Leather -- Engadget

leather posts

WD My Book gets wrapped in leather, just like a real book

by Darren Murph posted May 12th 2009 at 7:03PM

Not that we haven't seen this game played before, but this demonstration is definitely the best we've seen amongst the tech book puns. Put as simply as possible, one talented modder has wrapped his Western Digital My Book NAS drive in beautiful leather and stacked it fittingly on his bookshelf. Aside from that glowing ring, you probably couldn't tell which of the above was filled with paper and which was filled with, um, really important tax documents. Check the read link for loads more shots and plenty of inspiration.

[Via technabob]

Leather wrapped keyboard utters 'eat mor chiken'

by Darren Murph posted Dec 16th 2008 at 3:27AM

Though not the first leather wrapped keyboard our eyes have seen, we've yet to spot one this meticulously crafted. In fact, each board is reportedly handcrafted on site, a process which takes around a fortnight to complete. And trust us, you pay for all that labor, as evidenced by the lofty ¥49,800 ($550; not engraved with letters) / ¥54,800 ($606; etched with characters) price tags. Eh, we'll take pleather and a PS3 or something, but thanks!

[Via technabob]

Russian Eee PC 901 looks good in skin-tight leather

by Tim Stevens posted Nov 4th 2008 at 10:45AM

We were all ready to ~~whip out~~ utilize a series of stereotypical cultural allusions when we saw pictures of a leather-clad Eee PC 901 show up on a German site -- only to have our hopes dashed when it turned out to actually be a Russian laptop under there. So, this entry will be entirely free of references to bondage and guys named Dieter, focusing only on what looks to be a very tastefully modified netbook. Nikussan at the Eee-PC.ru forums is responsible for this project, dubbed "Operation Anti-Gloss" (that's "O??????? ??????????" if you dig Cyrillic). He indicated that stretching and gluing this skin on the device wasn't too difficult, the only real issue being the fine trimming required to get it to latch. The finish is perhaps not quite as seamless as Asus's various official leather offerings, but we'd totally rock one at the local ~~S&M club~~ Starbucks.

[Via Eee PC News]

Maxell's Leather Label DVDs are Fonzerelli approved

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 23rd 2008 at 3:00AM

Oh man, just look at that. Soft, rich, leather-wrapped 16x DVD-Rs and 2x DRD-RWs -- guaranteed to make your data more creamy and you more socially awkward. Available October 25th in Japan for an undisclosed price.

Kazuharu Sakura's leather keyboard: only touch typists need apply

by Darren Murph posted Jun 16th 2008 at 8:32AM

Alright, so we suppose a labeled version could be created upon request, but the beauty of Kazuharu Sakura's handmade leather keyboard is really in its simplicity. Just imagine: your delicate fingertips frolicking endlessly on the soft, supple skin covering the abnormally large Enter / atypically small Space bar, not to mention every key in between. Our knees get weak just thinking about it.

BenQ introduces 14.1-inch Joybook R45

by Darren Murph posted Apr 16th 2008 at 2:57PM

Here's to hoping you North Americans don't fall too hard for BenQ's latest Joybook, as the R45 is destined for almost everywhere but here. Nevertheless, this globetrotter packs a 14.1-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) display, Intel's 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, NVIDIA's GeForce 8400M GPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, an optional dual-layer DVD writer, 802.11b/g WiFi, optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 2-megapixel webcam and a 4-in-1 multicard reader. Additionally, you can count on four USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet / modem jacks, an HDMI output, VGA, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, 4-pin FireWire and a six-cell Li-ion good for around 2.5 hours of use. Sadly, BenQ left us hanging in regard to a price, but look for this pleather-coated lappie to land in China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Russia later this month.

[Via PC Launches]

Gallery: BenQ introduces 14.1-inch Joybook R45

Asus U3 laptop gets official

by Joshua Topolsky posted Aug 8th 2007 at 11:27AM

The Asus U3, which we told you about back in the hot and humid days of July, has gotten its official announcement from the company -- and it looks pretty sweet. The Santa Rosa-based, 13.3-inch laptop still rocks a Core 2 Duo processor (in T7500, T7300, T7100, T5450, T5250, CM540), a Nvidia GeForce G8400M G External graphics chipset, up to 2.5GB of RAM, and a 160GB SATA hard drive. In the communications department, the U3 packs 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0, but apparently the GPS we mentioned will be offered as an option along with 3G connectivity and turbo memory. The system also includes a slew of ports, like eSATA, HDMI, GPS RF in, USB, Firewire, VGA/D-Sub, and TV out, plus rocks a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and fingerprint reader. Luckily for you fashion plates, Asus has stuck with the leather-bound hand rests and "piano black" exterior, all wrapped up in a magnesium aluminum alloy, which the company thinks is perfect for "metropolitan professionals." The laptop is rumored to be available in September for around $2000.

[Via Laptoping]

Asus U3 caught on film

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jul 15th 2007 at 2:31AM

Asus, a company that's pushing some pretty interesting and innovative products into the spotlight as of late, is stepping up to bat with another new entry, dubbed the U3. The 13.3-inch ultraportable rocks a Billy Joel-approved "piano black" exterior, with a smooth, sensual leather finish on the palm rests, making it stylistically quite distinctive. The U3 features the much-loved Santa Rosa chipset, and will likely utilize one of Intel's low voltage Core 2 Duo processors (the L7500, for instance), but that's just where the fun begins on this baby. The jam-packed specs include integrated GPS, HDMI and S-Video outs, eSATA, USB, and Firewire ports; SD and ExpressCard 54 slots; and an NVIDIA 8400M graphics chipset -- which can be switched off via hardware for power conservation. Asus reps say the system is due in September at a price point somewhere around $2,000.

[Thanks, Coriolis]

Lenovo's ThinkPad Reserve Edition gets a teaser site

by Darren Murph posted May 23rd 2007 at 12:33PM

Nearly a month after Lenovo teased us with its Olympic-inspired laptop, and just days after loosing a bevy of Santa Rosa machines on the world, Lenovo is catching our eyes once more with an admittedly lacking teaser site for a Reserve Edition ThinkPad. The very non-interactive website sports an annoying background track, a cheesy selection of closeup leathermaking shots, and absolutely zero information about an actual computer. Of course, one could theorize that the firm has a leather-clad lappie in the pipeline for the affluent set, but it's not like you can't get that already. Nevertheless, this certainly isn't the first nor the last time we'll see such tease acts in order to hype up a currently unreleased product, but hopefully the deets on this one will end up surfacing as quickly as those on the Beijing machine did.

[Via LenovoBlogs, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Brookstone's Digital Photo Wallet eliminates need for prints

by Darren Murph posted Apr 29th 2007 at 2:58AM

While digiframe manufacturers keep pushing for larger and larger LCD sizes to adorn (or completely consume) your coffee tables, Brookstone's going the opposite direction with its Digital Photo Wallet. The presumably chintzy "nappa leather" wallet doesn't look to be of much better quality than those sold at your favorite dollar-for-everything store, but it does manage to house a 1.4-inch LCD that reportedly stores 55 photos. Additionally, it's completely removable and rechargeable, sports an on / off button and scroll controls, and interfaces with your PC via USB. Of course, you could just stick with the wallet you're comfortable with and pick up a digital photo keychain, but if you're serious about this one here, watch for it in mid-May for $59.

Asus announces leather-bound W6Fp laptop

by Donald Melanson posted Jan 15th 2007 at 2:31PM

Asus may not be ready to provide many specs on its new Lamborghini laptop just yet, but the company's more than happy to spill the details on another of its latest rock solid, heart touching laptops, the W6Fp. As with its Lambo brethren, the W6Fp comes wrapped in leather for your typing pleasure, along with what look to be nearly desktop-sized keys for some additional comfort. Specs-wise, you'll get a 13.3-inch WXGA display, a 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo T5600 processor, Intel 945GM Express integrated graphics, 1GB of memory (up to 1.5GB), a 120GB hard drive, DVD super multi drive, and, of course, Windows Vista (Home Premium edition by default). Rounding out the laptop are built in Bluetooth and WiFi, and a battery that'll give you just 2.7 hours of juice on a charge, although you can nearly double that if you pop in the extra "bulk battery" included with the system. Look for this one to hit Japan at the end of the month for about 249,800 Yen, or just over $2,000.

[Via Impress]

Prestigio offers up leather-wrapped Data Safe II portable HDD

by Darren Murph posted Nov 28th 2006 at 6:30PM

Prestigio is at it again, this time bringing a somewhat prestigious portable hard drive wrapped in supple, sure-to-be-costly leather. This tidbit of luxury sports a 0.69- x 3.20- x 5.16-inch enclosure, which is covered in a "stylish classic black or brown leather coating," and houses your choice of 40, 60, 80, 100 or 120GB 2.5-inch hard drive. Additionally, it boasts a "one touch" backup system, allowing you to clone your data onto the portable drive with just the press of a button, and while it supports a software-based password system, the lack of a biometric scanner keeps it from true greatness. The classy Data Safe II comes packaged in a "fashionable box," derives all the power it needs from just a USB 2.0 port, and should be available real soon. Although there's no price set just yet, you can sign up for the "pre-sale" on the company's website should you so desire.

ASUS's Golden Edition VX1 and leather S6F: if you got it, flaunt it

by Thomas Ricker posted Nov 2nd 2006 at 10:06AM

Asus just went official with at least one of the 4 leaked laptops we saw a few weeks back -- the Lamborghini emblazoned VX1 "Golden Addition" -- and hit us with yet another leather-clad model in their S6F. The Golden Edition VX1 is all that we heard: packed beneath that 15.2-inch SXGA+ (1400x1050) display you'll find up to 2GB of DDR2 memory, a dual-layer DVD burner, 3.7-hour battery and an ExpressCard/54 slot among a wide range on in/outs with a 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo proc and 128MB of nVidia GeForce Go 7400 VX graphics providing the vroom, vroom. Thing is, they skimped on the disk with an Ultra ATA/100 160GB HDD spinning at 5,400rpm. If that doesn't scare you off then you'd best get moving race-boy, only 200 will be produced, in Japan anyway. Also announced is the 11.1-inch WXGA (1366×768) S6F which smacks of the S7Fm leaked, albeit dressed in a fine suit of dead cow. It opts for a 1.66GHz L2400 Core Duo processor and up to 1.5GB of DDR memory and 100GB disk, Intel 945GM Express graphics, a dual-layer DVD burner, ExpressCard/54 slot, and even a webcam in the bezel like any good laptop should these days. You'd better opt for the 3.75-hour, 6-cell battery though 'cause the standard battery only manages a pathetic 1.6-hours. Well, at least it'll look nice in your purse. Both will hit Japan's wealthiest starting tomorrow with the little S6F set to demand ¥279,800 (about $2,387) on up to a preposterous ¥389,000 (about $3,318) for the VX1. Now how 'bout showing us those leaked gaming rigs, ok ASUS?

[Via Impress]

Read -- S6F Leather Addition
Read -- Lamborghini VX1 Golden Addition

Asus rolls out leather-clad W6 and S6 notebooks

by Darren Murph posted Oct 31st 2006 at 10:39AM

Asus has unveiled a leather-clad duo of notebooks today -- the W6 and upgraded S6 -- to presumably tackle that oh-so-lucrative "luxury computing" market. While the S6 has donned the leather outfit for some time now, Asus is releasing it in a "limited run" of hot pink, which is sure to take top priority on your lovely lady's wish list. Also boasting camel / black colors, the S6 is powered by an Intel Core Duo L2300 / L2400 processor, sports an 11.1-inch WXGA display, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, S-Video out, five USB 2.0 inputs, and an ExpressCard slot to boot. The mightier W6 loses the pink shade, but gains options for Intel's T5500 / T5600 / T7200 Core 2 Duo processors, and a 13.3-inch WXGA screen. While there's no word on pricing or availability, we expect these tastefully decorated machines to demand a stiff premium when they hit stores.

[Via Laptoping]

Ultrasone Edition 9s headphones will set you back $1,500

by Cyrus Farivar posted Oct 5th 2006 at 10:01PM

We'll probably never have the ears to distinguish a $1,500 pair of headphones from a $200 pair, but Ultrasone clearly thinks the Edition 9s are worth that extra fistful of cash. The company's press release claims that the technology in the 'phones "reduces sound pressure to the eardrums by an astonishing 40 percent" and that the headphones reduce EM field radiation (you know, like radio signals given off by your cellphone) by "up to 98 percent." These headphones have a frequency range of 8Hz to 35Hz, and come with Ethiopian sheep leather (is that good?) in the ear pads and headband pad.