Crave

In the hypercompetitive phone market, Nokia has apparently decided to take an Uzi-style approach and shoot at any design that moves. In the last few days alone, we've seen a "Powder Pink" model with a rotating display, a "Diamond Edition" in 24k gold and, now, a limited-run Lamborghini handset.

Like many other special editions, the stainless steel version of Nokia's 8800 Sirocco involves little change from the standard line other than some cosmetic effects, such as special Lamborghini ring tones. But Nokia does make one original claim, according to luxury blog Sybarites: "This … Read more

It's official: Nothing is sacred. Even though everyone and his dog seem to be making an MP3 player these days, we didn't think we'd see one from Crayola.

Its specs didn't exactly bowl over Engadget--"There's nothing all that remarkable about the MP3/WMA player from what we can tell: It's got a tiny screen, an SD card slot and is powered by a single AAA battery."

We'll take it a step further: Other than a blue LCD and some green accents, it barely has any color. Maybe we're … Read more

Neither Apple or Nike has announced the slick-looking accessory pictured at right, but somehow it's managed to sneak its way onto several gadget blogs. Called the Amp+, this fitness-friendly accessory was outed a bit early in the 2007 Men's Health Tech Guide. Sounds like another incident that occurred several months back. In any case, I'm thankful for the slip-ups because they mean we get some dirt a little earlier than usual, and that's always welcome. There's not much info on the Amp+, but it will likely work with the same proprietary Bluetooth transmitter that makes … Read more

Looking for a new music player but tired of the same old same old? This one definitely doesn't look like your standard fare.

Soundwave has come up with an MP3 ball less than 2 inches in diameter, complete with a tiny display and 1GB memory (in pink, of course) for about $77. And if it doesn't work as billed, you can always hang it on the Chrismas tree next to your eyeball-shape Webcam.

Contrary to popular belief, tubes are alive and well in high technology--just not on the Internet(s).

A Japanese company called Rockridgessound is using them in a new vacuum tube stereo system, which has a built-in docking station for the iPod and presumably other MP3 players. The VTS-384, as it is affectionately known, uses three high-quality EL84 vacuum tubes for a "warm and clear" sound, according to Fareastgizmos. It also goes for more than $600--proving that retro doesn't necessarily mean cheap.

Here's a bright idea that we found on The Gadgets Weblog: if people can't figure out how to conserve energy, maybe showing pictures of cute animals conserving energy would help them get the idea. Indeed, it's being implemented in an ad campaign by a French electricity company--see, the penguin is turning off a computer, and the meerkats are installing solar panels on the roof! As you may know already, I have a thing for penguins, so of course I think this is a cool idea. And seriously, how cute are those meerkats? (Bigger versions of all the … Read more

Toy guns have come a long way from the days of Nerf. This one, the Airsoft Submachine Gun featured on ThinkGeek, is about as far from those neon-green pistols as they get. It has freaking LASER SIGHT. And an illuminator flashlight built in. And it's so awesome, it comes with protective goggles. Not to mention the fact that it actually looks like a legitimate weapon, rather than something out of "The Jetsons."

If you're one of those types who's so hardcore that you play paintball in tanks, then yeah, maybe you'll like this. Just … Read more

Volkswagen is not really known for its off-road prowess, but that might be about to change with a new series of VW-branded sleds for kids. The snazzy snow-skimmers, which boast steering wheels and padded seats, come in a choice of trims inspired by VW favorites such as the GTI and the Beetle. There are no details on whether or not the sleds have brakes or whether they will come fitted with VW's steering impulse system, but they sure will have other parents glowering with envy on the slopes.

Source: CarScoop via Autoblog

As we part of our self-awareness work, we've admitted to having issues with exposed cords, an unfortunate situation that has led us on exhaustive searches for solutions. But here's one that had never occurred to us: a pot. Especially a pot from an Italian lamp maker.

The "Multipot Personal Electric Charger" hides five power outlets behind a "soothing light," according to Ubergizmo. Just jam all your cords into the pot like you were making a wire stew and let the lamp make it all seem like a planned look.

The $178 might seem a … Read more