Roxie Vizcarra Cosmobot USB drive

The Star Wars drives aree everywhere right now, so it's good to see some new ideas from Mimoco for its USB drives - and we're loving this newly-issued Cosmobot drive.

The work of Roxie Vizcarra, it's a mix of design and practical technology - the design bit offering a miniature take on the iconic Soviet Cosmonaut, the practical side being a USB drive with a choice of 4GB and 8GB storage.

And both sizes are available online at Colette, priced from 45 Euros.

Find out more at the Colette website

Lomography launches limited edition Diana Glow camera

Not just a Lomo Diana camera, this is a limited edition - the Diana Glow.

So what's new? Well, the image and name might give it away. Yes, this is a glow in the dark version, which will certainly turn heads in darkened bars and clubs. As will that original 1960s design and those slightly 'out of focus' images that the camera produces.

Other additions for the limited edition pack include the Diana+ flash, a 'More True Tales & Short Stories' Diana Vignettes hardcover book, colour gel filters, 12 and 16-shot format frames, a shutter lock, neck strap and a lens cap. You can pick one up for £80.

Find out more at the Lomography website

Sonic Chair - Ball Chair with iMac and built-in speakers

Back in 2007, we featured the Sonic Chair, a modern day take on the Eero Aarnio Ball Chair, but with added sound. Well, now there's a new version on the block - the Sonic Chair with built-in iMac.

Yes, still keeping that space age ball shape, aluminium pedestal, leather exterior and orange interior (other colours are available), the new Sonic Chair also comes with a touch screen iMac, which means you can kick back with your favourite websites whilst at the same time enjoying some of your favourite tunes.

Indeed, that impressive sound system is still there - a mix of satellite speakers and a body-focused sound membrane for beats you can feel as well as hear. Sadly, the price is still restrictively high - expect to pay the best part of £10,000.

Find out more at the Sonic Chair website

Brionvega 1960s RR227 radio reissued

We're being spoiled a bit by Brionvega right now - not content with bringing back the classic RR226 audio system, we now have the re-introduction of the equally-classic Brionvega RR227 radio.

Originally produced in 1965 by the design team of Zanuso and Sapper, a radio that looks good whether you use it horizontally or vertically - indeed it's designed to be used both ways.

The new version does give a nod to the modern era with the addition of an SD card reader and USB connectivity, as well as a modern-day price tag. Although saying that, it's not overpriced for a design classic - yours for around £123.

Find out more at the Brionvega website

Fi-Hi Urban DJ cassette cross-fader - home DJing made easy

We love the Fi-Hi Urban DJ for many reasons, not least because it uses the profile of an old cassette.

And it's a useful but of kit too. What does it do? Well, it sets you up as an impromptu DJ - just hook up any two of an iPod, iPhone, MP3 player, CD player, mobile phone  or similar to access all the tunes contained within them. Then hook up to an audio system to get started on some (not so) serious mixing. There's even a headphone monitor so you can cue up the next tune.

Powered by 2x AAA batteries (good for 8 hours of solid music) and available as a gold or silver cassette, it sells for $30 (around £20), with shipping worldwide.

Find out more at the Fi-Hi website

Scandyna space age Dock Pack audio system

Remember the Scandyna Micropod space age speakers? Well, now they've become an audio system - the Scandyna Dock Pack.

It uses two slimmed-down Scandyna Micropod speakers, each able to knock out 15w of output, with a matching dock able to host a variety of iPods or other makes of MP3 player.

But there is a downside - you can have any colour you like, just as long as it's pink. And that's certain to put off more people than it appeals to. If you like pink, it sells for around £200.

Find out more at the Scandyna website

Softwear by Microsoft - 80s-style retro t-shirts

Microsoft continues its quest to get down with the kids, moving into the clothing game with the Softwear by Microsoft t-shirts.

Set to hit 'selected' stores in December, the range is described by Microsoft as "a clothing line that taps the nostalgia of when PCs were just starting to change our lives...". Or in other words, the 1980s. The range includes the two shirts above (certainly the pick of the range) and (more worryingly) a shirt featuring a mug shot of Bill Gates, along with some 'celebrity' designs by rapper Common.

If you want to check out the whole range, follow the link below. So far, we've no details of price or the specific stockists.

Find out more at the Softwear by Microsoft website

Brionvega's classic 1960s RR226 audio system now available at the Conran Shop

We were quite simply stunned when we heard the 60s design classic that is the Brionvega Radiofonografo RR126 was being remade as the Brionvega RR226 Radiophonograph, even if it was only as a demonstration for trade shows. Now we're even more excited - because you can now go out and buy one.

As we mentioned previously, this super-stylish sound system was designed back in 1965 by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni, best remembered for its looks, in particular those folding speakers, which can be positioned both at the side and on the top. The new version keeps all of the original functionality (including the radio, built-in amp, dial controls and 33/45rpm vinyl playback), but meets the modern era halfway with the addition of CD and DVD players.

And now you can one yourself, if you have some serious cash to spare. The Conran Shop has announced availability, with the audio system priced at £4,495. You can't buy it on the website, but you can contact the store itself if you're interested by phone or email. That price sounds hefty, but this is one of the most significant audio designs of the 20th century. Look after it and it'll look after you. See another image over the page.

Conran Shop website

Meet Dieter Rams at London's V&A

Now here's a rare treat - one of the godfathers of 20th century design is doing a 'meet and greet' at London's V&A - Less, but Better with Dieter Rams.

We've featured numerous Dieter Rams products in the past, including the SK 55 stereo, the Vitsoe 620 chair and the Braun RT-20 radio. And he's been widely acknowledged as the inspiration behind the majority of Apple's designs.

Now in his late 70s, the designer will be discussing his 'design ethos' and ideas on the future of design. I suspect a few people in the field will be on the front row taking notes. The session takes place at the V&A's Lecture Theatre on Friday 20th February 2009, admission is £8.

Find out more at the V&A website

Blackbird Fly retro camera now available in the UK

We featured the Blackbird Fly when it hit the market in Japan, casting envious glances and hoping they just might find a way into the UK. Well, they just have.

Yes, you can now pick up one of these super-cool retro cameras before Christmas. Created by SuperHeadz, the camera is a modern take on the classic twin lens reflex Rolleiflex camera, but adapted to use 35mm film. And just like a vintage camera, you look down the top to find your shot, which is produced as an old school square image.

They are limited editions and already doing brisk business, so get in while you can - the price is £59.95.

Find out more at the Ikon website