Clear, large display with each cube measuring 1 inch wide by 1.5 inches high… and no annoying alarm.

You need one of these. Everybody needs one.

You can buy it at DWR

Strange name? Maybe so but their appliances are nice. :)

Gorenje is a Slovenian brand, manufacturing mostly domestic appliances but they do have branch off into other areas (which I will not bother to talk about). Basically these guys were held to high regard mostly in the former Yugoslavia (as Slovenia was part of the former Yugoslavia) and Eastern Europe in general. That’s only the begining of the story though.

Since the split of Yugoslavia, Slovenia has moved on… now a part of the EU and quickly gaining respect and a reputation for great quality goods. Think of it like buying German quality at a discount price! But there’s more…

Aiding their expansion into Europe and beyond is their attention to STYLE! That’s why I’m writing. Gorenje’s attention to detail, quality and design has really helped them get noticed. Some of the features that set them apart include design by Pininfarina, CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, digital displays, computerized brains and fantastic warranties.

Very nice.

You can check out the official website for more info and even take part. This years theme is sustainability… should be interesting.

But how will my family members open the door? No problem! The biometric door lock can handle up to 99 users. Registering and removing users is simple and instant. Now the whole family—or anyone you wish—can simply walk up, plant their finger on the scanner and gain access. It’s a whole lot easier than worrying about duplicate keys being out in the population. This lock is a deal at around $300.

Not all intercoms are ugly, some are even nice to look at. There’s actually a lot of really nice intercom systems out there, even with keyless entry and so on… I ran across these intercom systems (pictured above) at TRS Communications.

From the website – “Aiphone’s GF 4 wire digital audio/video apartment intercom features entry security, fully modular vandal resistant entrance stations. The GF video allows up to five entrance stations and 250 apartment stations and up to two handsets per apartment.”

Not bad, I like the fact that they can accommodate several entry points and 2 handsets per apartment, that can be handy if you’ve got a big place.

I also think these receivers (hand set) are pretty nice looking. I’ll admit they aren’t the sleekest I’ve seen but they’ve got a simple clean look about them that caught my eye… In either case I’m sure nobody would object to hanging one on their wall.

“The ultimate solution in remote controls…” that’s what Marantz says about their RC9500 color learning universal remote and I’d have to agree.

Marantz is well known for their awesome hi-fi equipment and their universal learning remote controls are no exception, they are the best. Actually I’m surprised I didn’t write about them earlier. The first time I held one of their top-of-the-line models in my hands (about 7 years ago), I knew it was the ultimate remote control!

Since then, not much has changed… they’re still amazing. Here are a few quick stats:

• High Resolution 320 x 240 Pixels LCD Touch Screen Display
• Massive 16MB Non-volatile Flash Memory (Expandable up to 48MB with Firmware Update)
• Programmable Timers
• IR/RF Transmission Capability
• Editable Macros (250 Commands per Macro)
• Virtually Limitless Number of Devices, Macros, Panels and Buttons
• USB Port for PC Connection
• Auto-On Pickup Sensor
• Recharging Dock Station

The RC9500 is available in a Metalic Black or Silver finish… for only $1100 :o

Yah, it’s expensive but that doesn’t mean I should exclude it from the website. For those of you with some cash burning a hole in your pocket, consider the Marantz RC9500. One things for sure, all of your friends will be green with envy when they see it sitting on your coffee table!