Packard Bell’s dot SE netbook is a fantastically priced laptop for people on the move. Thanks to the long lasting battery and the unbeatable mobility, the Packard Bell dot SE has become a favourite amongst many.

Construction

The construction of this laptop computer is very solid, and when we tested it last week we “accidentally” dropped it a couple of times on the floor, but even that didn’t stop the dot SE.

Display

The hinges that hold the display in place are also quite sturdy; and the screen can be tilted back 180 degrees, which is a real advantage, when you’re using a mini pc. The consistency of the brightness and colors of the screen are sharp and precise from all angles, but the anti-glare coating on the screen makes it almost unusable in direct sunlight.

Keyboard & Touch pad

The keyboard is totally flat without any key definition, which might be a problem for users who rely on touch typing. We hammered on the keyboard for about 20 minutes and the results weren’t exactly impressive, but keep in mind that this laptop isn’t developed for typing novels. The keys are actually quite well proportioned and fill the whole area of the pc when opened.

The touch pad is really well proportioned, especially considering the limited space. There is an integrated scrolling function and a physical button for left and right clicking, which is really nice. There is however one annoying feature/mistake, ― when you have clicked on something, it takes about 1 second before you’re able to navigate with the mouse, it simply freezes for a moment, which is quite annoying.

Performance

The performance of this pc more or less corresponds with competing laptops in the market. There is an integrated Intel Atom processor N540, which unfortunately doesn’t reserve the possibility of playing HD movies or demanding computer games. The dot SE is however quite good for smaller Photoshop jobs, Office, general web browsing and You Tube videos.

The lifespan of the battery can’t compete with the Toshiba NB520-108, but it still sports an impressive 3 hours of work time, which is rather good considering the size of this netbook.

Specifications

The Packard Bell dot SE weighs 1,2 kg and measures 25,39 x 18,5 x 2,4 cm, which makes it one of the smallest netbooks in the business. It fits perfectly in a handbag, briefcase or backpack.

• Operating system: Windows 7 Starter
• Processor: Intel Atom N450; Single-core; 1,66 GHz
• Memory: 1 BG DDR2 SDRAM (DDR2-667/PC2-5300
• torage: 250 GB Serial ATA with 5400 rpm
• Display and graphics: 10,1” (25,7 cm) Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
• Webcam: Yes
• Software included: Microsoft Office Starter 2010 & Adobe Photoshop Elements 8
• Battery: 3-cell, 2200 mAh, 3 hours
• Color: Sort
• Pris: Approx. 250 $

Over all, the Packard Bell dot SE is quite a good netbook, especially considering the low price.

The classic city bike is a favorite amongst many due to the tough and practical design. This versatile bicycle put bicycle-manufacturers like Raleigh on the map. Today, it’s almost impossible to ride through traffic without spotting a city bike, and sometimes it can even be difficult to find your own amongst the many city bikes in the city. The Danish bicycle manufacturer VIVA has found a solution to this problem.

VIVA BIKES A/S was established by Lars Andersen and Henrik Nørby. Together, they have over 20 years of experience within the area of designing bicycles, and can therefore offer bikes of high quality with an eye for detail. VIVA was awarded the REDDOT Design award and the Euro bike 2009 IF award for their innovative bicycle designs.

VIVA offers a wide range of models like the Duro, Pista, Bellissimo, Kilo, Velo and Papa, and is therefore able to offer customer’s any type of bike specific to their needs.

The popular model Kilo was relaunched last year. ― The Kilo model is a testimony to the classic city bike, which has been produced since the 1940’s. VIVA’s modern interpretation of this iconic bicycle is youthful, robust and functional. De wide Fat Frank tires from Schwalbe, in combination with front and back luggage racks, the disc brakes and leather handles really gives this bike a fresh expression, without compromising the functionality and quality of the bike.

Specifications

• Gender: Male
• Gears: Shimano 3 gears rotary (inside)
• Brakes: Shimano roller brake (aluminum)
• Frame: CrMo steel
• Tires: Schwalbe Fat Frank
• Seat: Selle Royal
• Weight: 17,1 kg
• Color: Light blue

Variants

The new Kilo model is also available for women. Earlier models of the VIVA Kilo are available in different sizes, colors and gears.

Visit VIVA’s web site, or find a good offer on a city bike at Denmark’s largest bicycle store: Coop >> Web shop >> Cykler.

The wishbone Chair

The Wishbone Chair’s forms are simple and organic. Its new colors add a personal twist to any home.

Carl Hansen & Son introduces their famous Wegner icon, the Wishbone Chair, in new colors. The Citrus range of colors will be introduced at Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2010 in Milan.

The Danish producer of design furniture, Carl Hansen & Son, extends its palette for Hans J. Wegner’s renowned Wishbone Chair with four new shades of Citrus. Earlier this spring, the company launched four new blue colors in its Ocean series.

The new colors

The new colors work well together or on their own. Citrus can also be combined with other Wishbone Chairs in other wood types – or other furniture altogether – so homeowners can create their own interpretations of Wegner’s contemporary classic. According to Thomas Vagner, Sales and Marketing Director, “The new Citrus colors complement each other nicely. But they work individually as well, and merely a single chair can accentuate and lift the look of a room.”

The design

The Wishbone Chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen in 1949, and has been in uninterrupted production since 1950. The Wishbone is a light, sculptural dining chair whose steam-bent back allows a variety of comfortable sitting positions. Its materials and craftsmanship provide generations of lasting value and comfort.

Recommended retail selling price for the Wishbone Chair in Citrus colors is EUR 578 (ex VAT). The new colors will be available in stores from June, 2010.

Materials

The legendary Wishbone chair is produced in beech wood from sustainable Danish forests for the Citrus series. The woven seat contains 120 meters of strong and supple paper cord which is specially made in white to complement the new Citrus colors.

The history of Carl Hansen & Son

Carl Hansen & Son was founded by master cabinetmaker Carl Hansen in 1908, when he began producing furniture in Odense, Denmark. The company entered a second generation of growth in 1934 when the founder’s son, Holger Hansen, a master cabinetmaker himself, took over the reins from his father. Holger Hansen was quick to discover a new breed of young Danish furniture designers. In 1949 he began  cooperation with Hans J. Wegner, who became the company’s most well-known designer. Holger Hansen was also a driving force in the internationalization of Danish Modern.

Knud Erik Hansen, the grandson of Carl Hansen, brought the family-owned company into a new phase when he moved production from small workshops in Odense to modern facilities in Aarup, Denmark. Carl Hansen & Son produces a variety of design furniture, including chairs and tables for the dining room, and easy chairs, footrests, sofas and coffee tables for the living room. The company’s furniture is available throughout the world and the company has sales companies in Canada, Japan and China.

Modern craftsmanship

Carl Hansen & Son uses modern production techniques to produce furniture that lives up to the highest standards of craftsmanship. True to its roots and Wegner’s design philosophy, it is the firm’s ambition to produce furniture of lasting beauty and value, with respect for sustainable designs, materials and  production processes.

Designers

Carl Hansen & Son is the world’s largest producer of furniture designed by Hans J. Wegner. Its close relationship to the Hans J. Wegner Studio makes it possible for the company to introduce and relaunch a number of Wegner’s most outstanding designs.

In addition to the furniture of Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son also produces furniture created by the design duo, Christina Strand and Niels Hvass, as well designs by Thomas Bo Kastholm, son the well-known Danish furniture designer, Jørgen Kastholm.

• Visit Carl Hansen & Son website

In 2010 República launched a special collection adapted to the Scandinavian market. The correctional frames are large in size and produced mainly in acetate / plastic, which corresponds perfectly with the Scandinavian fashion trends in 2010 / 2011.

The new collection is retro-inspired and combines bold designs with classic shapes. The color palette is comprised of harmonious colors like havana, brown, olive green and black. Furthermore the collection avoids the use of large logos, and has chosen to equip the frames with a discreet hinge, both as recognition value, but also to enhance the quality of the frames.

República Eyewear has its own philosophy: “República Eyewear converts new trends directly from the street to a modern and stylish collection … The collection fulfills a void in the eyewear fashion industry.”

República Eyewear is a high quality product, offering a “return rate” of less than 1%. In addition to this, 95% of all orders are delivered within 10 days… República is therefore able to meet demands within reasonable time.

Despite the high quality and modern appearance, República frames are considerably cheaper than other competitive brands in the market.

The well-established American Eyewear company, Kenmark Optical Group, obtained the distribution and production rights for República Eyewear in 2004. The company has several years of experience in the production of frames and sunglasses, with brands like Vera Wang, Kensie, Cynthia Rowley, Hush Puppies and Timex (among others).

República remains one of the most popular underground brands among movie stars and musicians in the U.S.. With stars like Justin Timberlake, Leonardo di Caprio, Ludacris and many others, República remains a favorite among the popular trendsetters.

Sunglasses – New products Spring/Summer 2010

Dionée

With flexible frames and gold plated metal hinges, the new Chloé sunglasses are decidedly retro-chic. Authentic and stylish, Chloé has revived the round keyhole bridge style. with an ultra light frame upon which the brand’s logo discreetly features on both metallic trims. They come in an elegant round case and can be slipped discreetly into a small clutch bag. the frames come in black, shell or bordeaux and the lenses in gradated brown or grey.

Myrte Cuir

The Myrte sunglasses are the classic-chic Chloé model. the deliberately oversized frames will be adorned with leather for the summer 2010 collection. This new adaptation perfectly suits the feminine and nomadic theme of the Chloé 2010 spring-summer collection. A sober and elegant colour palette and tinted lenses in plum, grey and brown underline the decidedly inspired character of this model.

Sunglasses – New products Spring/Summer 2011

Alysse

Romantic rock chic is invading our wardrobes with jewelled chains: tunics, t-shirts, bags, boots,… this is the fashion accessory to be wearing this season! Chloé sunglasses are firmly anchored in this trend with this exceptionally refined model. delicate and feminine, a fine chain decorates the front and sides and the Chloé logo is discreetly engraved on a small metal badge on each side. it is available in two shapes: a broad and high rising model for a contemporary look, and a soft, round model for an ultra feminine look. This model is available in colours to match the Chloé fashion line: shell, kaki and plum.

Frames and Sunglasses – New products

Chloe leather line is the source of inspiration for these new sunglasses; here, the Eclipse bag and its multi-logo design. A unique and yet double signature: a metal logo alongside another, engraved on the sides.

Moreover, the prescription frames, inspired by the sunglass frames, are designed along the same lines! The sunglasses come in two complimentary shapes: low-sitting and oversized. The prescription eyewear model with its flex frame is very comfortable.

Belladone vs. CL1205

A new color palette gives these models a real vintage feel, which is the very essence of the Chloé brand. As for the basic colors, such as black and shell, they will be very popular this season.

In view of the success of Chloé’s neo vintage eyewear – Belladone, it made perfect sense to create a prescription version. Faithful to the original design, the two little metal stripes give these glasses a 1980’s look. A playful experimentation with texture and relief frames the gaze.

The acetate brow bar, in total contrast with the horn rim, accentuates this model’s retro chic. While the sunglasses come in a range of square and ‘cats-eye’ shapes, the prescription model is decidedly vintage with a high frame in new colors.

Spring Summer Collection 2010-2011

Chloe eyewear is divided into a range of different themes:

The “must haves” come in very different styles with the common factors of being retro and vintage:

• The Tamaris (CL2104) model with its leather detail is recognizable by its aviator shape.
• The symbolic and oversized frame of the Heloise (CL2173) model in its chic version, embellished with Swarovski crystals.

• And Paraty, which stylishly alludes to the oval loop of the leather bag of the same name.

Every season, Chloé eyewear designs a model for use in its advertising campaigns. In 2010 the four corners of the Myrte (CL2119)model are embellished with real leather. The classic chic and reinvented Chloé frames will be presented in all of this season’s publicity material. For a comprehensive range, Chloé also designs more classic models such as Cléome a timeless and simple shape, acetate frames and metal detailing with an antique effect. Mahonia (CL2207), a metal model with transparent sides.

Sally, inspired by the leather line of the same name. And finally, Belladone (CL2201) with its mix of translucent and opaque materials that enrich the Chloé eyewear collection.

The new Chloé fashions for the 2011 eyewear line are unique: vintage inspirations combined with the highly feminine detail of current high-street trends characterize these models:

• Alysse: jeweled chain detailing on the front and sides for frames that are both high-fashion and easy to wear.
  Eclipse: multiple logos and various shades for these ultra light frames.
• Myrte Strass: all four corners of these glasses are metal; Chloé’s signature sunglasses are decorated with Swarovski crystals.
• Mélisse: the knot, omnipotent in high street fashions, the decoration on the front and sides is reminiscent of chiffon pleats.
  Erine: scalloped designs from the high street fashion line designed by Hannah MacGibbon, bold shapes that make 2011’s spring-summer collection stand out.
• Kéria: a new, modern and very vintage logo. This imposing model in gradated colors takes on a whole new allure.
  Ammi: the sun wear version of these best-selling prescription frames with beveled joints representing various cosmetic products for a design that is faithful to the ultra feminine original model.

Chloé prescription eyewear is available in two special ranges, each one inspired by a different kind of woman:

• The more sophisticated range, which is somewhat unusual, offering creative, sometimes avant-garde models.
• The more conventional range is for elegant, refined women. the shapes are oval, gentle, in a very feminine, chic style.

Certain sunglasses inspire prescription eyewear, so that the overall range has coherency and the products are coordinated. The “retro” style influences some prescription models, reflecting the current vintage trend. The collection features 75% plastic models and 25% metal models.

The most jet-set brand in the world

Many world-famous celebrities have adopted this chic, modern style, wearing Chloé glasses with natural charm. This season favorite models chosen and worn by the stars this year: Tilia (CL2180), worn by Leighton Meester, Hilary Duffet Christina Aguilera, Héloïse (CL2172), in black, chosen by Rihanna. Myrte (CL2119), a favorite of Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz last season, can now be seen perched on the nose of Drew Barrymore and Katie Price. Tamaris (CL2104) has been eagerly adopted by Rachel Bilson and Taylor Momsen.

About Chloé

in 1952, Gaby Aghion and Jacques Lenoir presented a line of luxury ready-to-wear clothes for romantically inclined women looking for a touch of elegance. The Chloé brand was born. the studio saw a succession of talented designers who made a name for Chloé: Maxime de la Falaise, Gérard Pipart, Graziella Fontana and Tan Giudicelli. Ten years later, Karl Lagerfeld took over as the brand’s artistic director, and he led the fashion house for 25 years, establishing the bohemian chic spirit of Chloé. In 1997 Stella McCartney became artistic director, bringing a new vitality to the brand with her flair for sensuality, making Chloé more glamorous and more modern. Eyewear joined the lineup of Chloé accessories in 1998. Phoebe Philo, longtime assistant to Stella McCartney, was the natural choice as artistic director after Stella’s departure.

The sensual world of Chloé appeals to women at a very early age, and a specific line was developed for them in 2000, known as “See by Chloé.” and because history has a tendency to repeat itself, Phoebe’s assistant, Hannah

MacGibbon, became artistic director of Chloé in 2008. A graduate of St. Martins school in London, she has reinterpreted the Chloé values and takes inspiration for her designs from the very essence of the brand. Hannah MacGibbon also participated in the launch of Chloé perfume, which is now a worldwide success.

In close harmony with the brand, this English designer conveys a complete creative vision through femininity, elegance and softness, while continuing the tradition of luxury of the Chloé brand. Hannah seeks to establish coherency among the different product lines by coordinating the accessories with the ready-to-wear collection.

Chloé eyewear is part of this strategy. Each model reflects the brand’s codes with a strong identity, in keeping with the Chloé style. The collection offers a wide range of colors, both natural and discreet, to bring out the volume and shape of the design as well as the qualities of the materials. The frames always combine an elegant design with a strong identity. In terms of style, the common denominator between all the models is a metal rivet on each tip, as seen on all the brand’s accessories. Chloé eyewear includes a total of 34 models of sunglasses and 33 models for prescription eyewear, all of them chic and graced by a vintage touch.

Chloé is distributed by: 100 brand boutiques and 560 multi-brand outlets: 390 in Europe and the Middle East – 110 in the US – 70 in Japan – 90 in Asia Pacific.