Retro

Okay, so maybe it's not as all-out of an office-roadster tribute as the Mini-Desk, but this Vespa desk clock, a favorite of ThisNext readers, is still pretty cool--and probably a lot more reasonable. The Vespa clock's vintage styling and streamlined design, modeled off the headlight of an original 1946 Vespa scooter, would make a lovely addition to the most chic of office spaces.

But therein lies the problem. It's certainly aesthetically pleasing, and quite classy, and that's kind of why I'd be hesitant to get one. It'd clash horribly with my current desk decor … Read more

One of digital technologies benefits has always been saving trees--or so we thought. It seems somewhat ironic then that such products as wooden computers, TVs and cameras appear to be on the rise.

Either way, we should have known that techno-fashion accessories wouldn't be far behind. Enter MoMA's wooden laptop tote, which is purportedly made from "ecologically thinned cedar," whatever that is. Shiny Shiny says you must pay for the privilege of being on the cutting edge, of course, to the tune of $265. But you'll be the envy of everyone at the next Gilligan'… Read more

It's a classic case of high tech meeting low tech. For the security-conscious listener, Japan's Elecom has a new line of locking cases for the iPod.

We're not talking about DRM kind of locks here, but the kind that we used to lock up our 10-speed bikes in junior high, complete with a four-digit combination. It even has a steel cable just like the old bike locks did too--which means it could be snipped just as easily with a pair of medium-sized wire cutters. (Not that we know any of this from first-hand experience or anything.)

Despite … Read more

If you saw our recent item on the shrine to the Mac and wanted to build one of your own, here's your chance to get started.

Gizmodo notes that 40 Macintosh Classic IIs are for sale on eBay, with bids starting at $799 for the whole lot (or you can buy them now for $999). But as others have noted, they're not exactly a bargain--especially when you consider what a pain it is to get rid of any old computer these days, now that they're classified as hazardous waste. But hey, if you're looking to spruce … Read more

This retro business has got to stop. Phones, radios, TVs, even alarm clocks we can understand (sort of). But humidifiers?

Frontgate, whose pretentious and overpriced catalog items often exemplify bourgeois waste (and questionable taste), remains true to itself with its "GermGuardian Digital Humidifier." Red Ferret sums it up cheekily as "just perfect for recreating those Amazonian jungle safari memories," which says it all to us. Where is J. Peterman when we need him?

With its silver filigree accents, the design of the new Vije Deluxe is vaguely reminiscent of the old Mutoscopes found in penny arcade museums. But instead of sepia-toned Westerns, this little number from will be featuring your very own image--with autofocus, even.

SavitMicro claims that its latest offering, a 2-megapixel Webcam, will ensure that your mug always stays sharp (whether you want it to or not, depending on how rough a night you've had). Akihabara News even included a video clip to show its focus mechanism in action. It looks pretty good, so we'll have to get over … Read more

Last Wednesday, the execs in charge of the latest Aqua Teen Hunger Force marketing campaign got a bit more publicity than they expected when the city of Boston called in bomb squads and shut down bridges after police mistakenly took the LED advertisements to be hazardous materials.

Six days and one $2 million fine for parent company Turner Broadcasting later, the Web is still captivated by the Mooninites who nearly shut down the city of Boston.

At this week's RSA Conference in San Francisco, the software company CyberDefender is giving away one of the infamous signs of Ignignokt (Err … Read more

It doesn't exactly qualify as a comeback, but film is far from dead. Retro Thing says Sweden's Ikonoskop is planning to introduce the first new Super 8 movie camera design the world has seen in more than 20 years.

Like its earlier 16mm sibling, the A-Cam DS8 will have interchangeable lenses and a parallel viewfinder. It also weighs a manageable 3.3 pounds, including lens, battery and up to 100 feet of film. The camera uses 16mm-wide film to capture Super 8 frames in a hybrid format, reportedly making it far more stable than the old Kodak Super … Read more

It's touted as a disco enhancement, but it looks a lot more like raver chic to us. Whatever it is, Hammacher Schlemmer's "Dancing Light MP3 Synchronizer" will funkify your party with 33 multicolored LEDs bouncing off a concave mirror to the beat of whatever tunes you choose. It can even be set to four programs, "Andante, Moderato, Allegro and Presto." But if we were going to take this route, we'd just as soon go for the full retro effect with a home laser show. And remember, don't bogart that Nano.