OK. So we promised you on last week's episode that we would do a single-purpose gadgets episode this week. Turns out, promising that type of thing in advance isn't such a good idea as we actually had to work to find gadgets that fit the theme. So we made it, but admittedly by the skin of our collective teeth. It's all worth it for the segments, though. Patience, young grasshopper!
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EPISODE 149
Sony responds to Kindle onslaught with Reader Touch and Pocket
Pancake machine churns 200 flapjacks per hour (thanks, Peter Lee!)
Multiblade pizza slicer guarantees perfect-sized slices
Lava Lamp returns as Mathmos Fireflow
A Propos (of) Nothing
The Wall-E USB drive is too cute for even baby talk to describe
This week in hello kitty
Hello Kitty limited edition Casio Exilim EX-Z2
It’s About Time
Darth Vader clock radio has no patience for your sloth
PRETTY
Bugatti Diva espresso machine inspires poetry
Potty Time
Public urinal lets you pee into the wall
Kill Me
Sony’s new “Girlz Play Too” campaign
Pink Watch (Kill Me Edition)
ChicBuds “by women, for women”
(Credit:
Handpresso)
Impossible as it may seem, some claim that there are actually places on earth where a Starbucks is nowhere to be found. We think this urban legend, but there's a new product that lends credence to this theory.
Handpresso's "Wild" is a portable gadget that can make espresso while camping or anywhere else, even where there's no electricity, because it's operated with a hand pump. Gizmag says it does need hot water, though, so be sure to carry matches unless you're traveling with a Boy Scout in need of a caffeine fix. As for us, we'll stick with the BMW.
(Credit:
De Dietrich)
If you have a caffeine habit that even remotely approaches ours, you've probably given at least a fleeting thought to trading in those Starbucks gift cards for your own espresso machine. And this latest model from De Dietrich is sure to make the idea all the more tempting.
Built-in espresso makers are nothing new, but the DED700X's technology seems to elevate the process to an art form. For starters, it has an LED screen, touch controls, and all kinds of digital indicators to help keep you from messing up. Just imagine: As many venti soy chai lattes as you can handle, available in the wall right above the microwave.
The only problem--and it's a big one--is the price, which weighs in just shy of $2,100. Then again, at our rate of consumption, we should probably get a return on the investment in a couple of weeks.
(Credit:
Starbucks)
Lest our gentle readers get the impression that we consume only alcoholic beverages at Crave, we feel obligated to feature an appliance for this holiday season's designated drivers as well. And just because it's non-alcoholic, that doesn't mean it can't look good.
The "Sirena" is an espresso machine from the drafting boards of BMW Design Works created for Starbucks, according to Uber-Review. As addicted as we are to the bean, however, we can't see spending $600 for one of these even if it does have a "commercial-quality portafilter and patented back-pressure adapter that will adjust to the grind of your coffee."
By the way, what is it that possesses luxury carmakers to create coffee makers? We suppose it does make more sense than other kitchen appliances, such as a toaster from Bugatti or Porsche. At least the caffeine will make you drive faster.
(Credit:
Whirpool)
Contrary to popular belief, we really are responsible types here at Crave (sometimes), so we don't want to leave the impression that we advocate refrigerators that feature only alcoholic beverage dispensers, whether they serve wine, beer or hard liquor. (We'd rather combine that function with the TV or pool table, for the sake of practicality.)
For the teetotaling Craver we suggest Whirlpool's new "Espresso" fridge, which has a built-in coffee maker and water filter so you can be your own barista without ever leaving the kitchen. Appliancist says the java fridge was "designed by Whirlpool engineers mainly for the British market, where people consume close to 70 million cups of coffee every day." So much for tea.
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