Awesome Tech

The 1980s gave us computers that shared a case with their keyboard. Pentaform’s Abacus returns to that by attaching a tiny Windows computer to its keyboard. It has an Intel Cherry Trail CPU with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0/3.0, Micro SD, and HDMI 2.0 outputs, as well as a trackpad and a 40-pin GPIO connector.

Marques Brownlee aka MKBHD is very selective when it comes to responding to review pitches. But for one whole month, the tech expert said yes to every review request he received. This compilation clip includes reviews of a casket, a wearable air conditioner, an electronic hand warmer, and a Coca-Cola smartphone.

The vast majority of computer mice are made out of cheap plastic. Artist Uri Tuchman wanted to create something with a bit more substance, so he took the electronics out of a mouse and painstakingly crafted a new enclosure out of brass then engraved it with an ornate filigree pattern.

Apple fans, here’s a fun addition to your desktop. Classicbot’s Trashbot 2.0 Stationery Set includes a Macintosh Finder-inspired metal whiteboard, along with Trashbot and Errorbot figures, as well as folder, floppy disk, and mail icons with magnetic backs. It also includes 100 sticky notes that look like computer windows.

This sturdy aluminum laptop stand from Twelve South gets your MacBook up off your desktop. Its adjustable piston lets you change its height by up to six inches, while textured silicone on its arms keeps laptops from sliding around. It also has a cutout in its base to hold Apple’s official MagSafe phone charger.

This high-tech measuring device reinvents the ruler. The NeoRuler uses a sliding marker to measure lengths and shows precise measurements on its digital display. It can display different units and scales, divide into increments, and save data to a mobile app. Add-ons include a pen holder, a magnifier, and a caliper.

Wist uses your iPhone or Oculus Quest headset to capture live 3D models of memories and lets you play them back as an augmented reality experience in the same location. Because of technical limitations, the models and textures have a weird torn-edge look straight out of science fiction. Sign up to join the waitlist.

This chic little bag makes a huge difference in keeping you organized. Instead of tossing all your EDC accessories in a backpack pocket (AKA “the black hole”), the Mujjo Tech Kit compactly carries a laptop cable, mouse, phone, phone charger, EarPods, and pen. Opens flat for easy access. For more space, try the Tech Case.

Unlike most portable power banks, the MoveSpeed LightPro is kind of stylish. It packs an 80,000 mAh battery pack, so it’ll have no problem charging phones, tablets, cameras, or even a MacBook Pro. It has three USB-A and two USB-C ports and a maximum 130W output. A built-in handle makes it easy to tote around.

Look Mum No Computer is known for building some crazy electronic music makers. He’s also a master of wiring and programming modular synthesizers. He put together this fantastic arrangement of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons that’s every bit as good as Wendy Carlos’ analog synth classic Switched-On Bach.

This handsome bamboo valet tray is the perfect spot to empty your pockets. The right tray features a built-in Qi-compatible wireless charger for your phone, while the left side offers plenty of space for your wallet, keys, watch, and other everyday items. It supports 15-watt charging, and its base has non-slip pads.

It seems far-fetched that back in the 1980s, you could accurately predict what technology we might have in our homes 30 years later. But this BBC broadcast from December 1989 offered nearly spot-on predictions of home automation, flat-screen TVs, wireless charging, voice assistants, smart thermostats, and more.

Wood model maker Ugears was clearly inspired by robots when they engineered this mechanical marvel. Once assembled, the six-legged creature ambles along on smooth surfaces when you wind its spring. The 388-piece, flat-pack model takes about 8 hours to assemble.

Your laptop is one of the most important tools for work, school, and modern living. But they’re easy to damage. Fortunately, there are lots of great bags with specially-padded compartments for safely carrying your computer wherever life takes you. Our pals at Everyday Carry hand-picked 15 of the best laptop bags you can buy today.

These premium over-the-ear headphones are not only notable for their sound but their looks. Neodymium drivers and bio-cellulose diaphragms provide crisp audio from 5 Hz to 45 kHz. Their outer covers are made from bamboo or teak wood, while sheepskin leather earpads provide comfort for your longest listening sessions.

Mehdi Sadaghdar was jealous of the views of an obviously fake video showing a magnetically-powered water cannon, so he decided to try and create something real that would approximate the same effect. Naturally, his experiments involved playing with dangerous electrical currents. Get ready to lower your expectations, folks.

Starting with the Maschinenmensch in Metropolis, robots have been a staple of science-fiction movies for a century. Using a series of AI-generated art, Stillskates explores the origins and evolution of on-screen robots and how they started as dangerous and powerful characters and gradually became comedic and helpful.

This unique macro keypad features an aluminum and acrylic case based on the shape of the Nintendo Gameboy Advance. It has nine programmable keys, six triggers that look like a D-pad and start/select buttons, along with two clickable scroll knobs. It’s also got RGB backlighting. Available in five color combos.

When it comes to 3D printers, bigger is usually better, so you can print large or multiple objects. But My N Mi went the opposite direction and engineered a 3D printer you might find in a dollhouse. Despite measuring just 18 x 31 x 41 mm, the palm-sized resin printer makes surprisingly good prints. Here’s another tiny print sample.

Learn about circuits, soldering, and writing code with this duo of CircuitMess electronic music makers. The Synthia is a digital beat maker and sampler, while the Jay-D is a miniature DJ mixer with audio effects, built-in speakers, and a sweet LED light show. Grab the bundle for a special price in The Awesomer Shop.

Anker’s sophisticated monitor stand might not be the cheapest on the market, but it’s incredibly useful. The sturdy stand has an aluminum alloy surface, and packs a USB-C hub that can power your laptop and multiple devices via two USB-C ports, three USB-A ports, and a wireless phone charger built into its top. It also has Ethernet, audio, HDMI, and SD/microSD ports.

Designer, writer, and engineer Marcin Wichary created this extensive visual history of keyboards and the people who use them. The two-volume set is packed with 1300 photos and numerous stories about the amazing mechanical device that changed the world in so many ways.

These desktop speakers are engineered to focus their sweet spot on their user. They use balanced mode radiation drivers and passive radiators to cancel unwanted vibrations. Inputs include a 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth, plus a subwoofer output. They work vertically or horizontally and can be outfitted with colorful magnetic grilles.