apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Sure, companies worldwide have always looked for clever ways to push their products to the masses, but there's is no simpler solution than to copy something considered already perfected. In comes Averatec's glossy black PC rehash of Apple's iMac, with a few adjustments such as a 22" LCD screen as their base model and a gaming video card. Great for Applephobes, sheer disgust for Apple fanboys.

It seems like we have a new trend in digital artwork coming; Digital Canvas features a built-in PC into their LCD screens, sizes ranging from 34", 43", to 52" models. Each of the PCs feature Full 1080p output, a 160GB hard drive, and integrated WiFi, complemented by a picture frame border that allows it to be hung on a (we hope) very sturdy wall stud.

Looking to take your MacBook Pro to the magical 1TB mark? MCE has introduced a kit that allows replacement of the laptop's optical drive for a 500GB 2.5" hard drive, along with a matching replacement model for the standard hard drive for that combined 1TB. Available for a hefty price tag of $800.

Cleverly designed to look like a simple table lamp via an array of frosted sheets of glass, the Mirage Lamp is sure to catch more than a few looks sitting in anyone's living room. We especially enjoy how the glass reflections illuminate patterns on the backdrop. An interesting design to say the least!

Why drag around that 30 pound vacuum cleaner around the house when you could easily wear it as a backpack? Throw in a eco-friendly fuel battery to make it completely wireless? Sounds to us like a practical idea. It would probably be a few years until we see a working model, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.

By combining an array of eclectic art, gizmos, and decor, including a Conrad press and a set of Panchinko machines, a creative and inspiring space has been created by DM Studios over at our increasingly popular Flickr group. More shots of the machines and his workspace after the jump.

With a wider 8.9" screen, an integrated webcam, more RAM, and a much larger hard drive than its previous releases, the recent release of the ASUS Eee PC adds more usability and appeals to the ultra-ultra portable market more than ever. We've seen these models at our local electronics store and they are super small. Perfect for anyone on the go who doesn't need anything more than the internet to check mail or chat online.

The beloved green runner exit icon can be found just about anywhere you look in Japan. So, for those who want to show how serious they are about being in a rush throughout the day, pick one of these little guys up. He's running somewhere, briefcase trailing behind him, with his mind in a world of worry that we just can't help but sympathize.

While we're passing by Spring in a heartbeat, it is never too early to clear our minds (and our daily work areas) for Summer 2008. Wherever you are, we believe this coming season should be one to capture memories with that digital camera that's been laying on your cabinet for a year. We believe the best memories are ones found at home; clean up that favorite corner of yours and take a snapshot - it will be something you'll definitely refer back to in the future.

For our Apple readers out there, we all know that using your Macbook for more than just a few hours can result in quite a bit of overheating. While we don't see a shortage in coolers any time soon, there's nothing like a well-designed, silent, and minimalistic answer to heating issues by Moshi's Zefyr laptop cooler. By focusing primarily on the hot spots on the Macbook line, it seems surprisingly well-constructed and even features an additional USB port to make up for the slot it takes up.

We've always been big fans of the DIY PVC pipe laptop stand project by Instructables, but we've yet to see more people get their elbows greasy to try it. Well, we noticed Guillermo Esteves on Flickr took a shot at it and my, does it look sweet! Let us know what you guys think!

By layering a wood veneer on the outside, applying glossy paneling in the interior, and set up from the floor using steel legs that connect the two layers, a unique floating illusion is created. Like what you see? Be sure to check out the Modular Storage solutions by the same company.

Packing loads of slim goodness, the HTC Touch Diamond is a powerful Windows Mobile alternative to its iEnemy. From the 2.8" VGA touch-screen, 3.2-megapixel camera, 3D TouchFLO interface, and lightning fast broadband speed, there is enough to keep your thumbs busy until the iPhone turns around to retaliate with a 3G revamp.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary of its original egg-shaped EGG MOUSE, they have released a new M-EGUR series with multiple colors. Some say, and don't quote us on this: the rounder the mouse, the more ergonomic it is. Surely, it has to be more comfortable than that Dell stock mouse that came with your desktop.

Logitech's Squeezebox Duet answers your cries from experiencing terrible sound from portable speaker solutions. By allowing the ability to tap into your PC (even when it's off), you can browse and play digital music, Internet radio, and other subscription services, anywhere there is a stereo speaker in your home - completely wirelessly.

No wires. Just one huge speaker that looks like an enormous microphone. Using an open USB port, you now the option to insert an industrial grade gooseneck speaker into your laptop wherever you go, whenever you need music.

Thinner, blacker, and more auto-calibration than your most expensive air conditioning unit, the new pair of Pioneer KURO plasmas boasts an Optimum Mode, which "simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions" and makes adjustments to give you the best image quality.

Tired of that poor lampshade excuse of a lamp on your bedside table? Try these Cubelights by Nick Foley. They connect via earth magnets and light up each acrylic cube through an LED circuit as the cubes come together. Of course, you can't just make any pattern; it only works when you've created an “N,” a checkerboard-type design, or a nice arch.

It looks like after being pulled several times, the official service pack numero tres is gets to see the light of day and is now available on the Microsoft website. It looks dated to be the latest version as well, so grab it before Microsoft has another change of heart.

Sure, call us elitists if you wish, but we like to boast individuality where we can. If engraving sounds like something you'd fancy, check out these works by Joe Mansfield at Engrave Your Tech. Whether you choose to upload to him your own designs or pick one from his collection is up to you.

Lauren asks:

I am looking for a great compact digital camera. I'm overwhelmed with too many choices out there.
I don't need too many bells and whistles, but I'd like the following:
At least 5 mega-pixels
As little lag time as possible (I love to take candid snap-shots, but by the time the camera actually takes a picure, most people are posing!) Image stabilization Sturdy!

Does anyone out there have a great camera like this that they could recommend?

Thank you!

As many of you may or may not know, May is our official "Spring Cleaning/Organizing" month, and this definitely applies to our desks filled with Post-its attached to our monitors, old mail, and endless amounts of clutter. So, take a few minutes to reorganize a few things and recycle what's recyclable to free up some work room. The less distractions mean more productivity for you, and a cleaner space encourages others to be clean, too.

Small desks are great when you're trying to milk that square footage to the last inch, and the Marcel Breuer has just enough to keep it light, yet still functional. The tiny desk comes complete with lockable storage and an adjustable swivel plate - perfect for that laptop connected to monitor solution so many of us love.

With Lego-like properties, this modular storage system can be configured into numerous combinations - you can turn it into a TV stand, a shelf for your home theatre PC, or make it into a media storage cabinet. The choice is up to you.