GeekSugar

Small Space Saver: Draper Media Cabinet

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:34:26 PDT

City living can come with lots of obstacles, one of which is limited space. Unless you've got the bankroll to afford your own condo or house, you're going to have to settle for small square footage. But if you're a gadget freak like we are, where on earth do you put all of your gaming goodies and your retro music collection? The Draper Cabinet ($249) may be just the thing you need. Not only does this midcentury modern-styled beauty come with a flip top so you can play your records without having to pull out your player, but there's also a place to store said records (with included wire dividers), then another side that would be perfect for storing your collection of video games or other gadget essentials. Plus, it's only 38 inches wide, so it can easily fit in the smallest of apartments.

Of course, you could make like its namesake and keep your liquor and glasses handy for those times you really just need a drink. Betty, get some ice!

Geeky Fantastic Wedding Invite Is a Record Player in Disguise

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:14:05 PDT

If your unique save the dates make a splash with your guests, then you need to one-up yourself with an amazing wedding invitation. Take this creative example: it's actually a record player wedding invite! Talk about a transformer! Crafted with some paper (obviously), yarn, a needle, a flexidisc record, and some serious ingenuity, this record player invite would be the perfect fit for any musically inclined couple. Check it out in the video below!

Paper Record Player from kellianderson on Vimeo.

Is This Gadget Real or Just a Concept?

GeekSugar — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:00:10 PST

This. Is. Awesome. Check out the Soundwagon, the world's smallest record player. The replicas of retro Volkswagen vans are completely self-contained record players, complete with a rooftop speaker. Just put the Soundwagon on a record to play it.

This is a perfect solution for traveling, and it's adorable. But, is it real or still just in concept phase?

Take the Quiz

Love Records? You Need a Portable Record Player, Too

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:00:58 PDT

Are you a part of the record revolution yet? The vinyl craze is in full swing, and I can say with certainty that well over half of my friends are sporting a record player in their living room - and so am I! If you're already rocking out to records at home, check out the Crosley Revolution USB Turntable ($180), a compact, take-anywhere record player powered by AA batteries. Available in four colors (red, blue, white, and black), the turntable plays standard-sized records and 45s. Use headphones or plug it into speakers for maximum retro-inspired album enjoyment.

There's a USB connection to hook the turntable up to your computer and an FM transmitter to allow you to "broadcast" your record onto any radio.

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Justin Timberlake Goes Vintage Geek With Records

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:00:20 PDT

As you may already be aware, I'm a big fan of vinyl records. You just can't duplicate their rich tones on an MP3, but some have certainly gone out of their way to try. A man after my own heart, Justin Timberlake recently told a German newspaper that he too prefers vinyl over digital recordings. Although modern man Justin is currently starring in The Social Network as digital mastermind (and Napster founder) Sean Parker, he says he frequently tosses on old Beach Boys and Beatles records, which come with warm and rich sounds you can't find on a digital recording.

Are you a vinyl freak like me and Justin or want to get on the vintage geek train for the first time? Go ahead - get yourself a good record player (I have a few suggestions for you here), then head out to your local record shop and browse the racks!

An Affordable, Pretty, Retro-Style Record Player

GeekSugar — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:30:13 PST

If the $1,300 Barky Wood Turntable isn't up your alley (or in your price range!), here's an affordable but still wood-enhanced alternative. The Wood Turntable ($88) from Urban Outfitters pairs retro design with modern features in a classy yet affordable record player. It has built-in speakers and volume control, a headphone jack, and an AM/FM radio, too. It's the latest record player from one of my favorite stores, known for its retro-style finds.

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Go Au Naturalé With the Barky Turntable

GeekSugar — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:15:33 PST

A vintage mod record player may add a touch of Mad Men to your home, but this earthy Barky Turntable ($1,298) from Anthropologie reeks of coolness . . . if you can afford it.

I wouldn't think that a piece of wood and glass would cost a cool grand, but considering that it's handmade, and the designer successfully got the motor and arm in without making it look bulky or displaced, you gotta give some props. Oh, and let's not fool ourselves - Anthropologie isn't known for their inexpensive tech treats, mmkay?

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How I'd Wire: The Music Lover

GeekSugar — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:00:34 PST

If someone you know can't go more than a few minutes without diving back into their MP3 player, has a constant soundtrack playing in their heads, or is as obsessed with music news as you are with gadgets, then check out a few ways I'd wire the geeky music lover this year.

Do You Buy Vinyl Records?

GeekSugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:45:42 PST

I've always had a fascination with record players. It probably started when I was a kid and used to flip through my parents' seemingly endless collection of vinyl - until one of them caught me, of course. Now, it appears vinyl record albums and turntables are making a comeback. New record players are helping to reinvigorate the demand, since many plug into computers to digitize songs and albums, and now the "iPod generation" is starting to discover the joys of vinyl.

In my opinion, there's no match for the sound produced by a vinyl record, even if it's not the sharpest and clearest way to listen to a song. And some of my favorite bands (Lady Gaga, anyone?) have released new albums on vinyl.

Retro Cool Meets High Tech: USB Portable Turntable

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:45:36 PDT

Vinyl is making a comeback! Many artists are now releasing albums on vinyl as well as digitally.

There's something about the sound of a vinyl record that makes any song - even a new release - sound totally old-school. I've mentioned my love for retro-style record players before, but this Ion USB Portable Turntable ($140) from Urban Outfitters is the perfect mix of retro and tech. It hooks up to your computer via USB, which means you can turn your favorite vinyl tracks into MP3s. Also, it's totally portable, and runs on batteries or connected to a wall outlet.

I want to use this to import my parents' record collection into my computer - the turntable supports both regular-sized records and 45s. Plus, since it's portable, it's perfect for parties.

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