Crave

Probably owing to the sensory overload of the holidays, we at Crave feel compelled to repeat our mantra that less is more. Just after posting an item on an elegant special edition of LG's "Shine," we came across another example of a well-designed handset in the form of a VoIP phone.

What is most appealing about Lexon's "Lexphone" is the consistency with its surroundings. If you appreciate the clean lines of your MacBook or Sony Vaio, for example, the last thing you'd want to do is have some garish phone plugged into it, … Read more

Competition is usually a healthy thing in the marketplace, except when it comes to design. Companies have gotten so desperate to distinguish themselves that they too often resort to "special" or "limited editions," whether it be an 18k gold camera or a diamond-covered Mercedes. The result is often a monument to bad taste.

LG, thankfully, is an exception--and we're especially relieved because its new offering involves one of our favorite phones, the stainless-steel "Shine." The limited edition is essentially the same phone, save for a Korean poem engraved on the back in designer … Read more

It's take a few decades, but the technology industry is finally figuring out that one size definitely does not fit all. Recently, for example, we've seen mice and keyboards that come in mix-and-match sizes, even breaking apart in some cases.

But why limit this concept to the desktop? ezGear is applying that strategy from the neck up--starting, of all places, with the ears. Its new "ezEars SX50" iPod buds come with rubber earpieces in three sizes designed to custom-fit your aural cavity.

A snugger fit is a good thing from an aesthetic standpoint as well, to … Read more

What is it that makes accessory manufacturers think that media players need flashing lights? Griffin recently came out with its "Disko" case in all its blinking glory, much to the dismay of some true Apple loyalists. But at least that product had some practical protective use.

The "Lumi Flasher" by Japan's Trinity, on the other hand, is simply lights for the sake of lights, with one white and four red LEDs that plug into the iPod's dock connector. It does include a "flashlight mode," according to Newlaunches, but we're not sure … Read more

Not long ago, the idea of a video lens built into a pair of eyeglasses was little more than science fiction. Now, a Japanese company wants to make it a reality and even relatively affordable.

The "Teleglass" from Arisawa Manufacturing is a quarter-inch LCD that yields an image that's the equivalent of a 21-inch screen from about a yard away, according to I4U News. That's about half the size and distance of products such as RelaxView's glasses, but the Teleglass allows you to maintain your regular field of vision at the same time. (We must … Read more

Crave always appreciates an attempt to do something different, especially when it involves design--whether it succeeds or not. We're not quite sure which of those two categories this phone falls into, but it certainly is taking a novel approach.

Toshiba has apparently decided to take a bit of dramatic license in designing a new handset destined for the Japanese market, with countours that evoke image of stage curtains--hence the name of the line, "Drape." The phone continues its opera-house theme inside the clamshell, where you'll find an analog clock with a Cartier-style face bearing traditional Roman … Read more

Our overprotective parental genes have led us to express concerns about underwater electronics on more than a few occasions. It's that old radio-bathtub-electrocution warning from our childhood, not unlike the standard you'll-put-your-eye-out routine.

So even though it may not be scientifically necessary, we approve of the sealed-case design of this waterproof MP3 player from Japan's Sunconnection. The airtight casing has even skipped the usual display (gasp), though it seems to have most of the standard specs, Fareastgizmos says. And even if it does end up failing, you'll only be out $25--just hope that it doesn't … Read more

As part of our charitable holiday wishes, we've asked that people not neglect the MacBooks in the family while their iPod siblings get all the attention. The response, we're happy to say, has been admirable.

If you're looking for one more accessory to stuff in your laptop's stocking, the ever-fashionable Chip Chick has just the item: a "form-fitting leather wrap." The line of "Signature Suits" from Case-Mate come in various designs of black, white and red with contrasting accents.

The case covers are a bit on the high side at $149, but … Read more

In one of our more recent rants (there are so many to keep track of), we have been campaigning for wireless stereo speakers in the home. But in a way, Kleer has taken the concept a step further by putting them directly in the ear.

The company has launched a line of wireless earbuds that Red Ferret says can provide CD-like quality and 10 times the battery life of comparable Bluetooth technologies. The Kleer system is housed completely in the earphones themselves, eliminating the need for a wire between the left and right sides.

Although we're fond of the … Read more