If you’re bored with the typical iPhone cases, why not try a steampunk design? Steampunk design reflects a genre that combines science fiction and fantasy, reflecting the steam-powered industrial design of Victorian-era Britain and France. Think H.G. Wells and Jules Vernes.

This unique iPhone 4 shell created by Colin Thompson is available at Gelaskins for $15. You can find additional steampunk shells on Zazzle.

If you’d like to add a touch of distinction to your office, check out the Black & Decker iShred Vertical Shredder. This conical-shapped shredder not only features a sleek design, but its shape is also functional since it allows you to discard shredded paper pieces without the messy overflow that often occurs with cylindrical shredders. The iShed has a six-sheet capacity and promises to cut down on paper jams. It’s fully enclosed shredder head is also safer than conventional shredders.

The iShed is advertised as being able to shred staples and credit cards. It retails for less than $100. Find out more about the Black & Decker iShred Vertical Shredder on the Walmart website.

The AppSpeed Monster Truck is a new breed of RC vehicle – it’s controlled by an iPhone running the free AppSpeed app.  Just plug the RF dongle into the dock connector and then control the speed and steer this toy truck using any iOS Apple device with the app installed.  You can also tilt your device forwards, backwards, left or right to control the truck in gravity sensor mode. 

Three presets allow you to ZigZag, Dance or Spin your truck in time to music.  You can also use the multiplayer mode that lets you race your little truck with your friends.  Find out more about this app-controlled RC truck on the Dexim website.

School will soon be in session and college students will be looking for a laptop that can easily travel between home and school.  Many students are opting for a netbook as a low-cost alternative to a more expensive laptop.  If you really just need a basic computer for note-taking, writing essays and using the Internet, check out the ASUS Eee PC 1015PEM netbook.  This 10-inch ASUS netbook features an Intel Atom N550 dual-core processor for multitasking and LED-backlit technology supports brighter visuals.  The ASUS Eee PC 1015PEM netbook provides up to 13 hours of battery life (double the life of other netbooks). 

Find out more about this ASUS netbook on Amazon.com.

Most of us have dropped a smartphone and held our breath as it hit the floor. Apparently Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos decided to do something about the sinking feeling you get when your smartphone drops. It was recently revealed that Bezos has filed a patent application for a smartphone system that would use the phone’s camera and gyroscope to detect motion and the proximity of other objects. If the phone decides that it’s falling, protective measures will spring into action. Possible ideas for the phone protection include a mini airbag or deployable springs.

Read more about Bezo’s patent on the Popular Science website.

Just a few short years ago, despite having 10 million users, the Internet was thought by many to be some kind of passing fad. In 1995, MTV News devoted a quick 4-minute segment to the World Wide Web, comparing it to the CB radio craze of the 1970s. The segment includes commentary from Sandra Bullock (who starred in a movie called The Net), Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews and Moby. You can take a walk down memory lane by checking out the vintage video on YouTube.

In 2011, the market for computer tablets is expected to see a 255% growth, with almost 60 million units making their way into the hands of consumers. By 2015, tablet sales are expected to grow by 750% compared to projected growth in laptop sales of about 80%. According to technology industry analyst Ben Bajarin, this phenomenal growth indicates that tablets represent the future of computing because they are based on “touch technology” and a more natural user interface than the keyboard and mouse.

Read Bajarin’s complete analysis on the Time Magazine website.

If you keep your kitchen stocked with soft drinks, think about how much simpler life would be if you could quickly and easily make your own soft drinks.  The SodaStream home soda maker turns tap water into carbonated water in under 30 seconds.  Add the flavor of your choice (there are more than 30 to choose from) and you’ve just made your own soda. 

SodaStream International recently reported that there are more than 4.5 million homes using SodaStream in 41 countries.

If you’d like to save money while helping the environment by eliminating the bottles and cans from your trash pickup, visit the SodaStream website or look for SodaStream in your local home store.  You can also see the SodaStream in action in this YouTube video.

Mac OS X Lion, the latest release of Apple’s popular Mac operating system, is now available in the Mac App Store.  At $29.99, reviewers are unanimously agreeing that this upgrade is well worth the money (though users are advised that later updates may be more reliable). The software includes more than 250 new features that Apple promises will “change the way you use a computer.”

Highlights of the Lion release include:

Read more about OS X Lion on the Apple website.

The Eco Extreme is a rugged speaker case that provides waterproof and shockproof protection for your cellphone and MP3 player.  Now you can take you gadgets to the beach and not worry about sand or water.  There’s also room in the speaker case for credit cards, cash and your car keys. 

The Eco Extreme works with all types of gadgets, including iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry and Motorola Droid.  A universal headphone jack connects to your MP3 player or phone, allowing your music to play through the case’s speakers.  Eco Extreme is available in a variety of hot colors for summer, including Lime Green, Orange Peel, Lemon Zest, Petal Pink and Cobalt Blue.

Find out more about the Eco Extreme All Terrain Speaker Case on the Grace Digital Audio website.  If you’d like to take your Kindle to the beach, check out the Case Logic Water Resistant Kindle Sleeve.