There's something about a wooden case set against the backdrop of a sleek gadget. Apple and Vers seem to have a natural partnership, since chic design takes top priority for both companies. Plus, Vers is committed to sustainable manufacturing; for every tree used in production of its cases, Vers plants 100 in its place. Stylish and eco-friendly! Check out a few of the offerings from Vers that look oh-so-good on Apple's products.
You should already know Vers from its sexy collection of wooden and bamboo gadget cases, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the company is always coming up with new ways to incorporate a bit of nature in high tech ways.
The Vers 1E Earbuds ($50) are not only beautiful, but they're affordable as well. Coming in bamboo, cherry, or walnut, these earbuds are crafted from sustainable sources to bring a rich and warm sound you can only get from wood, while the integrated mic and playback buttons make it easy to chitchat with your folks on your iPhone without taking out your precious 'buds. Eco-minded geeks will be happy to know that the 1Es are PVC-free, and Vers plants 100 trees for every one used in production of its products. So green!
If you know Vers, you know it for its signature wooden materials. From iPod cases to speakers and sleek alarm clocks, Vers knows how to wrap your gadgets naturally. So I wasn't surprised when I saw this Vers Wooden iPad Case ($80), which is set to hit the market soon. Its top-loading slip case design makes it easy to get on and off, while the soft and scratch-resistant lining keeps it in tip-top shape. Plus, it's made from wood and bamboo, so you can keep mother earth happy, and the optional kickstand makes it easy to watch your favorite flicks, or type on an external keyboard. So tell me — love it or leave it?
I've noticed a ton of wood and bamboo products popping up lately and just spotted these Handcrafted Wood Shells for the iPhone ($40) available in bamboo, walnut, or cherry from Vers (which has a history of creating stylish and chic wooden electronics).
The impact-resistant cases have connector and camera openings, allowing full use of your phone while in the case. Plus, for every tree used in production, the manufacturer replants 100 trees in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation and US Forestry Service.
Wakey wakey! There's nothing I despise more than being jerked awake from a deep sleep by a loud alarm. Who invented those anyway? Instead of jumping out of your skin every time that buzzer starts, think about this: you could be waking up to your favorite song every morning. I know — mind blowing.
Check out some of my picks for sleek and sane alarm clocks that double as iPod players. At least now you won't break your snooze button.
I'm not in the habit of calling my alarm clocks sexy (mostly because I've developed a hate-hate relationship with mine), but this is definitely the exception.
The Vers 1.5R ($200) is more than an alarm clock though; it's an iPod dock, an AM/FM tuner, it has a 3.5mm AUX-out port for other MP3 players, and it's all crammed neatly into a tiny package, complete with a 15-watt speaker.
Although I love what it does, I also love how it looks. It's modern, yet seems like I could have jacked it off the set of Mad Men with its lovely mid-century walnut finish. This is one alarm clock I wouldn't kick out of bed for eating crackers, no sir.
As much as I have championed the ability of the iPhone to replace two devices and it has allowed me stop carrying my iPod every day, I will in no way stop being fascinated by iPod speakers. Having all your music archived on an iPod, combined with a home speaker, makes a compact and comprehensive stereo system, which brings me to my next point: Thank God for MP3 players and speakers, because the stereo systems of old were so very bachelor pad, quite unlike the Vers iPod Sound System from Design Public.
To get great audio and your entire music collection, you don't have to outfit your house in bookshelves stuffed full of CDs or records or boat-sized speakers. Your system can be a pretty little box like the Vers, which is more efficient, beautiful, and makes you feel responsible, as it's made from hand-crafted wood. They are "sustainably designed" — made with wood from plantation sources, energy-efficient electronics, 100 percent recycled packaging, and are RoHS compliant. For $150, that's a pretty reasonable lah-ti-da to give yourself.
