Category: Gadgets and Tech

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Music

Korg Monotron vintage-style portable synthesiser

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Korg

It's far from cutting edge these days, but back in the 80s, something like the Korg Monotron synthesiser could well have got you on Top of The Pops.

Using the same analogue filter found in the legendary Korg MS-10 synth (an instrument of choice for synth bands 30+ years back), this battery-powered keyboard packs an easy-to-use keyboard, an internal speaker and headphone jack plus voltage and low frequency-controlled oscillators for creating those crazy vintage-style synth grooves. You can also filter and modulate sounds from other external sources via the audio input jack.

It could be too much fun. Available online, it sells for £59.99.

Find out more at the Firebox website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Music

Abbey Road iPhone case by Crank Cases

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Abbey_road_1

There are many different iphone cases on the market to pick from. For something with retro appeal, take a look at the range by Crank Cases, especially this Abbey Road case. 

The case reproduces the famous sign, complete with the graffiti, and is made from felt with a special fade resistant coating on top. Other designs in their range include cases in the shape of calculators, cassette tapes, red phone boxes and even the tardis. 

The case costs £13. 

Buy it from All Things Original

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Homeware

Paladone Pac Man Alarm Clock

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637009 
There appears to be a rash to retro gaming products about at the moment (probably in preparation for the approaching festive season, although we are loath to mention it just yet), including this Pac-Man Alarm Clock from Paladone.

As you can see here, the clock consists of a giant pac-man with a digital clock inside his mouth. The alarm uses authentic sounds from the original game, which should be irritating enough to get most people out of bed on time.

It is available to buy online from Comet for £29.99.

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

Crosley Classic Kitchen Phone

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Crossleyphone 
The Crosley Classic Kitchen Phone is a tribute to the mid-century telephones designed by Henry Dreyfuss.

This wall-mounted phone was originally designed to allow consumers to walk with the phone while cradling it on their shoulder and Dreyfuss undertook an extensive survey of human faces to determine the average distance between the mouth and ear. The Crosley design has incorporated these ideas, but updated the phone with push buttons, redial function and pulse/tone modes.

The phone costs $54 from Urban Outfitters, although sadly it is can only be delivered within the USA.

Categories / Gadgets and Tech

USB Retro Mobile MP3 Player – shaped like an 80s brick mobile phone

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Brick

Is it a mobile phone from the 1980s? Or is it an MP3 player? Well, as the name suggests, the USB Retro Mobile MP3 Player from Brando is the latter, but shaped like the former.

Yes, shaped like a 'brick' phone, it actually plays your MP3/WMA files, holds a microSD card for storage and hooks up to your PC via USB. There's even an FM radio and rechargeable battery to finish things off.

What do all those buttons do? No idea, but you can have fun finding out. The price is $23 from Brando directly, which is a paltry £14.66.

Find out more at the Brando website

Categories / Gadgets and Tech, Toys and Games

Official Etch A Sketch case for Apple’s iPad

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Etch_ipad

Got an iPad? Want to give it a retro twist? You need the official Etch A Sketch case.

Yes, you can turn your expensive Apple touchscreen tablet into a 50-year-old toy, courtesy of Headcase, with the added bonus of the case protecting your investment thanks to the impact-resistant plastic construction.

All your slots and switches are left exposed (should you be worried) and a retractable kick stands allow you to either lay your iPad flat, or angle it for use with the iPad keyboard. Want one? You can pick it up online for $39. Sadly those knobs at the bottom don't offer up added control. Oh well.

Find out more at the Headcase website