Web Analyst » Toys

A lock after my own heart

Gaston — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:55:50 +0000

I’ve been a reluctant locker lock user in the past – but this new product, where I can choose my own code, is just what my old brain needed. The wheels are probably easy to destroy, but this is just the right amount of locking for my YMCA.

Master Lock: Residential: School & Campus: Product No. 1534

Apple iTunes Plus still missing international purchases

Gaston — Thu, 31 May 2007 17:21:24 +0000

Apple Launches iTunes Plus

Apple’s iTunes launch of DRM-free purchases has bee rightly heralded as a happy jingle. However, Apple still misses the mark and a golden opportunity with international purchases.

As the holder of a US-based iTunes account, I can visit, but not purchase from, the iTunes store in France. I understand that, with different prices and agreements across the ocean, Apple wants to prevent cross-country arbitrage, but it’s beyond me why I can’t buy a tune from iTunes France when it’s not offered at all in the US.

Apple, give us an “Export” option! Make money in the process.

Cool Swiss Design II: Swatch Irony Nabab “Black Scepter”

Gaston — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 20:51:05 +0000

My second Swiss Design purchase this summer was the Swatch Irony Nabab “Black Scepter”. Even though this one was probably designed by Swatch in Italy, let’s count it toward Swiss Design coolness: the Nababs are the heaviest Swatches around, and a great fashion value. This one is available in the US, although it is a previous year model.

Cool Swiss Design I: Caran d’Ache Frosty Pen and Pencils

Gaston — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 20:43:48 +0000

I purchased 10 of these in Switzerland this summer. Caran d’Ache high-end instruments can be found in the US, but their “office product” line seems limited to Switzerland. This are the nicest cheap pens ever – shaped like classical fountain pens, built to survive a Swiss army bootcamp, showing just enough of the traditional Caran d’Ache hexagonal profile.
Update: I found one US vendor who sells these in packs of 10. Christmas stocking stuffers?

The Ipod way to your living room

Gaston — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 23:37:50 +0000

Think Secret – Road to Expo: Reborn Mac mini set to take over the living room

I can see a Mini in my living room – I can’t see a Windows Media Center thingy. Fascinating how Apple choose its cheapest hardware for the entertainment center, whilst Microsoft picked the more expensive route. Simplicity will win again, argued Malik a few days ago.