T-Mobile Sidekick 2008
Now available: the latest iteration of T-Mobile’s chat-friendly Sidekick. The 2008 version gives you more features (2.0 MP camera, higher resolution screen) for less ($150 w/contract, smaller size).
Deal: Used Crossover SUVs
From status symbol to pariah, SUVs aren’t on many shopping lists lately. Bargain hunters, however, may find a deal with many used crossovers (Benz, BMW) dropping up to 30% in the last 6 months.
Sea-Doo Seascooter Explorer
The possibilities are endless: a fake shark fin, beginner’s swim class at the local YMCA … all jokes aside, Sea-Doo’s Seascooters are ideal for divers with a max depth of 50m and speed of 3.3 mph.
Sorapot Tea Pot
Normally sedate tea time turns swanky: Sorapot’s curved stainless steel frame forms both handle and spout, with a clear pyrex cylinder to keep an eye on your tea. Available brushed or mirror polished.
Troy Paiva’s Night Vision
Photographer Troy Paiva’s book, Night Vision: The Art of Urban Exploration, is a must read. Using a technique called light painting, he mixes flashlight with moonlight to produce otherworldly photos.
Nvidia GeForce 9500 GT
Nvidia’s GeForce 9500 targets the sub-$100 video card market and competes with ATI’s Radeon HD 3850. Not for serious gamers, but it’s a good mainstream card with low power use and noise.
Shoes by Generic Man
Brand and logo snobs need not apply: Generic Man’s shoes are simple and refined. They’re not cheap, but high quality construction and timeless looks ensure they’ll outlast any fad.
Netgear Wireless-N Upgrade
Netgear’s Wireless-N Upgrade Kit features an access point that plugs into your existing 802.11g/b router or gateway. Also included: a Wireless-N USB adapter which is 802.11g backwards compatible.
Star Wars Auction
To be auctioned Aug. 1 for a cool $170k, this is the TIE Fighter that bumped off Darth Vader in Star Wars IV: A New Hope. Cheaper: C3PO’s shoes, Cantina alien head and Imperial officer costume.
Dell Studio Hybrid
Dell’s new Studio Hybrid is 80% smaller and draws 70% less power than standard desktops. Available in six colors and bamboo, it features an HDMI port, 8-in-1 media card reader and optional Blu-ray.
Lightning GT
It’s got 700 hp, goes 0-60 in 4 seconds, and still has space for luggage. The best news? This British-made sports car (available in 2010) is all electric and goes 200 miles on a 10 minute charge.
Sony FW Series
The world’s first 16.4″ laptop, Sony’s FW Series gets a bigger screen in a 15.4″ footprint. Other specs: 6.4 lbs, 1600×900, MacBook-style keys, and optional Blu-ray RW drive.
Dead Space Trailer
EA’s third-person space zombie shooter is getting a gory animated movie prequel. Titled Dead Space: Downfall, it’s slated for a DVD/Blu-ray release alongside the game in October ’08.
weRobot T-Shirt
51 robots from film, television, books and toys, all packed onto one tee shirt. It’s almost too much for our giddy 12-year old inner child to handle. Available in charcoal, black or red on Alstyle shirts.
HTC Touch Diamond
HTC’s Touch Diamond is a GSM phone with a 2.8″ touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera and clickwheel. Its most unique feature: a glossy, faceted back which is also a bit of a fingerprint magnet.