Technology & Gadget Blog

Switchplates can often make a room go from pretty to pretty fugly, so when I spot a cool one, I’m all over it like white on rice. I adore this funky cubic switchplate that adds a fun dimensional aspect to boring electrical outlets.

$8 US, Design Glut on Supermarkethq.com.

It seems these days that technology is moving at the speed of light. You buy the latest iPod and then a couple of months later, that puppy’s old news. How’s a gal to keep up?

If you’re not ready to let go of your outdated tech-cessories, why not wait until they turn vintage? On a recent scour through the Etsy site, I found tons of fab vintage tech goods that may not work half as well as today’s products (or may not work at all), but gosh-darned-it, won’t they look cute sitting on your bookshelf or countertop.

Here’s a few of the fierce finds I stumbled across on Etsy — keep in mind they sell fast, so you may have to do some hunting of your own.

Cooler than cool 1950s typewriter, $210 US, PoeticHome.

Mod 1960s GE clock, $32 US, AquaVelvet.

1970 Polaroid Swinger Camera, $20 US, VintageEyeCandy.

Circa 1948 Hamilton Beach mixer, $74 US, AuntMaryGraceshouse.

1960s Imperial record player, $95 US, Thrush.

Vintage Italian Marble phone, $45 US, TheRubyKitten.

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Technology is going to new levels when it comes to design, and the proof ain’t in the pudding – it’s in Dell’s new line of laptops. Sleek, modern and incredibly unique, Dell’s line features the design expertise of an unusual hire – Ed Boyd, an industrial designer who used to dream up sunglasses and sneakers for Nike.

I was lucky enough to ask Ed a few questions about the products, his role in the design process, and why technology is being designed to fit in with the decor of our homes.

Tech Style: The move from sneakers and sunglasses, to designing laptops… how did that come about?
Ed Boyd: When I was approached by Dell, the company was really looking for somebody who understood technology and lifestyle. At the time I was at Nike, designing tech-based products like watches, speed and distance devices, sunglasses, etc. Prior to joining Nike, I was at Sony where I designed a wide array of consumer electronics. So, I am very familiar with the technology industry and the shift from Nike to Dell was not that difficult.

TS: What inspired you when designing these pieces?
EB: Actually, it’s not just me but a design team of 120 people at Dell that are working on these products. At Dell we spend a lot of time speaking with and really listening to our customers. We use their feedback and ideas to inspire our designs for products that meet specific needs and personalities. We also draw inspiration from other industries such as furniture, fashion, music, culture and essentially every space that gives us insight into how people are integrating technology into their lifestyles.

On a personal note, I draw inspiration from my childhood experiences, watching my grandmother, who was a multi-talented artist. I am also constantly inspired by my friends and colleagues in the technology and fashion industries. My goal is to consistently stretch my design antennae as far as possible and be inspired by as many things as possible.

TS: There’s a real push to incorporate technology with sleek and artistic design. Why do you think this is such a large growing trend?
EB: The PC industry is changing just like the cell phone industry or the automotive industry did. People are becoming very comfortable with their technology and they are using technology as accessories for self-expression. So, obviously they expect products to be designed accordingly. They expect products to be customized so as to reflect their own personalities and lifestyles. The days of the utilitarian PC as we know it are pretty much over. Customization is driving purchasing behaviour, so Dell certainly wants to make sure it plays in that space. We will continue to see a growing trend toward highly stylized technology products.

TS: Laptops like these are really becoming almost an accessory in a home’s decorating scheme. Do you ever take that into consideration when designing these pieces?
EB: Yes, absolutely. As we spend time talking to customers, one of biggest trends we have noticed is that people want their laptops and desktops to be functional but also to fit into their lifestyle – be it matching their personality or complementing their décor. Dell’s Design Studio enables customers to customize the look of their laptop or desktop as they are configuring the system. They can select and customize colour and finishes to match their décor or personality.

TS: What’s next for Ed Boyd? Are there other areas of design you’d like to venture into?
EB: I think I have my hands full at the moment with Dell! A tremendous amount of time, energy and work is going into delivering products with personalization options within the industry, and I’m very excited to be a part of this change.

For more information on Dell’s new line of uniquely designed laptops, visit the Dell Design Studio.

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The Crest Oral-B Pulsonic contest has come to a close, and your responses have been great! I wish I could give all of you the prize packs, but unfortunately, I only have three.

The winners with the best comments are:
- Tracy Murray from Courtice

- Seema Persaud from Markham

- Chantal Hebert from Ottawa

Congrats to those who won, thanks to all who entered, and keep checking back for more fab contests and a chance to win cool tech goodies!

To view the original contest post with the winning responses, click here.

There are two things I obsess over in life: new tech toys and pretty paper (Style at Home’s web editor, Natalie Bahadur, and I go gaga over stationery; check out her Favourite Things blog for gorge goods). So, you can imagine how much I drooled over this crazy-cool card from Yellow Owl Workshop.

Printed on 100% recycled paper, the card features a debossed ’80s-digital-style front that lets you fill in your own message. It also comes with a reference alphabet so you know what each letter should look like.

Super geek or super chic? I’d happily say both.

Price: $5 US

Available at: Yellow Owl Workshop or Urban Outfitters

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Ctrl+Alt+Del – not just a three key computer command anymore. The universal code for quitting a software program has long been used as tech-speak for any form of deletion (”I’m going to Ctrl+Alt+Del your number out of my phone!”), and now it’s making its way into your home decor.

These adorable cushion covers from Etsy seller Diffraction Fiber are made of ‘Eco Felt’ (100% recycled plastic bottles), yet are as soft as they are durable. With an envelope enclosure and machine-washability, what’s not to love? Reveal your inner geek while still maintaining the cool factor.

Price: $50 US for a set of 3 cushion covers

Available at: Diffraction Fiber on Etsy

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Tech gets a bad rap when it comes to being earth friendly. While some gadgets and appliances are known to suck up a ton of energy, there’s a growing trend to create products that make love, not war with the earth. Check out these eco-chic tech goodies and accessories:

Tote your 17″ laptop around in this super-stylish cedar-wood case.
Not for the budget-conscious!
$412 US, Out of Gray.

They’re at it again! IKEA goes all-the way eco with these solar powered desk lamps.
Shines for approx. 4 hours when fully charged.
$20 each, IKEA.

My delicate iPhone is an extension of my arm, so it needs hardcore protection.
This shell from gadget case gods, Incase, is composed of 40% recycled bamboo
and 60% plastic, offering uber-durability.
$35, Apple Store.

Present Mother Earth with a gift worth giving this Earth Day.
The Soji Modern solar lantern is a gorgeous outdoor lighting solution that charges from the sun’s rays, turning itself on automatically at dusk, then off at dawn.
$47 US, Pure Modern.

Although it’s been around for ages, I’m amazed at how many people don’t know about Blackle.com. A search engine powered by Google, Blackle saves energy by using a black screen while you surf the web (a white screen sucks up more energy). It’s free to use, so there’s no excuse not to do your part, techies!

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