Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

While Apple’s latest ultra-thin keyboards might not appeal to everyone (I can’t say I’m that big a fan of the actual key design) there’s no arguing they do look pretty slick. So if you’ve already made the upgrade to the latest models you’ll be glad to know that WaterField Designs quite literally has got you covered. Well, the keyboards that is.

They’ve just announced a new custom-fitted keyboard sleeve for both the ultra-thin wireless and wired models. The sleeves are padded on the inside, wrapped in a water-resistant outer shell and come in 6 muted and tasteful colors.

The sleeves comes in either a short version for the Apple wireless keyboard ($37) or a long version for the Apple wired keyboard ($39).

[ WaterField Designs Apple Wireless Keyboard Sleeves ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Hot on the heels of Apple announcing their revamped iPod line, WaterField Designs has just released three new cases designed specifically for the new additions to the iPod family. The WF Designs Smart Case and Suede Jacket Case which I reviewed earlier for the iPhone are now compatible with the iPod Classic, the new Nano and of course the iPod Touch. The company also sells an iPod Travel Case designed to store the player and all the cables, chargers and other accessories you need to travel with.

I particularly recommend the Suede Jacket Case as a cheap and easy way to keep your iPod scratch-free when carried in a pocket and even you Shuffle owners can now enjoy the added bit of protection it offers.

The iPod Smart Case runs between $29-$39 depending on what style you choose and should be available by September 30. The iPod Travel Case runs between $35-$39 depending on what size you choose (small, medium & large) and the iPod Suede Jacket Case runs between $5-$9 and both are available now.

[ WaterField Designs Creates Cases for Apple’s iPod Touch, iPod Classic and iPod Nano ]

By Andrew Liszewski

It’s no secret that I’m the type of person who takes very good care of their gadgets and while at times it might border on paranoia in the end it usually pays off when I get bored with the device and want to sell it for a decent return. It’s also no secret that while the iPhone was one of the most anticipated gadgets to come along since the invention of gadget blogs it’s also turned out to be one of the most fingerprint prone devices I’ve ever touched.

So even before I asked the salesperson at the Apple store if they had any iPhones in stock I first made sure they had screen protectors available since I had no intentions of even touching the phone until it was properly protected. While at the Apple Store I was also tempted to buy a protective case for the phone but being a fan of WaterField Designs I figured I would wait and see what they were cooking up instead.

Thankfully after only a brief wait the company released their iPhone Smart Case and iPhone Suede Jacket Case which I had the opportunity to take a look at. If you’ve been in the market for a case for your iPhone and haven’t been that impressed with what’s available at the Apple stores you can check out my full review of WaterField Designs’ offerings after the jump.

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By Andrew Liszewski

I have no complaints when it comes to the amazing 3D graphics seen in today’s more popular video games but I’m pretty sure in 20 years they just won’t have the same retro appeal as classic Atari or Coleco games do now. I can’t imagine a t-shirt with a scene from Halo or GTA will be as appealing as the simple but easily recognizable graphics of a game like Space Invaders.

In fact looking at this shoulder bag it makes me wonder if the patterns seen on Louis Vuitton bags weren’t inspired by this well organized invasion force that many of us wasted countless hours trying to stop. Either way if I had to choose I’d go with the Space Invaders and the fact that the bag’s made from PVC instead of leather is extra incentive.

Get it from dcx design complex for about $50.

[ Rockza Space Invaders Bag ] VIA [ Shiny Shiny ]

By Andrew Liszewski

San Francisco based WaterField Designs has just released an updated version of their Racer-X laptop bags to accommodate Apple’s 13-inch MacBook. In addition the bags have received a bit of a design update and now have an “easy-to-access” front pocket and a choice of either a single mountain bike grip handle or dual leather handles. And besides your laptop the bags also have extra pockets and compartments for storing other toys.

The Racer-X features two zippered, interior compartments: one that encases and protects the laptop with layers of plush neoprene, foam and impact-resistant plastic; and another for documents and files that includes pockets to store accessories like PDA’s, iPod’s, cables, and spare batteries. A rear exterior pocket for magazines and files has a zippered bottom so it can also be used to slip over handles of wheeled carry-on bags. Each Racer-X comes with a removable Suspension Shoulder Strap that helps make the load feel lighter.

The Racer-X is available on the WaterField Designs website starting at $169 for the 12 inch Powerbook/iBook version and up to $189 for the 17 inch MacBook Pro version.

[ WaterField Designs Racer-X Laptop Case ]

By Andrew Liszewski

For those who consider the airports of their world their second home this rolling luggage cart can not only be used to carry your laptop bag but also includes a sturdy pop-up desk. If you’re really looking to get some work done it’s probably a far better alternative than trying to use your notebook while it’s balanced on your lap.

The desktop is integrated into the carts molded ABS and lightweight anodized aluminum frame, and it unfolds at the touch of a button into a platform 26″ from the floor, secured by the telescoping handle at two points and reinforced by a Y-brace underneath. The platform can hold up to 20 lbs., and can accommodate a 17″ wide laptop, or a smaller laptop with an external mouse. The carrying platform can fit a 36″ business case, yet the 17 3/4″ width of the cart allows it to maneuver in airplane isles. When fully compacted and stowed, it will easily fit into an overhead compartment.

It should be available from Hammacher Schlemmer closer to the end of June for $159.95.

[ Rolling Luggage Cart And Desk ] VIA [ bookofjoe ]

By Andrew Liszewski

The Tom Bihh Zephyr is basically the little brother to the Empire Builder briefcase I reviewed almost a year ago. (Where does the time go?) Just think of the Zephyr as the mid-sized version designed for people looking for something more compact but with similar functionality.

The main compartment opens extra wide thanks to a unique ‘bellows’ system and includes plastic dividers for organizing files and other documents inside the bag. It can also be used to carry a laptop when combined with one of the Tom Bihn Brain Cell padded cases. But there’s nothing stopping you from sticking an unprotected laptop in there either.

A large front flap with three outside pockets is used to hide a larger zippered pocket underneath as well as a pouch featuring 3D pockets for PDAs, cellphones and anything needing a bit more protection. My favorite feature is the ‘roll-aboard’ slot on the back of the bag allowing it to be stacked on top of a suitcase and secured to the extending handle making for one less thing to carry when traveling.

The Zephyr is currently available on the Tom Bihn website in a variety of color combinations for $140.

[ Tom Bihn: Zephyr ]

By David Ponce

In an interesting bit of design ingenuity, the Brenthaven iPod flip case protects everyone’s favorite digital music player from the elements, while at the same time doubling as a kickstand. The suede-lined case made of Napa leather features a specially sized slot on the back, into which you insert your player so it stands upright. You’re then free to watch your videos comfortably, without having to carry around a separate stand for it, or trying to balance the player between paperweights.

Best of all, it’s only $25.

[ Product Page ] VIA [ Popgadget ]

By Andrew Liszewski

While ‘The Buzz’ sling-style bag has been available from Tom Bihn for a while the company just redesigned it to accommodate laptops as large as the 15.4 inch MacBook Pro. Sling bags are kind of a mashup between the best parts of a courier bag and a backpack. They’re typically worn over the right shoulder (or exclusively with the Buzz) and allow you to access your stuff without having to be removed like with a backpack. And unlike a courier bag they can be easily worn when riding a bike or during other activities since they’re held tightly against the body.

The main compartment on the Buzz will easily hold a laptop and a couple of notebooks (the paper kind) protecting them in a 1/4 inch foam laminate sleeve. There’s also additional pockets for stashing whatever else you don’t want stored in your pants as well as a water bottle holder on the exterior and a cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap. And while the company promotes the Buzz as being designed for the MacBook Pro it will actually fit any similarly sized laptop for the Windows/Linux crowd.

The Buzz is currently available on the Tom Bihn website in 11 different color combinations for $120. (Trust me, they’re worth every penny.)

[ Tom Bihn: The Buzz ]