Editor’s Picks: Carbon Fibre Porsche, Smart Sunglasses and Outdoor Pool Table
From a pair of KEF’s resounding speakers to a pair of APL’s running sneakers, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
This week, we’re all about upgrades. We want ultra-modern, state-of-the-art gadgets and gear to enhance and streamline our lives. Perhaps it’s because tech convention CES has just powered down for another year; the Las Vegas trade show where we discovered the Samsung projector, Lenovo laptop and TCL smart-sunglasses you’ll see in this week’s Editor’s Picks.
Or maybe it’s because other brands are following in these electrifying footsteps. Just take KEF’s latest vivid, vibrant speakers; an education in high-end, high-quality audio. Or TopCar Design’s meticulously-machined carbon fibre kit for a Porsche. Discover these ultimate upgrades (and more) below…
Breakout shot: RS Barcelona Outdoor Pool Table
What’s better than a pool table? How about an outdoor pool table? With specially-treated fabric, walnut legs and a polyester paint job so it can survive in the great outdoors, this easy-to-assemble table comes with Canadian maple cues, 16 Aramith Premium balls and frame-after-frame of al fresco playing potential.
Turn it up: KEF LSX Wireless HiFi Speakers
The bright green colour of these jealousy-inducing speakers from KEF may be eye-catching, but it’s that deep bass and clear treble that’ll really grab your senses. Designed for every one of your home entertainment needs, these LSX speakers will allow you to stream, game, watch television or just listen to the radio — all in glorious high-resolution stereo.
Raise a glass: Glen Scotia 18-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky
Of Glen Scotia’s esteemed range of whiskies, the 18-Year-Old offers the best value for money. It’s under £100-a-bottle — but manages to swirl spicy and floral notes into the classic salted caramel tang of a Campbeltown single malt. Think thick, sweet toffee, citrus fruits, and the influence of the Oloroso sherry casks it was finished in.
Lace up: Athletic Propulsion Labs ‘Tracer’ Running Sneakers
Earlier this week, we rounded up the best running shoes for 2022. Available at MR PORTER, these handsome ‘Tracer’ lace-ups from Athletic Propulsion Labs certainly talk the talk. But they also walk (or should that be run?) the walk. In addition to that natty, neutral ‘TechLoom’ upper, you’ll find smooth, sculpted heels and ergonomic ‘Propelium’ midsoles.
Short notice: Mr Marvis ‘The Sports’ Shorts
While we’re on the subject of sport, let’s take a look at Mr Marvis’ latest shorts. Crafted out of 88% recycled plastic bottles, ‘The Sports’ don’t have inner briefs, garish stripes or big logos. Instead, they’re understated — and will pair perfectly with the stripped-back sneakers above (especially in this fetching deep indigo shade, called ‘The Galaxies’).
Take cover: Shackleton ‘Centenary’ Explorer Jacket
Cut in London from a Dundee-woven waxed cotton fabric, this ‘Centenary’ jacket celebrates a classic piece of time-tested outerwear. It’s lightweight, breathable and water-repellant — and features a large central pocket, drawstring hood and waist and finished with British leather. Your own snug slice of the golden age of adventure.
Top notch: Lenovo ‘ThinkBook Plus’ Laptop
The third generation of Lenovo’s workaday workhorse of a laptop, the ‘ThinkBook’, has had some serious upgrades. Unveiled at tech trade show CES 2022 last week, the laptop’s 17.3-inch main screen is impressive enough — but, for this third-generation model, there’s also a full-colour LCD touchscreen, measuring 8-inches, sitting next to the keyboard. Handy.
Roll it: Samsung’s 'The Freestyle’ projector
‘Freestyle’ was the right name for Samsung’s latest portable projector. With the ability to cast a screen almost anywhere you could think of, this compact gadget can fit in the palm of your hand, is light enough to be easily transported and is able to be connected to external battery sources for power. Add auto-levelling, auto-focus and auto-keystone into the mix, and you’ve got one seriously mobile cinema.
Easy oars: Hemingsworth ‘Skipper’ Varsity Jumper
Hemingsworth has taken inspiration from many different places and parts of pop culture in the past; from Pablo Picasso’s own wardrobe to 1965 drama film The Sandpiper. For this, the brand’s latest piece of head-turning knitwear, the Varsity sweaters of classic rowing clubs have had a choice update; with a high roll-neck and Merino wool adding comfort and warmth to the style.
Light touch: Porsche 992 Stinger GTR Limited Carbon Edition
If you’ve already shelled out for a Porsche, you’ve likely got deep pockets. You shouldn’t flinch, then, at the €100,000 price tag attached to this carbon fibre bodykit. Developed by Russian firm TopCar Design, the tuning package replaces 84 parts and panels with re-machined, infinitely lighter alternatives. And to think; it was a fast car already…
Frame it: TCL 'Nxtwear Air’ Smart Glasses
They may look like sunglasses — but these ‘smart’ glasses from TCL have hidden talents. Using dual 1080p Micro OLED displays to create a blockbuster viewing experience anywhere you slip them on, these unassuming frames pack a full cinema (the equivalent of watching a 140-inch screen from four metres away) into a tiny package.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
