Inka Pen

Make no mistake. The Inka Pen is simply that. A pen. There's no USB slot. No MP3 thingamajig. No LED flashlight hidden in the cap. So why are we dedicating ink to a ballpoint in Gadget Buzz? Well, Inka dropped us a note to check it out, and while we've come across our fair share of writing instruments that claim to work upside down, underwater, even on the moon, the Inka scores for its Vertu-like qualities (sans concierge services). Tempered from high-strength aerospace-grade materials (recycled, no less), there's a pressurized ink cartridge that purportedly works in wet or dry conditions, at any temperature or altitude. We say purportedly since we're unlikely to scale Mount Everest just to prove the point. Like most pens, you can snap the cap onto one end to get an extended tube. Techies, though, will like that this device comes in a neat 8cm-long barrel tiny enough to hang onto keychains. If you consider this the write stuff, then this one's for keeps. Provided you're ready to cough up the initial US$25 on top of shipping costs.

See large image | parts in detail

Price: US$25 (standard), US$89.95 (Titanium edition); US$4 for refill
Availability: More information at Inka, patent pending
Device: Pen
Basic specs: Lifetime warranty

BlackBerry goes 3G

Research In Motion (RIM) recently announced its first UMTS-capable handhelds, the BlackBerry 8707g and 8707v, in Singapore. Both models, which essentially offer the same features but with slight differentiation in exterior casing, will be carried by all three local mobile operators. The 8707g will be available from SingTel and StarHub, while the 8707v will be offered by M1.

One of the key features of the new BlackBerry handhelds is their ability to multitask. According to RIM, the 8707g and 8707v allow simultaneous voice and data usage while being used as a modem for a PC. Each handheld will come with a 16-bit QVGA screen, 64MB flash memory, onboard BlackBerry apps, Bluetooth 2.0, speakerphone function and QWERTY keyboard.

The 8707g is expected to be priced around S$748 (US$492.11) when purchased with a two-year contract and S$948 (US$623.68) without plan, while the 8707v will go going for S$598 (US$393.42) with a two-year contract and S$998 (US$656.58) without.

PlayStation pretty in pink

If you thought the venerable Sony PlayStation 2 was going down memory lane with its successor on the horizon, think again. The Japanese have given the latest streamline model a new lease of life with a feminine touch of pink. An eye teaser for the ladies and a potential collector item for the Hello Kitty-crazed community, the Pink adaptation will be available from selected retailers throughout Europe from November 8.

This colorful addition will enhance the existing selection of shades ranging from black to ceramic white and silver. No news on the Asian pricing and availability at press time, but we will update the relevant information as and when this trickles in from the Sony regional office.
More images of the pink PlayStation 2:

More info here

A chocolate K800i?

Not quite. There won't be any touch-sensitive keys on this Sony Ericsson, unlike the LG Chocolate. But the K800i will most certainly be in our favorite shade as our cocoa-based candy, making for a nice change from the usual white and black tones that Sony Ericsson has been favoring the last year.

The Singapore office has confirmed that a brown version of its popular Cyber-shot-branded camera-phone will be launched in selected Asian markets. Expect it in late September. Other than that, the handset will be identical in price and features to its tuxedo-black sibling. This includes a 3.2-megapixel camera, image stabilizer, 3G, Picture Blogging function and Xenon flash.

Stream Bowl

We still have fond memories of Singaporean Winston Chai's singing microwave oven, an entry in last year's designboom kitchen design competition. Oddly, another Asian has also gone musical gaga, with this year's entry being a cookware that attempts to hit the high notes by streaming MP3 files wirelessly while steaming food. China-born David Gu's Cooking Audio Player certainly tops the Dechef Oven for its ability to play new tunes. However, with all that sensitive touchpad circuitry onboard, this kitchen tool just doesn't play our song since it most definitely won't be dishwasher-safe.

More views: Large image | touchpad control | how the Stream Bowl works

Price: Concept design
Availability: More information at designboom
Device: Music-streaming steamer
Basic specs: N.A.

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