backpacks

RuckJack goes from jacket to backpack

Talk about an identity crisis--though there is something about the RuckJack's dual personality that appeals to the geek in us with its 2-in-1 ability to morph into a jacket or backpack. And it's all simply done with just one zip and two clips.

Fortunately, too, this doesn't follow the path of many hybrid offerings that end up being a Jack of all trades, master of none. The patent-pending RuckJack not only looks tough enough to brave the elements with its lightweight, all-weather material, it comes in a multitude of stylish colors. Of course, if you're using … Read more

Brenthaven MetroLite, my new favorite backpack

When I studied abroad in college, my trusty Eagle Creek backpack went with me everywhere. It had just enough room for everything I needed to carry, with lots of little pockets to keep my stuff organized. It was so compact and maintained its shape so well that I never felt like a turtle, even when the bag was stuffed.

The MetroLite Backpack, from Washington-based manufacturer Brenthaven, reminds me of that bag. Its main compartment includes a well-padded sleeve that accommodates laptops up to 15.4 inches (though we were able to carry even a 16.4-inch system). Its front compartment … Read more

Camera disguised as book exposes 10-year-old girl in all of us

Inside all of us, there lives an inner creep just itching to get out and secretly take photos of unsuspecting members of the opposite sex. The secret book camera, offered here by Keith Carollo and Chris Bick of Fred Flare, definitely confirms that theory. The camera uses inexpensive 110 film and is the perfect size to stick in your backpack or Miley Cyrus-approved clutch purse.

You know what this camera reminds me of? That one scene in Troop Beverly Hills where shevillain Velda Plendor hides a camera inside the Girl Scouts book so Herman can spy on the tragically affluent Girl Scouts of Beverly Hills. Wait, what? You're not as self-deprecating as I am? OK, well I loved TBH and now I can finally live out my cinematic fantasies. Never mind that it's seafoam green and made to look like an antique toy for children--I just so happen to have $55 burning a hole in my apron. Patches?! We don't need no stinkin' patches!

Check out more pictures of the camera after the jump.… Read more

Crave: Underwater cell phones and nicknames for Natali!

Natali Del Conte will be the guest hostess next week and we want your best nicknames for her now! Please submit them to drivingmecravy@cnet.com because she won't see this coming!

It's everything from the Crave blog, with Brian Tong and guest host Bonnie Cha. This week, they talk about a new robot toy and a cell phone that you can use underwater. Then they take to the streets to see what people think about Built NY's laptop backpack. Plus, Bonnie takes your submissions and finds a nickname for Brian.

Gadgettes 91: The things are not what they seem (thank God) episode

The title of this episode is itself a thread of virtual reality...because the REAL theme of the show revolves around RDB's. What is an RDB, you might ask? Tune in to find out. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 91

Frog Design Digital Escape, the virtual reality mask with smells http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/frog_design_dre.php

Fake TV: the continuing appearance of useless products http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/ fake_tv_the_continuing_appearance_of_useless_products_9892.asp

Laptop backpacks for motherly computer owners http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9941374-1.html

Dynamizer humanoid robot mows your lawn, does your bidding http://dvice.com/archives/2008/05/dynamizer_human.php… Read more

Reebok backpack wants to disturb the peace too

Reasons behind the popularity of backpack speakers continue to elude us, but the trend has just gotten some additional validation. Not only are such products being peddled by smaller brands, but now a major player has weighed in with a version on the U.K. market.

Reebok is offering the "NXT Speaker Backpack," which is powered by two AA batteries and will blast tunes from anything that can connect to its 3.5-millimeter jack. There's no information indicating how powerful these speakers are, though we suspect they're made for the finicky audiophile anyway.

Tech Shout notes … Read more

Backpack for voyeurs

We've seen hard-working backpacks being married with speakers, solar panels, and everything else but the kitchen sink. So no surprise that the ubiquitous camera has hopped onboard too.

The Porta2030 is a bag that's intended for some serious voyeurism. What's made more daunting is the fact that it isn't just a static eye--this is quite capable of streaming (in some cases, possibly damning) images to a Web site. And it's all thanks to a mobile data-sensing storage transmission unit that comprises a wireless hard drive, 1GB flash card, an open-source system, and a Webcam with … Read more

A backpack case for your cherished laptop

New parents are drawn to body-hugging slings like the "BabyBjorn" to keep their bundles of joy as close as humanly possible, as well as easier to tote. Perhaps taking a cue from that bond of love, Built NY has created a wearable carrier for another cherished possession--the laptop.

As we observed last week in its minimalist Cargo Laptop Sleeve, the designers at this company do not like to waste an iota of space. Now they've taken their economical crusade to a new extreme with the Laptop Backpack for computers measuring 12 to 17 inches, which Gizmodo says … Read more

Gadgettes 81: The I Love You Episode

Our listeners are so supercool. They do things like create Web sites based on things we talk about on Gadgettes. They make us laugh. And for that reason alone, this episode is for you, you awesome-heads. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 81

Dedicated to Dave from Denver http://jackmythingie.com/

Pandigital debuts kitchen TV with extra perks http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9893490-1.html

A digital culinary recipe for the futuristic cookware http://www.gizmodiva.com/home_improvement/ a_digital_culinary_recipe_for_the_futuristic_cookware.php

Lego-touch for iPhone and iPod Touch http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/ legotouch_for_iphone_and_ipod_touch_9199.asp

Monster felted handbag http://www.boingboing.net/2008/03/12/ monster-felted-handb.html… Read more