Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Ghostbusters Ecto 1

We've seen a lot of expensive movie memorabilia before, but nothing as cool as this. The Ghostbusters Ecto 1 ($150,000) is the 1959 Cadillac that the 'Busters drove in the original film. As fate would have it, that isn't the only movie the car has made an appearance in — it was also featured in In the Heat of the Night, starring Sidney Poitier. Sure, it's $150K, but it's also one of the most unique and memorable cars in movie history.

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

Windows Vista arrives tomorrow. While I'd normally mock Microsoft for copying Apple yet again, frankly I'm just really, really happy that Windows is getting a facelift. If you're a diehard PC user, Vista is most definitely a must-have upgrade that will literally transform the way you use that ugly Dell. While there's an insane amount of different versions available, you might as well go for the big dog — Windows Vista Ultimate Edition ($380 for full version; $250 for upgrade). It's got tons of new features, including a sexy new interface called Aero, a more intuitive user experience, instant search, enhanced digital entertainment for digital photos, music, movies and TV, and more robust security.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Hands Free Soap Dispenser

Bring a little of today's automated restrooms home with this Hands Free Soap Dispenser ($40). An infrared sensor detects when your dirty mitts are under the nozzle, and then dispenses an amount of soap that you set via a switch. Its stainless steel body will look great in almost any bathroom, and you won't have to be constantly refilling: it holds up to 7 1/2 oz. of soap.

NM Limited Edition 2007 Lexus GS 450h

Another premium gift found in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is this limited edition Lexus GS 450h ($65,000). The hybrid luxury car is available in an exclusive exterior color, “Crystalline Ice,” and merges a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine with high-output electric motor rear-wheel drive for more than 300 horsepower and great fuel economy. The interior has leather and wood details, Mark Levinson surround sound, voice-activated DVD Navigation System with Bluetooth, back-up camera, and a power meter that replaces the tachometer. Better hurry if you’re wanting one — only 75 will be made.

Victorinox Vadin Shirt

This super high-quality Vadin Shirt ($80) from Victorinox (the company behind Swiss Army knives and tools) is made from a durable cotton/nylon blend, and its stripes make it just classic enough that you'll keep it around for many years to come. But it's not just a looker — it has a handy mobile phone pocket inside the left chest pocket.

Diesel Zaf 772 Jeans

Everybody needs their own favorite pair of "weekend jeans." If you haven't found yours yet, take a good look at the Diesel Zaf 772 Jeans ($170). They've got a mid-weight whiskered wash, a slight flare at the ankle, and with a cut that's comfortable, but not too extreme, they'll be your go-to jeans for a long time — no matter if you're watching the game or shopping for drapes with the wife.

Jura-Capresso Impressa Z6

Capresso's new top of the line model, the Impressa Z6 ($3,600) is a coffee powerhouse. With push-button controls and in-machine handling of bean grinding, brewing, milk frothing, and drink mixing, you'll end up with perfect cappuccinos and lattes that are sure to be the envy of all your house guests. In addition, the customizable coffee-strength settings and programmable buttons that store various users' beverage preferences make sure that everyone in your home gets their fix of joe exactly how they like it.

Thaw Candle

A renewable candle holder wasn't exactly at the top of our priority list, but damn, is it cool. The Thaw Candle ($40), designed by Mathew Jackson, will look great in almost any environment. Simply freeze the mold overnight, light your candle inside, and watch the shade melt back into the mold, ready to be frozen again. Plus, if you're the type of person who forgets about burning candles, we imagine the water surrounding the candle will provide extra piece of mind.

Aliph Jawbone

Product designer Yves Behar has lent his touch to the new industrial-looking Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset ($120). What makes this wireless headset so unique, besides its good looks, is special ambient noise reduction technology that continually adapts to a person's changing environment to provide a quality listening experience. This cool technology includes a voice activity sensor for measuring your voice and built-in software for filtering out background sounds.

The Office Valentine's Cards

Show your love for The Office at your own office with this great Valentine's set ($10) with eight cards featuring Jim, Pam, Dwight, and Michael. While awesome, they unfortunately don't feature Dwight's best love advice: "Women are like wolves. If you want a wolf, you have to trap it. You have to snare it. And then you have to tame it. Keep it happy. Care for it. Feed it. Lovingly, the way an animal deserves to be loved. And my animal deserves a lot of loving."

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Banana Republic Men's Fragrances

Banana Republic recently introduced two great fragrances for men — Slate and Black Walnut ($45 each). Slate, our favorite, has a more crisp scent, featuring a blend of glacier citrus water, silver sage, ginger root. Black Walnut is more "refined," as BR says, combining cognac, tobacco leaves, and cedar wood.

Bike Chain Bottle Opener

Sometimes simple ideas are the best ideas, and I'm starting to get that feeling about the Bike Chain Bottle Opener ($12). Made with flexible, recycled bike chain as a handle and an anodized aluminum opener head, the idea is simple, but the execution and final product is simply genius — at least, that is, after six or seven Coronas.

Vintage Architectural Coffee Table

Sometimes the best top for a coffee table is your own stuff. The Vintage Architectural Coffee Table ($2000 and up) offers a glass top with access to the shelf underneath for displaying magazines, artwork, collectables, etc., and drawers underneath for extra storage. Due to the vintage nature of the tables, they may have small imperfections from wear and tear, but as we see it, that only adds character to what is already an outstanding, attention-grabbing piece of furniture.

Wallpaper City Guides

If you're a traveler and want better advice when visiting a city than your standard Fodor's or AAA Guide can give you, check out these Wallpaper* City Guides ($9 each, $180 set). From the same folks that bring you Wallpaper* magazine, these guides are pocket-sized and come in discreet solid colors so you don't look like a tourist. The collection includes 20 guides right now, with 40 more planned by the end of the year.

Bvlgari Aqva

We know that this cologne smells great and comes in a beautiful bottle, but we sure as hell haven't heard of the things it supposedly smells like — you're lying if you say you've heard of petit grain, santolina, posidonia, or mineral amber. Bvlgari Aqva for men ($48) may try to be a little too svelte, but we'll allow it this time.

Nambe Tilt Barware

The Tilt decanter set ($195) brings a sexy and unconventional look to your home bar. The set, which includes two double old fashioned glasses, has a unique slanted design that will instantly upgrade your horribly mixed drinks.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Victorinox Swissmemory Multi-tool

While we have to admit that carrying our trusty Swiss Army knives everywhere has become a semi-hassle in the post 9/11 world, this new gadget/tool might just make it worth our while. The Swissmemory Multi-tool from Victorinox ($190) features a removable 1GB USB flash memory dongle, a blade, nail file, screwdriver, scissors, key ring, LED mini light, and a retractable ball point pen — everything you need for that trip to Tijuana.

Bears vs. Colts Snack Helmets

If you'll be sitting at home watching the big game next month like us, you might as well make the most of it with some junk food in a replica Bears or Colts helmet. The Snack Helmets ($50) have a large container up top for chips and a smaller tray with two compartments in the facemask for peanuts, candy, dip or your favorite antacid.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Wallet Calculator

Sure, the wallet pen is cool and all, but it won't help you figure up the tip after a nice dinner with too many glasses of wine. Never under-tip or over-tip again with this super slim solar-powered wallet calculator ($17). It's about the size of a credit card and comes in beige or grey.

CableGuys

Speck Products has announced a new collection of friendly cables for Apple's iPod called CableGuys. The company is offering an audio/video cable ($20), an iPod-to-USB cable ($20), and a 3-pack that includes RCA cables, a computer speaker cable - 1/8" mini plug input, and a headphone splitter ($25).

New Balance 8505

I have to admit that these New Balance 8505 ($85) are tempting. The NB Zip cushioning in the heel helps you keep your bouncing stride, while Abzorb SBS cushioning in the forefoot offers robust shock absorption. Steve's shoes they're not, but sometimes even he needs a change of pace.

Sony Reader

This digital device from Sony lets you read eBooks from anywhere on its high-resolution, paper-like display. About the size of a paperback, the lightweight Sony Reader ($TBA; available this spring) holds up to 80 average-size books in digital format and also has Memory Stick and Secure Digital (SD) flash memory card slots. It sports a 6-inch screen, battery life equivalent to roughly 7,500 page turns, and can also store and display personal documents in Adobe PDF format, web content like blogs or news feeds, and JPEG photos. Sony's Connect store plans to offer thousands of downloadable eBooks — fiction and non-fiction, bestsellers, well-known authors, classics and more — along with software to manage purchased eBooks and easily transfer them to the device.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Abstract LED Wristwatch

We've made jokes about watches being hard to read in the past, but none of them quite match up to the newAbstract LED Wristwatch ($90). The face of the watch features numerous LEDs that are used to tell the time, and completely confuse anyone not familiar with the system. 12 lights are used to indicate the hour, along with 3 for every 15 minute interval, 14 for the minutes inbetween, and 3 to show the seconds. It looks cool, is pretty affordable, and will be incredibly frustrating to anyone else. What's not to like?

Beatles 'Fab Four 67' Tee

Most of the time, a tee from the Hard Rock Cafe says nothing more than "I'm a tourist." However, when you mix in HRC's eye for rock memorabilia and Trunk's rock tees, it says something completely different. The Trunk Beatles "Fab Four 67" Tee ($50) is a re-issue of the classic tee, printed on a handmade 100% cotton shirt. Just one in a line of classic re-issued rock tees that include AC/DC, Black Sabbath, and the Grateful Dead.

Stainless Steel and Concrete Ring

A lot of guys don't like the idea of wearing rings for fashion — they think that it might somehow make them "girly." Well, there's nothing "girly" about this ring. The Stainless Steel and Concrete Ring ($170) keeps it real manly with a wide, thick stainless band that has a core inlay of concrete. Wear this, and display your man ring with pride.

Nintendo Family Tree T-Shirt

Nintendo has a storied history of console and handheld gaming machines, and with one more being recently added to the list — the Wii — it's the perfect time to rock a shirt like this Nintendo Family Tree T-Shirt ($20). Starting with the NES, the tee shows the progression of Nintendo's consoles and handhelds through the years, all the way down to the Wii and both versions of the DS. Our only question: Where's Virtual Boy?

HP TouchSmart PC

We're normally not fans of anything Hewlett-Packard, but this new all-in-one HP TouchSmart PC ($TBA) definitely gives Apple's iMac a run for its money. The TouchSmart features a 19-inch HD widescreen with adjustable touch-screen display for "walkup-up" computing (think kitchen countertop). The unit provides one-touch wireless access to digital photos, calendars, radio, TV, movies, digital music, and the Web. Inside it's got an AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core processor, 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 320GB hard drive drive, a slot-loading SuperMulti DVD burner, and an integrated 1.3-megapixel HP WebCam with built-in array microphone.

TrekStor i.Beat Organix Gold

The bling is in your pocket with the TrekStor i.Beat Organix Gold MP3 Player ($20,000). This ode to outrageously expensive justifies its price tag by being cast in 18-karat gold with 63 diamonds totaling one-karat. Oh, it also holds 1GB of music and has dual headphone jacks as well. Shipping from Amazon (hopefully) in a plain cardboard box to keep Mr. UPS
from getting any ideas.

VillaWare Waffler

Make Sunday morning breakfast a little more fun with the VillaWare V2002 UNO Belgian Waffler ($48). This heavy duty waffle maker spits out 7 1/2" round waffles that are 1 1/4" thick. It also has a non-stick coating to keep your waffles intact, seven browning settings and a ready light to help keep your morning treat from becoming overcooked.

Video Watch

We're pretty sure someone once promised us as kids that we'd soon be watching TV on our wristwatch. We're not sure about you, but our watch still just tells the time. ThinkGeek's Video Watch with OLED Screen ($130) is ready to change that in an affordable way. It's got a 1.5-inch (128 x 128 resolution) full color screen that displays video and images, and also offers MP3/WMA playback (earphones included) and 6 equalizer modes. A built-in microphone allows recording of notes to self or conversations.

MoGo Mouse

If the thought of owning a slim, wireless mouse which lives inside your laptop intrigues you, check out the MoGo Mouse. Available in ExpressCard/54 Card and PC Card flavors, the ultra-thin wireless Bluetooth mouse sports an intelligent battery management system that recharges in minutes, and features advanced optics and a center scroll pad.

Friday, January 19, 2007

iDrops iPod Cleaner

So you've got an iPod, and you've had it for a while. Undoubtedly, it's starting to show some wear and tear in the form of scratches and blemishes in the plastic. Well, iDrops ($15) were made just for you. Using a special formula, iDrops allow you to restore your iPod's plastic to "like new" levels of shine and clarity simply by applying a couple drops on the surface and rubbing. Sounds like magic, and works like it too.

Banana Republic Slim Stripe Shirt

When summertime heats up, it's time to ditch those heavier, darker dress shirts and find something more "beach friendly" for your nighttime escapades, like the Banana Republic Slim Stripe Shirt ($60). It features a classic, clean button-up front with laid back details like a spread collar, triangular side gusset for flexibility, and a wrinkled look so you won't get all sweaty simply trying to make your shirt look good. Just throw it on, grab a Corona (hey, it is Cinco de Mayo after all) and relax.

Levi's Skinner Manchester Jeans

Levi’s new Capital E line of jeans has caught our attention, all with one pair — the Skinner Manchester ($180). Low rise with a tight fit through the knee and a flare leg starting at the calf, this pair of denim also features an intense weathered look that is hand-finished — no less than fifteen craftsman work on each pair before they head out the door. Hey, it’s hard to doubt the company that started the jean business in the first place.

Nike MaxSight

If you're really serious about your game and tend to do everything in your power to get a leg up on the competition, you should take a look at the Nike MaxSight sport-tinted contact lens ($60). The innovative product not only filters out harmful light and rays, it also helps you perform better by eliminating glare and enhancing contrast. Grey-Green is for sports played in bright sunlight (golf, running, training), while Amber is for sports with a fast moving ball (soccer, tennis, baseball). But probably the most important part of wearing these things is the way they mess with your opponent's head. Seeing that "Oh my god, he looks like a demon!" look on the dude's face as he's heading towards second base is priceless.

Victorinox Novgorod Down Parka

Coats can do okay in the cold weather, but if you really need to stay warm, a parka is your best bet. The Victorinox Novgorod Down Parka ($550) is one of the best we've seen lately, with plenty of pockets, down insulation to insure that you keep the cold out and the warm in, an oversize hood with fur ruff, and military styling. Three feet of snow? Bring it on.

Guess Simon Dobby English Shirt

This great button-down shirt from Guess sits right between formal and casual — perfect for a night out. The Simon Dobby English Shirt ($80) has got subtle vertical stripes and long sleeves with double cuffs. If black is too dark for you, Guess also offers a starlight blue color. And remember, a crewneck undershirt should not be worn with either.

Diesel New Commando Cap

You can't go wrong with a cadet-style knit cap like this one. Available in brown or black, the Diesel New Commando Cap ($40) has a contrast stripe and embroidered Diesel logo across the front.

Levi's “Love And Peace” 501 Jeans

The folks at Levi's informed us a very cool fashion art project they recently completed. In honor of the iconic Levi's 501 jean, Caroline Calvin, Levi's U.S. Senior Vice President of Global Creative Design, has created a huge mural using 35 pairs of 501 jeans as a blank canvas. Inspired by the theme of "Love and Peace," she referenced the famous "Great Wave" woodblock painting by Japanese artist Hokusai and handpainted a large crashing wave over the jeans. The complete collection was shown at a private event last night in Los Angeles for the first and last time. Only 12 pairs ($1000 each) are being sold in the U.S. — five pairs are at the Levi’s San Francisco flagship store, two at the Levi’s Beverly Hills store and five at Barneys in New York.

Baseball Bowling Ball

This unique bowling ball from Storm's Sports Series lets you combine America's favorite pastime with America's most popular indoor sport. In addition to the baseball bowling ball ($80), there's also balls made up to look like a golf ball, basketball and soccer ball. Despite how lame you think the "regulars" down at the lanes are, they'll more than likely appoint you their new king when you whip this thing out of your bag.

Umbro by Kim Jones England Coach Jacket

Even though it was officially scored as an own-goal, Beckham's superb free kick at the beginning of Saturday's game versus Paraguay got us running around the house screaming as if we were rabid football fans sitting in a London pub. To celebrate the 1-0 victory, we went looking for some new England gear. The Umbro by Kim Jones England Coach Jacket ($320) was easily the coolest item we found. It's part of a limited edition World Cup collection that will be worn by team players on non match days in Germany. The jacket was designed after the famous one worn by Sir Alf Ramsey when England won the Cup in 66. Plus, you can go all Fresh Prince and reverse it to sport a monogram print.

Evisu - Oki-ni Beanie Hat

It's time to start busting out the warm headgear again, and we can't think of a better hair-hugger than this. The Evisu/Oki-ni Beanie Hat ($75) is part of the Evisu/Oki-ni retro sportswear collection, and comes in both black and a terrific grey with light blue contrast stripes. In addition, this 100% cotton hat also features a chain-stitched red logo of "the godhead over laid with the Evisu seagull." Whatever it is, is sure looks good.

Abecrombie Upper Hudson Sweater

Forgoing all of the usual warnings about Abercrombie making you look like a college jock, this sweater would make a damn good addition to your casual winter wardrobe. The Upper Hudson Sweater ($90) is made from 95% wool/5% cashmere and comes in five Thanksgiving-ready colors. Plus, Abercrombie's tiny embroidered moose logo is strangely alluring. Much better than a polo player. I mean, who the hell plays polo anyway?

Wilson Official NFL Game Ball

Sure, any old ball will do when you're just throwing around the pigskin, but when it comes to hosting your annual family flag football game, you need to step things up a notch. The Wilson Official NFL Game Ball ($90) will help you do just that, with its high-quality leather construction and "Official game ball of the NFL" cred. Plus, this one happens to be a limited edition, with the signature of former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on the ball.

Lee 101 Rider Jacket

I've searched high and low for a jean jacket authentic enough to lay down the cash for. I finally found the perfect one with Lee 101 Rider Jacket ($150). From the company's 101 denim collection, based on the classic Lee styles of the 30's and 50's, the jacket has a slim fit and just enough weathering. It's exactly what you'd expect from the inventor of the jean jacket. Word is that James Dean was a fan. That's good enough for us.

Anon Realm Goggles

We're certainly no experts when it comes to winter sports, but we do know one thing — these are some seriously cool goggles. The Anon Realm Goggles ($160) feature de-centered spherical lens technology and an interchangeable air mesh ventilation system, which amplifies your field of vision and lets you control your ventilation levels. They come in several different styles and colors, but we're big fans of the Black Leather/Gold Snake combo shown here. Hit the slopes in style.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Double-Walled Beer Glasses

Here's a classic beer glass with a twist — it's insulated to keep your beer cold and the glass from sweating all over you. TheseDouble-Walled Beer Glasses ($75/set of 6) are made out of a material that's used to make scientific lab glass and are way stronger than traditional glassware.

Sean John Unforgivable

Now before you get all in a huff about the fact that we're featuring the artist formerly known as "Puff Daddy"'s fragrance, realize that it's the best-selling men's fragrance right now. Sean John Unforgivable ($55) features notes of Sicilian lemon, champagne accord, Mediterranean air accord, clay sage, and rum just to name a few, it features a deeply masculine yet luxurious scent that is both unexpected and reassuring at the same time.

Motorola KRZR

Following months of unofficial photos and leaked info, the Motorola KRZR ($480; Q3 2006) has finally been announced. The KRZR will be Motorola's new flagship phone, sporting a design that's narrower and sleeker than the ultra-popular RAZR. The phone combines a metallic gloss finish, magnesium, polished chrome and hardened glass, and will be available in both GSM and CDMA versions. Both feature a 2-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth audio, an updated phone directory, new messaging applications, expandable memory up to 1GB, and integrated music players (no iTunes, though). The CDMA KRZR also has touch-sensitive music controls, advanced EVDO data services, and location-based services capabilities. No word on colors yet, but we'd take this thing in primer gray.

ThinkGeek USB Snowbot

What do you get when you cross a Cylon with a snowman? The ThinkGeek USB Snowbot ($15)! The desktop accessory is powered by a USB port, looks like Frosty, and has an evil-looking scanning LED robotic eye which can be changed from blue to red at the flick of a button. To make this sinister snowman even more diabolical, it can emit a Cylon-like sound and has rotating metal arms.