It's not often you get to have a say in what new chip flavors come out, so relish the opportunity. The Kettle Chips Passport to Flavor Party Pack ($20) includes five 5 oz. bags of People's Choice chips, in Aztec Chocolate, Island Jerk, Royal Indian Curry, Dragon 5 Spice and Twisted Chili Lime flavors. After trying them out, you can... [More]

The inevitable upgrade to the Nintendo DS Lite has been announced. Besides being slightly slimmer, the new Nintendo DSi ($180) has two 3.25-inch screens (17% bigger than the Lite), better audio, a built-in web browser, an SD memory card slot, and a .3 megapixel (640x480) camera on the outside and one inside on the hinge. The DSi, which comes in... [More]

If you haven't noticed, Sony's been awfully busy with product announcements this week. The Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V3000 LCD HDTV ($TBA; Summer 2007) delivers a full HD 1080p picture, and features high-end tech like Live Color Creation with a WCG-CCFL backlight, BRAVIA Engine EX, BRAVIA Theatre Sync, and HDMI, PC and component inputs. You can expand its features even further with... [More]

One of the great things about analog clocks is their ability to show the current time against a myriad of backdrops. The Timeless Clock by Pascal Tarabay ($350) is a great example of this, with two black hands set atop a background of highly-stylized numbers jumbled together in a nearly unreadable circle. A fantastic conversation piece for any area of... [More]

If you find yourself draining the batteries on your Wii remotes too quicky, consider going rechargeable with the Nyko Wii Charging Station ($30). This charging cradle comes with two rechargeable battery packs to integrate with your Wii remotes and dual charging areas to charge two remotes at once.... [More]

If there is one game that you buy this year, it should be Fallout 3 ($50-$70). It doesn't need a spiel. Surely you're familiar with its predecessor, and surely you've waited patiently for the followup. And now, on October 28, 2008, over 10 years after Fallout 2 was released, the set-in-2277 Fallout 3 is on store shelves and available for... [More]

We're suckers for typography design, so we couldn't be more intrigued by the Come In/Go Away Doormat ($TBA). This ambigram tells new arrivals to "Come In," inviting them into your home, and tells them to "Go Away" as they head out the door. Oh yeah, and it should keep some mud out of your house. [Thanks, Julie]... [More]

Looking for a change this year? Then look no further than Barack Obama (Nov. 4; Free). A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, and a compassionate community organizer, state senator and U.S. senator, this insanely awesome presidential candidate features sound judgment, off-the-chart leadership skills, and the ability to repair our standing with the world and bridge a super-divided... [More]

The appropriately-named Snap Cups ($200) snap together to form a circle or any random shape you choose. The set includes six handmade cups in various colors. Set them out on your counter as a sculpture to bring some artistic style to your kitchen.... [More]

With over 500,000 units sold, the Amazon Kindle e-book reader might just be the coolest thing to happen to books since Gutenberg, but just because something isn't broken, doesn't mean you can't make it better. Enter Kindle 2 ($359), a svelte device overhaul featuring the sort of upgrades that seem to imply that Amazon actually listens to its customers. Weighing... [More]

If you're not able to catch all seven parts of this historic masterpiece on TV, do yourself a favor and order the The War on DVD ($85; Oct. 2). Directed and produced by the legendary Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, this amazing 15-hour film, which was six years in the making, tells the story of World War II and how... [More]

The Seskimo Crabble ($5) makes it easy to watch a movie or TV show on your iPhone without taking up extra space in your bag by folding flat like a credit card. The Crabble allows for both portrait or landscape viewing at an ideal 45° angle, perfect for watching from the tray table in front of you. Non-slip silicone claws... [More]

Not satisfied with the lame songs available in music boxes? Make your own using the DIY Music Box Kit ($16). It includes blank music paper, a hole punch, the player, and detailed instructions on how to punch the sheets so it'll play your (or the recipient's) favorite tune.... [More]

As familiar as most of us are with Pixar's blockbuster feature-length animated films, some of its best — and most heartfelt — entertainment comes in the form of the studio's short films. The Pixar Short Films Collection - Volume 1 ($20/DVD, $23/Blu-Ray; Nov. 6) brings 13 of these miniature masterpieces together on a single disc, including eight Academy Award nominees,... [More]

You've got to hand it to Belkin for making such a simple gadget so cool looking. The RockStar ($20) is a ninja-like hub that lets you easily share your music with up to five other folks. But that's not all — you can hook up a second or third iPod to mix multiple tracks together to create some utterly horrendous... [More]

It'd be great if every portable media player packed in an iPhone-like speaker, but they don't. Filling in the gap is the X-Mini Capsule Speaker ($25), a portable, rechargeable mini-powerhouse that collapses down for extra portability, or expands for extra sound. With USB charging and nearly eight hours of playback time, it's begging to become your iPod's new best buddy.... [More]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl ($50) is the "fastest-selling video game in Nintendo of America's history" for a reason. It's fun as hell. The third installment of the cartoon fighting game, released for the Wii, features tons of Nintendo characters, along with new superstars like Sonic the Hedgehog, Solid Snake from Metal Gear, and Pit from Kid Icarus. Head-to-head and multiplayer... [More]

Now available. Originally posted 04/08. Gran Turismo isn't the only legendary racing series coming out with a new installment this month. Mario Kart Wii ($50) is set to bring the series back to its N64 glory days, with a mix of brand-new and vintage tracks and arenas, 4-player local multiplayer, online multiplayer, multiple control schemes (including one that involves using... [More]

Time to upgrade. Apple overlord Steve Jobs just introduced the all-new iPhone 3G ($199-$299). Besides the faster 3G wireless connection speeds and all of the previous revolutionary iPhone features, the new model also gets built-in GPS, better battery life (10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours using 3G), a flush headphone jack, and iPhone 2.0 software... [More]

One wouldn't think that a little comedy starring Mos Def and Jack Black could launch an internet sensation, but that's exactly the case with Be Kind Rewind ($18). Directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), the movie revolves around a video store clerk and his best friend, who are forced to remake popular movies on the cheap... [More]

Finally. Shown only in the U.K. and sold only as Region 2 DVDs, Spaced ($35) is now available for us Yankees. The brilliant British comedy stars Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes as two London twenty-somethings who pose as a "professional couple" to rent a flat together. Sounds boring, but it's laced with beautifully subtle humor and pop culture references, and... [More]

Only one year after it first melted your face, Rock Band 2 ($60-$190) is poised to rock your house parties even harder. In addition to its 100 new on-disc tracks from the likes of Alice in Chains, Mastodon and The Replacements, the new version is fully compatible with your previously downloaded songs and will no doubt have about a million... [More]

We know we did a computer yesterday, but apart from the fact that they both run Windows they couldn't be more different. The Kapsel Media Center ($TBD, Q1 '06) features an Intel Core Duo processor and Viiv technology, Windows XP Media Center Edition, and HDTV recording and playback, all in a small, sexy white package. With its unique shape, it... [More]

This digital device from Sony lets you read eBooks from anywhere on its high-resolution, paper-like display. About the size of a paperback, the lightweight Sony Reader ($TBA; available this spring) holds up to 80 average-size books in digital format and also has Memory Stick and Secure Digital (SD) flash memory card slots. It sports a 6-inch screen, battery life equivalent... [More]

If you are serious about your tea, you should look into the Bora Bora Doublewall Teapress from Bodum ($80). Its doublewall design keeps tea hot for longer while keeping the outside cooler, and the patented tea press system keeps tea form getting "stewed" or bitter, and it also lets you stop brewing at the push of a plunger. [Thanks, Eddy]... [More]

So we know a lot of you have probably seen this before, but for those of you who haven’t, you’re going to want one — immediately. The Optimus Keyboard ($TBD) features a full-size key layout with an extra row of buttons. The fun part, though, is that every key has a small OLED inside it, letting the keyboard be used... [More]

Company ($15) is the latest novel by our new favorite contemporary satirist, Max Berry. In the 350-page work, he takes office politics and banal tasks to an extraordinarily extreme degree, but it's not so twisted from reality that it doesn't apply to your own 9-5. The story line follows naive business school grad Jones through his relatively short career at... [More]

Everyone loves a good nap, and we doubt you'll need one of these things just to catch a quick one. But if you're so inclined to have one of these egg-like cocoons in your crib, its ergonomic mattress will surely aid in an afternoon siesta. The Napshell ($TBA) was designed by seven architecture students for indoor or outdoor use, and... [More]

We all have stuff, and more than likely would all like a cool place to display it. We can't think of any better than the Mood Light Shelf ($230). With internally housed, super-bright LEDs that can change color and the ability to mount it horizontally or vertically, the shelf is just what we had in mind. [via]... [More]

If you thought the Nintendo DS was in need of a makeover, then you'll be happy to hear that Nintendo has announced a revamped version that's smaller and lighter. The all-white Nintendo DS Lite ($130) has a brigther screen and is about two-thirds the size of the original DS and about 20 percent lighter. Sadly, the new DS will be... [More]

The Nixon Chair ($490) from the Gus Design Group is one of those chairs that will fit into any room in anyone's house, no matter what the decor is. It's available in a natural finish or wenge stained oak frame with ultrasuede graphite fabric cushions. The low-slung profile keeps the design fresh and you comfortable.... [More]

OK, so the site is in Japanese, and we’re not sure exactly what to call these things, but boy are they cool. The 20th Anniversary Zelda Collectibles ($TBD) feature a peg and grid system that can be used to make a multitude of different items and characters from one of the greatest games of all time, The Legend of Zelda.... [More]

With its slick leather wristband and bright LEDs, the Dot Matrix Watch ($113) is what the cool kids would call "geek chic." Available in tan leather with yellow lights or black leather with red lights, the watch can show the time in 24 hour or 12 hour format and features a scrolling light effect before it displays the time in... [More]

They've made iPod cases out of some pretty strange stuff already, so why not make one out of the most bad-ass material known to man? This carbon fiber case ($50) for Apple's video iPod is made from genuine aerospace carbon fiber, and features a clear screen protector and stainless steel belt clip and screws. It comes in two sizes for... [More]

Just like the games that have taken the mature gaming market by storm in Japan, Brain Age ($20) is hitting stores here in the US. Through the use of a series of tests, the game gives you an initial "Brain Age" — the approximate age of brain based on how well it works. Afterwards, by performing exercises every day you... [More]

We often drink in groups here around the Uncrate HQ, whether it be water, tea, lemonade, or the occasional spiked punch. As such, we found this pitcher — the Ona Pitcher from Crate and Barrel ($25) — perfectly suited to our needs. It holds 46 ounces of the drink you choose, and provides an elegant handle that serves as the... [More]

Like so many others, we have some great vintage posters hanging out in tubes around the Uncrate office because we've never found suitable frames — that is, until now. Posterhanger ($15-$40) is available in plenty of different sizes and is the most simple, elegant poster hanging solution we've ever seen. You simply slide plastic clips onto the top and bottom... [More]

If you're sick of pulling your iPod and its earbuds out of your bag to see a tangled mess, you might want get yourself one of these rather odd-looking creatures. Tetran ($13) is a colorful cable winder that will keep your cords nice and neat. You just wrap your cable around his body and stick your earbuds in his mouth... [More]

While our sig. others like us to use soaps like "peach blossom" and "deep exfoliation," we've been secretly plotting our coup against their evil, flowery regime. Fight back yourself with Sharps Happy Me All Over Soap ($16 for two). While it does "exfoliate, nourish, and moisturize," we're pretty sure that you won't come away smelling like you spent the day... [More]

With cool icons for calls, messages, and battery life right on the front of the phone, we're not sure how we missed the Motorola W220 ($TBA) last week. The sleek little clamshell also features an FM radio, lantern technology, alarm clock, and a 600 entry phone book. It may not end up being the most expensive phone we've posted, but... [More]

As you were growing up, do you recall the moment of Zen-like satisfaction that you got from building your first original (without instructions, of your own accord) Lego object? Neither do we, but now we have an opportunity to let our kids learn in pixels, not un-relating blocks. Pixel Blocks ($30-$50) let kids and adults like build their masterpieces one... [More]

As far as toys are concerned, we're usually not that interested unless they make noise. Well, not only do these toys make noise, but they're a family of noisemakers. The Knockman Family Toys ($22) feature cool little characters each with their own job — whether it be to drum, strum, or dance, these little wonders are sure to brighten your... [More]

Ever since our first Xmas with the Game Boy, we've loved Tetris. Now you can spread the love around your cubicle, kitchen, or home office with the Tetrius Magnet Set ($10). The set includes seven different Tetris-shaped magnets, which you can fit together to resemble a round of the famous game, or just show your love by actually using them... [More]

No, this isn't Apple's newest iPod, although we will have the latest Apple gear for you later today. The MonsterPod ($25) is a tripod with a viscoelastic morphing polymer super grip base. You simply mount your camera and press the MonsterPod against nearly any surface to have a safe, stable base for your photos and videos. Plus, it's small enough... [More]

We've previously covered the outrageously hot Dave's Insanity Sauce, but on a recent trip this Uncrate staffer discovered there's more to Dave's universe than just sauce. Dave's Burning Nuts ($7) have a great flavor, and have just the right amount of heat — not enough to make you sweat or your eyes water, but just enough to make you yearn... [More]

We're all for recycling, and there is something even better about reusing a part for a different project. Take, for instance, the Hybrid Wall Clock from Resource Revival ($30). Made from a bicycle chainring and a platter from a computer hard drive, it mixes industrial looks with eco-friendly sensibilities. See, you can help save the planet and save money too.... [More]

Not since the days of the Super Nintendo have we been this pumped up for a console launch. The Nintendo Wii ($250; Nov. 19) is the next-generation console from Nintendo, and it looks like a blast. With a revolutionary controller that lets you use movements to control games, Nintendo is shooting for gameplay that is more fun and communal, shunning... [More]

If you know Japanese, you probably had some idea of what these were from the headline. For those that don't, nyokki means grow in Japanese, and that can mean only one thing — cool little plant-haired buddies with which to entertain yourself. Nyokki Pets ($20, set of 2) feature one of five happy animal faces on the side of an... [More]

According to our stats, 44% of you still use Microsoft's Internet Explorer to access Uncrate. That is simply unacceptable. Internet Explorer is awful. Its interface sucks, it renders websites horribly, and worst of all, it's ultra-mega susceptible to viruses and pop-ups. If your PC is acting odd or running super slow, you can thank Internet Explorer. You need to install... [More]

This table falls somewhere between absurd and insanely cool. The Essey Illusion Table ($235) tricks the eyes into thinking that you're buying an invisible table with a clear tablecloth draped over it. And come on, what is cooler than invisibility? Not much. The table is handmade in Denmark, has a 16-inch diameter, is 18-inches tall and also comes in white... [More]

Become an awkward, dorky teen (again, for some of us) in Bully ($40). You play as Jimmy Hopkins, a kid who has been kicked out of every school he's ever attended, left to fend for yourself at Bullworth Academy. Get revenge on the bullies, play pranks, and become part of a clique as you strive to rule your new school.... [More]

I hate this car. Not because it has terrible performance or lame looks — quite the contrary. I hate this car because it's making me second guess my choice of purchasing a 2006 Civic a couple months ago. I'm pretty sure I should have waited. The all-new Volkswagen GTI Mk V (starting at $21,990) has a 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder... [More]

This open translation of an alarm clock is sure to turn some heads. The Jonas Damon LED Alarm Clock ($90) is made up of four cubes, each with a single number displayed, that when put in the correct order tell the time. By separating the digits, the clock allows you to angle and place the cubes how you can read... [More]