Look there’s a point to this whole speel. As much as you can sling crap at Apple or its fanatical customers, there’s a good reason why it is kicking just about every other company’s arse in the sector. It’s things like this that are absolutely brilliant, what happens when you have systems that are wireless and run on batteries? Why you sell rechargeable batteries that last for 10 years, but you give people 6 so that they can power each of the wireless peripherals you make Bravo again, Mr Jobs.

- t

Engadget dives deep into the KIRF (keepin it real fake) gadget factories of China.

- T, interesting shit

Vaja Case is a Italian company that has been making finely crafted cases for everything from smart phones to laptops, and now has unveiled their new iPad Collection. In Vaja tradition it includes a myriad of leathers and their unique leather wrap around cases that fit like no other. The prices are some what on the expensive side but the protection their cases offer and the quality of their craftsmanship are second to none.

Also a word to the haters, “Men Lie, Women Lie, Numbers Don’t”, 350,000 iPads sold within the first two weeks in the United States. The guys from Cupertino have another notch on their belt and we have another or will have another piece of technology that needs accessorising.

- T,

Well its been a while but the Top Ten’s back in ’10!

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1. UNDFTD adidas Rod Laver Consortium V.2

I spotted these in the UNDFTD lookbook around the time their first version of the Rod Laver dropped and merely dismissed them as a sample. It turns out I was wrong and these lush navy blue suede numbers will be coming to a consortium dealer near you.

2. Pointer Cyril

I’m a fan of the Clarks Desert Boot up to the crepe sole used on them. It’s not to say I’m not digging the crepe, it’s just that heel. Now I know it’s a classic shoe and that’s how its been for years, but I just don’t like the look. Many brands try and fail to recreate the simple feel of the Desert Boot, but Pointer seem to have nailed it without making a carbon copy of Clarks version.

3. Shuky Par Avion

Since I recently acquired my new laptop, I’ve been chasing some sort of protection for when I carry it around. Whilst I’m waiting on a new shipment of Incase backpacks to arrive at Laced, I’m also in the market for a simple sleeve. Of course now I’m a Mac owner I need to have something fancy and artistic to keep up appearances with all the other cool people who use Macs. Anyway, this nifty little piece looks like a manilla folder but it’s actually a sleeve made to fit a 15″ (or 13″) Macbook Pro. Constructed by Shuky in Australia from premium leather it’s both nifty and useful. Click to the pic to purchase one.

4. Bernie & Brabham – The Grand Prix Pirates

Most motorsport fans would know Bernie Eccelstone as the man behind modern day Formula 1, and a bit of a controversial personality to say the least. However it may come as a surprise to know that he used to be a successful team owner. This little article written by renowned motorsport photographer John Brooks provides an insight into the man before he was walking up and down the F1 grid with an entourage of super wealthy business men. Click the picture to read the article.

5. Eric Testroete – Big Head Mode

This one’s a little old, but I saved it to use in this post. 3D artist Eric Testroete went all out with his Halloween (I told you it was old) costume, creating what any avid gamer will recognise as “big head mode” except this one is real! Stuff like this makes me think that there may be hope yet for the human race.

6. Lancier by Dita – LS.001.BLK.G15

What happens when Dita decides to redefine the art of sunglasses? Lancier. 3 models, 3 different versions, 3 different applications. Road, Air, Sea. Liberal use of titanium, quick change arms and a lush leather box that’s big enough for a dead body. Does it get any more awesome? My pick of the bunch is the LS.001 model in black. These babies will be coming to Australia, only a very very few sets will make it across the sea and one will land at Laced. Beware though, retail is going to be $1200us+.

7. Hard Graft Y+U (Macbook Sleeve + Add-On)

Continuing the theme of laptop sleeves, this time coming from Austria, we have the Hard Graft Y+U sleeve. This company was introduced to myself by the asian half of P4. Designed in Austria, hand made in Italy. Does it get much better? The Y+U includes an extra pouch to store other essentials like power cords and whatever else might strike your fancy. Both being held together by one hell of a good looking herringbone elastic strap. If you don’t need the extra room you could always opt for the smaller but possibly handsomer U Macbook Sleeve.

8. Kaweco AL Sport Aluminium Pen

Well I’m not going to lie, I wouldn’t have even known about this pen or company if I weren’t browsing Hard Graft’s site. But now I’ve seen it, I must have one! All you really need to know is Kaweco have been making pens for over 125 years, the pen is billet aluminium and they’re made in Germany, ’nuff said.

9. The History of Computer Data Storage

This little chart created by Flickr user Curtis Spontelli really makes you realise how far computer technology has come. In a similar vain mozy.com created a visual description of how large a petabyte is which you can check out here.

10. Reebok Paris Runner

Simple, good shape, nice colours, great price. The Reebok Paris Runner has a bunch going for it and it could make a nice addition to the summer wardrobe.

Whatever you call it, it’s a new year. I picked up a few things this last month or so, got bored today and decided to take some pics and write this post. More after the jump.

- t

New Balance M850GBL

Picked them up from Laced (obviously). These are actually 2010′s stock that came early, so as it currently stands we’re the only store in the world selling these at the moment. Super comfy and easy to wear. Get them here.

Apple 15″ Macbook Pro

When it came time to look for a new computer I had but one prerequisite; I wasn’t going to run Windows 7. Having had nothing but annoying experiences with Vista and my brief encounter with the new Windows OS not proving any better, my choices seemed to be; stay with Windows XP, look to another independent OS such as Linux or go for Apple’s Snow Leopard system. It was logical that if I went the Apple route I’d pick up an Apple laptop as well. With the education pricing scheme I was able to get a good price so I thought there was no time better to give Apple a go for the first time.

A few weeks in and I can happily say I’m 100% confident I made the right choice. Regardless of the debate over “PC” (I hate that term used in this context) versus Mac, it all just works. As much as I hate the Apple fanboys, I can definitely see how you can get sucked into the extreme brand loyalty. There’s definitely an upside to a computer that’s designed by the same company that makes the software and it shows through in how easy the whole thing is to use. Anyways enough blabbering, I like it, the end.

Apple Magic Mouse

Ha! More Apple fanboyism! But c’mon, it’s the world’s first multi-touch mouse, how could I say no? There’s probably some ergonomic and all round issues for professional use but I don’t think you’re fooling anyone in arguing that the “best” mouse out there. The truth is it’s an exercise in technology and a bit of a novelty, but it still does what it’s supposed to. Again, I like it, enough said.

Apartment Navy Gingham Shirt

Last Wednesday the boys at Apartment released 5 new shirts into their own label’s range. Being on the hunt for a decent shirt for a little while I thought I’d throw one on and was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the shirt fitted me. They’re a bit on the pricey side, but it’s Italian fabric and constructed in Sydney. Plus you’re supporting a local brand, which is what P4′s all about, so go buy ‘em here!

adidas Skate Busenitz Pro Model

Best new model in years, FACT. It’s a little bit bonkers and a little bit subdued, and it’s 100% awesome. Pretty much the only shoe I’ve been waiting on in 2009 aside from probably the teal ARC x New Balance 1300s. Pick ‘em up here

For The Homies Japanese Denim

Blacker than the ace of spades and way better for wearing on your legs. Premium 16oz Japanese selvedge denim, custom rivets, lined pockets, snake skin patch, insane quality and a slim-but-not-skinny fit. Homies is a Melbourne based brand and Mr Homies knows what’s up. Seriously good stuff that you should buy right now from the Homies online store.

Update Engadgets Joshua Topolsky checks out all the new Apple Product. The Mighty Magic Mouse is straight up cool, watch the video for proof and also Windows users if your feeling left out check after the jump.

-T

The Apple Magic Mouse

The Waicom Bamboo Touch

This is Motorola’s hail mary and its first entry into the Google OS game with a fully loaded phone with a capacitive touch-screen, 3.5mm headphone jack, full qwerty and Android 1.5 aka Cupcake. Its not evolutionary like the RAZR but its a positive step towards re-cooperating some of the ground they have lost while Apple ran away with all their trophies. Check out Engadget for a thorough review of the Motorola CLIQ.

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Murata Seiko (Seiko means Girl) is a unicycling robot that in all honesty does nothing except for rolling and dancing around for our entertainment. However If like me you grew up watching The Jetsons you know exactly what I am talking about if not make the jump to check out the stark similarities between Marata Girl and Rosie The Robot. – Via Engadget

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Rosie The Robot aka the original baddest bitch robot in the house, kept Alroy’s, Astro’s and Judy’s asses in check!

Actually its not just a straight rip they have done something that I’ve wished Apple had done already. Construction is similar to the Unibody Macbook Pros but its Magnesium coated with aluminium so it should in theory be lighter and stonger. Offered in 13 inch and 15 inch sizes, which should be competitively priced against the equivalent MacBooks.

1. No CD Drive – Have you heard of a USB key? Its better for the environment. Saves weight and battery life. If you really need one check after the jump.
2. Second low profile battery – Doubles the battery life, this is something Toshiba has offered for years. It just attaches to the bottom doesn’t protrude out the sides.

- taz

Pioneer’s Ultraslim DVR-XD09 and more pictures after the jump

This thing is the size of a CD case!

Now and then there’s something you read and think “Wow… this could change the world forever”. For me, the idea of solar roadways is one of those very things.

Think about it… Main roads that can produce power to light themselves (have LED lines and dynamic warnings to indicate crashes ahead) as well as being able to put power into the grid. If every road was generating power just from catching sun light we’d free ourselves from using non-renewable energy.

The main problem obviously is practicality, and how safe these would be for our current vehicles. Then there would be the problems of actually being able to get funding to properly develop this technology, and dealing with vandalism (which one would think with this idiotic species would be a big problem).

Innovations like this excite me, but at the same time annoy me when I realise that the chances of this ever actually being supported the amount it needs to be is very low. To read more check out Inhabitat.

- twiz