Filed under: Gadgets

We just can’t get enough when it comes to iPhone cases and these new designs by Alexander Amosu are a welcome addition to the pack. Hand-stitched of exotic crocodile and python skins the cases feature an exceptionally simple pocket design that lets the texture of the leather shine as the main attraction. A great option for those looking to stash their precious iPhone in something stylish and convenient but not flashy or over-the-top, Amosu’s iPhone cases are available in a variety of colors (including red and a bright shade of cotton candy pink) and can be personalized with your name or logo. £600

Amosu Crocodile and Python iPhone 4 Cases originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos

Mercedes already loads its S-Class with copious amenities. Drive that bad boy over to Brabus, though, and they’ll be glad to add things you didn’t have the imagination to consider. The German tuner’s latest creation is the Brabus iBusiness, which is an S-Class stuffed with a giant engine up front and a giant load of tech in back.

The rear seats have essentially become plush, open-plan workspaces fitted with all things Apple: two iPads with keyboards, a 64GB iPod Touch, and a Mac Mini in the trunk displayed on a Mac monitor in the Alcantara headliner and controlled via a Magic Mouse. And that’s in addition to the monitors mounted into the backs of the headrests. The system is hooked into the car so that the S-Class systems can be ordered about directly from your seatback desk.

Pulling that office along is a 6.3-liter V12 with 750 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of usable torque. What’s the bottom line on that? About 3.8 seconds from zero-to-sixty and a top speed of 211 mph. We recommend you type or go for top speed runs because the brunt of 750 horsepower is not good for your words-per-minute. The price? Brabus didn’t say, but figure a little less than it would cost to buy Finland. A little.

Brabus Adds Power and iPads to the S-Class to make the Brabus iBusiness originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Sports

First came the Ciclò, a concept stationary bicycle by Italian designer Luca Shieppati. Then came a place in the Milan Design Museum for that Ciclò. Now, a year later, comes a retail version of the concept that will make your spinning more beautiful than it has ever been. Called the Ciclotte, the bike has been fitted with more usable bars - more like horns than handles - and a touchscreen to set and monitor your immobile progress.

Inside the circle are an epicycloid gear system and a magnetized wheel offering adjustable resistance. You can get it in three hues: carbon, steel, and, would you guess, purple. It will cost you $10,000 to place yourself aboard the Ciclotte and ride it to better fitness, but you can probably make your money back rather quickly if you charge a dollar every time someone asks, “What is that?”

Ciclotte is $10,000 Worth of Design, Exercise, and Spin originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

A new leather case from Sena Cases brings the iPad one step closer to functioning as a laptop. The new leather Folio Keyboard case comes with an Bluetooth integrated keyboard. The case offers a book style, side folding design and has an integrated recessed collapsible back stand which folds flush to act as a stand while holding the iPad at the proper angle to watch videos, surf the web, view slideshows, photos, and presentations. The Folio Keyboard case also has a velvet protective lining on the inside and multiple pockets for cards, IDs and even checkbooks if you are still using one. It has a strap and snap closure. It is available for pre-order for $129.99.

Sena Keyboard Folio iPad Case originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Chess boards are one of the most artistic and expressive games a person can own, often becoming part of a room’s decor scheme and its design serving to say a little something about the owner. Ralph Lauren’s Hammond Chess Set takes a sleek, minimalistic approach by serving up the classic game in contemporary blackened nickel, black leather and walnut. Of course the box is also meant to hold and store all the pieces and, designated a rare collector’s item, each board is numbered on a logo-etched plaque under the lid. 16″ x 16″ x 2 1/2″, $1995.

Via Bornrich

Ralph Lauren Hammond Chess Set originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Las Vegas is known for its over the top opulence and glamour and so it provided the perfect inspiration for Gresso’s new super-luxe Luxor Collection of mobile phones. Drawing aesthetic influences from both ancient Egypt and modern Las Vegas the collection includes two phone models: the Luxor Las Vegas and the Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot. The Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot is the shining star of the duo and features a case made of 18k gold with a back panel of 200 yr old African Blackwood and rare black diamond embellishments. The keys are each made of a polished piece of sapphire with the symbols and numbers being applied via laser. Only 3 Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot phones will be made for $1,000,000 each.

The Luxor Las Vegas is similar in design but without the black diamonds and sapphire keys. It, however, is not a limited edition and is priced at only $20,000.

Via LuxuryLaunches

Gresso’s $1 Million Phone: The Luxor Las Vegas Jackpot originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

The BlackTrail BT-01 electric bike from PG-Bikes costs as much as a luxury car and can give some motorcycles a run for their money in terms of features and speed yet technically it’s still a electric push-pedal bicycle. Made of carbon fiber, NASA grade aluminum, titanium, and magnesium forget pedaling because the bike can go as fast as 62mph for up to 100 miles on a single 2 1/2 hour charge. But it’s not all about speed as it also cruises easily at 20-30mph for convenient ‘about town’ travel and has brake lights, a speed indicator, and a stylish leather casing around the battery pack. The BlackTrail BT-01 is limited to 667 pieces for $80,000 each.

Via Dvice

The $80,000 BlackTrail Electric Bike originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Need to add some Euro luxury style to your iPhone? Well then the value proposition of this Montblanc Meisterstuck iPhone case should make total sense. Your iPhone will be able to easily slip in and out of this very straight forward design. The high-quality black leather molded case comes complete with Montblanc star logo letting onlookers know you shun silicon skin style cases. Given that you need to take your phone in and out of these cases to do anything with them - cases like this make more sense from a style rather than utility standpoint, but people still buy them, and having “Montblanc” anything is usually pretty satisfying. Not sure on price yet, but these should be available about now in Montblanc boutiques.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Montblanc iPhone Case originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Handbags

Temple is really going crazy with the iPad products, making everything from iPad bags to iPad portfolios to more traditional (if that word can apply to technology-related products) iPad cases and sleeves. Temple finds inspiration in vintage military pieces, often actually salvaging and repurposing old WWI era materials and products, resulting in stylish, sturdy, and environmentally friendly pieces that can enhance both your wardrobe and your lifestyle. The Leather iPad Case shown here is made of oiled leather and canvas and features both horizontal and vertical viewing options, a padded leather shoulder strap, one internal pocket and sells for $186. See more in the gallery below.

Via Acquire

Temple iPad Cases and Bags originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

The last time I had a voice/sound recorder it was the type that used those small cassette tapes. While you can actually still buy those, everything serious is digital now. Given that fact, you’d be surprised as to how much of a range in quality and features that exist. Here I review the higher-end Samson Zoom H2 Handy Recorder, a voice and sound recorder that is of pretty professional quality, but does a lot of things your standard big box electronics store voice recorder won’t do. While the Zoom H2 is perfectly able to record personal voice memos and interviews, it is specifically made to record performances - both musical and vocal. It has a series of four microphones, and you can manually adjust the range of its pick up, both in angle and microphone sensitivity.

Not only that, but you have the ability to select from a number of Mp3 and WMA recording formats. If I have lost you already, don’t worry, there is a substantial instruction manual that comes with the Zoom H2. It should be clear at this point that with its extensive options and features, the device has a learning curve, but it is worth it if you want anything more than the standard voice recording quality and system. The large microphone picks up minute sounds, though it is something hard to have them be loud enough on standard playback. The formats hunger for high quality audio equipment to complete the listening and editing process. It comes with a 1gb SD memory card that stores about 24 hours of data (in medium size quality). The device can use up to a 32gb SD card. The cards are removable, and can be put right into a computer. No complex software or special cables required to transfer data. Though you can easily connect the recorder to your computer to transfer files, or use it as a computer microphone.

Continue reading Samson Zoom H2 High Quality Sound Recorder Review

Samson Zoom H2 High Quality Sound Recorder Review originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Children

Whether you are leaving town for an extended period of time or just popping down to the beach for an afternoon, GoCrib makes sure baby can sleep while you’re on the move. Stuffed into a backpack this inflatable, lightweight, safe crib goes anywhere you travel. No frames to lock into place or complicated set-up, the GoCrib simply inflates in less than a minute through a dual-action pump or deflates through locked-open valves. Additionally, the GoCrib is constructed of anti-puncture materials free of lead, PVC, phthalates, and AZO dye.

Built for ages 0-3 for rest and ages 0-5 for play, the GoCrib is the same internal size as a typical playpen but only weighs eleven pounds including the pump, backpack and crib. That is almost half the weight of typical pack n’ plays! Modern, fresh and practical this innovative bed for baby retails for $249.99 through creator Guava Family with free shipping and a 1-year limited warranty. I’m getting one for sure — between soccer games, trips to the mountains and afternoons at the pool it is a cool essential I don’t want to leave behind.

GoCrib: Ultraportable Bed for Baby originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets, Handbags

Back in May we told you about the world’s most expensive iPad, a ludicrous solid gold version priced at $188,000. Now famed Italian luxury goods firm Tod’s is offering world’s most expensive iPad case, which in this case is actually in excellent taste. The luxurious case, finished in genuine alligator, is priced at $4,900 - almost ten times the cost of Apple’s un-embellished 16GB iPad itself. The one-of-a-kind accessory is handmade in Italy from the world’s finest grade alligator skin, and will be available in brown, blue and tan from Tod’s boutiques worldwide beginning in November. If that’s a little too rich for your blood, there’s also a version in buff colored calfskin for $495. Meanwhile Tod’s has also launched its first iPad app, called My Life Is In This Bag.

The app allows users to enter and experience the world of Tod’s and browse the brand’s collections, and also showcases virtual themed lifestyles. The app reveals the contents of six stylish and sophisticated women’s ‘D’ bags, the famed Tod’s model favored by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba. Along with snapshots of each bag’s contents, users can journey into the different lifestyles and personalities, including that of sexy socialite Lauren Remington Platt, and discover tips such as the most spectacular destinations around the globe with an insider’s guide to art and entertainment. See more images of the luxe cases and the app after the jump.

Continue reading Tod’s Launches World’s Most Expensive iPad Cases, Plus an App

Tod’s Launches World’s Most Expensive iPad Cases, Plus an App originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

What do you do when you need a cup of coffee, and need it fast? Start up your Ferrari espresso machine, of course! This machine is the brainchild of designer Ilgar Rustamov, and while it remains a concept at present, knowing Ferrari’s penchant for churning out branded…well, everything, it could be only a matter of time before we see it on store shelves.

The design, as you can see, centers around a Prancing Horse-emblazoned carbon-fiber racing helmet. Open the tab to pour in the water, lift the visor to brew your cup of espresso, and pull out the chin to pour out any excess spillage. You’ll be buzzing like an F1 engine in no time.

Nespresso for Ferrari Coffee Machine originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Karim Rashid and bubbles seem a natural match. The color-loving designer has already done designs for Veuve Clicquot and now he’s partnered with another maker of something bubbly–SodaStream. The new Karim Rashid Genesis Limited Edition soda maker will be available exclusively at Bloomingdale’s and only 250 units will be available in the United States. SodaStream home soda makers turn water into sparkling water and soda in seconds with no batteries or electricity.

“By using this machine, the average family can save over two thousand bottles and cans each year, which is fantastic! I am honored, really, to work with SodaStream to create a machine that can have this kind of impact in the world,” said Karim Rashid in a press release.

The Karim Rashid Limited Edition series includes a specially designed soda maker with a design of boldly swirling colors, two BPA-free reusable carbonating bottles and a reusable carbonator filled with CO2 to make approximately 60 liters of sparkling water or soda. It sells for $129.99.

Karim Rashid’s SodaStream originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

I will admit it, most gadget carriers stink. This includes the legion of available backpacks meant to hold your laptop computers and other gear. Why are they bad? Well, aside from being really poor in quality, they are ergonomically and logically flawed most of the time. I’d love to think that every item meant to be worn or carried around goes through a series of ergonomics tests to ensure they work well and are comfortable. How false this is. Most of them make the problems they intend to cure even worse. A few examples? How about laptop bags with insufficient padding so that your computer is susceptible to damage when you put it on the floor. Or straps and a weight distribution that hurts your back unnecessarily. This basically includes ALL messenger bags meant to hold anything but light weight documents. So I’ve painted a pretty dismal picture. Is there hope? Of course. Which leads me to a my own personal concept of luxury backpacks - that being ones that look good, work well, and are comfortable. Leave the fine leather and luxury brand names to purses and wallets.

Brands like Booq do their homework before releasing items into the market. It isn’t that their products are perfect, but rather that when you uses them you genuinely feel that thought was put into their design and function. I’ve owned an assortment of their products, and am continually impressed by the experience. My newest Booq is the Boa Flow laptop computer carrying backpack. It comes in a few sizes and I have the “M’ (medium model). There is a larger model that will fit more stuff, but is mostly meant to house large sized (17 inch screen and a bit above) notebook computers. One this I really like about the Booq Boa Flow is that it is able to hold other stuff as well. Booq has designed in a bunch of other large and small pockets and cargo areas. Some of these are quite dedicated. Such as for cables, water bottles, umbrellas, cameras, and other items. Despite the medium size, I can carry my 15 inch notebook computer, a host of cables, some pens and other stationary, an iPad, a few magazines, umbrella, and some documents - all with comfortable room for more. The Boa Flow is even an improvement organizationally from their previous Python model. Materials wise Booq only uses fine ballistic nylon, sturdy zippers, and other quality materials. The designs of their stuff looks really cool as well. Not too dorky, but certainly futuristic enough to impress people. Plus, that black with orange trim is a great looking motif. Some of the materials are a bit scratchy, but don’t really affect the wearing experience that much. This includes the orange mesh material on the back part of the bag. Again, that doesn’t affect you unless you are wearing the bag without a shirt on.

Continue reading Booq Boa Flow M Laptop Backpack Review

Booq Boa Flow M Laptop Backpack Review originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Dining, Gadgets

Never underestimate what a man will do for steak. In the case of George Stephen, Sr., what started out as an attempt to protect precious meat eventually turned into the company now known as Weber, the winner of the Luxist Readers’ Choice Award in the best grills category.

Stephen’s inspiration came in 1952. Frustrated by the windblown flames emanating from his open backyard grill-and the resulting impact on his steaks-he decided to take matters into his own hands. He headed over to Weber Brothers Metal Works, his place of employment, and created the prototype of the dome-shaped grill that would become Weber’s trademark product.

Though nearly 100 million American households now have outdoor grills, the market hadn’t yet exploded when Stephen invented his strangely-shaped contraption, which was pricey ($50) compared to the standard open grill ($7). His friends made fun of him-until Stephen’s invention started selling. By the late 1950s the product was so successful that Stephen was able to buy his employer’s factory and devote it to producing cooking surfaces.

Continue reading Weber Wins the Luxist Awards’ Readers’ Choice Award for Best Grill

Weber Wins the Luxist Awards’ Readers’ Choice Award for Best Grill originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Ulysse Nardin is best known for high end watches but they also offer an upscale smartphone called the Chairman, which comes in several different gold and steel color combinations plus a glitzy flagship model, the Chairman Diamond Edition. The exterior is sleek and bright with an 18k white gold casing, more than 2,000 handset brilliant-cut diamonds, and white ceramic trim while the inner technical specifications are no different than the other Chairman phones and include a 3.2 inch touchscreen, HD video, 32G of memory, and a unique watch-inspired self-winding power mechanism on the back that supplements the battery. $129,000

Chairman Diamond Edition Ulysse Nardin Smartphone originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

Earloomz, a maker of Bluetooth headsets adorned with designs featuring Paul Frank, Hello Kitty, NBA all-star teams and more is going Gaga, Lady Gaga that is. Earloomz has created a special “The Fame Monster” headset and is also offering a contest to celebrate the launch. Earloomz is sending two lucky winners to meet Lady Gaga at her sold-out concert in Las Vegas on August 13, 2010. The prize package includes: airfare, hotel accommodations for each winner and one guest, transportation to and from the airport, and concert venue. Winners will be invited to an exclusive meet-and-greet with Lady Gaga backstage. Contestants will receive one entry for every Earloomz Bluetooth purchased on www.Earloomz.com before midnight August 10, 2010. The design shown above is just one of four Lady Gaga designs. The Earloomz GL500 Glamorous Life line features Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR technology, noise cancellation, Mic noise reduction, lower power consumption, voice prompt, support multiple devices, and 16-bit resolution audio which can greatly enhance audio quality. The series sells for $59.99.

Earloomz Launches Lady Gaga Headsets With Concert Giveaway originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Dining, Gadgets, Sports

There are fans and then there are the superfans, the absolutely obsessed and devoted. For baseball fans looking to take their loyalty all the way to their toast there is the Pangea ProToast. The toasters don’t just have a team logo on the side, they toast your favorite Major League Baseball team’s logo onto one side of the bread. The current model is the lower end model and sells for $34.99 but a higher-end chrome model for around $60 or $70 is in the works.

Fans can also grill up their food at a barbecue with Team Grills, a line of gas grills featuring the logos of baseball, football and basketball teams on the porcelain-enamel lid. Grills start at $399 for the small tailgate version.

[via Cool Business Ideas]

Baseball Toasters For The Truly Obsessed originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gadgets

I wish my clothes felt this protective. Booq’s new Taipan Spacesuit XS iPad sleeve style case is a seriously nice sleeve to protect your “precious.” An iPad never felt this nice. It is a good mix between protection and portability though. Probably as good as you get can get without going to a hard case solution. The Taipan Spacesuit XS features a 3mm thick neoprene shell that is water resistant against light spills and liquid drops, and can absorb a good deal of abuse. The exterior comes in a few colors (berry, silver, and black), and has a nice sheen as well as texture. It feels very soft on the skin. Like all Booq products (the Mercedes of bags and cases for the tech crowd), it has a very good zipper with double zipper pulls. The zipper pulls are even cushioned to ensure that if they brush against your iPad or other things, the zippers won’t scratch them.

Inside the case is a silky soft plush interior that reassuringly feels as though it wont damage or scratch your iPad in any way - no matter how many times you put it in, and take it out. In the scheme of iPad cases, the Booq Taipan Spacesuit XS is pretty nice. While no sleeve type iPad case seems to have this feature, why doesn’t anyone add a strap or something? Only complaint I have is that the zipper ends bulge just a little bit that disturbs the streamlined shape, but that is minor if anything. Price is $29.95, and you can get it online at Booq’s website or other Booq retailers.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Thanks to Booq for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Booq Taipan Spacesuit XS iPad Sleeve Case Review originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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