Nokia 8800 Gold

Once in a while, a device comes across so kitschy that we feel compelled to feature it here, even though it's in poor taste. Well, here's the Nokia 8800... in gold. Whether it's plated, the real deal or just a paint job, this number belongs in the same league as LG's gold-plated home theater system. No word on whether Nokia has sanctioned this gold version, but we found it selling on a Russian site for, cough, cough, $9,999 y.e. (which really means US dollars). Thanks, but we'll pass.

Click here for image #1 | image #2

Price: Depends on online stores
Availability: N.A.
Device: Mobile phone
Basic specs: Same specs as the Nokia 8800 steel version

Power-Generating Backpack

Remember the old familiar refrain: "Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag, and smile, smile, smile..." Well, now there's something to smile about. Prof Larry Rome of biology at Penn State Uni has developed the Suspended-load Backpack which harnesses mechanical energy from something as simple as walking. According to Rome, lugging 38kg of weight in the backpack can generate up to 7.4 watts of energy. That's enough juice to power multiple devices ranging from MP3 music player to PDA, to GPS and a mobile phone. The idea is based on a simple magnetic coil generator similar in principal to hand-cranked radios and flashlights that work with some rhythmic shaking. Forrest Gump, here we come!

See: larger image | generator diagram

Other green energy sources: Voltaic Solar Backpack | pee-powered battery | more info

Price: N.A.
Availability: Concept
Device: Backpack power generator
Basic specs: N.A.

QT Sport

Yet another "little" car that will likely elude Singaporeans' grasp. Think Smart Car and Japan's electric ride, the Q-Car. The QT, if you fancy the dune buggy look, is one cool hunka metal complete with removable weather-proof roof and stylish gull-wing doors. There's unfortunately no headroom for airbags or luggage in this diminutive roadster, but it comes loaded with enough adrenalin for a zippy ride and is apparently made to order, from the accessories right down to the color options. The next time you're sitting in one of these and think people are staring at you, they're really looking at the QT.

Click to see gull wings | interior

Price: From US US$13,991.25
Availability: Unique Motor Company
Device: Sports car
Basic specs: 505cc twin injection, water cooled by Lombardini, 15kw at 5150rpm, 5-speed manual, dual circuit disc brakes, high-resistant molded central cell mounted on anti-corrosion steel chassis, laminated windscreen, 21-liter fuel tank, 60mpg fuel consumption, 240 x 150 x 110cm, 398kg

Espresso maker for cars

It's quite amazing how much multitasking your car's lowly cigarette lighter is capable of, besides firing up a Malboro or Salem. Not so long ago, this driver had her eye on a cooler that plugged into the power point to keep drinks chilled. Then it was an ionizer for some scented air. Now it's an expresso maker for cars. If you're the kind who glugs coffee like there's no tomorrow, we like the classy Italian-made Velox 12V Travel Espresso Maker which not only looks chic, there's a choice of three colors to match your car's interior. All you need is water and your favorite java to percolate up a rush of caffeine anytime, anywhere.

More color choices here

Price: About US$70
Availability: Try any kitchen appliance retailer or check out Espresso Zone
Device: Travel expresso maker
Basic specs: 12V, durable ABS plastic construction, 2 cups (based on 1-1/2 ounce "cups")

Brugo Mug

If you're coffee lover, chances are you'd have burnt your lips at least once gulping down hot Java. And if there's a spill-proof, temperature-regulating mug out there with your name on it, the Brugo Mug seems to be the one. Based on a patented Temperature Control Chamber that keeps the brew in that "Perfect Temperature Zone", the coffee in the chamber is cooled and only this liquid exits the sip opening, while a tight seal retains the rest at its hottest. We have to add that the Brugo mug looks mighty delicious, too, in 12 cool hues with swanky names like Seaglass, Truffle and Mediterranean. The lifetime warranty most certainly works in its flavor, oops, favor.

Click for color choices | close-up

Via ubergizmo

Price: About US$15.95
Availability: Brugo
Device: Travel mug
Basic specs: 1oz Temperature Control Chamber, 3-position drink mode selector, double-wall insulation, fits most cup holders, no-slip bottom, choice of 12 colors, stainless steel and chrome finish, 16-ounce capacity, ergonomic grip, lifetime warranty

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