Category: Gadgets and Tech

Contexture – the people behind the 45 record iPod cases – are back with another way of recycling vintage audio – the 45 nano.

Despite the name, there’s no vinyl here, this time it’s all about the humble audio cassette. One side of a cassette case is hollowed out to fit first- and second-generation iPod nanos, shielded by a clear plastic window that includes openings for access to the music player’s controls, headphone jack and charging dock. The rear still looks like an old tape.

And if you happen to own one of the brand new nanos, they’re working on a similar case for those too. If you want one of the cases, they’re available online now, priced at $45 (which is around £23).

Find out more from the 45 iPod cases website

Unless you have splashed out on a Mac, chances are that your computer monitor is off-white or grey/silver and looking every bit the functional item. There is an alternative – the HANNspree Boston wood-effect LCD monitor.

Matching up with your vintage furnishings, the Boston goes for a dark wood and metal look, not unlike certain lines of sought-after vintage furniture from the late 60s. Technically, this 19-inch anti-glare screen is worth a look too – HD-ready, a 150-degree viewing angle, built-in speakers and with adjustable height and wall mounting.

Available now, you can pick one up from Misco for £134.99.

Find out more at the Misco website

We featured the Ericofon (or the Cobra as it’s known in Europe) some time back, describing it as the world’s coolest house phone. Well, it must be – I have one! But there is a downside, which is the ever-increasing price of good condition originals on the vintage market.

That could change with the introduction of the ScandiPhone by Wild and Wolf. The company doesn’t use the word ‘Ericofon’ in its advertising, but you only need to look at the picture to see that this is pretty much identical to the early models of the handset. But there are some differences – this new one-piece phone has push button dialing (like the later model I own and use daily), a redial button, ringer volume and a tone/pulse switch.

The company will be selling these in a variety of colours, but you can only pre-order one on red right now at the V&A, priced at £45 – considerably cheaper than a mint condition vintage model.

Find out more at the V&A website

Retro phones and fifties diners are mainstays of Retro To Go, so here is a something that combines those two – the 1950s Diner Telephone.

Actually it is an update of the original fifties model – the dial is now push button and you don’t have to put in a dime to make a call, but if you want to drop in a coin, it doubles as a money box.

It is available to buy for approximately £60 from Bloomsbury.