retro

While I was at the three-day WonderCon convention in San Francisco this past weekend, not only did I get an eyeful of loads of comics books and celebrities like the original Lois Lane, Noel Neill; Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson; and Chase Masterson (Leeta from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). I also got some great schwag.

Standing toward the back of the hall at Moscone South was what appeared to be a majestic Borg cube-esque structure of T-shirts, hoodies and the like. It was there that I not only found a classic Amazing Spidey shirt, but a Namco Pac-Man belt. … Read more

Maxwell Smart would be so proud. While we've seen other high-tech uses for footwear, most notably GPS devices, what we've really craved is an authentic shoe phone.

So even though we'd prefer that it come in the form of an oxford or loafer, we'd be happy to have a tennis shoe version like this Sports Illustrated collectible found by Red Ferret. Unfortunately, it's corded, which would definitely put a crimp in our sit-com spying missions. But for top-secret conversations in person, we at least have the "Cone of Silence."

It's Wednesday afternoon. The work week's over halfway done (assuming you're in the States). So here's a really cool video for you to enjoy: the 1902 silent film Voyage Dans La Lune set to a mesmerizing techno soundtrack. It'll boggle your mind! Then you can head over to YouTube for part two.

What's the gadget angle, you say? Well, um, they're building a spaceship. That counts.

(Via Table of Malcontents.)

This is the funniest YouTube video you will see all day. Yes, funnier than that video you just watched of the cat who can play the piano while walking on a treadmill underwater. It's even funnier than that video of the skiier dressed up as Borat who falls off a roof and into a hot tub full of naked people. It's a Canadian news broadcast from the early '90s about the mystical phenomenon known as "Internet." Dial-up noises and all! Guaranteed hilarity!

Sure, it's not new, but I just saw it for the first time, … Read more

If you take a '70s boombox and digitally morph it into the future, you'd have this iPod speaker system. It even takes the same kind of power supply as its forefathers--eight D-size flashlight batteries, which means it's not something that can be tossed easily into your messenger bag.

Harman Kardon's "Go + Play" does bring the concept into the 21st century with a 120-watt amplifier, twin Atlas drivers and twin Ridge drivers. But iLounge observes "one serious oddity"--it doesn't include full support for the Nano. And at $350, that could be a … Read more

We're not terribly fond of retro designs, as we've mentioned before, but the "Retro Console Music System" does get high marks for effort. Unlike other items that just slap an old analog face on some digital innards, this system at least tries to integrate its new players into a unique hybrid design that still looks distinctly like something from yesteryear.

Unfortunately, it doesn't update its music technology far enough. Although Chip Chick notes that it includes a CD changer, turntable, radio, cassette decks and two-way speakers (what, no 8-track?), the $300 system doesn't appear … Read more

Okay, so maybe it's not as all-out of an office-roadster tribute as the Mini-Desk, but this Vespa desk clock, a favorite of ThisNext readers, is still pretty cool--and probably a lot more reasonable. The Vespa clock's vintage styling and streamlined design, modeled off the headlight of an original 1946 Vespa scooter, would make a lovely addition to the most chic of office spaces.

But therein lies the problem. It's certainly aesthetically pleasing, and quite classy, and that's kind of why I'd be hesitant to get one. It'd clash horribly with my current desk decor … Read more

If you saw our recent item on the shrine to the Mac and wanted to build one of your own, here's your chance to get started.

Gizmodo notes that 40 Macintosh Classic IIs are for sale on eBay, with bids starting at $799 for the whole lot (or you can buy them now for $999). But as others have noted, they're not exactly a bargain--especially when you consider what a pain it is to get rid of any old computer these days, now that they're classified as hazardous waste. But hey, if you're looking to spruce … Read more

This retro business has got to stop. Phones, radios, TVs, even alarm clocks we can understand (sort of). But humidifiers?

Frontgate, whose pretentious and overpriced catalog items often exemplify bourgeois waste (and questionable taste), remains true to itself with its "GermGuardian Digital Humidifier." Red Ferret sums it up cheekily as "just perfect for recreating those Amazonian jungle safari memories," which says it all to us. Where is J. Peterman when we need him?