Gallery: 13 Gadgets We Love on Valentine's Day
01gadgets-we-love-on-valentines-day
 Never assume inveterate hardware nerds don’t have feelings. We Gadget Lab editors, reporters and photographers are actually creatures of great emotional depth and complexity. In fact, almost to a person, we’re all in committed, loving relationships -- and most of our partners aren’t even tech geeks. Yes, we’re full of love. Most of our adoration is reserved for Valentine’s sweethearts, but we wouldn’t be good at our jobs if we didn’t reserve a bit of fetishistic hardware worship for our favorite gear as well. Interested? Concerned? Reevaluating your own feelings about Gadget Lab and its emotional priorities? We give you 13 lustworthy gadgets to which we profess undying love and affection. (And, please, let’s not have any of those awkward silences tomorrow morning.)
02audio-technica-ath-m50-headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Headphones --------------------------------- The [Audio-Technica ATH-M50s](http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/57a64f4a9fdbefd9/index.html) are the best over-the-ear, fully sealed headphones you can buy for $150. They sound absolutely fantastic. They block out minor annoyances. They don't leak too badly. They work fine with mobile devices. And they're built like a goddamn tank. I arrived at my own pair of ATH-M50s a number of years ago after a few of my friends -- an audiophile nerd, a ProTools engineer and a mastering engineer -- all pointed me toward them. I found a pair on the web for $130 ($70 less than MSRP). Once they arrived at my office and I spent a couple of hours with them, I went back to the e-store and bought a second pair for home. They're a bit bulky and not at all portable, so I keep a set of in-ear monitors from [Etymotics](http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/hf3.html) for listening to music when walking around. But when I'm staying put for hours on end (such is an editor's life), these are clamped to my dome pretty much all the time. *--Michael Calore*
03schick-hydro-5-power-select
Schick Hydro 5 Power Select --------------------------- I first saw the [Hydro 5](http://www.schickhydro.com/products-power_select.asp) at a [bizarre product demo](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/01/ces-scenes/?pid=2872) at CES. A professional barber was shaving the faces of show attendees, right on the convention center floor. Schick was using its CES presence to market the razor system’s ostensibly high-tech features, but a shave’s a shave, right? How much “technology” does a wet-shave razor really need? It turns out the Hydro 5 is the best razor system I’ve used. Granted, until this January, I had been using Gillette’s Mach 3, whose aging lineage dates all the way back to 1998. The Hydro 5 bests the Mach 3 with two additional blades, a “multi-speed vibration” system, and a “hydrating gel reservoir” that’s advertised to last two times longer than “ordinary lubrication strips.” Does any of this fancy hoo-ha really matter? I’m not sure. But the Hydro 5 has been delivering the closest, most enjoyable shaves I’ve ever experienced. I don’t have any proof, but my suspicion is that the shave quality is all tied blade count -- that five blades trump three blades any shave of the week. Schick, however, says the Hydro 5’s shaving prowess can be credited to more than just its sheer blade count. As Senior Brand Manager Patrick Kane told me, the individual blades of the Hydro 5 have “little metal skin guards that spread out the skin between the blades, so there’s not as much bunching, and it provides a more comfortable shave.” Yeah, it’s that annoying “skin bunching” that ruins a good shave every time. Now, I’m not sure I need a three-speed vibrating motor to “reduce irritation” as Schick claims its “customizable” motor will do. But, nonetheless, when I shave each morning I set the Hydro 5 to its strongest vibration setting and get down to business. A vibrating shave is indeed more invigorating than a normal shave, and even if the benefit is merely perceived and not based in any empirically proven science, I’m still down with the Hydro 5’s program. The kicker? My Valentine’s sweetheart now use the Hydro 5 for her legs, too.*--Jon Phillips*
04rapha-rain-jacket
Rapha Rain Jacket ------------------ Yeah, yeah I know. Spending so much money on a rain jacket that’s not actually waterproof might send some of you straight to the comments section of this article to rip on me for being so ridiculous. But wait. This [cycling jacket from Rapha](http://www.rapha.cc/rain-jacket) is designed to take a beating from rainy weather without turning you into a hermetically sealed steam room on pedals. It’s lightweight, breathable and packable. I can start a ride zipped to the hilt, and as the weather clears up, I stuff this little gem into my jersey pocket where it will go virtually unnoticed. The jacket also has reflective material in all the right places to make sure I make it safely home. The offset zipper had me befuddled at first, but now that I have some miles in, I find the zipper to be comfortable and oh-so-stylish. In fact, this jacket is the one piece of gear I’m consistently complimented on. And besides all its attention to detail, the jacket makes me feel like a cyclist without all the Day-Glo of a Frankie Goes to Hollywood video. Rapha purposely chose to give the jacket a waterproof front and back, while leaving the rest of assembly more breathable. And even though the jacket costs way more than a box of chocolates and a movie -- my typical investment in a Valentine’s Day date -- I know I’m committing to a lasting relationship no matter how nasty the weather is ahead. I heart my Rapha Rain Jacket, even though it does cost $295. *--Jim Merithew*
05samsung-galaxy-nexus
Samsung Galaxy Nexus -------------------- I’ve never run with the in crowd. Hence, my lack of an iPhone for the past three years. I bought an Android phone soon after the first ones became available, but have always wanted a bigger, brawnier handset to really get the most from Google’s platform. The [Galaxy Nexus](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/12/galaxy-nexus/) is that phone. Samsung slapped one of its brilliant Super AMOLED displays on the chassis, and at 4.65 inches, the large screen lets me view all the media I can manage without my eyeballs feeling cramped. And yet the Nexus it isn't so big that I feel like I'm carrying a brick in my pants. The real kicker isn't the hardware, but the fantastic new operating system inside. The Galaxy Nexus is the first phone to ship with Ice Cream Sandwich, aka Android 4, the latest iteration of Google’s mobile OS. Ice Cream Sandwich delivers a serious UI overhaul and a bevy of performance improvements. For me, it was love at first sight. The Nexus costs $300 with a two-year Verizon contract. *--Mike Isaac*
06element-case-vapor-comp
Element Case Vapor Comp ----------------------- When I got my first iPhone, people would ask me if they could hold it and take a closer look. The requests died down once the phones became commonplace, but now it’s happening again -- and not because my 4S is a novelty, but because people want to look at my case. It’s a [Vapor Comp](https://www.elementcase.com/Vapor-COMP-iPhone-Case-a/272.htm) from Element Case — a smooth yet angular bit of CNC’d aluminum that cradles three sides of the phone, and is bolted into place against a piece of clear molded plastic that protects the fourth side. It looks, feels, and works better than any other iPhone case I’ve tested. If there’s a better one on the market, I haven’t seen it. Even the matte screen protector that comes with the Vapor Comp is the best I’ve used. The case also has a rubber gasket that fits between the aluminum and the phone, and pokes through three slits to provide an extra bit of grip. Nicer still, the case comes with a thick, ultrasuede backing with reusable adhesive -- perfect for leaving the back of the phone either covered or exposed, depending on one’s preference. I’ve replaced the rear glass on my phone with a wooden panel from [JackBacks](http://www.jackbacks.com/). I like the clean look of anodized aluminum against the wood, but I miss the soft feel of the Element Case’s suede backing. Models range from $100 to $130. *--John Bradley*
07kindle-2nd-generation
Kindle 2nd Generation --------------------- Sonnet For An Old Kindle You [second-generation Kindle](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2009/02/kindle2/) mine, I could not leave you for another book. 'Tis not your e-ink that makes you divine, Not your superiority to Nook. But when I'm called to business overseas, Or holidays in France or Italy, You let me stay connected with great ease. Experimental web browser have thee. For soon as that airplane touches the ground, I start to tweet, and mail, and browse for free; I need spend neither dollar, yen or pound To get hooked up on that country's 3G. To neither Touch nor Fire will I stray As long as their web browsers make me pay. *--Chris Kohler* (Cost $259 before it was discontinued.)
08dyson-hot
Dyson Hot --------- If your Valentine’s date is giving you the cold shoulder, fear not: You can use the [Dyson Hot](http://www.dyson.com/store/productFan.asp?product=AM04-WHSIL ) fan heater to stay warm on cold nights. It delivers a stream of heated air oscillating across your room -- or gently blasting onto your backside, if that's your thing. The fan’s heating elements are positioned inside the long, broad sides of its oval maw. This offers an extra level of protection, as the design ensures the exterior of the unit never gets hot to the touch. In fact, the elements’ heat never exceeds 392 degrees Fahrenheit, and this prevents the noxious stench of burning dust. What’s more, the air projected from the Dyson is quite warm but not furnace-hot, so you don't have to worry about being burned if you sit too close. When I'm too lazy to crawl out from under the covers to mess with it, I use the Hot’s remote control to adjust the temperature anywhere from 32 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. (Yes, it delivers cool air, too.) You can also use the remote to control the intensity of the air flow, set the unit to oscillate, or switch it off or on. Now, if you only need a space heater three days a year, this $400 sucker is not the product for you. The Dyson Hot is pretty much for the elite 1 percent of space heater users. But if you regularly need a heater for a good portion of the year and you're big on style, you will have a fantastic love affair with the Hot. *--Christina Bonnington*
09cygolite-expilion-400
CygoLite Expilion 400 --------------------- Surviving a winter in San Francisco is a little easier than in most places, which is great for a cyclist -- I can ride all year round with minimal inconvenience. Nonetheless, despite the mild climate, it still gets dark too damn early. That’s why I need the [Expilion 400](http://www.cygolite.com/products/expilion400.html) from CygoLite. It sits plugged into my office computer’s USB port during the day, and when I’m ready to [climb Hawk Hill](”http://followgram.me/wired/516130493_18371369”) by late afternoon, I grab the light and fit it onto my bike’s handlebars. This thing is bright enough to blind oncoming traffic and the battery lasts so long, I could probably loop the city three times before it runs out of juice. And even if the light did die during the ride, I’d be OK. The bundle comes with a second, quick-release Li-ion battery that ensures I can return home safely. I really love this light. Without it, I’d never be able to train mid-week, and that would just kill me on those intense “go big and try to kick your buddies’ asses” weekend rides. The MSRP is $140, but it’s currently going for $102 on Amazon. *--Jon Snyder*
10poc-did-org1gr
POC DID ORG1GR -------------- At first, I had mixed feelings about these [bizarre Swedish sunglasses](http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1433/did-org1gr) from POC. They’re orange, for starters. Really orange. Could I tolerate being seen in public with these shades? I wasn’t sure. They’re comfortable, yes. But they almost have too much personality -- like that that beautiful girl who’s attractive by all definitions, but embarrasses you in public by dressing like Katy Perry. But I tried them on anyway, and like many a good romance, I was quickly a believer. I now overlook the quirks and appreciate these sunglasses for what they are: a sheer pleasure to look through. The unbreakable NXT lenses are adapted from a material used in fighter jet canopies, but the toughness only comes into play for those rare times when you need impact protection. What’s more important is the optical clarity these lenses provide. The DIDs are now my favorite shades. I’m not saying I’ll never wear another pair of sunglasses again, but the next time I need to wear a suit, these glasses are coming with me. Convention be damned. The glasses cost 1,400 Swedish kronor -- that’s about $210. *--Nathan Hurst*
11rickenbacker-3000-bass
Rickenbacker 3000 Bass ---------------------- It was pretty close to love at first sight. I was in Texas covering South by Southwest, and during a rare hour of downtime, I swung into [Austin Vintage Guitars](http://www.austinvintageguitars.com/). I saw this little beast hanging on the wall. It said Rickenbacker on the headstock, but it didn't look like the [Rickenbacker basses](http://www.rickenbacker.com/model_all.asp?series=4000) I'd seen before, the big shiny ones made famous by Lemmy, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire. This was a [model 3000](http://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/3000/3000.htm), a short-scale budget bass Rickenbacker made for a handful of years in the 1970s. After playing it for about 20 seconds, I knew I'd be schlepping it home. The body and neck are substantially smaller than what you’ll find in a full-sized bass, so it's easy to play, especially when it's time to shred high up on the neck. Also, the cheap little pickup is really hot and honky, so it growls like nothing else when you play hard. The slab solid body gives you a nice big, woody sound when you dial back the tone knob and play softly, so it also works great for reggae and Motown-flavored stuff. And I just love the sexy-ugly vibe. Over the last two years, the 3000 has become my primary bass. I've even recorded a few albums with it. My friend [Andy Cotton](http://gro-beak.com/wordpress/) borrowed it and threw on some flat-wound strings (an instant upgrade), and I added a custom [Souldier strap](http://souldier.us/). I wouldn't trade it for anything. Price? You tell me. The 3000 is discontinued and rare. *--Michael Calore*
12mg-1222.jpg
13-Inch MacBook Air ------------------- I wish I had the Air one month ago at CES when I was lugging around a 4.5-pound MacBook Pro in my backpack. By the end of each day at the trade show, it felt like I was hauling a collection of masonry stones instead of a mere notebook. At 2.96 pounds and 0.68 inches thick, the [MacBook Air](http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_air/select) is the scary-skinny supermodel of notebooks. Heck, it inspired an entire class of Intel-based copycats called ultrabooks. My personal MacBook Air -- well, it's actually my fiancé's, but I'm totally stealing it -- is tricked out with 256GB of flash storage and a 1.8GHz Core i7 Processor. It's a magnificent computer, and packed with performance, yet turns on almost as quickly as an iPad. Don't believe me when I say it’s the best? Wired gave the 2011 Air a [9 out of 10](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/macbookair/) score, a verdict that's almost unprecedented at Gadget Lab. The configuration of my (fiancé's) totally decked-out 13-inch model costs $1,699. *--Christina Bonnington*
13specialized-s-works-tarmac-sl4
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL4 ------------------------------ The release last year of Specialized’s first aero-road bike, the [Venge](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/mclaren-venge ), largely overshadowed the latest iteration of the company’s all-around road platform, the Tarmac. It shouldn’t have. The [S-Works SL4](http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/TarmacSL4.jsp) is the best bike I’ve ever ridden. (And as a long-time racer and bike reviewer, I’ve ridden hundreds.) The Tarmac is a race bike. Its handling is predictable but twitchy, and the tight, steep angles and stiff frame aren’t as comfortable as what you’ll find on an enthusiast bike. But that’s not the point. The SL4 is made for going fast, especially uphill. Our 56cm test bike came in under 15 pounds with Shimano Dura-Ace components. Massive frame tubes resist lateral flexing, so that none of the energy you put into the pedals gets wasted by a twisting frame. But the SL3 already did that very well. What blows my mind about the SL4 is the front-end handling. Specialized actually softened things just a touch here, reducing the lower bearing on the steerer from from 1.5 inches to 1.375 inches. Where the SL3 had a tendency to bounce through high-speed turns, the SL4 has just enough give to maintain better contact with the road. It’s like the difference between skiing across hard-pack and carving through groomed snow. It’s more predictable and a lot more fun. I love this bike so much I’m willing to look past the prices ($8,000) and Valentine’s paint job (and, yes, it does come in other colors). *--John Bradley*
14tdk-3-speaker-boombox
TDK 3 Speaker Boombox --------------------- It’s comical that I first encountered this beast under the pretenses of reviewing an “iPod dock.” TDK’s [3 Speaker Boombox](http://www.tdkperformance.com/en-us/Home-Audio/Boomboxes/3-Speaker-Boombox-Audio-System/) will indeed connect to your iPod or iPhone via USB and play back music tracks, but it’s so much more than a simple dock, both in terms of functionality and sheer audacity. A full two feet wide and 15.5 inches high, the Boombox is a mobile conversation starter. Sure, you could probably hoist it on your shoulder and strut through the neighborhood, but you wouldn’t last long before 31 pounds of high-mass industrial design began imprinting [early '80s hip-hop nostalgia](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/2011/07/tdk-boombox/) directly onto your skin. And you’d probably quickly go deaf, for this box bears a volume to match its mien, pumping 35 watts RMS through a 6-inch subwoofer, and two 6-inch coaxial drivers. The volume knob tops out at 11, showing TDK understands the cheekiness of the unit’s overall design. But I’m neither a volume junkie nor neighborhood bad boy. I love the Boombox because it supports so many input sources. The USB port receives iPods as well as USB sticks and portable hard drives loaded with MP3s. And there’s AM/FM built in as well. But here’s the most killer feature of all: The Boombox has an instrument jack so I can plug in my Fender Jazz fretless, and glissando through bass lines, either playing solo or mixed with music piping through the aux input. As a practice amp, the Boombox does distort a bit, but it’s all I need for low-volume noodling. This is the one piece of home audio equipment that I’d never give up. Costs $500. *--Jon Phillips*
