Yesterday, we featured the 1960s-styling of the Pentax Optio I-10 camera. In the comments related to that camera, another new launch was pointed out – the Pentax Optio H90 digital camera.
It's not quite as obviously retro as the I-10, but it does look like it could have come straight out of the Dieter Rams design catalogue – the kind of stylish but functional design the great man was known for. We suspect that's no accident – and Rams should indeed be flattered by his continuing influence.
If you like the look of the Olympus E-P1, but didn't much care for the price, here's another stylish retro camera to consider – the Pentax Optio I-10.
Sadly it's not pushing the same technological boundaries as the Olympus effort, but it is stil a very good digital compact camera, offering up a 12-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, auto focus and exposure and face recognition, the latter able to accurately detect up to 32 faces in a single shot. Oh yes and for animal lovers, it can even capture up to two or three dog and cat faces too.
Throw in HD (720p) video recording and that two-tone 60s style and you've got a very tasty piece of kit, which will be available from next month for £199.99.
When it comes to cutting edge TV, no-one is doing more to push things along than Korean giant LG – which makes the arrival of the 1960s-inspired Serie 1 television all the more puzzling. Not that we're complaining.
A nice alternative to the Brionvega Doney, Algol or Alpha (or indeed, converting your existing set with something like the 50s-style M21 console), the Serie 1 uses not-quite-2010 CRT technology and a 4:3 aspect ratio for something that's both retro and usable in the modern era. Although that 14-inch screen might test your eyes. On the plus side, a digital tuner will at least give you all the channels (even in old school black and white with a touch of a button) and composite video connectivity means you can hook up a last-generation games console. Nice chrome legs and screen dials too.
Want one? well, right now that will mean a trip to Korea, where the LG Serie 1 sells for around £134 (approximately $216). No news of a UK launch, but if we kick up enough of a fuss, who knows? See another image over the page.
LG website (in Korean)
Via Technabob
The iconic Marshall amplifier has been around since the mid-1960s, largely unchanged in looks, making it something of a music icon. Which is why these Marshall amplifier headphones by Zound Industries are so incredibly eye-catching.
Yes, we're talking that distintive Marshall shape and branding for your ears, keeping that same white on black colour scheme naturally and with the 'Marshall' signature in the headband.
Sadly, Zound Industries is only showing off the headphones round the trade shows right now, but it is ahead of a full commercial release, likely to be later this year.
Via High Snobiety
Ok, you got us – the MP3 format wasn't around in the 1960s. But the Brionvega rr227 radio was – and it's now available in the UK.
We first saw this back in late 2008, a 1965 design from the hands of Zanuso and Sapper, produced to work either horizontally or vertically for your AM/FM listening pleasure.
But the new version adds something new – an MP3 player, which you can feed via miniSD card or USB, playing back MP3 or WMA digital music files. Available in red, white or black, you can finally pick it up instore or online for £185.
Ever heard of the T-12 Urbano telephone? Me neither, but one look at the picture and I was sold. It's not just a pretty face either, with Russell Johnson Imports selling completely reconditioned models online.
The phones were originally designed in the US by Standard Electric in the late 50s, the design being sold around the world through to the mid-60s. These particular models are from Argentina, with original state-owned phones undergoing extensive renovation – new microphones, cartridges and cables, along with a new paint job. Apparently it takes four old phones to create one reconditioned model ready to go.
