Finding a good laptop bag is a never ending search. In the latest chapter of our quest we found the Mrs Moore and Mr Miller bags from German boutique Aunts & Uncles.  We are very much in favor of a decidedly retro look for transporting our technology. The classic look of waxed leather looks decidedly cooler after a few good nicks and scratches, so this bag may outlast your next three laptops. While black canvas and zippers have certainly had their day, we think it may be time for technology to stop looking so futuristic.

You can pick one up from Mooncruise Gallery.

Even if you’re not environmentally conscious, you can’t help but be impressed by these portable, rollable, solar panels by Brunton. They’re rugged, waterproof and perfect for everything from sea kayaking to going deep into the jungle. A must have for any satellite phone. Offered in a variety of sizes/power outputs. You can pick them up here for about $300-$650 depending on model. They can even link together for more output.
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We posted when MUJI made its way to the US. Now you can order from their website even if you can’t make it to the store. It’s worth a look. One such gem is a series of map handkerchiefs. Perfect for the incognito traveler. They go for under $8 here.

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South Africa
Our perceptions of locations such as Sudan and Croatia often recall images far from those captured by photographer Andrej Belic. These exotic locals set the scene for some of the most challenging scenarios photography has to offer. The sheer skill involved in diving combined with the delicate process of lighting and positioning of heavy equipment makes these undersea compositions all the more impressive. Based in Vienna, Belic began his professional career in 2002. His his work has taken him to countries such as South Africa, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, among others. A larger portfolio of his work can be viewed here

Sudan

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We came across this backgammon set while shopping in Silverlake at Ivanhoe Books (1618 Silverlake Blvd). We’ve seen our share of boards and it’s definately one of the more interesting we’ve seen. The set is made of embossed leather with circular cut leather pieces. The whole board is rolled up and stored in a thick military like canvas bag. This is the kind of set which begs to be taken to the beach, dragged through the jungle, spilled coffee on and will still be great. If you drop by Ivanhoe Books you can also check out several vintage sets they sell as well.

Let’s say you have two grand to spend on a computer. You could shoot the whole wad on a macbook pro or you could do the responsible thing and buy a thousand dollar 14″ macbook and this bag (made to hold a 14″ laptop – that’s fate my friends). Laptops may depreciate, but everyone appreciates Italian leather bags. Black leather with silver hardware. Made in Italy. You can order it here.

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It’s official, analog clocks are better than digital and when a clock face is this well done, you know you have something special. Details such as the slight graying back of the numbers ensure that the hour arms are an easy read. And if you’ve ever held or packed one of these, you know it’s the perfect size for travel. Quartz controlled battery alarm clock. Operates on a single battery. 2.25″ x 2.25″ x 1″. Order here for 38.

I’ve been here and there, but not everywhere, and there is nothing I enjoy more than the thrill of discovery. The feeling of unearthing and experiencing a sight in my own backyard (that is, in or near the city where I live) is as magical as finding prince charming. It’s like going outside in the morning to move your car before street sweeping and finding a unicorn instead. A unicorn with a Starbucks gift card and an iPod hookup. Magical like that.

I still remember how wide-eyed with wonderment I was the first time I went to Olvera Street in L.A. – The lights, the grapevines overhead, the gypsy-like booths, the music, the colors, and of course the churros. It was almost overwhelming, this notion that there was literally an entire thriving colony of untapped resources teeming just under my limited scope.

Having not explored much of the downtown area at that time in my life, the idea that such a place existed in a city I’d written off as dirty and congested very nearly ripped my preconceived notions apart. It left them exposed – awaiting how my paradigms might be shifted with other discoveries in the coming years. It was around that time that I started to feel a sterling affection for the City of Angels – and what I might find there. In the intervening years I’ve found quite a few under-the-radar gems in and around Los Angeles County, from Fisherman’s Market for the catch of the day, ABC dim sum for the pork doughnuts, to Topanga Canyon with its shaded, sleepy villages.

However, what’s so great about Los Angeles is its proximity to other cities, other places, other sights and sounds. Within a four hour (or less) drive, the possibility exists to encounter any number of diverse experiences, from the prehistoric graveyard of the desert to the lushly arthritic landscape of the Central Coast. It’s in these often alien-like locales that I’ve discovered some of the most unusual sights Southern California has to offer. So without further ado, fill up your gas tanks, aficionados of the outré, and let’s see what weird or otherwise whacky sights the Golden State has to offer, shall we?

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Wait till you hear this. Measuring just 10.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches and weighing just over three pounds, this laptop is a dream come true for people on the go who’d rather not lug a giant laptop with them.

While not as powerful as its larger counterparts it has quite a bit to offer (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, and Windows XP Home to start). The battery can run for up to 7 hours on a charge. It’s got wifi, an ethernet jack, a port for an external monitor, three USB ports, oh yeah, and a webcam. For those worried about typing on small keys, the keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks.

Available in Pearl White or Fine Ebony here for $425.

Any trip to Europe can really rack up the charges. It is nice to know that Swedish clothing brand Elvine was thinking about us when they developed the Creators Inn. Located in Gothenburg along the west coast of Sweden, this designer suite is made available free of charge for “creators” only. When reserving your stay you must make a case for yourself and explain why Elvine should grant you free access to the space. “Visiting creatives [make] Gothernburg a more interested place because of their presence,” says Elvine. By introducing the concept of Creative Social Responsibility, Elvine hopes ideas like theirs spread to other countries and eventally worldwide.

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