Chip Chick » Travel

Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Mission One Electric Sports Motorcycle

Chip Chick — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:34 +0000

Well if you can afford the PS3 Slim dipped in gold, then you probably can afford this Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Mission One Electric Sports Motorcycle. This motorcycle is based on the same concept of the original super futiristicMission One, however this one is a tad more expensive at $73,000, and it is an exclusive to Neiman Marcus. The Limited Edition Mission One can speed up to 150 mph with zero carbon emissions. The battery will also run a full 150-mile range between charges. The Neiman Marcus edition is limited to 10 bikes with numbered NM plaques, exclusive wheels, and a special paint job. If you buy it, it looks like you’ll have to take a trip to San Francisco to pick it up and get training. Heck, if you an afford the bike – you can afford the plane ticket.

Galactic Suite On Track for 2012 Opening – Alert the Jetsons and Astro Boy

Ali — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:32:28 +0000

Ready to make your escape in 2012 if the Mayan calendar holds true about all the natural disasters that year? Well the Galactic Suite will be ready to take your reservation to their hotel in space. That’s if you got the cash that is. Back in 2007 the Barcelona based architects claimed they would be ready in 2012 but they were all poo poohed and most expected the company to go down before ever coming to fruition or just not make their deadline at all. Well neither happened and they will gladly take your $4.4 million for a three night stay at the hotel plus an eight week training course on a tropical island. I can’t wait to read the reviews on Trip Advisor someday.

[Via]

Virgin Atlantic App Flying Without Fear will Help Those Who are Afraid to Fly

Ali — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:22:06 +0000

Scared of flying? There’s an app for that. Virgin Atlantic has created the Flying Without Fear Course app that reassures those who are afraid of airline travel. People scared of flying can now press a button on their iPhone to help them deal with their panic. The app will help people overcome fear from strange noises on a plane to fear of it losing control. The airline developed the app with Mental Workout, a company developing software to help people resolve issues and increase mental performance. The Flying Without Fear app also has an introduction by Branson, a video-based in-flight explanation of a flight, frequently asked questions, relaxation exercises and a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises.The app retails for $4.99 and is available at the App Store on iTunes.

Cytronex Powered Cannondale Capo is World’s Lightest Electric Bicycle

Chip Chick — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:32:20 +0000

When it comes to Electric Bicycles, as cool as they are, they usually end up being impractical because they’re so heavy. Let’s just say having to carry a heavy bike up NYC subway stairs, is not a pleasant experience, and we have the bruises to prove it. Fortunately, the new Cytronex Powered Cannondale Capo Electric Bicycle is the world’s lights electric bike weighing 13.6kg. Granted, it’s only a single speed bike, but that supposedly makes it more efficient since it avoids having to do constant gear changes. And Cytronex promises that moderate hill climbing will still be easy to do with this bike. You can pick it up (ha, ha) for £1650.00 (about $2717 USD). Unfortunately this bike only seems to be available in the U.K. for now.

Speck CorePack Fly Notebook Messenger Bag Review

Lydia Leavitt — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:00:52 +0000

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of airport security, is the hassle of having to take my laptop out of my bag and putting it into one of those cold hard plastic containers to be scanned. I can’t help but get nervous that my laptop is going to get scratched or bumped around in those nasty gray containers. With Speck’s new line CorePack Fly, these TSA approved bags let you carry your laptop through security without unpacking it for a hassle free travel experience.

The bag comes in two colors: Restart Greyscale Pixel (a cute checkerboard pattern) and Speakeasy Grey Pinstripe. With two sections, one is a main compartment and one is a smaller laptop compartment. The thinner side is designed to house your 15″ laptop (or smaller), and the thicker side acts as your carry-on luggage for makeup, papers, books, or whatever you would normally pack. Everytime I travel, I have to lug a laptop case along with my carry-on bag, which usually results in stress and a backache. What I liked about this bag is that it’s a laptop bag and carry-on in one. I don’t have to carry an extra bulky laptop bag along with my regular carry-on – it’s combined.

The bag looks like two bags stuck together. When you’re ready to go through security you unsnap the two Velcro sections and lay it flat on the conveyor belt. This allows TSA security to clearly view what’s in your bag and laptop back at the same time. When the compartments are snapped together, you can carry the bag as a briefcase or zipper the handle into the bag and attach the included strap to carry it as a messenger bag. The super cute bag has a patterned outside and a quilted compartmentalized interior. On the inside of the bag, the laptop case zippers shut and is padded with micro-fleece to keep your laptop warm, snuggly, and protected. The carry-on side is lightly quilted to protect your valuables and the material seems like if something exploded your laptop wouldn’t be ruined forever. The inside of the bag has special compartments for your mp3 player, a water bottle, cell phone, etc. so you can easily access important things like passports when going through security. Always convenient so you’re not digging through bag looking for your passport.

Conclusion:
The Speck CorePack Fly is beautifully made, cute, and durable. I felt confident carrying my laptop and valuables in this well crafted bag. The problem? It’s really bulky. Yes, it is a laptop case and carry-on bag in one. Overall, this well made bag is perfect for airport travel where a little extra bulk is acceptable. It decreases the stress and hassle of going through security with multiple bags and it’s literally an all-in-one carry-on and laptop bag for convenience. As a regular laptop case for carrying your bag to work or the library, this bag isn’t ideal. But for only $90, this bag is worth it for airport travel alone.

The Good: An all in one case that carries your laptop and additional accessories and some clothes for a quick trip, TSA friendly, lots of pockets!

The Bad: Bag is very bulky and could become heavy if you load it up with lots of stuff.

Check out our review of Speck’s TuckPack and AftPack.

Ultimate Flashing LEDs Umbrella is Perfect for Lightsaber Fighting in the Rain

Chip Chick — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:52 +0000

Not to be confused with the Ambient Weather Forecasting Umbrella, the Ultimate Flashing LEDs Umbrella is a bit lightsaber / glow toy. This umbrella features 2 LEDS inside of its umbrella tube and it has several light modes including dim light, light, flashing light and dim flashing light. The umbrella is available in several colors with a choice of blue or red LEDS for $44.00 at Brando.

Steampunk Haunted House Tour in NYC

Ali — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:59:05 +0000

So Halloween is on Saturday… you can dress up like some silly witch, put on an Obama mask or you can go see something completely awesome like the Steampunk Haunted House in NYC. Created by performance and installation artists you can tour a house decked out in mechanical gears, steam-powered cyborgs, and more. “The Steampunk Haunted House is a frightening, immersive experience that winds through the theater and catacombs of the Henry Street Settlement playhouse. It requires walking up and down staircases, and navigating tight spaces and twists and turns in the dark. There will be fog effects, strobe lights, loud noises, lots of dust, soot, dripping pipes, churning gears, rusty metal, and other things that will hurt you if you touch them. Visitors who have health conditions are strongly cautioned should check with their doctor before attending the event. ”

This in an experience that Steampunk lovers, as well as geeks are sure to drool over. Leave the trick or treating to the amateurs. The tour starts on October 28tth and runs till the 31st.

Steampunk Haunted House Trailer from Third Rail Projects on Vimeo.

Women-Only Pink Cabs Provide Safety and a Beauty Kit In Mexico City

Ali — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:04:55 +0000

No, this pink car has nothing to do with Breast Cancer Awareness. Instead its intended to keep women safe in a different way but I’m not sure if this is an incredibly sexist or incredibly smart idea. Mexico has figured out a way to curb sexual harassment by painting taxis pink, equipping them with a beauty kit, and putting a woman behind the wheel. It seems that the Mexican cabbies like to ogle the women their a bit too much (isn’t that the case in cabs around the world though?) and these new 35 pink cabs in Mexico City, Puebla, is an attempt to not only keep women safe, but pretty as well. The 4 door Chevrolet cabs are also equipped with a tracking device, an alarm button for emergency services, and yes a beauty kit on request.

Do you feel like this program is totally patronizing and discriminating? We get the safety motives behind these cabs, but we can’t help but feel like there is definitely a level of discrimination involved here too.

[Via]

Liquid Image Scuba Series HD Camera/Video Mask 320 Now Available

Chip Chick — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:07:18 +0000

Planning your winter vacation in the Bahamas? Then the Liquid Image High Definition Scuba Series HD Camera/Video Mask model 320 will probably be useful on your trip. These goggles are not particularly fashionable looking, but the specs make it worth while to put on your face. You can capture underwater photos and 720P HD video. The camera mode also sports a 5MP picture reolution and files can be downloaded through a Micro SD/SDHC card. A 2GB Micro SD Card is provided but the device supports up to a 32 GB card. The Liquid Image High Definition Scuba Series HD Camera/Video Mask model 320 retails for $299.99 and is available now at respective on-line retailers.

Chicago’s New Elysian Hotel Has SÉURA TV’s and Touch Screen Telephones

Ali — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:51:32 +0000

Looking for a new luxury hi-tech hotel when you vacation this winter or for business? The Elysian is a new hotel that just opened in Chicago that features SÉURA Television Mirrors, specifically SÉURA The One in the guest baths. Each of the 188 guest rooms and 52 residences will feature the LCD technology. One of the two mirrors in the guest baths will have The One built in and once its turned off, the LCD vanishes leaving behind a normal looking mirror. The rooms also feature touch screen VOIP telephones, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, and additional LCD high definition TV’s . Currently new reservations aren’t being taken because they are so new, but I anticipate all this luxury won’t be cheap.

Red Light Camera Detector Looks Like a Toy But Could Save You from Tickets

Chip Chick — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:28:45 +0000

The graphics on the Red Light Camera Detector are almost comical, but what it does is no joke. At any given intersection it will tell you whether its being monitored by a red light camera or speed trap. The system consists of a 1.6″ OLED display, which shows your car’s current location and at the same time alerts you to presence of a red light camera based upon its internal database of 6,000 red light and speed camera locations. You will be notified of speed traps or red light cameras either by audio or visual alerts. The database can be updated if you like by connecting it to your computer and downloading them for free for a year and then $19.95 per month thereafter. The Red Light Camera Detector retails for $199.95 at Hammacher

MahaNakhon is Designed to Look Like a Tall Pixel Building in Bangkok

Chip Chick — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:32:21 +0000

Just recently construction began on MahaNakhon, a residential and hotel tower designed by internationally celebrated German architect Ole Scheeren, so what makes it so special that we should write about it? The building’s glittering stacked surfaces, terraces and protrusions simultaneously create the impression of digital pixelation. The MahaNakhon will also be Bangkok’s tallest building , and will feature a landscaped outdoor public plaza, luxury retail space, restaurants, cafes and a 24 hour marketplace. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and a collaboration between hotelier Ian Schrager; will also be incorporated within the structure. For geeks however, there is finally a pixel palace for them stay at when they travel to Bangkok.

Sanyo Brings the Eneloop Bike Stateside, Makes an Early Christmas Present for Lazy Bicyclists

Ali — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:03:31 +0000

Last year Sanyo unveiled its eneloop bike but it was only for our Far-East cousins ,but now its making its debut in the United States. For those not familiar with the eneloop, it’s a hybrid pedal assist electric bike that gets about 40 miles per charge. Basically meaning, you probably won’t loose that much weight riding this thing. Unveiled at the Interbike International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas a few days ago, Sanyo will introduce into the US market the “Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle” as its entry model into the marketplace. The eneloop bike is expected to be available throughout the United States beginning in November, with a retail price starting at $2,299. There is even a product page up for it here.

Additional eneloop bike features include:
•   250-Watt DC brushless motor
•   25.9 volt/5.7 Ampere-hour(Ah) lithium-ion battery
•   Charge time ~ 3.5 hours
•   Total bike weight ~ 50 pounds
•   Taillight brake lamp
•   Handlebar panel switch
•   High-intensity, flashing LED tail lamp that operate when the headlight is turned on and flash faster when braking
•   Low frame and saddle design to allow easy step-through and mounting
•   Seat that accommodates 26-inch framing
•   Adjustable saddle with a range of 7 inches to accommodate riders of all heights
•   Neatly-designed frame with internal cabling
•   Shaped saddle with shock absorbing elastomer cushion to decrease rider fatigue

Expected riding distances*:
•   Up to 17 miles in Standard Mode – no charging while riding (with the motor engaged)
(based on company start & stop driving pattern for 219 yards)
•   Up to 20 miles in Power-Up Mode – regenerative charging via braking only
(based on company continuous riding pattern without stopping)
•   Up to 40 miles in Auto Mode – full regenerative charging
(based on company continuous riding pattern without stopping—maximum distance)

*Riding distances are based on company driving patterns

Leupold Yosemite Series Pink Camouflage Binoculars

Chip Chick — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:17:25 +0000

When you think binoculars, pink and trendy doesn’t usually come to mind. But the Yosemite Series of binoculars from Leupold are not only a rugged pair of extra eyes, it actually does come in pink! Mossy oak pink camo anyway, it is also available in the standard black or natural color. The Yosemite Series is perfect for those adventurous girls looking to add a little flair to their outdoorsy equipment. It has a 6x magnification, distance settings of 50mm to 70mm, multi-coated lenses, and its rugged and waterproof. The Yosemite Series from Leupold may make the guys giggle cause of its color but they are certainly not a joke. The Leupold 6×30 Yosemite Series retails from anywhere from $109.99 to $119.99.

Myers Motors Releases Two Passenger, 3 Wheeled, 75 mph Electric Vehicle as Clowns Rejoice

Chip Chick — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:42:46 +0000

If the pink Vespa we just wrote about wasn’t your speed, how about taking a gander at this crazy cool electric vehicle from Myers Motors. This extremely unique electric vehicle, isn’t quite a full blown car, yet it still manages to fit in seats for two and a highway speed of up to 75mph. And that is all running on just three wheels! You can charge the vehicle overnight and that will give it enough power to last for a 60 mile range trip, with a cost ration of about 2 cents per mile. Production of this new 2 seater is expected to start in the 4th quarter of 2010. In meanwhile you can pickup the original single seater NMG from Meyers Motors for under $30k.

Channel Your Inner Barbie With Vespa’s Hot Pink Scooter

Lydia Leavitt — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:23 +0000

Probably the hottest Vespa EVER, this pink scooter is a grown up version of the Barbie Power Wheels that we all wanted as kids. Introduced as part of the 2009 Vespa Collection, the hot pink LX 150 maxes out at 50MPH and gets an impressive 70 miles per gallon on the highway. Retailing at $4,399, this is an affordable alternative to a clunky old car that lets you zip in and out of traffic like a true city gal. It’s also comfortable to sit on, unlike a regular motorcycle, bike, cab or subway! If you’re looking for an even less expensive option, Vespa offers the LX 50, also available in pink, for $3,299. Although you won’t get the same kind of speed as you will with the LX 150 (only 39MPH), you will get even better gas mileage with 95-100 miles per gallon. Finally, a ride for true girly girls! But just in case you can’t afford either yet, while you save up for one, you can always settle for this.

Pet Emergency Evacuation Jacket Will Save Your Pets Life and Yours Too

Ali — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:26:48 +0000

The Pet Emergency Evacuation Jacket is probably the stupidest and smartest thing I have ever seen. Stupid because it looks utterly ridiculous on your pet. Smart because it will probably help save its life in a disaster as well as yours. Made from material used by Japanese firefighters, this flame retardant suit protects your pet and is equipped with a handle to quickly make a run for it when a situation gets deadly. The jacket holds an abundance of items that could be heavier than your pet like a food bowl, rubber booties, muzzle, rain coat, freezer gel packs, nutrition bars, etc..you can fit enough crap in this jacket to feed you and your pet for atleast a few days, if your dog or cat’s back isn’t broken by then from schlepping it around. The Pet Emergency Evacuation Jacket retails for $475 at Japan Trend Shop. We didn’t say safety comes cheap!

Burton Liquid Lounger is a Party in a Bag with a Built-In Weather Resistant Stereo System

Ali — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:04:37 +0000

Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop and Burton is always one to keep the party going. The newest party in a bag is the Liquid Lounger from Burton. The Liquid Lounger holds and insulates 24 beverages as well as ice, includes a Burton branded gulf towel, Ping Pong Balls, Flask, Dice, four neoprene koozies, and “The Kit”. The Pièce de résistance is the built-in weather-resistant stereo system, complete with speaker, amp, and auxiliary input. The included 3.5mm headphone jack works with any iPod, CD, or tape player, and runs off AA batteries. So grab some buds and and party down, this is one bag that will keep the party pumping in any season. The Liquid Lounger is available in Bollywood Native Plaid or True Black and retails for $199.95.

10 Hour Heated Stadium Seat Will Keep Your Bum Toasty During Sports Season

Ali — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:12:53 +0000

So its football season and you know what that means? – schlepping out with your guy to the stadium, as he roots and cheers and you freeze your butt on a cold hard seat. Well no more! The battery-powered heated seat cushion converts any cold bleacher or chair into a warm and toasty experience for 10 hours. The seat is also waterproof if you have too much of a good time or of course get stuck in the rain. The cushion will can produce heat from 85º F to 135º F. You can keep your touche warm for 2 hours on the highest setting or for 10hours on the lowest. The Hammacher Schlemmer 10 Hour Heated Stadium Seat retails for $99.95.

Marathon Pedometer Will Determine if you Got What it Takes to Complete a Marathon

Ali — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:10:17 +0000

Ever wanted to know if your lazy butt could complete a walking marathon? Well the Marathon Pedometer should help you out in that department. From the folks over at Oregon Scientific, you will be able to track your steps or distance, and see just how many days it takes you to complete a challenge – 2, 5, or maybe even 8 days. You can clip the pedometer to your shoe or wear it around your neck. No matter where you put it, you will be able to track your time, distance, and steps and see if you have the stuff to complete a marathon. The Marathon Pedometer retails for $59.99.