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We love it when design incorporates environmentally responsible principals. Such is the case with internationally recognized design company, Artecnica. Not only do we think their Design w/Conscience philosophy sexy but we simply love their products.

Case in point is this minimalist yet functional laptop case. The description is from Artecnica's site.

Sustainable billboard cases lined with neoprene comes in two sizes: 13" and 15" Crafted from 100% MAL/TBWA billboards and neoprene, this die cut case collection is designed to provide a soft laptop cover and a portable work station.

The exterior provides a protective shield while the neoprene lined inside surface helps prevent scratches on your shiny tech. When open it looks like the flaps act as a surface for an optical mouse. This is a beautiful replacement for the ho-hum laptop sleeve.

This is a new item for Spring/Summer 2010 so no pricing yet.

So it's official @ 1:10 pm EST., Apple's latest gadget is called the iPad. We like iTablet or iSlate better. It's Apple's answer to the Tablet PC. It looks like a big iPhone and works like one too sans phone part. Apple iPad video here.

10 hrs battery life,
0.5" thick
1.5 lbs
9.7" display
full capacitive multi-touch
1 GHz Apple A4 Processor
16 GB - 64 GB Flash storage
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Wifi 802.11n
Speaker, Mic, 30-pin connector
Accelerometer & Compass
onscreen QWERTY keyboard
offer 3G models that are unlocked!

Runs iPhone apps natively so no modification necesary. Built-in iTunes, Google Maps, iPhotos, e-mail, web-browsing but no Flash(?), YouTube & YouTube HD, even an iPad specific iWorks app (really? yawn).

New York Times developed an iPad native app for reading their publication.

A new e-reader app developed by Apple called iBook to compete with the likes of Kindle and Nook. There's also an iBook Store of course. Publications are in ePub format. To provide content Apple has partnered with Penguin, Macmillan, Simon & Shuster, McGraw-Hill etc..

The pricing:
$499 for 16GB iPad (base model)
$599 for 32GB
$799 for 64GB
3G models cost an extra $130 @ $629, 729, and 829 with 3G + WiFi


Availability: Shipping in 60 days for WiFi only models and 90 days for 3G models.

Last night on CNBC the CEO of McGraw-Hill let the cat out of the bag on Apple's big announcement today. He confirmed that Apple would be releasing a tablet device. As if the world didn't already know! Mr. Jobs has the final word so this could be a red herring? Nah! View video here.

A supposed image of what the tablet looks like also surfaced. It certainly is in line with the rumours that the tablet will be a much larger version of the iPhone/iPod Touch. We like!

Media outlets, fan boys and anyone who pretty much love Apple products are closely watching Jan. 27th. Why? They are waiting for Steve Jobs to announce the highly anticipated and speculated (many years now) Apple Tablet. As expected the name and details are hush hush but the most popular names are iTablet, iSlate or iPad from what we gather.

The other rumour is regarding the launch of a 4G iPhone that will work on Verizon Wireless's latest network later this year. Whatever it is, it's sure to send Apple stocks soaring.

From the Scandinavian collective, Urbanears, comes 2 new headphones with classic 80's styling and a rainbow of colour choices.


Plattan is a full size pair of "cans" and can (no pun...) fold down to the size of your fist for portability. Besides the retro good looks and colour options, I really like the "zound plug" built into the earcap allowing for sharing via standard 3.5mm stereo plug. Spread the love!


Tanto uses the same technology but is designed to be more portable than the Plattan. Reminds me of the old Sony Walkman headphones....er, so I've read cuz I'm not that old! ;)


Available now and prices range from MSRP $39.99 USD for the Tanto to $59.99 USD for the Plattan.

In case you've never heard of Urbanears:
"Urbanears makes headphones that fit your everyday life. With a legacy in functionality, we supply the perfect listening device for anyone with a pocket full of music and a wish to make the most of it. Our three models all display individuality and expression to match preferences in size, style, design, function and relation to music."

Read more @ urbanears.com

We often come across gadgets that are so geeky it's just cool and some that are sexy but not necessarily useful and often expensive. On the rare occasion we see something that's equally hi-tech, Dead Sexy and affordable.

From Hybra Advance Technology comes the ORB Wireless Earpiece Finger Ring aka the ORB. The ORB* is essentially a Bluetooth headset that transforms, literally, with a twist from a finger ring to a fully functioning BT headset.


How does it work?
The ORB uses piezo-electric Distributed Mode Actuator technology from NXT*. Huh? Simply put it harnesses NXT's bone conducting audio technology which delivers high-quality sound without having to place the device in-ear. The ORB is placed over the upper ear between the ear and side of head. The receiver end of the headset rests just above the jawbone.


Features:
-Class 2 Bluetooth (~30-ft/10-m range) in multiple ring sizes from S (4-6), M (7-9), L(10-12) to XL (13-16) for men and women.
-All sizes have an expansion hinge, spring prongs and adjustable adhesive soft pads on the interior edge to ensure a custom fit.
-Vibration alerts of incoming calls and messages.
-The base model features an E Ink display (only black & white) that shows caller ID, text messages and calendar reminders.
The deluxe edition features a FOLED (Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen for full-color display. Nice!
-Waterproof.
-Home charging base that also acts as storage and amplified speaker for alarms and reminders.


Availability?
Base model O.R.B. is scheduled to launch in January 2010, MSRP $129 USD.
Deluxe edition is due in April 2010, MSRP $175 USD.
The Limited edition designer models are also due in April 2010 with their price based on the value of the gemstones incorporated into the device. Swarovski or real bling?
Unfortunately there's no news on where you can buy it so stay tuned.

Yes the ORB does sound like something out of Star Trek or TekWar TV series (yes I'm showing my Geek!) but don't worry it's not going to make you look like a sci-fi convention fan boy/girl. It's much too subtle and stylish. Think of it as Star Trek meets Sex and the City.

We wanted to checkout the ORB in person at CES 2010 but the working unit was off at a meeting with distributors. We can't wait to do a full review on the ORB. Until then checkout our review of current BT headsets on the market here.


For more info see www.hybratech.com.

The ORB received the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010 Best of Innovation winner in the Wireless Handsets Accessories category.

*ORB is an abbreviation of orbital ring Bluetooth
*NXT is best known for its flat panel loudspeaker technology found in many consumer electronics from Acer to Sony Ericsson.

Photos courtesy of absolutelynew.com.

Razer, the makers of pro gaming hardware release 2 new products for 2010; Razer Onza Xbox 360 Controller and the Razer Chimaera Headset

DSM dropped by the Razer booth @ CES 2010 to checkout their 2010 products. See video here

Hilmar Hahn introduces us to 2 new gaming gear:
Razer Onza Professional Gaming Controller for Xbox 360
Razer Chimaera Professional Gaming Headset for Xbox 360

1. Razer Onza Professional Gaming Controller for Xbox 360
MSRP: US $49.99; Euro 44.99

Features:
* Razer Hyperesponseô technology
* Adjustable Tension Analog Sticks
* Programmable Multi-function Button
* Wired Control for Virtually Lag Free Gameplay

2. Razer Chimaera Professional Gaming Headset for Xbox 360
COST: US $129.99; Euro 109.99

Features:
* 5.1 Channel Virtual Surround Sound
* Circumaural Design
* Daisy-Chain Cable System allows multiple base stations to connect for private communication channel

The Chimaera is also PC-compatible.

How many of us wake up in the morning to the blaring noise of an annoying alarm clock? I'm betting that's most of us, yours truly included. I know the alarm clocks are made intentionally to be annoying but wouldn't it be nice to wake up to something less jarring?

May I presents the Philips Wake-up Light Music. 30 minutes before your wake up time the Wake-up Light gradually lights up simulating a natural sunrise. If that isn't enough to get you out of bed the light offers the option to be woken up by four natural sounds or the radio at the end of the 30 minute period.


According to Philip the sunrise light simulation increases the level of energy hormones in your body and prepares you to wake up, ensuring that you feel completely well rested. Uh ok... Anyways, the Wake-up Light comes with an iPhone/iPod docking station and a LED display that projects time and icons from inside of the product.

Cool. MSRP $199.99 USD or $169.99 without the iPhone/iPod dock.

Liquid Image Co. known for it's underwater camera mask will be releasing 4 new POV (point of view) cameras at CES 2010 in Las Vegas. Read Press Release

Gefen announced it will be releasing the GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer. Press release below:
Las Vegas, NV - The GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer with Dolby comes in handy and has a big impact on the way we listen to our home television programs. Most of us can recall being blasted by different volume levels as we channel surf, listen to CDs, or watch television programs with commercials airing periodically. Some of the audio is conspicuously louder, but those days are over.

GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer

Enables a smooth transition and a consistent level of volume when listening to different CDs, television programs, movies, and commercials. It automatically equalizes audio from different sources to ensure a steady volume. Everything is heard at the same intensity, making for a more enjoyable listening experience. When watching movies, it supports Dolby encoded formats for a high quality performance. The device comes with analog (L/R) and digital (TOSlink, S/PDIF) inputs and outputs, and has a selector that determines which audio is stabilized. Users connect the Stabilizer to their source and output it to speakers, a receiver or a flat panel display. The Stabilizer automatically levels the volume so users can enjoy consistent sound on their home entertainment systems.