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Electronics/Home Gadgets

ChargerFrame

Hmm, I suppose for some of you with a ton of gadgets the regular device chargers just aren’t big enough, but as to whether this one floats your boat (or your wallet) remains to be seen.

ChargerFrame transforms your electronic landscape into wall art. It is the hub for all your chargers – as you add a device, the picture changes. This active interplay between cables, gadgets and indicator lights is neatly framed and finished off by an energy-efficient master green switch. Hang it, wrap it, lay it and plug it. Hangs portrait and landscape.

750 by 550 by 120mm; wood, veneer, electric components

450 Euro, pre-order it here.

Squeezebox™ Boom

Hmm…sounds like a worthy candidate for a home digital music player (if you’re looking).

Introducing Squeezebox Boom: the compact all-in-one network music player that combines award-winning Squeezebox functionality with an integrated amplifier and speakers to deliver crystal clear sound—in any room in your home. At less than thirteen inches long and five inches high, Squeezebox Boom packs a big sound you’ll have to hear to believe. Simply plug in the power cord and connect to your wireless network. You can browse your digital music collection, tune to your favorite Internet radio stations, and access music services like Rhapsody, Pandora, Slacker, SIRIUS Internet Radio, and more.

  • High quality audio: bi-amplified design with high performance signal processor, class D amplifiers, and digital crossover
  • “Always-on” Internet Radio, powered by SqueezeNetwork, lets you tune in to Internet Radio streams even when your computer is off
  • True 802.11g networking
  • Seven-day alarm with snooze, auto-sleep feature

starting at $299.00,Buy it here.

(Thanks Vince!)

Purchase Information:

Price: $299.00
Availability: Buy Squeezebox™ Boom here

Mod Docking Station

While this is a little more expensive than the other docking stations/device chargers that we’ve posted (see below), it does have a nice look.

Recharge and store all of your mobile equipment – iPhone, Blackberry, and MP3 players included – when you’re not mobile–all in smart, contemporary box. Its so hip-looking, your friends may think its purely decorative. Its durable, too, made of powder coated white steel with a soft red felt top, and its even wall-mountable to save space in your modern office or bedroom.

12.4″L X 8.3W X 4.5″H.

$198.00, Buy it here.

other stations/chargers:
Bluelounge Sanctuary Charging Station, $129.00
Lacquer Docking Station, $49.00
Phone/PDA Charging Station, $35.00
Bamboo Charging Station, $45.00

Purchase Information:

Price: $198.00
Availability: Buy Mod Docking Station here

Air Purifier

Compared to the other air purifier we’ve posted, this one gets a thousand points for looking less like it came off a spaceship and more like something that would blend in to the background.

“Enjoying a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing your sense of style may sometimes seem an impossible task when shopping for home appliances. Not to worry – you can now breathe a bit more easily with an air purifier that looks great while cleaning the air.”
Cleans 25 square meters of space.
17″W x 5.25″L x 16″H

Purchase Information:

Price: $299.00
Availability: Buy Air Purifier here

Ferguson Hill mini speakers

Admittedly, I know next to nothing about sound equipment. I’m content with my cheapo turntable and the speakers that came with my cd player. Not only do these look really cool, but I’m told they are worth the high price.

Thanks Mike!

[posted by kris]

Purchase Information:

Price: $995
Availability: Buy Ferguson Hill mini speakers here

GLOW Amp One

I admit I know next to nothing about audio/stereo equipment. Other than the fact that the sound system I have sounds a whole lot better than just the built-in speakers that come with the TV or computer, if you asked me any other questions I’d be blank. But I do know a few proper audiophiles, and they think highly of tube amps. I’d be curious to see how it sounds compared to what the rest of us have…it certainly looks pretty nice.

About the size of a shoe box, the versatile and simple to use GLOW Amp One is a classic stereo tube amplifier – with a twist – every GLOW amplifier comes equipped with a USB input so you can use your computer, iPod, cd player or even television as a HI FI music source. Just add speakers, the results are amazing.

Not only does it provide the smooth, silky and detailed sound that tube amps are famous for, it looks stunning. The GLOW Amp One is one stereo that is artful enough in design to display as part of your living environment. Forget those ugly “black box” stereo components. The GLOW Amp One simply sparkles… nothing catches attention more than the subtle glow of those little tubes!

The GLOW Amp One is hand crafted and built to last, but costs a fraction of what you would expect to pay for designer audio gear. Comes in your choice of eye popping colors and for a limited time GLOW is offering a free iPod docking station with every purchase.

11.5″ (L) x 5.5″ (W) x 6″ (H).

$648.00, Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $648.00
Availability: Buy GLOW Amp One here

Propello Fan by Black and Blum

Here’s a mid-sized desktop fan that’ll help keep your work area cool (and cool-looking).

The Propello, by Black and Blum, is a desktop fan with user-friendly design features. Its soft, rubber blades and directional, adjustable airflow take the I’m-too-close fear out of personal fan comfort. When off, the Propello is so good looking, your cool look will always be admired.

Available in Blue or Grey.
Height 10.63 in., Diameter 10.24 in., Depth 7.09 in.

$140.00,

Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $140.00
Availability: Buy Propello Fan by Black and Blum here

Fan by Naoto Fukasawa

Naoto Fukasawa is well known for his product design skills; now we can all rest easy knowing he’s taken care of the fan category.

“Don’t be deceived by your first look at this fan as it’s not your average appliance. With a protective cage that wraps completely from front to back to protect the motor as well as the blades, along with an extra feature that allows you to put it on a timer, the design of the ordinary fan has been drastically updated. Though practicality rather than aesthetics were key to the design… there’s definitely something wonderfully sleek about the new look.”

14.5″W x 10.75″L x 16.75″H

FYI, designboom has a good interview with Fukasawa.

This item is no longer available from the original retailer.

[posted by katie]

Purchase Information:

Price: $219.00
Availability: Buy Fan by Naoto Fukasawa here

Ora-Ito’s The Hub

This little device looks slightly insane, but perhaps that’s appropriate considering the amount of other devices and peripherals we have to attach to our computers/ipods/bodies/lives.

Famed designer Ora-Ito designed this hub to work with Mac or PC. Its globe shape, glossy white polycarbonate finish, and flexible cables give it a distinctive, out-of-this-world look. This new model simplifies the formula, ditching the firewire ports, fan and light to provide you with seven USB ports. Each port is linked to a colorful LED that illuminates through the casing when plugged in. The Hub is also great for charging your iPod, camera, cell phone and other devices that charge from a USB port. Bundled with 8 flexible cables, an external power supply, a USB extension cable, and a flower petals kit, the LaCie USB 2.0 Hub comes fully equipped for making all of your connections.

[posted by kris]

Purchase Information:

Price: $65.00
Availability: Buy Ora-Ito’s The Hub here

USB Turntable

Fantasize about digitizing your life?

Turn all those dusty LPs into digital gold with this USB-ready turntable, or get started on that career as a DJ. Both MAC and PC compatible, it’s easy as pie with a plug-and-play guarantee and easy-to-use software that’ll have your hot tracks jockeying on the decks and on your MP3 player. The belt-drive turntable has two convenient start-stop buttons for multiple setup options, as well as anti-skating, 33 1/3 and 45 speeds (plus a 45 adapter), RCA and USB lines out, a 1/8″ stereo input, a built-in pre-amplifier, a cartridge and stylus, and rubber feet that won’t slip. The turntable also comes with all the software and cords you’ll need to get set up in a jiffy.

[posted by kris]

Purchase Information:

Price: $150
Availability: Buy USB Turntable here

CableBox by Bluelounge

Thank goodness for all the cable management stuff that’s on the market nowadays, because unsightly cords can ruin the feeling of a clean and organized space.

Under or on the desk, next to the computer, or behind the TV, loose tangled cables are always untidy dust traps. CableBox is the solution to solve these issues. Simply place your power strips or surge protector inside CableBox. No need to unplug anything first. Then stow away the surplus cable lengths, close the lid and done. Designed with cable outlets either side of the box, CableBox will fit almost every size power strip with extra space for the cords, adapters, etc.

Available in Black or White.
15.6″ x 6″ x 5.3″

Lacquer Docking Station

Available in mushroom, espresso or white, this lacquered docking station conceals the cords of your devices in one handy place.

A space-saving way station for cell phones, digital cameras, blackberrys, mp3 players and their charging kits. Wood construction with a glossy lacquered finish. Hinged back holds a surge protector, cords and plugs; rear cutout feeds cords to an outlet. Large drawer stores notes, pens and more. White, mushroom or espresso.

15″w x 9.25″d x 4.75″h.

Purchase Information:

Price: $49.00
Availability: Buy Lacquer Docking Station here

Phonofone II – Limited Edition Black

The
Phonofone II is now available in black(!).

“Through passive amplification alone, these unique pieces instantly transform any personal music player + earbuds into a sculptural audio console. Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone II inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibels.”

Material: Ceramic
11″ x 9.5″ x 20″ (28 x 25 x 51 cm)

Purchase Information:

Price: $600.00
Availability: Buy Phonofone II – Limited Edition Black here

Bamboo Charging Stations

Guess what material this new version of the KangaRoom Charging Station is made from…yep, the ever-so-recently-popular bamboo. Also, if you’d prefer to keep your gadgets close to the computer, there’s a monitor and laptop stand as well.

3 Pod Charging Station, 13″L x 3.75″W x 5″H: $45.00, Buy it here.

Monitor Stand and Charging Station, 14″L x 11″W x 3″H: $45.00,ร‚ย Buy it here.

Laptop Stand, 20″L x 12″W x 3″H: $45.00, Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $45.00
Availability: Buy Bamboo Charging Stations here

Humidifier Version III

I have Version II of this Naoto Fukasawa humidifier and I love it.

“The goal of the Japanese design house Plusminuszero is to turn everyday objects into art… and, as anyone who lives in a dry climate knows, humidifiers aren’t exactly the most aesthetic object in your house. That’s all about to change with the Humidifier Version III. With its compact frame and beautifully smooth surfaces, it not only works perfectly to control the climate but actually looks great while doing its job.”

Purchase Information:

Price: $207.00
Availability: Buy Humidifier Version III here