Category: Gadgets and Tech

Yes, the most sought-after bit of home technology around is finally available to buy – but not at the so-called exclusive retailer.

You can actually buy the Colombo Phone online now at Colloco. It’s due into Selfridges stores any day now, but if you don’t live near one, Colloco assures us that it has stock available and ready to ship in both orange (aka coral) and white, as well as single and double packs. But that stock is limited initially.

The price is exactly the same as quoted by Selfridges – £39.99 for the single unit, £59.99 for the twin pack. If you want one first, I’d get one ordered now.

Find out more at the Colloco website

Since the 1930s, every secret agent of note has been packing a Minox spy camera, essential for taking snaps of those secret documents or capturing the most wanted on film. And this era is no exception, with the company about to launch its first digital version – the Minox DSC.

Perfect for any budding James Bond or Harry Palmer, the DSC (Digital Spy Camera) stays true to its classic vintage style, but packs in more modern-day technology, including a 3.2 megapixel sensor, 128MB memory (expandable with memory cards), a rechargeable battery and if you want to be really sneaky, the option to shoot movies. It’s even got a separate unit for flash and 1.5-inch LCD screen, giving you the option of travelling light.

The camera gets its official launch on September 23rd, hitting retail a few weeks later. No firm news on price, although a figure of 200 Euros has been mentioned.

Find out more at the Minox website

Our favourite camera maker has just updated one of our favourite cameras – upgrading the classic Leica M8 into the Leica M8.2.

Thankfully that cool retro look has survived pretty much unscathed, with the additions all being to the inner workings. That includes a 10.3 megapixel sensor, an ‘extra quiet, low-vibration metal blade focal plane shutter’, an increase in top shutter speed to 1/4000th of a second, a new auto snapshot mode and scratch-resistant sapphire glass on the LCD screen. You can use existing M-series lenses and you can bump up the storage to 32GB using SDHC cards.

All of that should mean a great deal to the pro snappers out there, much less to us laymen who just love the timeless looks. No news on price, but it’s certain to be well into four figures.

Find out more at the Leica website

Tangent has previously offered us the Trio and the Quattro, but now it’s gone back to mono with the newly-launched Tangent Uno.

Yes, forget DAB or internet radio, this is a stripped-down FM/AM radio with a 50s-style tuning dial, heavy furniture-grade wood cabinet and mono sound – but with its built-in 5 watt amplifier and 3-inch speaker, still offering something of a kick.

Along with iPod/PC/MP3 player connectivity, there’s also an endless number of finishes available – although we’re leaning towards that classic walnut veneer. Expect to pay from around £80.

Find out more at the Sennheiser website

We’ve banged on about the Olivetti Valentine in the past, but even the company’s more basic typewriters are pretty stylish – and still in production. Like the Olivetti MS 25 manual typewriter for example.

The MS 25 offers you software/power-free typing and that reassuring ‘click’ every time you hit a key. On the downside, one false click and you’ll be reaching for the Tipp-ex. Emailing your document will probably require the aid of a scanner. Feature highlights include 49 keys with 86 symbols, Margin Stop with 8 Stop Tab keys, Space Bar with Repeater key, Variable Line Space, Paper and Carriage Release Lever, Ribbon Color Selector Switch and of course, that lid/carry case housing for the jet set author.

All of which will cost you $140 online (around £70) from the US version of Urban Outfitters. Doesn’t look like the UK version has it, but I’m sure a web search will dig one up in the UK somewhere.

Find out more at the Urban Outfitters website

If you have a nice wooden desk, we have a nice wooden phone to go with it – the Hulger Pappa*Phone.

It’s a high-end internet phone, handmade by craftsmen by Furni (in Montreal) from a mix of walnut and brass – each one unique and made to order. It looks great, but it’s also pretty useful too, connecting to PC and Mac for VoIP internet calling (Skype, iChat etc), with around 1.5m of cable to offer you some freedom.

Available now, it retails for 225 Euros.

Find out more at the Hulger website