Shocking: Chevy Volt To Cost Extra $5k Due To Speaker System
February 12, 2008
Your favorite mostly realistic eco-friendly concept car, the Chevy Volt, was supposed to (as of the LA Auto Show) be released in 2010 for somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000. I’m shocked, shocked I tell you, to have to report that it’s now (still nearly 3 years away from a late 2010 arrival) looking like it’ll be closer to $35,000. According to General Motors, the problem is that when you throw in stuff like headlights, windshield wipers, and a 10 speaker (!) stereo system, it all starts to suck battery away from the wheels, and your mileage, well, tanks. In order to solve the problem, GM is going to not really solve the problem, and just install “redundant systems” (which I can only imagine will be separate batteries) to power all the non-engine electronics. Expect the problem to be solved for real on the second generation Volt.
I can’t reiterate enough how impressed I am with the effort that Chevy is putting into the Volt, and their commitment to affordability and a realistic availability schedule. But the key is going to be keeping those promises, or else consumers are going to lose confidence in the practical nature of electric cars. Meantime, take another look at the Aptera…
VIA [ Wired ]
Enjoy your vacation 24/7 with Patio Scenes
February 12, 2008
Now this is hot!
Breath taking scenarios from vacations remain etched in your memories once you are back home. But, didn’t you wish the vacation lasted for ever? Here’s a brilliant idea that’ll let you have a holiday 24/7. Patio Scenes are captivating sceneries that are designed to enhance the view of your interiors. Whether you want to have a holiday in your living, patio, or your pool, Patio Scenes from CreateMyScene lets you create your own holiday. You don’t have to worry about your nosy neighbors either, as these scenes are visible only from the inside with an option of choosing similar scenery for the outside. These Scenes are printed with the high quality UV inks which protect the surface from fading, are fade resistant and durable enough to let you have a holiday for ten long years. No word on the pricing.
AirMD Air Purifier
February 7, 2008
Remember the stylish IonFlow 50 air purifier from LightAir that came for mere $395? Now, we have another chic air purifier to compete the IonFlow 50 and it’s called AirMD. Manufactured by Texas-based Alen Corporation, the AirMD is both stylish and highly functional. It is completely lead-free, ozone safe, and Energy Star qualified by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Truly meeting the demands of eco-geeks, the four-speed AirMD touts contemporary design with an impressive HEPA filtration system, UV lamp claimed to last 3 to 5 years, ionizer, Light touch activation controls, and 24-hour programmable timer. The green product comes with a translucent outer core with 2 color choices on inner core – white or bamboo green. Claimed to be the first and only green air purifier on the U.S. market, the AirMD will be available July 2008 for a reasonable price of $499.
Thierry Mugler’s PERFUME-inspired limited edition perfume collection
February 7, 2008
BTW.. pretty good movie if you havn’t seen it yet
Back in 1992, the Thierry Mugler design house came up with an excellent perfume called Angel perfume that earned a name for the brand. Now, Thierry Mugler has the Limited Edition perfume collection with 15 different essences inspired by the book and movie, Perfume. The luxurious coffret includes a leaflet that explains the interpretations of excerpts from the novel and movie ‘Perfume’ that inspired the scents. The Perfume by Patrick Suskind comes in a collectible presentation box. You need to shell out $700 to experience the new Thierry Mugler’s limited edition Perfume collection.
Chess gets exciting with the LEGO Castle Chess Set
February 5, 2008
For all you Lego Fans!
I am sure you haven’t liked the $36,000 luxury chess set, Jewel Royale Chess Set from Boodles, and the Charles Hollander Gold & Diamond Chess Set if bling things don’t excite you. How about something realistic? If you are a great fan of Lego products, I’m sure you’ll love LEGO Castle Chess Set. Designed to perfection with every minute detail thrown in to add to the excitement of the game, this is one hell-of-a-piece you would want to own irrespective of whether you play the game or not. For those who are in the game, the chess set promises the ultimate experience of winning or losing the battlefield. Like all great things, this one too comes for a fortune. Wonder what Kasparov and Vishy think about this piece!
via Brothers-brick
Lightsaber Desk Lamp
January 30, 2008
If you’re a huge Star Wars fan, then I imagine you’ll enjoy these Lightsaber desk lamps from Think Geek that cost $20. Or maybe you’re in love with a huge Star Wars fan — Valentine’s Day gift alert! It definitely lets your co-workers know whether your allegiances lie on the light or dark side (pick red or green to discern, or both to keep your boss guessing), but it might be a liiiittle too geeky for this geek. And yet, maybe not quite as geeky as a Lightsaber Umbrella.
La-Z-Boy Introduces Premier Spa Collection
January 30, 2008
Why am I not surprised that this is a Lazy Boy Product?
La-Z-Boy, well known for their luxury spa recliners have now expanded their territory with the introduction of the Premier Spa Collection. The La-Z-Boy Spas feature avantgrade design, hydrotherapy jets specifically designed and placed for complete relaxation, reclining seats with comfort rest pillows designed for full support of the head and neck, auto-gliding 17 ” LCD flat screen, retractable speakers, DVD player, LED lighting system around the entire topside and controls to set ambiance in your spa, variable speed motors. The wireless remote system allows you to control each feature from inside the spa or even inside the house.
$94,000 diamond-studded cellphone, courtesy Softbank and Tiffany
January 28, 2008
I don’t know about you, but I know a few people who can’t seem to hold on to their phones for the life of them. Even for a millionaire, I’d think twice before I get myself a $94K cell phone! 
After jewelry, modern gadgets, esp. luxury cell-phones encrusted with gold, platinum and diamonds, are turning out to be the best assets to flaunt the lavishness and become stylish in this up to the minute world. Following the contemporary trends, the Softbank Mobile, Japan, has announced a diamond-studded phone, finished jointly with renowned American jeweler Tiffany. The sparkling handset is jeweled with more than 400 diamonds totaling over 20 carats, which will be based on third-generation (3G) model and up for grabs for around $94,000. The hot luxury phone is a part of 15 new handsets lineup that will hit the market from February onwards. Oops… the luxury phone will only be available in Japan and that too in a limited version. So, be on your toes and book a set for you in a nearby store.
via Dkcmidnights / 3yen
