Hasta La Gadget!

I’ve always rather liked the keys that Apple has been using on their keyboards over the last several years. While they’re not as thick and clicky as an old school IBM keyboard, I still find myself typing very quickly and comfortably on Apple’s keyboards. While the keys themselves are very practical and minimal, I wouldn’t mind if they were even more stylish and tactile. That’s why I’m excited by the design of these wooden key covers for MacBook keyboards.

They’re made by Lazerwood Industries, and laser-cut from actual walnut or cherry wood. The keys even have laser-engraved letters on them, so you can feel them with your fingertips. Each key has a thin layer of adhesive on back that’s strong enough to hold them in place, but removeable if you choose to take them off down the road. You’ll need to be very patient installing them, but the end result is clearly worth the effort.

The wooden covers are still thin enough to not interfere with closing the lid of the MacBook Pro, and they just look awesome when in place. You can pick up a set of Lazerwood keys for $40(USD).

For those of you with the Apple Wireless Keyboard, there’s also a version available for you guys.

[via HiConsumption]

It’s been said that any computer monitor should be situated at about eye-level for optimal ergonomics. That being said, most monitors needs a bit of extra lift to make them work at that height. Twelvesouth’s HiRise for iMac elevates your computer just to the right height.

HiRise for iMac will make it comfortable to view your monitor at the right height, so that you won’t slouch in your chair or try to use an old phone book underneath it to get it to the sweet spot. The internal metal support shelf can be adjusted so that you get your display at just the right height. This stand also has got some hidden storage, perfect for an external HD, Mac Mini, iPhone, or anything else you want to stash away.

The sturdy aluminum HiRise works with all iMac and Apple Cinema Displays that have an L-shaped stand, including the new Thunderbolt Display or the 27-inch iMac. It sells for $79.99(USD) from Twelvesouth.

I’ve never though of recycling books, since I’m a bibliophile, but there’s something marvelous about these docks that are made from old books. Rich Neeley custom makes them for the discerning gadgeteer.

Booksi docks by RichNeeleyDesigns look great – especially on a bookshelf. The charging dock is integrated into the book’s cover, and twisted around through the book so that there is actually minimal damage to the book. You could probably read it – assuming you undock your phone.

He’s even got some docks for the iPhone 5 and its new 8-pin Lightning connector.

Most of the docks work with a number of 30-pin iOS devices, like iPods, iPhones and some even work with iPads. Prices start at around $49(USD) and go up depending on the book or books used. Rich offers a wide variety of popular books in his shop which are ready to go, but he also accepts custom book requests.

[via BonjourLife]

I’m itching like many to have a 3D printer at home so that I can print out stuff like this iPhone 5 case, which won a competition at Shapeways. It was one of five hundred entries, and what’s unique about this case is that looks more like it was knit than 3D printed.

The winning case was designed by ArtizanWork. It comes in four different colors and doesn’t look like an ordinary iPhone case. It looks like a mix of something hand-knit and some chainmail. The edges of the case are sturdy but the space in between is more flexible. It can actually move around a bit when prodded.

What’s really cool is that stitched bits can move separately from each other, creating a tactile feeling that unlike any other case. They also act like mini shock absorbers that protect your phone. The case is available directly from ArtizanWork for $75(USD).

[via core77]

As cool as their displays look, there are just some modern watches that will just leave people staring blankly at the watch face – kind of like the new Tokyoflash Kisai Maru. However, it’s really not that tricky once you get the hang of it.

The time is displayed along a simple curved path, with the dots mimicking the positions of traditional watch hands. The watch is LCD, and comes with an EL backlight. The inner-facing hand points to the hour while the outer-facing hand points to the minutes.

The display idea for the watch originated from Sam, a fan who submitted a pocket watch design to Tokyoflash last year. It is the eighth watch that was fan-submitted and produced by the Japanese watchmaker. The Kisai Maru is made from high-grade aluminum, making the watch quite lightweight. It weighs only 80 grams. It’s also water-resistant.

It’s available now for $149(USD) in black, silver and sienna colors over at Tokyoflash. And no, it’s not named after the rotund internet cat video star of the same name.