Hasta La Ideas

A custom interior for tech junkies, kids and CEOs on the go

How many times have you sat in the back of your Bentley Mulsanne and wished you could more easily get some work done? Fortunately, the clever engineers in Crewe have created the Bentley Executive Interior Concept (EIC), an orgy of Apple-powered gear surrounding one of the most beautiful rear seats available, made even more over-the-top by a new satin-finished, pin-striped maple Yachting veneer.

Stephen Viner, the electrical engineer in charge of the EIC, took us for a tour. First, a center console was added to house a lot of the gear and storage space for gadgets, a box of tissues and a small waste bin. Buttons in the center console control most features, including the opening and closing of the leather backed 15″ LED screen (nothing more naff than an exposed plastic back).

The screen is flanked on either side by two seat-back video monitors. The audio and video system is powered by a Mac Mini (which sits in a new, easily accessible tray in the car’s boot), allowing for full-on productivity, and you can of course connect an iPod or iPhone if your preferred tunes aren’t in the Mini’s library; any source then gets played through the car’s Naim audio system, which provides 20 channels, 20 speakers, and 2200 watts.

The system is controlled by a wireless keyboard which neatly tucks into the rear of the console—just below the refrigerated compartment—and a trackpad. A new Bentley app also controls the system from any of your devices. When you’ve finished your work you can easily save it to one of two USB drives. Naturally, the car has its own wi-fi network.

A push of the outer buttons in the console releases the work tables, which rise and unfold (and retract) mechanically. Should you desire to access one of the car’s two iPads, simply wave your hand in front of the tray and it opens to reveal a keyboard and dock.

Sometimes you just need to write something the old-fashioned way, and they’ve thought of that too, with a matching, custom-made Tibaldi pen. New task lights have been added, and of course vanity mirrors to check your appearance for important Skyping, FaceTiming or simply to shoot your daily Facebook profile update.

The Executive Interior Concept is available as an option, and of course can be customized to your needs and specifications. Pricing wasn’t announced, but if you have to ask… Visit Bentley for more information or to find a dealer near you.

Photos by Evan Orensten

Consolidate chargers with this smart solution from Twelve South

Apple’s portable devices have become increasingly ubiquitous, with people stockpiling laptops, iPhones and iPods that seem to outnumber the world’s available power outlets. The PlugBug by Twelve South—essentially a splitter for the iPad/iPhone charger to attach to the Macbook plug for a streamlined, two-device charging operation—solves a common shortage conundrum.

A wall outlet provides a more powerful charge than the computer’s USB, so with the PlugBug your device battery will replenish faster, freeing you from the tether of plugging in and allowing for maximum mobility. PlugBug lets both gadgets charge at maximum capacity simultaneously and, because the design consolidates chargers, you’ll only ever need one plug. No need to charge your Mac? PlugBug can be used on its own as well. It’s a tidy solution to stay organized and powered-up on the go. Available for $35 at Twelve South online.

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App-driven toy helicopter puts flying at your fingertips

The latest in iPhone- and iPad-specific gadgets, Griffin Techonology’s Helo TC Touch RC Helicopter recently launched to the cheers of tech-savy kids “ages 14 and up” around the world. As a leap forward in app-powered innovations, the “Flight Deck” module attaches to your iOS device and works in conjunction with the Helo TC app to control and direct the helicopter in flight.

Although the agile little vehicle is impressive enough, the software is the real winner of the bunch. The iOS-specific controller works with multiple generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. For a familiar remote-control feeling use the joystick controls on your iOS device or switch controls and tilt your device to fly the mini-chopper. When you’ve found a path you like to fly over and over, use the app’s Flight Plan to record up to three routes to fly on demand anytime.

Keeping the twin-rotored helicopter flying high, the craft is constructed of a lightweight metal frame encased in a polycarbonate body; it charges (and recharges) by any USB power source. At just $50, the Helo TC has been in and out of stock since its release, so keep an eye on Griffin Technology online to claim one for yourself, then head to iTunes for the free app download.

From iPad mounts to grown-up captain’s beds, six new items to improve dorm life and beyond

Changing seasons are always a good time to refresh your space. With the coming school year in mind, we found the latest and best gear to make a small or any-size room more livable. From campus boxes to studio pads, we found six items to help maximize your home no matter the square footage.

To minimize desk clutter and optimize your iPad, we’re backing Modulr’s hardshell case and slim wall mount. Aptly named, the modular system comes in both iPad 1 and 2 sizes, and in black, white and clear (preferred for its subtle aperance). The mount holds iPads snugly against any surface in either landscape or portrait orientations for an alternate monitor, bedside computer or even an interactive grocery list. The iPad 2 case and wall mount sell for $40 and $20, respectively. Other Modulr add-ons, including a strap and car seat hanger, make the accessory all the more functional.

Gus Design Group’s magazine rack will do away with unkempt literary piles. The clever design of the stainless steel rack allows for easy organization. Head over to Gus to find a dealer or pick it up online from Bobby Berk Home for $295.

The classic small-space solution, the Captain’s Bed, gets an update with the Matera created exclusively for Design Within Reach. Keeping the storage drawers off the ground prevents the bed from dominating tight quarters, while also saving knuckles from rugburns. It’s available through DWR for $4,724.

Designed by Riki Watanabe in 1966, the Japanese cardboard folding stool still comes in handy for entertaining when room is tight, packing flat out of the way when you don’t need it. Sold in a variety of mod colorways, the DIY crowd will enjoy the white version, a blank canvas for making it uniquely yours. Spanning $30-60, grab it online from Tortoise General Store or Nova68.

A compact speaker system with robust room-filling sound, Hercules’ XPS 101 gets its power from 101 watts through two six-inch speakers and one subwoofer. The metal alloy speakers and wood-encased sub look great and fit neatly into modest-sized rooms without demanding attention. Look to Hercules for where to buy a set for yourself for $250.

A great part of small spaces is how much easier they are to clean, but keeping tidy is also imperative when you’re so intimately involved with every area of your home. One of our favorite cleaning product brands, Method recently released a new scent for their powerful all-purpose cleaners. The zesty clementine cleaner and dish soap swipe away grime without a greasy residue by harnessing the strength of its naturally-derived biodegradable agents. Check Method’s online shop where they both sell for just $4—affordable even for those on a college-size budget.

Contributions by Karen Day, Graham Hiemstra, Josh Rubin and Greg Stefano