Category: Gadgets and Tech

Regular readers will know we’re suckers for any technology in wood – after all, it does match the sideboard and that’s got to be a bonus. But when it looks and works like the Tivoli Networks radio, that’s even better.

The Networks covers all radio bases – DAB, FM or internet radio (via your home network connection), offering access to thousands of stations. It also offers USB connectivity for playing back your MP3s, a ‘virtual’ analogue clock, two independent alarms with sleep/snooze slimline remote control and a screen for all your station information.

High-end audio is a given, but you can also boost the set-up by adding a matching speaker (pictured), CD player and subwoofer. But that stylish wood finish and technology doesn’t come cheap – £495 for the radio alone in a choice of cherry, walnut or wenge finish.

Find out more at the Veda website

The CD Diner 2 is a miniature replica jukebox in the style found in 1950s diners.

It features a front-loading “in view” single CD player along with an MW/FM radio. Admittedly in these days of MP3 players and digital radios, it isn’t the most technologically advanced, but its charm is in recreating that Fifties diner style. As with the models it is replicating, it can sit table top or be wall mounted.

It costs £157 and can be bought online from Liberty Games.

We don’t like to get too technical, nor do we like showing off things you can’t buy, but we really can’t resist this newly-unveiled Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera.

For ease of explanation, let’s just say that Micro Four Thirds is the latest high-end camera format, removing the traditional mirror, prism and optical viewfinder of the SLR, replacing it with digital technology – which means you get the same functionality, but less bulk and weight.

And this 60s-inspired model is the end result. It’s certainly real people-friendly and oozing style with its two tone body in brushed metal. We’re hoping it keeps the same look when it officially launches (this is just a concept). if it does, we’ll be trading in our Leica as soon as it hits the shelves.

Olympus website

Via Digital Camera Review

Minox has introduced the perfect pocket-sized camera – the Leica M3 with gold finish.

Packing those classic Leica looks (albeit in miniature), this 5 megapixel camera has a 1.5-inch screen, 32MB of storage and an SD card slot for boosting it further.

Sold in a satin-lined wooden box, it will sell for £319.

Find out more at the Minox website

When it comes to looks, the Nomad Traveler is a definite winner.

Those looks are based on a 1930s radio – and indeed there is an AM/FM radio packed into that wood and tweed casing, with electronic tuning via the retro dial on the front. But its main purpose is as a portable, full-range iPod speaker, with connectivity on the back for your MP3 player and 4x AA batteries (or mains) for power.

Exclusive to Urban Outfitters (and quite possibly, the US site only), it retails for $72 (around £36).

Find out more at the Urban Outfitters website

A bit like a Dansette for the modern era, the Audio Pro Porto and Porto Go iPod sound systems offer top-notch sound in a stylish retro-inspired package.

Yes, just like an old 60s record player, both the Porto and Porto Go offer portable leather-clad audio, complete with a convenient carry handle. Except they don’t play vinyl – instead there’s room for all iPods (except the shuffle), a rechargeable battery and a hefty and expansive 100dB output enhanced by the company’s EmbracingSound technology. And if you go for the Porto, you also get an FM RDS radio and a built-in screen.

Take your pick from black, white or this vintage-style red, with the Porto selling for £229 and the Porto Go yours for £179.

Find out more at the CSE Solutions website