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Yakima QuickBack is Bike Rack Easy

James Owen is well known around these parts for his stunning cat scratching post so when I found out he designed something as utilitarian as a trunk mounted bike rack for Yakima, my cat ears perked up. I’m not an avid bicycler but as the owner of a smaller car, a removable portable rack is perfect to getting me to and from trails around Los Angeles. Hit the jump for my review of the Yakima QuickBack.

Designer: James Owen (Buy it here)

What Winsome Ceramic Speakers

I’ve spent a good month+ with Joey Roth’s Ceramic Speakers purposely avoiding all other reviews of it. I wanted nothing to influence me. I was steadfast in going with my gut. No cerebral analyses or intellectualizing what a modern $400+ speaker should look like. Sound isn’t tangible. You have to feel it to know it and that’s how I approached this review. These speakers enabled me to “experience” resplendent audio.

Designer: Joey Roth (Buy it here)

Haoshi X Rings Review

I’m a sucker for unique things and the Haoshi X Rings more than satisfy my wanton needs. I love the Animal Series of rings made of resin set in sterling silver. They’re eye catching, high quality, beautifully designed and unisex. My only regret is not knowing about them sooner to include in our DO WANT! Gift Guide but who needs a holiday to shop! At $75 a ring with 10 animals to choose from – I say go treat yourself and buy one!

Designer: Haoshi Design Studio (Buy it here)

iSkin Solo Review

iPhone cases are a dime a dozen but a handful stand out combining functionality with beautiful design. iSkin is synonymous with protective soft goods so it didn’t surprise me how good the Solo was for the iPhone. It’s crazy affordable and there is a color/design option for every taste. The hardest part is deciding which one to get. Hit the jump for my review.

Designer: iSkin (Buy it here)

Malcolm Fontier Mojito Wallet Review

Only $20! I bet that caught your attention. It’s no joke. The Mojito Wallet is available at a reduced priced direct from Malcolm Fontier. If the name isn’t familiar – the company makes vegan (synthetic) leather soft goods with lots of style at a fraction of the price. Male readers can probably empathize with my wallet woes. I carry a bulky leather wallet big and heavy enough to change the way I walk. The Mojito is one of the slimmest wallets I’ve seen and for $20, there’s no competition around.

Designer: Malcolm Fontier (Buy it here)

Herman Miller Setu Review

Lets keep it real. The Herman Miller Setu is priced to sell at $650. It’s no Embody but in this economy throwing around over $1k for a chair is wishful. The good folks at Herman Miller sent one to try out and my bum (cue Brits laughing) and back thank you. The supportive mesh and innovative spinal support really do make the difference. Whatever you do, don’t call it a poor man’s Embody. Hit the jump for my review.

Updated with prototype pics!

Designer: Herman Miller (Buy it here)

Dell Adamo XPS, World’s Thinnest Laptop Reviewed

At a scant 9.99mm, the Dell Adamo XPS really is the world’s thinnest notebook – truly design like no other. I’ve been trying to keep my tongue in check when Dell invited me to grab a first hand look at their new baby. It doesn’t look real. It’s almost too thin, yet underneath that metal exterior and diamond cut logo is hardware powerful enough to run Windows 7 without skipping a beat. Hit the jump for my review.

Designer: Dell

Tea Time, Modenn FLO Review

Love me a cup of homemade tea, don’t you? I haven’t heard much about this Canadian brand  Modenn but one of my favorite design studios (OHM) designed it and were kind enough to send me one for review. Hands down it trumps any generic tea set and it was a good excuse to put aside my Sorapot (which isn’t a tea set) and steep the traditional way. Hit the jump and come join me. I gots me a story to tell.

Designer: OHM (Buy it here)

Nike LunarGlide+ Review

Nike is renowned the world over for their running shoes so when the LunarGlide+ racked up award after award for product design, I got interested. I’ve never been a runner so this was a golden opportunity to get my feet wet. Thanks so much to Kasey and Demetria for hooking up the sneaks. Hit the jump for my review.

Designer: Nike [ Buy it here ]

Stereo Bluetooth Earbuds That Actually Work!

Sony approached me a few months ago about a stereo bluetooth headset. I had my doubts because I’ve used my share and the declarations never meet up with experience. The Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 however are all that and a bag of chips provided you have a fully compatible device. Hit the jump for my review.

Designer: Sony Ericsson ( Buy it here )

The Ultimate Flat Iron, KQC Turbo Review

A flat iron review? Are you serious? Yes I’m TOTALLY FOR SERIOUS. The KQC Turbo Generation II isn’t just any flat iron. It comes with a slew of promises from faster, safer heating to protecting your hair while straightening it. Any of you privy to the experience of professional irons know there is a huge difference between a $200+ iron and a $30+ iron. Hit the jump and I’ll explain why this $200+ iron is a must have for anyone who regularly straightens their hair.

Designer: KQC ( Buy it here )

Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Review

This is just one of many upcoming video reviews from an awesome company called Premier and their line of dog toys called Busy Buddy. The Kibble Nibble Food and Treat Dispenser is a hollow ball with openings on each end. The premise is simple. Put food in the ball and give it to Rover. It’s an easy game for any dog to figure out and they love it. It keeps them moving and interactivity is key to a positive doggy state of mind. Hit the jump to see my dog Miko in action!

Designer: Premier Pet [ Buy it here $18.80 ]

ioSafe your Valuables

External hard drives are commodity items. They can be found anywhere, have similar performance, and differentiate themselves mostly though capacity and visual appeal. How about one that can withstand a house fire be submersed in water for three days? The ioSafe Solo is simply that – a place to store your digital valuables.

Company: ioSafe [ Buy It Here ]