronounced "rye one," this 92 proof rye whiskey from the makers of Jim Beam features a slightly spicy, peppery flavor when sipped straight, revealing more strongly its dried fruit and cinnamon notes when cut with water, and offering new opportunities for talented mixologists everywhere.... [More]
Just like Blue Harvest provided a faithful parody of A New Hope, Family Guy: Something, Something, Something, Dark Side ($15) is a typically Griffin-like take on The Empire Strikes Back. In addition to the hilarious double-length episode, the DVD also comes with extras like audio commentary, deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette, and more.... [More]
Can't decide whether to get your boozehound relatives Patrón Reposado or Patrón Silver for the holidays? Get both of those and more in the Patrón 4-Bottle Gift Set ($80). Available at reputable spirit stores across the country, this set includes 375ml mini-bottles of Patrón Silver, Patron Reposado, Patrón Añejo and Patrón XO Cafe, all housed in a clear acrylic gift... [More]
This installment of Garb comes courtesy of our friends at Need Supply. Sleek and sweater-y goodness combine for a layered look that's great for those late night Thursday dinners. Modern boat shoe-boot hybrid completes the look. Shirt ($92) by Shades of Greige. Coat by Spiewak ($195). Jeans by APC ($155). Sweater ($110) by Warriors of Radness. Boots ($145) by Sebago.... [More]
As much a car as it is a gadget on wheels, with the 2011 Audi A8 ($TBA; late 2010) Audi has raised the automotive technology bar once again. The latest version of Audi's flagship sedan boasts standard features like quattro all-wheel-drive, a 4.2L FSI V8 engine good for 372hp, and an Aluminum Space Frame body. These traditional features are overshadowed... [More]
Okay, so it's no T2, but if you want a fresh dose of Skynet-fighting action in an awesomely apocalyptic world, Terminator Salvation ($10-$17) is a far better choice than T3. Directed by McG and starring Christian Bale as John Connor — who's often overshadowed by supporting star Sam Worthington — it manages to pack plenty of action into its 117... [More]
Blending the qualities of a traditional chef's knife with the versatility of a Japanese cleaver, the Wusthof Classic Nakiri Knife ($100) makes a fine gift for the cook in your life, even if that happens to be you. It's precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel for excellent balance and agility, and features a 30% double angled 6.5-inch... [More]
There's little reason for anyone to pay more than 30 grand for a coffee and tea set, but the amount becomes slightly more tolerable when it's an unquestionable work of art, and the Alessi Silver Tea & Coffee Tower (£20,000; roughly $33,500) certainly qualifies. Created by London-based designer Zaha Hadid, this striking piece of functional fancy features a long, flat... [More]
No matter how many frequent flyer miles you've racked up, we can all use some help maximizing the space inside our luggage. Spacepak ($30-$98) accessories help you do exactly that. The system of bags — available for clothes, underwear, shoes, suits, and more — allows garments to undergo double compression, virtually doubling the usable space inside your carry-on.... [More]
For all you two-door addicts that have longed for a CTS but couldn't handle the family-friendly nature of the sedan, feast your eyes on the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe ($TBA). Coming standard with a 3.6L V-6 and six-speed manual transmission — a six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control is an option — this stylish Caddy also offers either 18- or... [More]
Take your big-screen with you — sorta — with the Cinemin Swivel Portable Projector ($300). This diminutive dynamo utilizes DLP projection technology to display a screen up to 60 inches in size on nearly any surface. Features include 480x320 resolution, a rechargeable battery good for over two hours of use, included international power adapters, and a 90-degree swiveling design that... [More]
Leave it to LOST and Alias mastermind J.J. Abrams to reboot one of sci-fi's most beloved franchises without too much bitching from the diehard Trekkies. Star Trek ($13-$20) was easily the year's best science fiction film, and one of the most successful re-launches in recent history. Travelling back to before Capt. James T. Kirk was even in Starfleet, the new... [More]
Keep track of way more than just the time on your next outing with the Suunto Core Extreme Limited Edition ($TBA). This sleek digital watch's stylish design belies its rugged functionality, which includes an accurate altimeter, barometer, digital thermometer, a weather trend indicator, digital compass, sports chronograph, date, predicted sunrise and sunset times, and, of course, not just single, but... [More]
Relive the epic final battle of A New Hope with Star Wars: Trench Run ($5). In this just-released game for the iPhone and iPod touch, you play as a Rebel Alliance Red Squadron pilot and attempt to work your way past the Death Star's outer defenses, all the way and into the trenches for a final run at firing your... [More]
Bring all your cold weather gear with you on your next trip in the North Face Base Camp Gear Locker ($170). With a massive 77 liters of interior volume, this man-sized carry-all features a separate bottom boot compartment with dual drains, a rugged, weather-resistant TBE laminate outer, large D-shaped top zipper access, multiple interior pockets, a removable shoulder strap, and... [More]
The venerable Rubik's cube meets iPhone-era technology in the Rubik's TouchCube ($150). This impressive, if slightly pricey, update to the original game uses lighted squares, touch sensors on all six sides, and an accelerometer to provide the classic Rubik's gameplay in a modern way, with built-in speakers adding an extra bit of polish to the fun, frustrating puzzle.... [More]
Tired of waiting on Apple to pump out a tablet MacBook Pro? Then grab yourself a ModBook Pro ($5,000 and up; pre-order). Based on the new Unibody MacBook Pro, this unique computing solution has been re-engineered to offer both pen and touch input, with Axiotron's Quicktouch interface enabling complete control over Mac OS X. Of course, it also packs all... [More]
Take your dudeness to a whole new level with a Residential Bowling Lane ($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... [More]
Lest you actually have to start your car with your car keys, Viper SmartStart ($300-$500) is a cool new system that allows you start your car with your iPhone or iPod touch. Using a GSM signal, SmartStart either plugs into your existing Viper security/remote start system or comes bundled with one, letting you not only start but also lock or... [More]
We're quite used to seeing tons of tools crammed into a pocket knife-sized package, but it's not everyday you see the same thing done to an axe. The Brook & Hunter Mo-Tool Axe ($40) brings the handyman heat with a capable axe blade and hand-crafted red oak wood inlay handle, plus a hammer head, screwdrivers, knives, a can opener, wire... [More]
While it's not quite as simple (or cool) as a real Hoverboard, the Air Board ($14,000) is actually available. This gasoline-powered personal hovercraft features a 1.3 gallon capacity for up to one hour of riding time, a top speed of around 15 mph, the ability to run over concrete, asphalt, grass, or shallow wet areas, aluminum, an aluminum frame with... [More]
Simplify the process of installing the apps you want on your Windows machine with Ninite. This awesome free service lets you choose from a range of applications, plug-ins, utilities, and other goodies that might normally take hours to download separately, with a "Get Installer" button at the bottom that will do all the heavy lifting for you, creating a simple,... [More]
While we might not know exactly what seven functions the sleek Gerber Shard ($8) will provide, we know enough to know we'll be on the pre-order list as soon as it's available. The lightweight, airline-safe keychain tool offers at the minimum a bottle opener, screwdriver, and nail puller, with a titanium nitride coating for corrosion resistance.... [More]
Normally we consider it a bonus when we hear a car has simply been tested at the Nürburgring. But built there? The Veritas RS III ($TBA) is a throw back to Germany's first Formula I car, complete with an open-air single-person cockpit, vicious, car-eating looks, a BMW V10 pumping out 507 hp, a top speed of around 215 mph, Recaro... [More]
It takes a certain type of attitude to pull off Oakley's most aggressive designs, but if you've got it — and a large wad of cash — you're going to love the new Oakley Elite Collection ($500-$4,000). Featuring the big O's most daring designs and innovative technologies, the Elite Collection includes the hard-core first responder Assault Boot, the Swiss-made automatic... [More]
Designed by L.A.-based illustrator Kevin Tong in celebration of the movie's 10th anniversary, the Fight Club T-Shirt ($20) is a must have for any Chuck Palahniuk fan. The awesome exploding design is printed on either a cream or light blue soft Alternative Apparel tee, which should look great with jeans or khakis. Just remember, the first rule of Fight Club...... [More]
Four years ago, we brought you the Marshmallow Shooter. It served you well. It kept enemies at bay. It won many office battles. But times have gotten worse. And times like these call for something stronger. Times like these call for the Executive Elite Marshmallow Blaster ($55). This pump-action weapon shoots marshmallows up to 40 feet, and stores discreetly in... [More]
For that Saturday night when you left the house with no real plan in mind. You run into an old friend on the street and end up at an underground club with heavy house music and hand-painted pictures of 80's cartoon icons. You feel the bass, the heat and the women. And you feel it in your head the next... [More]
Handmade in small batches, Casa Dragones Tequila ($330) is not your average booze. Each bottle is finished by a Maestro Tequilero, mixing platinum tequila with a dab of extra añejo for an incredibly smooth taste. Delivered in a handcrafted, reusable crystal decanter, it's meant for sipping, not shooting, and although it may taste great, it'd be a damn shame for... [More]
Pour like a pro with the Creamer Action Chrome Faucet Head ($21). The standard-looking keg faucet consistently delivers draft brews with a rich and creamy head. Pull the lever forward for beer, then push back to top it off with the foam.... [More]
Hide your addiction with the InPulse Blackberry Smartwatch ($150). It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to your Blackberry, letting you discreetly check emails, texts, and Twitter updates without busting out the phone. The InPulse sports a 1.3-inch full color OLED display, a built-in vibrating motor, and a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery.... [More]
Laptops are quickly becoming the de facto computing tool, but due to their portable designs, they're not always the best when it comes to ergonomics. That's where the Logitech Notebook Kit ($100) steps in. Including a compact wireless keyboard with number pad, a pivoting stand to help raise the screen to eye-level, and a comfortable wireless laser mouse, the Kit... [More]
Just in time for undeadliest of holidays comes The Horde T-Shirt ($18). This black American Apparel tee sports a terrific print of a single character wielding multiple weapons on the roof of a car as a horde (get it?) of zombies surround him. While it won't pass as a costume per se, it's certainly festive, and if you happen to... [More]
If a trip to India isn't in the cards this year, take a virtual trip by way of the Lego Taj Mahal ($300). Featuring an impressive 5,922 pieces, this ultra-detailed recreation is sure to provide hours of entertainment, and at least a little frustration, measuring over 20 inches wide and 16 inches tall, with details such as minarets, domes, arches,... [More]
While it's a little hard to tell from the front, the new Apple iMac ($1,200 - $2,000) has changed a lot from its predecessor. Available with either a 21.5- or 27-inch 16:9, glass-covered LED backlit display, a fully aluminum back panel, 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors standard with quad-core 2.66GHz Core i5 or 2.8GHz Core i7 processors as options,... [More]
Who needs buttons? Apple's Magic Mouse ($69) eschews mechanical buttons and scroll wheels, letting you navigate using the same Multi-Touch technology used on the iPhone and MacBook trackpads. The sexy, seamless, touch-sensitive device works as a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support, allowing you to scroll, pan, or swipe with ninja-finger skill. Works for you freakish lefties too.... [More]
There's something extra cool about furniture born of reused parts from airplanes, and the MotoArt 747 Cowling Bar ($TBA) is a prime example. Made from an authentic cowling that once covered the Pratt & Whitney jet engine of a Boeing 747, this unique bar features a half-inch tempered glass counter, mirror-polished aluminum braces, a hardwood bar counter, bottom shelves for... [More]
Bring a little light into your sun-deprived PC gaming world with the Logitech G110 Gaming Keyboard ($80). With both red and blue backlighting LEDs, the G110 lets you set just the right mixture of the two in software, and has other gaming-centric features like 12 programmable G-keys and three M-keys, great for quick-access macros and scripts, automatic game detection with... [More]
With a crazy futuristic design and a host of features, the iREV ($24,000; January 2010) is your new party barge. This Interactive Recreational Entertainment Vessel seats up to 10 people inside its circular decks, and features a central low smoke charcoal grill that can be swapped for a number of other centerpieces, an outboard electric 2-5 hp motor with 8-10... [More]
If the idea of Jack Black playing "the world's greatest roadie" who gets sent back in time to save an "ancient world of heavy metal" from destruction sounds silly, well, that's because it is. But don't let that stop you from enjoying Brutal Legend ($57). Despite its wacky premise, Legend impresses with a mix of classic hack and slash and... [More]
Think you've seen or read all the great books and films there are to digest? Think again. City Secrets Books & Movies ($14 each) are your guide to gems of cinema and literature that are mostly overlooked, compiled from recommendations given by some of the world's most well-respected minds on either subject, including Alec Wilkinson, Kenneth Turan, Marty Scorsese, and... [More]
Not content getting your shave or haircut in your kitchen chair or over the bathroom sink? Get an authentic barber shop experience at home with the Collins Commander Barber Chair ($2,200). It features a gas cylinder-controlled reclined back with ball bearings, solid maple arms and footrest support with mahogany finish, a removable headrest, and an oversized polished chrome hydraulic base.... [More]
Whether you're a photo journalist or a hobbyist with a passion — and budget — for the latest and greatest, the new Nikon D3s ($5,200) should be on your list. With an eye-popping maximum ISO of 102,400, this new 12.1 megapixel beast can shoot photos or 720p video in near-darkness, and also offers 9 fps full-frame shooting in bursts up... [More]
With one of the more novel camera designs we've seen in a while, the Samsung DualView Camera ($265) solves that age-old question of how to take a good self portrait. The solution? A 1.5-inch front-mounted LCD screen, which can also display silly animations to amuse a child subject, or a countdown for the self timer. Also in front is a... [More]
The words "recliner" and "modern furniture" don't always play well together, but they do just fine as describers for the Room & Board Juno Recliner ($2,000). Made from top-grain, full-aniline dyed leather, the Juno strikes a striking pose when upright, and reclines to a nap-inducing depth of 62 inches. Sure, it's not the best bargain in the world, but $2K... [More]
Add some fright to your iPhone pics with GhostCam ($1). Able to take pics directly from the iPhone's camera or load up pics from the iPhone or iPod touch's Library, this simple app adds Unsolved Mysteries-style ghostly flourishes to your photos. For maximum effect, take a pic of a drunk friend and freak them out with the result.... [More]
Just in time for the best holiday of the year comes the WeBite T-Shirt ($20). Printed in white and grey onto a black, cranberry, or, our favorite, chocolate tee, this frightfully awesome design features variations on the vampire taken from pop culture, including those from TV, films, video games, comics, cartoons, and, yes, even cereal boxes.... [More]
Ditch your boring external or portable drive and pick up one of the new LaCie Starck Hard Drives ($100-$250). Available in capacities ranging from 320GB-500GB for the Portable and 1TB-2TB for the external, these gorgeous Philippe Starck-designed drives feature shiny, organically-shaped front surfaces with tough gray shells and USB 2.0 connectivity. In addition, the desktop version's front is touch-sensitive, allowing... [More]
Black 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.... [More]
It's obvious that a lot of you are into iPhone photography, so why not grab yourself a Gorillamobile ($40). Just like the company's Gorillapods, the Gorillamobile is a flexible tripod that lets you securely mount your iPhone, point-and-shoot, or other device to nearly any surface. The 3G/3GS model comes with a custom-designed iPhone case that clips onto the tripod, as... [More]
There's nothing more satisfying than decorating your abode with artwork or photos of your own creation, and CanvasPop ($49 and up) makes it easier than ever to do so. As the world's only large format printing company to work with images of any resolution, CanvasPop allows you to make gorgeous canvas prints of pretty much any image, even if they're... [More]
Whether 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.... [More]
Despite his frequent appearances in unwatchable films over the past few years, Steve Martin is still one wild, crazy, and talented guy. The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo by Steve Martin ($10) is a prime example. Having already won a Grammy for his non-comedy work, Martin's first musical release since 1978 is one of the better bluegrass albums... [More]
Created by the world's most experienced gin distiller and boasting 12 different botanicals, handcrafted Beefeater 24 ($30) might just be our new favorite gin. 24's proprietary blend includes hand-prepared grapefruit, almond, Japanese sencha and Chinese green teas, creating a balanced, nuanced sprit that is perfect for mixing, in martinis, or one the rocks by itself.... [More]
A nice business card can leave a long-lasting impression — so make sure yours stay in great shape with the Blomus Business Card Holder ($18). Made from brushed stainless steel, this heavy-duty case holds 25 standard business cards, keeping them safe from scratches, dents, and other unappealing signs of wear. Because no one wants to be the guy with the... [More]
We've all wished for an eject button to remove ourselves from an office environment at one time or another, and MotoArt Ejection Chairs ($TBA) get you about as close to that dream as you're ever going to get. Made from authentic B-52 Stratofortress and F-4 Phantom Jet Fighter seats, these office chairs are made by technicians who strip the original... [More]
Put a championship-winning ride in your garage with the Suzuki QuadRacer R450 Limited Edition ($8,200). Recently ridden to the 2008 AMA Pro ATV Championship, the QuadRacer R450 packs a motocross-tested, fuel-injected 450cc four-stroke engine, a new piston oil cooling jet to keep the engine cool and performance at its maximum, a new aluminum rear sub-frame, a more streamlined fuel tank,... [More]
With a bold, oversized body and enough power to tear your neighbor's house right off the foundation, the new 2011 Ford Super Duty ($TBA; Spring 2010) is bound to be the manliest truck on your block. Offered with either a new "Scorpion" 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 or a 6.2-liter gas-powered V8, the new Super Duty is a tower's dream,... [More]
Whether you want a larger keyboard than your netbook offers or simply want to add a number pad to your mobile setup, the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 ($90; October 2009) is a good solution. Just slightly thicker than the AAA battery that powers it, the ultra-slim keyboard boasts Microsoft's Comfort Curve design for ergonomic typing, and comes with a... [More]
Mixing old-school shooter controls with high-definition gore graphics, Zombie Apocalypse ($10) is the most fun you'll have this week. Available on the PlayStation Store for the PS3, Apocalypse offers up to four-player online cooperative zombie-killing fun, complete with environmental hazards to aid in your undead-destroying quest, six unlockable game modes to keep things interesting, and worldwide high score boards to... [More]
Worried 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.... [More]
Ever have an urge to throw a rock through the window the guy who just blocked you in, or parked so close you need a can opener to get your car out? We have too, and apparently, so have the folks behind Parking Tickets ($7). This book of 20 unique pull-out cards is perfect for letting the parking-challenged know just... [More]
Getting gray hairs waiting for Gran Turismo 5 to finally make its appearance? Stop waiting and pick up Need for Speed: Shift ($57) instead. Ditching the open-world model of the last few NFS titles, Shift is a track-based racer, offering around 20 courses, including Laguna Seca and Nürburgring, more than 60 cars, including the Bugatti Veyron, Corvette Z06, and Aston... [More]
If you can only carry one tool for personal defense/burglary, make it the Ka-Bar Becker TacTool ($140). The result of a collaboration between John Benner of the Tactical Defense Institute and Ethan Becker of Becker Knife and Tool, the TacTool offers a 7.75-inch blade, and works for prying open doors or windows, cutting, bashing out windows, lifting nails and hinge... [More]
A topless version of the world's fastest production car? We're in. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport ($2.25 million) keeps the coupe's 1001 hp, 16-cylinder engine, and has been developed so there will be no draft inside, even when exploring the upper reaches of the car's 217 mph top speed. While the company will reportedly build just 80 Grand Sports,... [More]
Want. With 650 hp and a top speed of 220 mph, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S ($TBA; Jan. 2009) may quite possibly be the fastest open-top production car ever built. Powered by a supercharged 5.5 liter V8 engine hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, the 722 S features a carbon fiber body, crystal antimony grey paint... [More]
Get a load of the Knight XV ($295,000). Inspired by the Gurkha military vehicle, this handcrafted, fully armored luxury SUV is decked out inside and out. Powered by a Bio-fuel V10 (good for 400 hp and 498-ft lbs of torque), the XV features Wilton Wool carpeting, Andrew Muirhead leather, 6-way seating, tandem sunroof glass with privacy shades, side-mounted laptop stations,... [More]
Created specifically for Carroll Shelby from a stock 1968 Mustang, the Shelby Black Hornet (starts at $100,000) is now being auctioned off to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. Identical to the Green Hornet Shelby GT500, this masterpiece offers a Cobra Jet 428 V8 engine producing 335 hp, Edelbrook aluminum heads, a top-loader 4-speed transmission, power steering, power brakes, Shelby... [More]
Looking for the utility of a Passat with the looks and handling of a sport coupe? The new Volkswagen CC ($27,000 and up) was made just for you. This 4-door coupe sports some of the most aggressive styling yet seen in a VW, and backs it up with either a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 3.6L, 280hp VR6 engine, optional 4motion... [More]
Will a thousand horsepower fit in a stocking? We sure hope so. The Zenvo ST1 ($TBA) is a new Danish supercar that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged and supercharged 7.0-liter V8 engine, the ST1 delivers an astonishing 1,104 horsepower — good enough for a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed... [More]
With no windshield or roof, "swing-wing" doors, and an aggressively styled carbon fiber body, the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss (€750,000, ~$1,050,000) practically screams "speed." Powered by a 650 hp supercharged V8, this unique vehicle — limited to just 75 cars and named after the legendary driver Stirling Moss — can achieve a top speed of 217 mph, and features... [More]
Quieter, roomier, and greener — there's a lot to like in the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius ($TBA). The mid-size hybrid sedan promises fuel efficiency of 50 mpg, with a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combining with the electric motor for 134hp. Options range from eco-friendly to just plain cool, and include LED lamps, a sliding glass moonroof with solar panels that... [More]
Be your own favorite race car driver in the Ariel Atom ($65,000 and up). Handcrafted and lacking doors, a roof, or windows, the Atom is truly a racing machine, with a curb weight of only 1,400 lbs. and up to 300 hp, pushing 0-60 times into the sub 3 second range and 0-100 times below 11 seconds. Other features include... [More]
The Rolls-Royce 200EX ($TBA) is a more modern and more approachable take on the stuffy Rolls-Royce design. Styling is clearly all Rolls, but the smaller wheelbase and overall size means you'll look less like the king of a South African country and more like the king of your block. It's powered by a V12 and has, as expected, a luxurious... [More]
No matter where you plan to sit or what you plan to do once you get there, Herman Miller Setu Chairs ($580) will keep you comfortable. Designed with a breakthrough kinematic spine that bends and flexes with you without the need for adjustment, the Setu is one of the simplest and easiest office chairs we've ever come across. With an... [More]
Add a little spark to your formal attire with these Vintage Lighter Cufflinks ($40). Made from working vintage lighters once found in gumball machines roughly 50 years ago, these handmade cufflinks feature a bullet back closure, integrated flame covers, and screw bottoms for refilling. Just remember to take them off before firing up, lest you burn up a perfectly good... [More]
Made the same way now as they were at their debut in 1939, Vipp Waste Bins ($250-$470) are built to last. Consisting of up to 42 separate components, each Vipp bin is hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen in Denmark, and features a uniquely designed damper mechanism to keep the lid from slamming shut when you left up on the pedal. Available... [More]
If you need a cooler that can withstand damn near anything — including a run-in with a wild grizzly bear — look no farther. Yeti Coolers ($160-$1,100) are made using the same rotational-molding method used to make whitewater kayaks, and feature unbreakable hinges, ATV-tested rubber T latches, handles made from marine-grade nylon with a ribbed rubber grip, screw-in, gasketed, leak-proof... [More]
Make sure your mouse will work anywhere your netbook or laptop can take you with the Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse ($40). Boasting Microsoft's BlueTrack technology, the Mini works on surfaces that will give traditional optical and laser models fits, such as granite, carpet, and rough wood, and also features a four-way scroll wheel, customizable buttons, and a mini receiver that... [More]
While we love TOMS' mission — every pair purchased means a second pair sent to children in need — the shoe's relaxed, slip-on design left a little to be desired in the fashion department. Enter TOMS Cordones ($70), the company's first shoes that can be worn with or without laces, featuring a more mature look, and offering added style along... [More]
Need to transport all your friends to the game, but also need to bring along your tailgating arsenal? Look into the Freedom Grill FG-900 ($9,900). Built to attach to the back of any vehicle with a standard 1 7/8" ball, this D.O.T.-approved trailer features a high-grade commercial-grade gas barbecue with six burners, 304 stainless steel construction, dual insulated storage compartments... [More]
How do you reduce pocket clutter even further than a front-pocket slim wallet can take you? With the Case-Mate I.D. iPhone Case ($30), that's how. This slim-profile hard case features a slot on the back for cards, ID, or cash, letting you ditch the wallet altogether while protecting your iPhone from the occasional scratch or ding.... [More]
If you've grown tired of the average American sportster or chopper, check out Wrench Monkees Custom Motorcycles ($20,500 and up). Custom-built in Copenhagen, Denmark, these unique bikes feature a streamlined yet rugged aesthetic that's unlike anything we've seen before, often made using rebuilt engines and a mix of off-the-shelf and custom parts to give them an excellent ride while maintaining... [More]
Keep your drunks houseguests amused with the Tavern Puzzle Collection ($100). This set of four classic games — the basic Bottoms Up, intermediate Clef Hanger, difficult U-Turn, and "complex" Long Island Catch — is made from 6mm steel, including some wooden beads, with the goal of each to remove the metal ring from inside the puzzle. Includes a 4-hook perch... [More]
Why a bear would choose to do battle with a tractor is beyond us, but it does make for quite a scene. The Bear vs. Tractor T-Shirt ($25) features a black, white, and red print of the showdown, hand-applied to an American Apparel 50/25/25 coffee-colored tee using custom mixed, professional grade specialty inks. Go bear.... [More]
If you thought British-based Muse was just another hard rock band, think again. The Resistance by Muse ($10/Amazon, $12/iTunes LP) is the band's fifth studio album, and it doesn't disappoint. Part Queen, part rock opera, part symphony — no joking: the last three songs on the album make up the three parts of "Exogenesis" — this is as ambitious an... [More]
Fill even the largest room with music from your iPod or iPhone with the Bose SoundDock 10 ($600). Featuring twin "Twidders" to handle the mids and highs, a hefty, rear-firing subwoofer hidden inside the 19-pound enclosure, and a simple, clean design, the SoundDock 10 also sports an interchangeable dock system, letting you switch out the included iPod/iPhone dock for a... [More]
We've been preaching the gospel of front-pocket wallets for a while now, but the recent interest in the topic allowed us to stumble upon a new collection of ultra-slim wallets that have now become our top choice. Koyono's Slimmy wallets are among the absolute thinnest on the planet, and come in three great versions — the Slimmy, the ViewSlimmy, and... [More]
Improve your game from fairway to green with the TaylorMade 2009 Burner Iron Set ($700). With separately engineered long-, middle-, and short-irons, the 4-GW set features Inverted Cone Technology for an extra-large sweet spot, a multi-function sole to lower the center of gravity and reduce turf drag, and a multi-material cavity badge to dampen vibration while improving feel. We've been... [More]
Avoid the aluminum and alcohol additives found in your average antiperspirant with Nickel Cold Sweat Deodorant ($19). This chilled water-based stick deodorant aims to help keep you dry by keeping you cool, leaves zero white residue, and can even be stored in the fridge — no joke — to help keep you even cooler on those hot days.... [More]
If you're a business during the day, rock n' roll at night type, the Rock On, Rock Off T-Shirt ($18) was made just for you. Featuring a simple print of a Bic-style lighter, this shirt is an innocuous white during the day, but busts loose with a glow-in-the-dark, rock fisting flame at night. Rock on.... [More]
Football season may officially be over (screw your gadget plays, Cowher) but there's nothing stopping you from using this monster at other events this season and at get togethers this summer. The Cook's BBQ Ultimate Tailgate and Outdoor Kitchen ($4000) is perfect for stadium parking lots and even better for backyard bashes and camping trips — and it has everything... [More]
Get that campfire taste indoors with this handy Fireplace Grill ($200). The European-made stainless steel grill adjusts to three heights and will make all of those just-before-payday hot dogs a little more tasty.... [More]
Make your own greasy sliders with these Slider Mini-Burger Tools. The White Castle-worthy collection includes the Slider Mini-Burger Basket ($25), Slider Mini-Burger Press ($25), and Slider Mini-Burger Cutter ($5). The press forms three perfect patties, the basket holds nine of them, and the cutter trims regular sized buns into slider size.... [More]
Cook your dogs, brats, sausages, kielbasa, and more on the Motorized Hot Dog Griller ($70). It features a built-in electric motor to rotate the foods and make sure they cook evenly without scorch marks or cold spots. It's like the rotisserie cooker at your local gas station, but without the foul cheeseburger dogs or threat of infection.... [More]
We've heard about eco-friendly hybrids, sub-compact gas savers, and many other forms of world-saving transportation — but nothing like this. The 120 MPH Electric Car ($108,000) is barely wider than a motorcycle, can fit perpendicular to the sidewalk on most streets where parking is allowed, goes 40-80 miles on one charge, and goes from 0-60 in a Porsche-esque 4.0 seconds.... [More]
It appears independent car makers are stepping up amid crazy gas prices to bring some stylish green into our lives. The just-announced Scorpion ($TBA) from Ronn Motor Company is a sexy speedster that will run on a 30-40 ratio blend of gas and hydrogen, promising around 40 mpg efficiency while still being able to hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.... [More]
Even if electric hippie-heaven futuro cars aren't your style, you should still consider picking up a hybrid during your next new-car shopping trip. The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (starting at $50,490) is the world's first two-mode hybrid SUV. (A GMC Yukon Hybrid is also available.) Offering up to 50% better city fuel economy over the non-hybrid Tahoe, the eco-friendly version... [More]
While flat-panel HDTVs are becoming more and more popular, DLP remains a great option for folks who need more screen size for less money. The 57-inch Mitsubishi WD-57734 Thin-Frame DLP HDTV ($2800) packs a lot of value into its sleek frame. Features include a 6-Color Light Engine, x.v.Color, Easy Connect, four HDMI 1.3 inputs, SharpEdge for more well-defined, crisp object... [More]
We wouldn't exactly put this in our kitchen, but we'd definitely install it in the basement bar or garage. The Elmira Northstar ($4,000) is a retro-style refrigerator that's nearly too cool for words. It offers 18.1 cu. ft. of storage (4.64 cu. ft. freezer), and features chrome handles, Visi-shelving, adjustable door bins, and an optional ice maker. It's available in... [More]
You don't have to be a multi-millionaire to have a wine cellar. In fact, with the Cuisinart Wine Cellar ($180) you don't even need a dedicated room in the basement. The small box provides rack space for up to eleven bottles and a compressor-less cooling system keeps the inside the perfect temperature while the stainless steel exterior keeps the whole... [More]
Sure, you could get a cheap one, but with Armageddon upon us, why not spend the last of your savings on a professional shaved ice machine and accessories? The helpful folks at 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com recommended the Snowie 3000 ($2,350) for it's ease of use and speed. You'll also need flavor syrup ($25/gallon), cups ($5/case of 1000), and spoonstraws ($8/pack of 400).... [More]
Haven't you always wanted to slice your own meat at home like the pros at the deli? Now you can with the affordable Chef's Choice Electric Slicer ($250). The German machine will cut anything from meats and cheeses to vegetables. It's got a 7" stainless-steel blade, a dial gauge to adjust thickness from paper-thin to 5/8" and has an automatic... [More]
The Snack-Size Deep Fryer ($40) from HSN Improvements makes a nice accompaniment to that dorm-size frig stocked with beer you have in your man room. The snack-size portions of French fries and doughnuts which can be produced from the 1-1/4 lb. capacity of this fryer will make you forget all about McDonalds. And you can even watch your fried Twinkie... [More]
There's nothing like being able to pour yourself a tall glass of your favorite draught from the convenience of your own home. The Sanyo Kegerator ($700) has a 6.5 cubic foot capacity, holds up to a 1/2 keg of your preferred bier, and has a complete CO2 tap system with Sankey keg tapper, pressure gauge, regulator, and draft arm. The... [More]
If the idea of lugging yourself to the ice box over and over again for a beer turns you off, consider this Beer Caddy currently on sale over at Neiman Marcus to help alleviate your frustrations. This beer lover's gadget holds a five liter beer (or soda) keg, keeping it cool and providing a nice way to enjoy a frosty... [More]
The bachelor pad appliance scene takes a giant step forward with this Magic Chef Pizza Oven ($200). This little wonder in a box is a combo pizza oven and microwave. What more could a guy want? The pizza side of the operation prepares a 12-inch pie in 15 minutes on the Teflon coated non-stick pan with no pre-heating time. Take... [More]
The kitchen is the hub of every home, so it makes sense to have a central message center like the one on the Samsung Wireless ICE Refrigerator ($3,500). The 26.1 cubic foot refrigerator features a detachable 10.4-inch wireless TFT touch-sensitive LCD Pad with a digital calendar, scheduler, and memo pad. The refrigerator, which has a built-in sound system and digital... [More]
Get that carnie hot dog feel at home with the Mr. Frank Hot Dog Broiler ($760). This commercial-quality broiler sports a heating unit that can hold 48 hot dogs, is easy to operate and clean up, and can broil up to 150 dogs per hour. A bun warmer attached to the broiler keeps 36 buns warm and toasty for the... [More]
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... [More]
Luckily, the "3" in Nivea For Men Active3 ($17/3-pack) isn't for some crappy sequel like The Karate Kid, Part 3 — instead, it stands for crazy 3-in-1 action. Equal parts body wash, shampoo, and shaving cream, Nivea For Men Active3 aims to clean your whole body from head to toe, making it the only bottle you'll need to have in... [More]
If you've been longing for a digital version of the legendary Leica rangefinder, your wait is over. The Leica M9 (£4,850; roughly $8,075) is the world's first full-frame Leica digital rangefinder, and also the world's smallest full-frame camera, period. It boasts an 18 megapixel, full-frame 24 x 36mm sensor, full compatibility with Leica's M lenses, ISO from 80 to 2500,... [More]
What do you add to the fastest, sexiest Audi ever made? Open air. The Audi R8 Spyder ($TBA) is a new drop-top version of Audi's signature Supercar, featuring a 5.2 V10 engine pumping out 525 hp, twin oval tail pipes, a brushed aluminum frame for the windshield, a retractable soft-top, all-wheel drive, and all the LED lighting a geek could... [More]
Just because a mouse is portable doesn't mean it has to be pint-sized. The Arc Mouse ($36) proves this point with an intriguing folding design that collapses for easy travel but folds out to offer a full-size mouse experience. Other features include a scroll wheel, ambidextrous design, a USB micro-transceiver with 30-foot range that snaps into the bottom of the... [More]
If you're going to be standing around, discussing international espionage on a regular basis, you're going to need a Globe Bar ($300-$2,045). Handcrafted in Italy, these spectacular den, office, or living area accents open on their equator to show a host of bar tools, accessories, and spirits hidden inside.... [More]
For as long as we can remember, we've wanted a vintage Mercedes Benz 300SL parked in the Uncrate garage, so when we see its iconic gullwing doors appear on a new MB model, we just have to tell you about it. Luckily, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ($TBA) isn't any old Benz. Packing a front/mid-mounted 6.3-liter AMG V8 good for... [More]
Hear the music of The Beatles for the first time all over again with the new Mono & Stereo Box Sets. The Beatles Mono Box Set ($230) features every Fab Four album from Please Please Me through The Beatles, with Mono Masters thrown in for good measure, appearing on CD in mono for the first time, letting modern music listeners... [More]
Get your undercarriage good and clean with the Old Spice Deck Scrubber ($TBA). This manly bath scrubber — don't dare call it a loofa — will get every part of your "vessel" clean, including your back, front, and undersides.... [More]
If Leopard was all about new features, Mac OS X Snow Leopard ($29; August 28) is all about speed. Leaving most of Leopard's UI features in place, Snow Leopard boasts tons of under-the-hood improvements, including faster, more stable, 64-bit versions of Finder, Mail, iCal, iChat, and Safari, the all new QuickTime X, a footprint that takes up 7GB (!) less... [More]
Dreamed up by Waxy.org's Andy Baio and made real via a Kickstarter project, Kind of Bloop: An 8-Bit Tribute to Miles Davis' Kind of Blue ($5) is a brilliant remake of the entire landmark jazz album, done by chiptune musicians Ast0r, Disasterpeace, Sergeeo, Shnabubula, and Virt, featuring terrific NES-style conversions that have every bit as much head-bopping, chill-out charisma as... [More]
What do you get when you rip the top off a blazing-fast Pininfarina-designed sedan? The Maserati GranCabrio ($TBA), that's what. Powered by a 4.7L 433hp V8, the two-door GranCabrio is the Trident's first four-seater convertible, featuring a cloth top to reduce weight and save space, a ZF six-speed automatic transmission, and sexy styling that will have your neighbor's Z4 weeping... [More]
Take your labeling and mailing efficiency to the next level with the Dymo LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo ($190). Sporting a dual-roll design, the 450 can hold both address and postage label rolls, automatically switching in between as needed, or can hold two of the same roll, switching to the second when the first runs out. With its blazing-fast 71 labels... [More]
With only one season left to go, isn't time you started grabbing up some LOST memorabilia for your permanent collection? Get things off to a strong start with this John Locke Poster ($50). Designed by Olly Moss, this hand-signed and numbered 18x24 print pays homage to the deceased (or is he?) adventurer with a retro theater-style design that will look... [More]
Ever 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... [More]
Cook up crisp, tasty chicken fingers, onion rings, french fries, and other bad-for-you-but-so-good treats with the Krups High Performance Deep Fryer ($400). This high capacity fryer offers dual control dials for setting the timer and temperature, with an LED to let you know when it's ready for you to drop the basket, a cool-touch, fog-proof glass lid that lets you... [More]
Got something to hide? Grab yourself a Hollow Book Safe ($20-$34). Available with cutouts for money, flasks, a pistol, or even optical media, each book is hand-carved out of a different innocuous tome — so no matter whether you're hiding cash, drugs, or discs of information on the Matrix, you can rest easy that your stash is safe inside.... [More]
Even the craftiest of cooks will tell you that avocados can be time-consuming and tough to deal with — so even the playing field with the Four-in-One Avocado Tool ($15). Featuring a serrated edge at one end, a curved tip, a bowl-shaped scoop, and wide-slotted masher, its ready to help you peel, pit, and grind your avocado into shape.... [More]
If you're in the market for a wireless e-book reader, Amazon's Kindle is no longer the only game in town. The Sony Reader Daily Edition ($400; December 2009) packs built-in, service charge-free AT&T 3G networking for downloading new books on the go, and also offers a seven-inch touch-capable E-Ink screen with 16 levels of grayscale for crisp text and images,... [More]
Have a big, nasty mess that's more than your average Shop-Vac can hold? Give the BucketVAC ($TBA; Q4 2009) a try. This 7-pound commercial-grade wet/dry vacuum attaches quickly and easily to most 5 gallon buckets, snapping in place using the bucket handle, with a removable filter and a 2-inch diameter hose for less clogging. Bucket full? Just detach the vac... [More]
Get your weather updates the more natural way with the WoodStation Weather Display ($100). This nifty gadget displays a weather forecast icon, indoor temperature and humidity, the time, and the date, all with a clever motion-activated LED display that shines through the WoodStation's wood veneer front when activated, allowing it to look like a stylish wood sculpture when off.... [More]
What good is a portable hard drive if you're afraid to take it anywhere? With the Hitachi SimpleTough Hard Drive ($100-$135), you simply grab your data and go. Featuring a rugged body with grippy rubber sides and a smooth rubber body, the SimpleTough can withstand drops of up to 7 feet and also offers underside lighting and an integrated USB... [More]
Those of you looking for an alternative to the standard Bimmer, Benz, or Lexus sedan now have a new option: the 2010 Saab 9-5 ($TBA). An all-new design, the 9-5 offers a choice of 2.0L gas, 2.0L diesel, 2.8L V6, or 1.6L turbocharged engines, and boasts high-end features like an aircraft-inspired head-up display, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, Saab's DriveSense adaptive chassis... [More]
Make your fall tailgating experience the best it can be with Bud Light Tailgate Approved Gear ($5-$125). Featuring such awesome wares as the Grooler (a folding grill/cooler), the Natural Fake Grass Can Coozie, the Foozie (a combination foam finger and coozie), the Tailgate Companion (a dog vest with six pockets for carrying condiments, grill tools, or beer), the Bud Light... [More]
Tempted by the MINI's go-cart handling, but not a fan of its boxy exterior? The MINI Coupé Concept ($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... [More]
Based on Coleman's original steel cooler from 1954, the new Coleman Steel Belted Chest Cooler ($173) is a modern classic. It features a rugged, stainless steel lid and case, handles with rubber comfort grips, a solid steel latch for a better, more secure seal, more robust insulation, and a leak-proof, rust resistant drain. Just add ice, food, and beer.... [More]
Here's one headset that won't make you look like a tool. The Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset ($130) sports a deceptively simple, sleek, and sexy design, with the technology to back it up. Features include Dual-mic AudioIQ2 technology to capture your voice while canceling background noise, WindSmart tech with three layers of protection against wind noise, a carrying case that... [More]
Tired of waking up to a grating alarm buzzer? Give the Philips Wake-Up Light ($200) a try. This combination bedside lamp and iPod/iPhone dock gradually wakes you up using light for a more pleasant experience, and also features a built-in dock to let you awaken or just play your favorite music. When it's time to go to bed, the light... [More]
Vintage leather meets mid-century modern design in the Oveido Chaise ($1,635). This elegant centerpiece chaise features a vintage cigar-style leather seat with channel stitching and a woven leather suspension system, supported by a sleek, minimalist chrome base. With subtle curves to support the body at every turn, it's guaranteed to be the most popular seat in the house.... [More]
Trim your arsenal of golf tools down by picking up a DivPro ($15). This multi-functional golf tool combines a typical divot tool with a ball marker, cigar holder, club face cleaner, grip saver, and a shotgun opener for the clandestine chugging of beers mid-round.... [More]
As the latest addition to the project BLUE line — a collection of limited edition products from seven major surfing manufacturers where a part of the proceeds go to the non-profit Surfrider Foundation to protect to the world's oceans, waves and beaches — the new Reef NWS Sandal ($TBA) is about as green as you can get. Its upper pattern... [More]
Forget trying to figure out which paint to use for your next project — just pick up a can of Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint ($10) and go. The first and only all-surface spray paint, Universal features a new paint formula that adheres to any interior or exterior surface, including wood, metal, plastic, concrete and more, expands and contracts with changing... [More]
As our G.I. Joe week rolls on, we ask the question: If knowing is half the battle, what's the other half? The Battle T-Shirt ($20) is here to tell you, and it apparently consists of blue and red lasers. Printed on heavy-duty navy blue Anvil tees, The Battle lays out the 50/25/25 split in a colorful, hand-screened pie chart print.... [More]
Finally, you can get great pictures of your next gathering and still be in the pictures. The Sony Party-Shot ($150; September 2009) is an automated photographer for your new DSC-WX1 or DSC-TX1 camera. Boasting the ability to pan 360 degrees and tilt 24 degrees, the Party-Shot uses either camera's built-in BIONZ image processor to automatically detect faces and smiles, adjust... [More]
Keep the party going away from the kitchen with the Waring Pro Cordless Wine Opener ($45). Featuring a rubberized body with brushed stainless accents, this portable cork popper packs a rechargeable NiMH battery pack, rechargeable base unit and removable foil cutter, and the capability to open 80 natural corks on one charge — or more than enough to get you... [More]
If they have to make another Star Wars movie, we hope they base it on this. Star Wars: Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber ($16; October 13) eschews the Jedi heroics the series is known for, instead inserting another great class of beings: zombies. After an Imperial prison barge breaks down, a team is sent to an abandoned Star Destroyer to... [More]
Get your summer dose of bro-mance with I Love You, Man ($16 DVD; $26 Blu-ray). Starring Judd Apatow veterans Paul Rudd and Jason Segal in a story about a long-time "girlfriend guy" who finds himself engaged, but without a candidate for Best Man — sending him on a hilarious journey to find a best friend.... [More]
Need a boost in your libido, or just want to freshen your breath before getting fresh? Try Sexlets Gum ($12). This chewy male supplement is packed with ingredients like yohimbe bark, orchic powder, royal jelly, damiana leaves, vitamin E, and more, all of which should leave you ready to go harder, better, longer, and stronger than usual.... [More]
We'd like to think that if Doc Holliday were a modern martini-drinking gambler, he'd prefer 44 Degrees North Mountain Huckleberry Vodka ($30). Distilled from Idaho potatoes, blended with water from the Rocky Mountains, and steeped in locally-sourced wild huckleberries for ten days, 44 Degrees North's Huckleberry Vodka features a rich, natural berry flavor with a 35% alcohol kick.... [More]
Get yourself a stand worthy of your scratching skills with Rodriguez DJ Tables ($3,000-$3,900). Made from solid wood, brushed stainless steel, and hand-applied veneer, each table is customizable with as many pedestals and spaces as you need, all featuring circular shapes that pay homage to all that vinyl you've accumulated. [Thanks, Dave]... [More]
A modern American-made supercar? It's about damn time. The 2010 Devon GTX ($500,000) takes aim at the Lambos and Ferraris of the world with striking looks, an 8.4-L V10 putting out 650hp, a six-speed manual transmission, a steel structure and carbon fiber body, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, large StopTech brakes, a McIntosh Audio System, center front air intake,... [More]
Been holding off on buying Sony's latest gaming console, or just looking for a solid, network-capable Blu-ray player? Say hello to the PS3 Slim ($300; September 2009). As the name suggests, the revised console takes up 32 percent less space and uses 34 percent less power than its comparatively gargantuan predecessor, while still offering HDMI and optical digital audio output,... [More]
Prepare yourself for the anti-Red Bull. Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda ($30/12-pack) is an all-natural soft drink that's made from a special blend of herbal extracts, including Kava Extract and Passionflower, carbonated water, and all-natural cane sugar to help provide relaxation to both the body and mind — great for tense situations like job interviews, first dates, long trips, or for... [More]
Battling a nasty slice or duck hook? Give the Callaway Golf X-Force Swing Trainer ($120) a try. Weighing in at twice the heft of a normal club, the X-Force is designed to help you develop proper golf muscle memory and muscle tone, letting you get a feel for the correct swing path. In addition, it has an impact feature that... [More]
Forget the canned beans and other campfire staples — cook up real meals in the deepest of wilderness with the MSR Flex 4 System Cookset ($160). This nesting set includes a 3.2-liter nonstick DuraLite DX pot, a 5.3-liter hard-anodized pot, 2 strainer lids, 4 polypropylene DeepDish plates, 4 insulated mugs and a pot handle, all of which packs down to... [More]
Beer and gaming go together like Mario and Luigi, and the Arkeg ($4,000) offers up plenty of both. This arcade game-styled machine features a fully functioning kegerator in its belly, with room for a 5 gallon keg kept cool by a solid-state thermoelectric cooling system. In addition, it sports a gaming-ready PC, pre-loaded with 69 games such as Asteroids, Mortal... [More]
Show off your love of both Star Wars and eco-conscious lighting with the LightSaver T-Shirt ($15). Printed with Plastisol and glow-in-the-dark ink on a super-soft Asphalt American Apparel tee, this simple shirt features a light saber with a curiously fluorescent looking bulb plugged into the end.... [More]
The right glass can make a world of difference when enjoying your favorite brew. Spiegelau Beer Glasses ($30/2-pack) are designed to enhance the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, and with varieties available for pilsners, lagers, and wheat beers, you're sure to find one that matches your tastes.... [More]
Can't decide between a dirt bike or street bike? Get both in the Honda XR650L Dual Sport Bike (starts at $6,500). It packs a Baja-bred, 644cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, Pro-Link rear suspension, a push-button electric starter with a choke to help in cold weather, front and rear disc brakes, and more, plus a classic Honda red paint job that looks... [More]
Show 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.... [More]
Take control of your home entertainment system with the new Logitech Harmony 900 Remote Control ($400; September 2009). Using a completely redesigned RF system, the Harmony 900 can control up to 15 devices courtesy of IR blasters that you place in front of your components, so you can keep them in a cabinet up to 100 feet away. Other features... [More]
Enjoy the remainder of the summer relaxing in a Hammock Bliss Triple ($75). Billed as the world's largest portable hammock, the Triple is over eight feet wide and nearly ten feet long, perfect for couples, and is made from quick drying, breathable parachute nylon with sides of 770lb test climbing rope, and weighs only 26 oz. when packed into the... [More]
Even if you're not a drinker, this work of art will look great on the shelf. Crafted by award-winning designer Fred Bould, the helix-shaped Twist Cocktail Shaker ($145) features an integrated removable strainer, and is made of thermal-retentive Nambé metal that should be chilled before mixing drinks for optimal results. Sneak into the Patron Social Club for the full list... [More]
Say hello to the most powerful hybrid yet. The 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid ($TBA) features a gas-electric system comprised of twin electric motors and a twin-turbo, 4.4L V8, all paired to a seven-speed dual mode transmission, good for a 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The stylish crossover also features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive... [More]
Looking for some backyard adventures to close out your summer? Grab yourself a copy of Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously ($12), and get to work. Featuring everything from instructions on how to make your own black powder, flamethrower, rockets — even absinthe — it also give you tips on eating dangerously, cigarette smoking,... [More]
Ever wonder where root beer came from? Well, it used to be root tea, an alcoholic drink the settlers picked up from the Native Americans — but prohibition ended all of that, so it was drained of its alcohol and rechristened "root beer." Now you can get a taste of the original, organic, and very alcoholic tea with Root ($39).... [More]
Add a little bit of tentacle to your ensemble with the Deep Creature T-Shirt ($25). This unique tee features oversized, detailed tentacle art printed in glow-in-the-dark ink onto an extra-soft Navy DBH Perfect Tee. Submarine, scuba gear, and spear gun not included.... [More]
Rustic looks meet complete utility in the Markham Console Bar ($1,400). Inspired by an antique workbench, this home bar is built from pine and pine veneer, and features saw mark, groove, and peg hole details, a recessed trough in the rear for securing bottles, a lower gallery shelf, a hidden drawer for holding bar tools, a cast iron bottle opener... [More]
Be a real American hero with the G.I. Joe Complete Collector's Set ($145). This comprehensive collection includes all 95 episodes of the original animated series spread across 17 discs, and bonus materials like those wonderful PSAs, a 1GB dog tag flash drive, two comics, a 60-page booklet, all-new featurettes, the original 1963 Toy Fair presentation, archival Hasbro toy commercials, tattoos,... [More]
You can't go wrong with concrete. These Concrete Tumblers ($40 set) mix a solid concrete base with a glass top, giving off a modern vibe that works as well for water as it does for martinis while providing an ultra-stable base for minimal spillage.... [More]
Looking for a simple game to enjoy in the yard on a lazy summer day? Check out Ladder Golf ($60). Playable both indoors and out, the game has players tossing bolas from a distance of around 15 feet in an attempt to hang them on one of three horizontal bars, with the top worth three points and the bottom worth... [More]
Get legendary Klipsch sound in a package that would have looked just fine in your Dad's bachelor pad with Klipsch Heritage Speakers ($800-$4,000). Featuring the Klipschorn Floorstanding Speaker with 15-inch woofer, the Klipschorn-packing La Scala II Floorstanding model, and the complementary Cornwall III and Heresy III speakers, originally designed to serve as center channels for the larger, more robust Klipschorn... [More]
Your average pool table isn't going to intimidate an opponent, but the Predator Pool Table ($43,000) is anything but average. With striking, agressive looks, the Predator features an 8-foot table, an aluminum and maple vaneer frame with stainless steel cable sets, multi-bladed sabre pockets, polished glass rails, black speed felt surface, and integrated ball return.... [More]
Flapjack 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... [More]
Combining volleyball, basketball, and intense jumping, the Spaceball Trampoline ($700) is one crazy game. In Spaceball, players jump around in individual areas — both floor and walls — of a trampoline, and try to throw the ball past their opponent through a netted tunnel to the other side, all while bouncing up and down. Lauded by former astronaut Scott Carpenter... [More]
Celebrate your love of vinyl with the Retro 45 T-Shirt ($22). Featuring an awesome water-based print of a 45 label for a Modern Soul Mix by Jeremy Prasatik, this super soft, 100% combed ringspun jersey cotton powder blue tee is garment dyed and washed to reduce shrinkage, and is eco-friendly, as well.... [More]
Get grilling done no matter where you are with the Cobb Premier Portable Stainless Steel Grill & Smoker ($120). This outdoor charcoal cooker, smoker, broiler, fryer, and oven weighs just eight pounds and cooks for up to three hours, at up to 500-degrees, on only eight briquettes. It also features a stainless steel base for easy cleaning, and includes a... [More]
Give yourself a true pub-style beer tap at home without sacrificing loads of room with the Asko HomePub ($TBA). It offers up a 218 liter fridge and 83 liter freezer with all the features you'd expect from a quality icebox, and at least one you wouldn't — an in-door 5L keg/CO2 cartridge and tap system, which lets you get fresh... [More]
Forget the colossal capacity, preprogrammed stain treatments, sophisticated controls, and "out where guests can see them"-worthy looks — the new GE Profile Frontload Washers & Dryers ($1200 and up) hide their coolest feature in their optional pedestal. The $600 SmartDispense Pedestal can store up to 6 months worth of detergent and fabric softener, dispensing just the right amount, right when... [More]
Ikea's Datid collection is a new line of seriously stylish appliances. Sporting a great anthracite finish, the current collection includes a couple gas cooktops ($299-$379), a microwave oven ($549), two built-in ovens ($599-$749), three different exhaust hoods ($479-$599), and a pro-grade gas range ($1,749).... [More]
No kitchen is complete without a blender to crush ice, make smoothies and shakes, and prepare mixed drinks. While most blenders look like relics from a bygone era, the Bugatti Vela Blender ($250) is so stylish you'll want to show it off. But these race-car looks bely some serious power — Bugatti makes race cars, after all. The blender features... [More]
Make those Oreo Blizzards at home with the Waring Super Mixer II ($630). This counter-mounted, commercial grade mixer makes thick and tasty ice cream concoctions, and features stainless steel construction, a heavy-duty 1.2 HP motor with variable speed control, and a splash guard that moves up and down with the cup. Don't forget your Scoop ($5-$7), Malt Mixing Cup ($7),... [More]
Need to have every movie you own ready to watch with nothing more than a press of a button? Whether they're on Blu-ray or plain ol' DVD, the Sony 400-Disc Blu-ray MegaChanger ($1,900; August 2009) has you covered. Along with normal CD playback, the MegaChanger features full HD 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output capability, 7.1 channel analog audio output,... [More]
Love your facial hair, or just like to marvel at the growth of others? Then check out Sweet 'Stache: 50 Badass Mustaches and the Faces Who Sport Them ($9). A veritable 'stache celebration, this 208-page paperback looks at fifty of the most famous upper lip coverings in history, as well as the bravado and balls of the men who sported... [More]
Found at theme parks, state fairs, and arcades, this authentic Water Blast Arcade Game ($11,000) is guaranteed to liven up the atmosphere in your party room or office. It features rapid water-shooting guns, flashing lights, lighted marquee, and arcade sounds, all to be enjoyed while aiming your stream at the bulls-eye while watching your accuracy meter — shown in lights... [More]
Looking for more excitement than the local lake or fishing hole has to offer? Head up to Nimmo Bay. Located northwest of Vancouver in picturesque British Columbia, Canada, this resort/adventure destination offers world-class lodging and cuisine, along with a wide variety of outdoor activities, including heli-fishing , white-water rafting, and helicopter tours. Perfect for a rustic romantic getaway or manly... [More]
Turn your PC or Mac into a concert hall-worthy Hi Fi with the Neuhaus T-2 Amplifier ($800). Connecting to your computer via USB, the T-2 takes the digital audio stream and uses its custom DAC to convert the sound to analog, then amplifies it using vacuum tubes, providing a warm, powerful sound that's closer to the original recording than you'll... [More]
If you'd like to stop waiting for the charcoal to heat up and spend more time enjoying your food, check out the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter ($19). This cylindrical grill buddy holds enough briquettes for a 22.5-inch kettle grill, and will have you cooking in no time, thanks to the cone bottom, aluminum-steel sides that cause the flames to ignite... [More]
Keep your arsenal of firearms safe, secure, and ready for a midnight invasion with the BedBunker ($2,200-$4,000). Boasting a powder-coated 10 gauge steel body, quarter-inch doors, a heavy-duty fire resistant sealing system, and high-security Mul-T-Locks, the BedBunker replaces your typical box springs, fitting into most normal bed frames with threaded legs for easy adjustments, and holds as many as 32... [More]
We're sad to see the Ferrari F430 go, but at least its replacement is a step up — in nearly every way. Set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Ferrari 458 Italia ($TBA) sports a new direct-injected, mid-rear mounted 4.5-liter V8 good for 570hp, a 0-62 time of 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 202... [More]
Whether you're underage, weening yourself off the hard stuff, or just want a non-alcoholic DIY beverage option, you can make your own with the Root Beer Making Kit ($13). This all-in-one kit includes everything you need to brew up four gallons of the sudsy stuff, including 2 oz of root beer extract, special brewing yeast, a funnel, project guide, blank... [More]
Get your fling on in even the fiercest of winds with the Wham-O Heavyweight Frisbee ($13). Weighing in at a hefty 200 grams, this flying disc is made for play in adverse conditions, with stable, long soars. Plus, it can serve as a training tool for those looking to build up their normal Frisbee-throwing muscles, and comes with a guide... [More]
Nothing like an argument over beer pong rules to drag down a party atmosphere, so settle your disputes with authority using The Book of Beer Pong: The Official Guide to the Sport of Champions ($12). This 160-page hardcover features information on everything from basic pong etiquette and ball grips to expert techniques and tournament hosting tips.... [More]
Soar through the air and navigate the seas aboard the Antilles Seaplanes G-21 Super Goose ($TBA). A remake of the legendary Grumman Goose that ferried the likes of Hemingway and MacArthur in a long-ago era, the new Super Goose was built using the original Goose's FAA type certificates, engineer's drawings and blueprints, melding classic construction with modern technologies. Whether you're... [More]
The world's best semi-pro digital SLR just got better. The Nikon D300s ($1,800; late August 2009) takes Nikon's two-year old D300 and gives it a modest upgrade, adding features like the improved 12.3-megapixel sensor from the D90, automatic Active D-Lighting, one-touch Live View, 24fps, 720p D-Movie recording with Autofocus, 7 fps shooting (8 with battery grip), and a stereo microphone... [More]
What if Chewbacca wasn't Han Solo's right-hand man aboard the Millennium Falcon, but was instead your local paperboy? Well, the world would be a lot like what's depicted on the Chewbika T-Shirt ($24). Featuring a brownish print of everyone's favorite biking wookie atop a lighter-brown shirt, it's sure to draw more than a few comments on your route.... [More]
Listen to your iTunes, Pandora, or any other computer-based audio source anywhere in your home with the Bose SoundLink ($550; August 27). The SoundLink connects to your computer using a USB dongle, which then streams any audio you like to a powerful and compact portable speaker. A rechargeable battery keeps the music playing away from outlets, and thanks to the... [More]
Pimp your Weber grill with a Cast Iron Grate ($86). Designed in Germany, this long-lasting replacement for the standard grate heats up faster, gives off more even heat, creates near-perfect grill marks, boasts greater longevity, and offers modular convenience — allowing you to add a host of accessories, including a griddle/hotplate combo, a flat pizzastone, or even a seat for... [More]
Didn't get enough of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' iconic classic, interpreted for film by 300 director Zack Snyder, in the theaters? Watchmen - Director's Cut ($21; $15 iTunes) provides you with another 25 minutes of dark, violent, glowing-blue-penis comic book action, along with a host of extras, including BD-Live features, several featurettes, a digital copy version to play on... [More]
2D photography just not doing it for you anymore? Then take your photos to the next dimension with the FujiFilm FinePix REAL 3D System ($TBA). This new imaging system consists of the Fine Pix REAL 3D V1 camera, which also takes 3D movies, 2D pics and movies, and features a 3D LCD for real-time 3D framing, the FinePix REAL 3D... [More]
Outsmart your local speed and red-light cameras with the Cheetah GPSmirror ($250). Packing a built-in GPS that checks through a massive database of enforcement cameras throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, the GPSmirror also offers voice, tone, and visual alerts, advisory speed limit announcements, a GPS-based speedometer display with compass, and the ability to give you your GPS coordinates... [More]
Tired of replacing your tap handle every time you switch out kegs? Check out Tap Boards ($22). Made from wood with chalkboard inserts, these boards let you simply erase and re-label when it's time to check out a new brew — saving you from accumulating a bar-worthy stack of used handles.... [More]
Whether you're a collector or a kegmeister, you'll want to check out Kegworks' collection of Branded Tap Handles ($14-$60). The hard-to-find handles, available in a many different brands, are not sold in stores, and are only provided directly to bars and restaurants. So every handle you see for sale probably lived a long life of serving brews to hapless chaps... [More]
The Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Tasting Kit ($50) has everything you need to partake in a civilized tasting of all the company's scotch blends. The set includes four etched rocks glasses, one etched snifter, one official tasting guide, one laminated tasting mat, and one aroma wheel. Enjoy. [Thanks, Stephen]... [More]
Boasting a Power Glove-esque design and Mil-spec credentials, the iKey AK-39 Keyboard ($TBA) is your ticket to one-handed computing. Designed to withstand harsh electro magnetic interference, the AK-39 features a full keyboard, an integrated Force Sensing Resistor pointing device with both left- and right-click functionality, adjustable, night vision-friendly backlighting, and more.... [More]
Get ready for football season with the Margaritaville Portable Tailgate Grill ($400). Designed to ride outside your SUV, pickup, or RV, this roadworthy roaster features a 20,000 BTU propane grill with 352-square-inch cooking space, a removable grill head with built-in legs, foldout side tables, and integrated handles, and a unique mounting system that attaches to any vehicle with a standard... [More]
It's about time that a limited edition video game package came with pack-ins that are actually cool. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition ($150; November 10) includes the highly-anticipated followup to Modern Warfare, a download code for the original classic Call of Duty, a hardbound game art book, a Steelbook case with custom artwork, and — seriously —... [More]
Sometimes the original is the best. Only modestly updated since it's debut, the Waring Professional Bar Blender ($130) is a true classic, with workhorse sensibilities. Available in stainless steel or bright copper, the Waring features a 40-oz. glass mixing jar, a powerful 390-watt motor, high and low speeds, a center cap that doubles as a 1-oz measure, and a heavy-duty... [More]
Space age materials and technology meet mid-century design in the Rizk Auto RA ($180,000). Based loosely on the 1957 Aston Martin DBR2, the RA sports a striking, classic body made from aircraft-spec carbon composites, a full carbon chassis, adapted Aeron chairs for seats, height adjustable steering, reach adjustable Tilton pedals, a choice of 6- or 12-cylinder Jaguar E-Type engines or... [More]
If you're ready to take your celebratory boozing to the next level, Gran Patrón Burdeos Tequila ($740) is just the stuff. Distilled from the finest blue agave, this ultra-premium dark tequila is matured in a blend of American and French oak barrels and aged for a minimum of 12 months. It's then distilled again in vintage Bordeaux barrels from France.... [More]
Why carry around a separate bulky keychain when your key can be the chain? The Split Ring Key ($7/2-pack) is a blank that can be cut by any key cutter to fit KW1 or SC1 keyways, but featuring a ring at the top for connecting the rest of your keys, letting you get rid yourself of yet another unsightly pocket... [More]
Find out what you need to know, when/where you need to know it with Pocket Ref by Thomas J. Glover ($10). This shirt pocket-sized, 768-page tome is filled with conversions, tables, maps, formulas, and other miscellaneous data for on-the-go reference. Plus, it's an actual book, so it's not limited to areas with solid cellular/Wi-Fi connections, unlike those electronic pocket reference... [More]
Yes, please. The 2010 Jaguar XJ finally stakes its claim as the world's sexiest luxury sedan. With a stunningly brilliant design, the new XJ sports a lightweight aluminium body structure, a panoramic glass roof, and your choice of three engines — a 5.0 liter V8 good for 385 hp ($72,500), a supercharged 5.0 liter V8 good for 470 hp ($87,500),... [More]
Codenamed "King Cobra" and possessing a tech sheet only engineers and watch geeks could understand, the Urwerk UR-CC1 ($TBA) is a timekeeping masterpiece with looks to match. It offers up horizontal hour and minute indicators in the form of retrograde cylinders, a dedicated numerical seconds display, and a refined yet futuristic look that is sure to jazz up any ensemble,... [More]
Tired of grilling up the same ol' burger week after week? Expand your ground chuck horizons with Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes ($17). Filled with tremendously tasty burger recipes, this common man's cookbook moves beyond the burnt meat to include instructions on how to prepare a wide variety of tasty fries, onion rings, potato chips, and to wash it... [More]
Take back control of your hair with John Allan's Tough Fortifying Styling Paste ($18). Packing vitamins A, C and E to help protect your hair and scalp, this flexible hold paste is also fortified with anti-oxidants, acai, red tea and organic pomegranate, giving it enough muscle to hold up against heinous humidity.... [More]
Tired of dealing with chintzy pitchers or the hassle of tiny plastic filter replacements? Check out the Charcoal Water Pitcher ($85). Made from high-quality glass and stainless steel, this unique pitcher uses Iouseki stones and Binchotan charcoal — an eco-friendly mix that lasts up to six months — to filter and deodorize, leaving you with crisp, fresh, mineral-rich water.... [More]
Apple today unveiled a 17-inch version of its MacBook Pro ($2800) featuring a 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor that's five times faster than the PowerBook G4. The new big-screen MBP sports a gorgeous one-inch thin aluminum enclosure, weighs 6.8 pounds, and has a screen that's 36% brighter than the PowerBook. Like the 15-inch MBP introduced in January, the machine includes... [More]
We thought we had already covered all of the essential MacBook accessories. We were wrong. After about a month, we finally got sick of having to shove magazines under our MacBooks just so we could use them on our lap. (Yes, the MacBook gets insanely hot — so hot that it will literally burn your legs.) Enter the Lapinator —... [More]
If you happen to be a Mac fan in need of a new notebook, you've probably been waiting on this for a while. The Apple MacBook Pro with Core 2 Duo ($1999-$2799), available in both 15" (1440 x 900) and 17" (1680 x 1050) varieties, comes equipped with Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors in speeds ranging from 2.16 to... [More]
We hate covering design concepts because they usually never turn into real products you can actually buy. But this new laptop, created by Intel and Ziba Design, is just way too awesome not to show you. The Intel Metro Notebook ($TBA) is a super skinny mobile computing machine that is being called the world's thinnest laptop. Less than 0.7 inches... [More]
Most computer makers looking to make their lineup seem greener would be happy to slap a bamboo sticker on the outside and call it a day, but not ASUS. Their new Bamboo Series Notebook ($TBA) features artisan-grade Moso bamboo paneling, and energy-saving tech to back up its eco-friendly looks. Its Super Hybrid Engine technology can extend battery life between 35%... [More]
Like the 12" PowerBook before it, the new Apple MacBook ($1300-$1600) is now a true baby-Pro, offering professional features like a backlit keyboard, glass multi-touch trackpad, Unibody aluminum enclosure, LED-backlit, glass-encased 13.3-inch display, options for up to 320GB of hard drive space or a 128GB SSD, a Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics processor, the new Mini DisplayPort connector, and processors of... [More]
Carved from a single piece of aluminum, the new Apple MacBook Pro ($2000-$2500) is the company's latest flagship laptop. Along with the new Unibody construction and black-rimmed, LED-backlit, glass-covered display is a new multi-touch glass trackpad, a new Mini DisplayPort connector, a new dual-chip graphics architecture that allows users to choose between the Nvidia GeForce 9400M processor for better battery... [More]
Just because you know something's coming doesn't make it any less cool. The new 17-Inch Unibody MacBook Pro ($2,800) features the same rock-solid unibody aluminum construction as its 15- and 13-inch brothers, but features a slew of upgrades, including a 17-inch 1920x1200 LED-backlit display, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a 320GB hard drive standard with the option for a... [More]
This Uncrate editor is officially admitting defeat with this post. I've been in a no-holds-barred living room furnishing death match with the misses since last week over which new sofa we're going to get for our new place. She wants this one, the Laguna Sofa ($1500) from Crate & Barrel, while I fought it out for the Troy sofa until... [More]
120 soft round cushions. Sounds comfy, doesn't it? Well, that's the structure behind the Feel Seating System from Animi Causa ($900 - $2950). It's like a gigantic beanbag, only better. With as many possible configurations and forms as you can come up with, you have no excuse being uncomfotable any more. [Thanks, Tad!]... [More]
Admit it — you've always pictured yourself sitting behind a huge stainless steel desk laughing maniacally about your threats to blow up the world unless $10 billion is delivered to you in the next four hours. Well, here's the chair you'll be sitting in. The aptly named Villain Chair ($6,800) is an oversize, futuristic chair made of leather, chrome, steel... [More]
Maybe it's the name or the Vader-esque black covering or the fact that it would be fantastic for a party or super lazy weekend, but CB2's new Blackjack Sectional ($300-$1600) definitely deserves you're consideration if you're looking for some new lounge furniture. The 4-piece pit includes three modular pieces — an armless chair, corner seat, and ottoman. Sit back and... [More]
Last week we showed you the hammock for deep pockets, so we figured this week we'd show you one that won't put such a hurting on your bank account. The Fatboy Headdemock Hammock ($400) joins the company's beanbags as simple, versatile furniture. Made from a coated nylon material, the hammock's fabric needs only a quick wipe with a damp cloth... [More]
Incase's new line of Crest iPod accessories are among the best we've seen. Our favorite, the Crest iPod Wallet ($64), features a beautiful white leather exterior, cord management for your earbuds, and a see-through slot for credit cards, money or keys. It also has a silicone strap to keep it closed and a suede interior for no chance of scratching... [More]
Glorious is the gadget that can actually make use out of that crappy factory tape deck in your car. The Griffin SmartDeck ($30; available end of this month) uses smart sensing technology to turn the button presses you make on the tape deck into commands for the iPod, all the while functioning like a regular tape adapter. We had a... [More]
The original SoundDock has been out awhile, but ever since Apple started cranking out black iPods we just had to have ourselves a matching Black SoundDock from Bose ($300; May). It has great sound that doesn't discriminate between those perfect 320 kbps tracks you ripped off your CDs and the 192 kbps tracks you magically "acquired" — they both sound... [More]
If you plan to really use your iPhone for everything, then you'll need a good workout case. The Belkin Sport Armband for iPhone ($30) is hand-washable and water-resistant, and sports lightweight neoprene construction, screen protection, and a key pocket to hold your house key while out on a run.... [More]
Looking for a high-end sub that won't be an eyesore? The JL Audio Gotham & Fathom Subwoofers ($2,000-$11,000) offer fantastic performance in enclosures that look as good as they sound. The subs' cutting-edge, ultra-long excursion drivers are made by hand at the company's Florida assembly plant and are paired with gorgeous black enclosures that take more than two weeks to... [More]
Rock out (sorry) with the Klipsch AWR-650-SM outdoor speaker ($300). Designed to look and feel like a natural rock, the AWR-650-SM features a two-way design that employs a 6.5-inch dual voice coil polymer woofer and dual 3/4-inch polymer dome tweeters, which allows it to play both left and right stereo signals. It also sports a weatherized UV-resistant enclosure and is available... [More]
As gorgeous as it is powerful, Bang & Olufsen's new BeoSound 5 ($TBA) looks to merge mainstream media management with high-end style. The system, which is controlled via a 10.4-inch LCD screen and attached control column, offers features such as 500GB of storage, HDMI output, wide format support, and Microsoft XP embedded. Simply stunning.... [More]
This audiophile-worthy 2.1 speaker system is pricey, but it has the performance to back it up. To put it another way, your Bose SoundDock is a Honda, and the AUX Classic is a Ferrari. Made in Italy by concert sound experts Outline, the system features a unique, transforming case that lets you position the speakers in a number of ways.... [More]
No poolside party is complete with out your very own Widescreen Outdoor Theater ($2,500-$3,000). This outdoor entertainment package includes a 12-foot or 8-foot inflatable screen, an Optoma projector with tripod, and duffel bag for screen storage. Video images can be projected up to 359-inches, just in case you have an Olympic-size swimming pool.... [More]