way back, way nice
We just can’t get away from the old stuff, can we? No sooner do they start making cell phones tiny enough to fit into a teacup, than we go out and start buying add-ons which make them look like a brick. Crazy! So why then are we surprised to see that some enterprising soul has come up with a kit for converting an old manual typewriter into a fully functioning USB computer keyboard?
If you share a living space with other people who like to eat, there’s a good chance you have to safeguard the food you put in the fridge. Sometimes housemates don’t even know boundaries when you put your name on something. While you don’t want to have it out with someone over food, there are ways to keep your munchies away from sticky fingers by having a mini fridge. There are all different kinds of options out there, but how…
Who can resist the lure of the vintage years? The cosy fireside mealtimes, the gentle smell of polluted industrial wastelands mixed in with all that lovely…cough…cigarette smoke? There’s no question that the old times were the best times, otherwise why would we all constantly try and recreate them by turning our modern things into retro toys?
Don’t be fooled by all the pale imitations, this Rubiks Cube Seat Table is Pantone color matched to look just like the original game cube, and it’s ten times as versatile. Not only does it do service as a go anywhere seat, but it also doubles up as a coffee table and even opens to reveal some valuable storage space for all your important little knick-knacks and so forth.
There were some things that we consumed as kids that are probably better left to memory than to experience again (Tang, Surge, PB Crisps). It’s the same as going back to a place you used to love as a child, and somehow ruining the magic of the experience you once had there. Thankfully though, there are some memories that we can relive, and will never get old. Some of those delicious memories are waffle and french toast sticks.
In the technology business you really know people are upset when developers start producing fixes for your product before it’s even been officially launched. And this is doubly true when the errant company is Microsoft and the product has anything to do with their Windows franchise. Remember the uproar when they completely altered the MS Office look and feel?
MP3 players used to be fun, wacky and interesting and then the iPod killed the joy. Everybody tried to make them cool and sleek and boring, so now they’re either shiny white or dull dull. The whole thing is sad. But luckily there are still crazies out there, who know how to bring a bit of humor back into the gadget world.
Somewhere, in an alternate universe far away in space time, there’s a world where the invention of the World Wide Web stalled and never moved on from 1992. In that universe, people developed websites with all sorts of fancy navigation, services and functionality, but the only tool you could use to access it was the Lynx Web Browser, the oldest browser still in use. What does that online world look like to those user? We have the answer.
If there’s one thing we love it’s when manufacturers combine bang up to date technology with a sense of classic style. The Germans seem particularly adept at this sort of stuff – take the Leica X2 as an example – but there are also other examples we can think of which are just as good. What is it about old style design that is so cool?
You know what the world needs? More retro. All this gleaming chrome and glossy colors stuff is all right, but after a while it all begins to look the same. Maybe that’s why we’re starting to choose more materials like bamboo, to try and restore some sense of quality to the whole tech gadget thing.
What is it about retro style that gets the emotions pumping? What, you think I’m joking? Take a look around and notice how nice you feel when you see something made long ago which is still working well. Or something you cherish because it brings memories flooding back. See? That’s the power of retro.
Walking into an arcade is like no other feeling in the world. Different lights, music, and sounds of buttons clicking away surround you, and you know that this is the day. The day you’re going to walk right up to that same machine you visit almost ritually, and claim your rightful place as number one.
We’re easily confused. Sure we know it’s London Olympics year and all that, but when did the jolly old Brit flag return to favour as a fashion statement? The last time we remember this kind of stuff, was on an Austin Mini cruising down the King’s Road in 1967, and hardly any of the locals took any notice even then.
One of the depressing things about modern gadgets is the mostly bland, grey plastic design of most of the top sellers. OK, so Apple is the standout with its gorgeous designs, but for the most part consumer technology comes in any color you like as long as it’s grey drudge. What the tech world needs is more adventurous designers and marketeers, and this bunch look like they fit the bill.
Sometimes, you look in the mirror, and say to yourself in a deep voice, �I’m Batman.� It’s okay, none of us judge you for it, mostly because we do it too. However, if you really want to start making the jump from just thinking you’re the Dark Knight to really looking the part, you can purchase the $188,000 Batmobile Replica.
