Finding ways to get around quickly, and greenly, is a popular trend. And, in the case of these interesting iShoes, an expensive one also. iShoes are intended as a way to get from point A to point B faster and easier than by walking. While wearing a pair of iShoes you can buzz along at up to 13 mph for up to 3 miles -- all on the power of a small Lithium-ion battery pack that needs just a couple of hours to charge up.

The iShoes designers have said they are inspired by Apple and Lamborghini, and although I can see the Lamborghini influence (speed) I'm at a loss to see anything "Apple" about these -- am I missing something obvious?

Regardless, if you're interested in getting a pair of iShoes be prepared to shell out a cool $620.


Via Tech Digest

Mercedes-Benz is launching a new emissions-free way to travel: the Folding Bike. It's obviously not their first bike, but it it is a unique bike in that it's designed to fold up all handy and fit in your vehicle's trunk in just two swift moves. Designed to be folded not only quickly but also cleanly (no grease or dirt on your hands!) and measuring just 800x800x220mm, it will not only take up practically no space in your garage but will fit comfortably in the boot of your Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet -- ready for a quick ride anytime. Available in April 2008.



Via Treehugger

Many of the people who indulge in rented luxury villas don't always get what they bargained for. You'd think, compared to a hotel, that a villa would be a nicer, better experience -- but most of the time it isn't. So Christian Jagodzinski decided to fix that by starting his own company of luxury villas that would deliver as he expected they should: Villazzo was born.

With most everything pre-arranged, Jagodzinski thinks of Villazzo as more of a hotel-type service than villas. He even makes a point to offer the same services as top hotels, such as porters and maids, strawberries and champagne, and even a helicopter in the France location to help guests avoid pesky traffic when traveling to nearby retreats -- there are 35 specific luxury services offered altogether.

So if you've been frustrated in the past and haven't yet tried Villazzo, maybe you should consider it. There are six locations around the world, with prices around $2000 per night/$14000 per week.


Via BusinessWeek

In today's Wall Street Journal, there is an interesting blurb on prices around the world, comparing the rate for the same service in different locations. In this case, the service is a one-way private transfer from an airport to a luxury hotel, as booked through that hotel or their concierge. All the prices have been converted to US dollars and the difference in various markets is quite surprising, especially since the distance being considered was that of a very central location. As a starting point, the cost in New York was $167 per person. In Manila, the transfer was a mere $42, while it was $74 in Sydney and $100 in Hong Kong. The three locations more expensive than New York were London, at $171, Paris at $170 and Tokyo, at an almost shocking $382. It's enough to make you think twice about arranging your own transportation. After all, it certainly couldn't be much more expensive and by calling around, you might even be able to arrange nicer transportation.