Cool Hunting
| 10 January 2007view entries from: this week | this month | view previous day | view next day |
Samsung Ultra Music Phone
by Josh Rubin
With dual LCD screens, Samsung's new Ultra Music Phone is a novel approach to a multi-function device. Like the iPhone, the Ultra Music Phone (SGH-F300) is a candybar-style handset that addresses the need for different interfaces to execute different functions. Screens and controls on both sides—only one side can be turned on at a time—divide the labor, isolating basic phone functions on one side and multimedia on the other. A larger screen has dedicated controls for music (both MP3s and stereo FM radio) and photos, while the other side has a smaller screen for making calls. In a compact package not much bigger than an iPod nano, the Ultra Music Phone includes a 2.0 mega-pixel camera, removable memory (microSD) Bluetooth and extended battery life; it works on GSM networks.
Suissa Computers
by Tim Yu
It's no secret that personal computers have taken center stage in people's increasingly digital lives. If the recent news from Apple and launches at the Consumer Electronics Tradshow (CES) are any indication, they're increasingly evolving beyond the dull, noisy, wire-entangled boxes we're used to. Even better than the gadgety and artificial look and feel of the new computer-based devices we're seeing, Howard Suissa uses his sound understanding of interior design and the architectural processes to make computers housed in a handsome chassis made from hardwoods.
Yuki (pictured above left) goes far beyond any standard desktop. It comes perfectly setup up for entertainment purposes (watch out Apple TV) and the internal layout of Yuki creates an ultra-efficient curved airflow chamber to keep your room cool. The wood insulates the sound resonance of the already quiet components, reducing noise even further. It's available for around $5737.
You may have already seen Suissas around, but for those in search of a computer that looks like something out of a Curiosity Shoppe, the Revolution (pictured above right) is a new cylindrical-shaped computer with glass housing that allows viewing of internal components. Launched last month, models start at $6503.
Suissa offers custom packages for the internal set-up on all the models in the series, but he also makes built-to-order commissions with the woods and details of your choice and tricked-out machines to suit your needs.
via Wired Magazine
Nüvi 680
by Josh Rubin
A new and improved version of the original Nüvi line launched by Garmin at CES last year, the Nüvi 680 bests the older version with a bigger (4.3 inches) and brighter screen and with real-time info on traffic, gas prices, weather and movie times. Using Microsoft’s MSN Direct network, the system updates routes based on traffic incident and flow reports—a major plus for both travelers who are new to a city and commuters trying to get to work. I got a chance to demo the Nüvi 680 on the streets of Las Vegas and the new features worked smoothly and efficiently.
Like the earlier models, the Nüvi 680 has the same user-friendly touchscreen interface, voice prompts, pre-loaded maps of North America, Bluetooth for calls and an FM transmitter to play spoken street names and audio (it has mp3 capabilities) over a car stereo. Also new, the StreetPilot c580 is a slightly scaled-down option with less features and a touchscreen that measures 3.5 inches, but at a suggested retail price of $857, it's not that much more affordable than the $1,071 tag on the 680.
Swami Safari
by Lost At E Minor
Sydney-based t-shirt label Etc have based their new Swami range around the mystical imagery of ancient mythology. (Click image for detail.) Says designer Alex Singh, "the basic concept is exploring this Swami character we've created who's running around on his inner safari in the ether. During his safari he interacts and meets all kinds of gods, crazy creatures and fantastical people and places taken out of ancient mythology. A new tee is designed and produced each month in association with a specific artist." The shirts cost $45 from Swami Safari and are available via a subscription service as well.
Vacheron Constantin Shutter Watches
by Watchismo
Designed by Verger Frères, the 1930 Vacheron Constantin "Montre à Volets" shutter watches feature dials concealed by hinged panels in 18k Art Deco cases. (Pictured above left.) Recent auctions have fetched prices upwards of $20,000 each. “Jalousie," the re-introduction of the shutter watch by Vacheron Constantin in the 90's uses a Cabochon sapphire as a switch to open the shutters revealing the dial and brings in less than half of what the originals go for at auction. See more images here.
