Sure, it’s just a design exercise, but we’re really digging Thermaltake’s Level 10 gaming PC concept, which was designed by BMW Designworks USA. Each component is house individually on that slim backplane, and the power button doubles as a USB key so you can grab and go when you shut down. No hard specs since it’s just a concept, but damn, do we ever want one.

Filed under: Desktops

BMW-designed Level 10 gaming rig brings the sexy originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Look, we love taking off through the snow-covered trails of Grand Teton National Park as much as anyone, but we can’t say with a straight face that we’d rather take a snowmobile through there than one of these critters. Designed by Anders Gloslie, the TH!NK FROST is an electric vehicle crafted specifically to operate in arctic environments. Based on current drawings, the all-wheel drive contraption can lug two Eskimos around at a time, though there’s no mention of a hybrid version for those looking to take long range excursions. Commercialization, please?

[Via DVICE]

Filed under: Transportation

Electric TH!NK FROST concept vehicle makes snowmobiles cringe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

We’re suckers for power-strip designs. As gadget nerds, we’re constantly faced with overloaded circuits and blocked ports. For the latter, there’s this design by Jeff Carter that neatly overcomes the limitations presented by the ubiquitous (and ridiculous) side-by-side strip design. Regarding our excessive power issues, that’s easy: more interns to shovel the coal and kittens.

Continue reading Movable Power, like Paris, is a conceptual feast

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Movable Power, like Paris, is a conceptual feast originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It may sound like sheer insanity, but it’s the right sort of crazy sauce if you ask us. ASUS is planning to make its Fold / Unfold laptop concept into a for-reals product this year, with plans to ship by Q3. That seems pretty accelerated for something we’ve only seen in concept form, and something with such a new and interesting form factor — Fold / Unfold’s keyboard slides backwards as you open the display to maximize room for keys, trackpad and palm rest (video of the “folding” action is after the break). The concepts we’ve seen have also been suspiciously thin, so hopefully ASUS can pull this off without compromising this delicious form factor too terribly much. Sadly, that dual-touchscreen concept is further out, there’s currently no slated window for commercialization.

Continue reading ASUS plans to ship Fold / Unfold laptop concept this year!

Filed under: Laptops

ASUS plans to ship Fold / Unfold laptop concept this year! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

We saw the first motherboard we’d actually consider buying a clear case for earlier this week when ASUS announced its new Marine Cool concept mobo, so we couldn’t resist the urge to swing by and grab a few snaps of it here at CeBIT. Unfortunately, the board was sitting behind 3-inches of bulletproof glass, but that didn’t stop our lens from getting as close as possible. We’ll be frank — this thing looks even better in person, and it just might be the catalyst the mobo world needed to start caring about design.

Filed under: Peripherals

Hands-off with ASUS Marine Cool concept motherboard originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

In the halcyon days before dual analog sticks, when gamers had only D-pads and buttons and that’s the way we liked it, serious PlayStation drifters had one weapon of choice for ‘Ridge Racer’ battles: the neGcon from Namco. It and its twisting mechanism never really caught on, but it hasn’t been entirely forgotten, reborn through the DualShock Vortex pictured above, a controller extending the same concept to the PS3, offering the 45 degrees of twist you’ll want for Gran Turismo 5 (if it ever ships) plus the analog sticks you’ll need for Killzone 2. Alas, it’s just a rendered concept from Israeli designer Tamar Fleisher at this point, and is rather unlikely to show up at a game retailer near you, but maybe if enough of you e-mail the kind folks at the now Namco Bandai they’ll think about making it a reality.

[Via Gizmodo]

Filed under: Gaming

DualShock Vortex concept controller brings the neGcon out of the nineties originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Solar chargers are a dime a dozen, but who honestly feels like carrying around rechargeable cells and a recharger? Guru Knut Karlsen has conjured up a far superior idea, and rather than just working up a few drawings and making us all feel dumb for not thinking of this first, he went out and proved that solar-charging batteries are definitely ready for production. In essence, he wrapped four C size NiMH rechargeable batteries with a few samples of flexible solar cells; by using a conductive silver pen and some flat wires from a broken Canon lens, he made a connection solid enough for trickle charging to occur. Moving forward, he’d like to install a capacity gauge as well as a method for faster charging, but we’d say this ain’t half bad for a first attempt.

[Via Inhabitat, thanks Sarvesh]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

SunCat batteries boast built-in solar charging wrappers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Here’s something that managed to slip beneath our radar but is definitely worth the double-back: Musiblocks. The design project consists of a central control block at the base of the tower with an embedded force sensor and 6 circular connectors. Add more (or heavier) blocks to increase the volume or twist the block atop the base to switch tracks. The only block with any electronics is the core, control block at the base — the other blocks are just hardwood slabs with tin conductors. Remember, if Sony can mass produce the Rolly, don’t be surprised to see Musicblocks go retail sometime soon. Video after the break.

[Via Yanko Design]

Continue reading Video: Musiblocks rock the house

Filed under: Portable Audio

Video: Musiblocks rock the house originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Move over Surface, we just found our next tabletop display. The aptly named DIS.PLAY beautifully merges the functionality of a touch panel with the allure of dimly-lit scenarios, and the inclusion of memory foam just makes it all the more sweet. In one usage scenario, we’re told that objects could be put into motion with sound, and when a certain “shape” is mashed and deformed, the respective audio would bend along with it. Another instance showcased 3D modeling that could be varied by simply twisting the hand or intensifying a finger press. Check the demonstration video after the break, and grab your Tempur-Pedic pillow if you’re looking to play along.

[Via KanYeWestBlog, thanks DellAppleFan24]

Continue reading Foam-infused Impress DIS.PLAY encourages touching

Filed under: Displays

Foam-infused Impress DIS.PLAY encourages touching originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

As much as we adore this concept, we’re not even remotely hopeful something like this will become a reality within the next score or so. That said, we’d love to be proven wrong, as the Conduit is quite possibly the most fantastic phone design to ever be conceived. With a hint of steampunk, a dash of Star Trek and a splash of ergonomic appreciation, this here mobile can be collapsed into a pocket-friendly form or expanded into a bona fide video phone. Hit up the read link for a few more looks, and feel free to give these designers a chunk of capital to make our dreams come true.

[Via kanYeWestBlog]

Filed under: Cellphones

Conduit mobile phone concept is about 40 years early originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading Immaculate prosthetic limb concept makes combines fun again

Filed under: Wearables

Immaculate prosthetic limb concept makes combines fun again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The world needs another instructional guitar tool like it needs another hole in the ozone layer, but in all seriousness, this one is stupendous. Er, it exhibits remarkable potential, considering that it’s not yet beyond the concept stage. Designer Eugene Cheong has dreamed up the Maestro, an attachment that can supposedly be adapted to work on any guitar (of the electric variety, we presume) and teach you what frets to mash in order to actually become a halfway decent player. Put simply, the device accepts MP3 files via SD card, and then it breaks down the tunes into tablature which can be displayed via lasers. Once you see the beams lighting up your fretboard, you mash / strum in order to keep up and “learn” the songs. We can only hope this thing adds a slowdown mode should it ever hit store shelves, ’cause even the amateur probably doesn’t want to tackle select Dream Theater tracks at full speed.

[Via DVICE]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Maestro guitar attachment shows you how to shred with lasers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Really affordable camera lens calendar is just what your layoff asked for originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sure, it’s just a concept for now, but this Aptera-designed solar-powered boat is looking pretty decent, so we thought we’d bring a few of the details over here for you. The Loon, as it’s called, has got a pontoon shape to it, and is relatively lightweight for its size, with 1000W solar panel roofing which is collapsible for compact storing of the boat when not in the water. It’s 22 feet long, and is made of recycled materials, bamboo and natural fibers, with an estimated top speed of 7 knots (it should be able to travel about 35 miles a day). We don’t know when to expect these bad boys on the waterways, nor do we know how much they’re going to cost, but we’re hoping they’re not thousands of dollars.

Filed under: Transportation

Aptera designs solar-powered pontoon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sure, it’s just a concept for now, but the Aptera design team (Design 11) have unveiled this solar-powered boat, and it’s looking pretty decent, so we thought we’d bring a few of the details over here for you. The Loon, as it’s called, was designed for the Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company, and it’s got a pontoon shape to it, and is relatively lightweight for its size, with a 1000W solar panel roofing which is collapsible for compact storing of the boat when not in the water. It’s 22 feet long, and is made of recycled materials, bamboo and natural fibers, with an estimated top speed of 7 knots (it should be able to travel about 35 miles a day). We don’t know when to expect these bad boys on the waterways, nor do we know how much they’re going to cost, but we’re hoping they’re not thousands of dollars.

Filed under: Transportation

Aptera designers unveil solar-powered pontoon, the Loon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pardon us while we gush profusely, but this is easily one of the most amazing audio products we’ve ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. The Speak-er, which honestly looks like something straight from the labs of Art Lebedev Studios, is quite simply a speech bubble-shaped speaker. It measures in at 4- x 6- x 2-inches and is constructed from polished white ABS with a matte black steel grille. We don’t even know what kind of driver resides within, but we don’t care. All we know is that this amazing piece of art will be on sale later this year for $120 per pair, and we can’t wait to hear the words “now shipping.”

[Via Pocket-lint]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Speech bubble-shaped Speak-er on sale this year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

From what we can gather, even Apple purist Jeremy Mehrle doesn’t own one of these ultra-rare set-top-boxes, and if you think you’re the only Apple fanboy out there eying this one seriously, we fear you’ll be sorely mistaken. This prototype Interactive Television Box was crafted in or around 1994 and was designed to deliver content to one’s TV by connecting to a central server and downloading content. Thus, the unit itself doesn’t boot into anything nor does it feature an internal hard drive. Still, DIYers and collectors alike will have a hard time passing up the opportunity of snagging this piece and turning it into a makeshift iTunes server, but given the remarkably low $249.99 buy-it-now price, we’d say that window of opportunity may not be open for long. Oh, and Apple TV — you ain’t got nothin’ on this in terms of desirability. Sorry, bub.

[Thanks, Marc]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Prototype Apple Interactive Television Box up for auction: there goes your savings originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

If we had to name two essentials to any geek home, well, we couldn’t. But if we were jacked upside the wall and forced to, we’d likely pick sound and lighting. It goes without saying that designers Hoang M Nguyen, Poom Puttorngul and Anh Nguyen would agree, as they’ve dreamed up the conceptual Soundbulb that you see above. Essentially, what you’re looking at is a light bulb that includes a small driver along with an embedded wireless module that would enable it to receive streaming audio from a transmitter. Oh sure, you wouldn’t get any of that soul shaking bass from these guys, but just think of the convenience factor.

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Household

Soundbulb serves two great purposes, at least in theory originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading Music Drop MP3 projector doesn’t actually project MP3s

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Music Drop MP3 projector doesn’t actually project MP3s originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Filed under: Transportation

Johnson Controls rolls out re3 plug-in concept vehicle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments