Bringing a bit of the Rastafari way of life to Hong Kong is the new locally launched line of Marley headphones that is certain to bring out the Jamaican spirit in everyone.

In Hong Kong to help launch the House of Marley line of headphones was Bob Marley’s son Rohan Marley. At a rocking bash held at the Hard Rock Café in Lan Kwai Fong; guests were treated to live Reggae music and an impromptu drum performance by Rohan.

The Marley headphones use reggae music as the baseline for all of their product tests; and they pay particular attention to bass quality to ensure that it delivers it without distortion no matter how low the music goes.

One thing that makes this product range really standout for Neonpunch is one of the principle company goals which are to create high-quality products in the most ethical and environmentally positive way. That means not cutting corners and doing what’s right, not what’s easy. Marley products are made from the highest standard for wood and forest products, and also use recyclable aluminum and plastics.

The company’s commitment to eco-friendliness doesn’t stop at their products. Each of the products is packaged in recycled and recyclable material so it avoids the waste stream and can manifest into something useful again. In addition, each headphones and ear buds come with organically made bags that you can use to store your headphones in.

Neonpunch were given a pair of Midnight Ravers ear buds with a 3-button mic control for review and we have to say we “lov ‘em Brother!” The bass is excellent; while the mid to high ranges have amazing tonal quality and great timbre. The 3-button mic also performed very well, with calls easily being heard through the ear buds and callers on the other end of the line not having much difficulty in hearing what we were saying.

We were also really impressed by the slightly “no frills” packaging that was made out of re-cycled cardboard; that might sound strange but the crew here at Neonpunch are staunch supporters of re-cycling and being environmentally friendly, it’s one of the reason you’re reading us online and not in print.

The Marley range of headphones are being distributed local by Thinking Group Ltd., and can be found at Broadway, Fortress, HMV, HK Records to name a few. For a full list of retailers Click Here

Jammin’ In-Ear Headphones

• Smile Jamaica (earphone) – HK$299
• Smile Jamaica (1-Button earphone) – HK$349
• Smile Jamaica (3-Button earphone) – HK$399

• Midnight Ravers (earphone) - HK$299
• Midnight Ravers (1-Button earphone) - HK$349 (only available in Sun)
• Midnight Ravers (3-Button earphone) - HK$399

Jammin’ On-Ear Headphones

• Soul Rebel (Headphones) – HK$599

• Revolution (Headphone) – HK$799
• Revolution (3-Button earphone) – HK$899

Freedom In-Ear Headphone

• Redemption Song IE (Headphone) - HK$699
• Redemption Song IE (3-Button earphone) - HK$899

• Zion (3-Button earphone) - HK$899

Freedom On-Ear Headphone

• Stir It Up (3-Button earphone) - HK$1,699

• Redemption Song OE (3-Button earphone) - HK$1,699

• Destiny TTR (1-Button earphone) - HK$2,399

Western Digital recently release their new line of My Book Live Personal Cloud Storage devices that not only allow Hong Kong computer users to safely store all their important files but allows them access to them from anywhere in the world via a personal cloud storage solution.

WD’s My Book Live drive connects to the home network creating shared storage that users can access within and outside the home. Secure remote access to the My Book Live is available through WD 2go and WD 2go Pro mobile apps for its My Book Live personal cloud storage solution. WD’s My Book Live drive connects to the home network creating shared storage that users can access within and outside the home. Secure remote access to the My Book Live is available on any computer through www.WD2go.com, while the WD 2go apps provide mobile access to files stored on the drive using an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Android compatible mobile device.

Combining the benefits of both public and private cloud solutions, My Book Live personal cloud storage allows users to keep media and files safe at home on their own physical drive and yet access them over the Internet with any PC or Mac computer or on tablets and smartphones through WD’s mobile apps.

Availability

WD 2go (free download) and WD 2go Pro ($2.99 USD) are currently available for download from the iTunes Store and Android Market. My Book Live personal cloud storage is now available at selected distributors – VST (852-2786 1836) and Supply Consultant (852-2341 0280).

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

• 1TB - HK$1,340
• 2TB - HK$1,560
• 3TB - HK$1,990

Fact: It’s hot. Hot and humid in Hong Kong right now!

The workweek drags on and it seems the heat will never break. Don’t lose your cool; pack your bags and get out-of-town. As all true travelers know, a man is only as strong as his luggage.

So, if you’re hopping a plane to Thailand or just heading to Macau for the weekend, these bags will get you there in style.

Tumi: The Bedford Westley Weekender

This fashionable and practical bag is perfect for shorter trips or weekends away. Its sleek, modern exterior belies a rugged durability.

Although the design looks timeless, Tumi’s dedication to high-tech, cutting edge innovation is apparent in the use of modern materials: ballistic nylon in conjunction with Italian texture coated canvas. The bag’s spacious compartment is augmented with a myriad of pockets that should meet all of your individual requirements.

Rimowa: Salsa Deluxe Cabin Multiwheel

German company Rimowa is one of Europe’s leading luggage manufacturers. Their iconic ultra-modern hard sided suitcases are immediately recognizable.

Rimowa has always distinguished itself through a dedication to good handling and the lowest weight with the maximum strength possible. We love the Salsa Deluxe line, an updated luxury version of their signature Salsa polycarbonate suitcases. The Cabin Multiwheel’s flexi-dividers are a cool packing solution and the multi-wheel wheelbase makes this the most maneuverable bag on our list.  

Louis Vuitton: Satellite 70

This classic bag is perfect for the traveler who favors timeless style over high-tech materials. Louis Vuitton is the name in luxury luggage.

This bag is the most expensive on this list and you get what you pay for; for years Louis Vuitton has defined our image the high-end traveler. The Satellite 70 is classic but more useable than the impractical, though awesome, hard-sided options, and more unique than the omnipresent Louis Vuitton duffel. High-fashion or not, Louis Vuitton remains a durable option; the bag is canvas lined and has reinforced leather straps as well as protective feet.

Where to Buy:

Tumi

• Sogo Department Store, Basement 1, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
• Prince Building, Shop 131-132, Central, Hong Kong
• Sogo Department Store, Basement 1, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• Tumi is also carried at Lane Crawford Department Stores

Rimowa

• Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hotel, G3, 50 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• The Galleria, Shop G01, 9 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
• Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
• Rimowa is also carried at Lane Crawford Department Stores

Louis Vuitton

• 5 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• Elements Mall, 2/F, Shop 2048-2055, 1 Austen Road West, Hong Kong
• The Landmark Atrium, G/F, Shop 7-17, Central, Hong Kong
• Lee Gardens, G/F, Shops G01&G10, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

UnYOUsual is a new company in Hong Kong providing print-on-demand iPhone cases for those who just can’t find anything amongst the literally thousands of different types of cases available on just about every corner in Hong Kong.

So if you must have a case with a very personalized image or saying, UnYOUsual is here to help you out – for only HK$189 a case and free shipping you can get a very personalized iPhone case sent to you in less than a week.

So let’s look at how good these cases are.

(Full disclosure: UnYOUsual is an advertiser on Neonpunch.com)

We picked 3 images that we liked from Internet Memes to use for the test run – 1 was a photo of Sad Keanu – we love this meme (read about it here) and also wanted to use a basic web quality photo as one of our tests. The second image was a recreation of a Wordboner.com T-shirt about Love, we used Adobe Photoshop to recreate the text at a very high-resolution and finally we used the Y U NO GUY to test how line work is printed.

The online interface at UnYOUsual-online.com is straight forward and easy to use. Choose your case, upload the photo, move it where you want and then check-out. We made these cases in 10 minutes. The only problem we had was to make sure the images were the required size which is quite big – so we had to resize the Keanu Reeves image a few times. The image is also horizontal and we wanted him to appear on the vertical so we had to stretch some of the image a few times so it would crop properly.

So if you’re using an image make sure its vertical and of a high-resolution.

The typographic case and the line-art case both were easy to put in.

We waited about 1-week and all 3 cases came in their own personal brown boxes with foam – great presentation making it nice to receive as a gift as well.

Ok so lets pick apart each case:

First the cases themselves are standard hard plastic. We wouldn’t say it was a case that will protect your iPhone from a drop – it’s more a cosmetic case to show off your style. So don’t order one of these if you think it will protect from anything other than mild scuffing from being on your desk.

The inside of the cases are white with a UnYouSual logo in orange.

The outside of the case with the image is shiny and smooth.

Sad Keanu: We were impressed with the quality of the print here. We sent a fairly standard quality JPG and the printing and color came out very nicely. So photos come out very nicely. Not super HD sharp like a printed photograph, but good enough for HK$189 – we will probably try it again with another photo that is 300 dpi and ready for print to see if there is a difference in quality.

Love is…: So we created a very high-resolution image of this so that the letters edges were super sharp – from within your hand it looks great. If you really nitpick it, the edges soften when you get close. You can compare this quality from an inkjet printer and a laser printer in terms of sharpness. But it definitely looks good especially on the smaller text size.

Y U NO Guy: We just grabbed this image off of Google Images and used Photoshop to add more blue to the top of the image since we wanted the main character to be dead centre. This is just a basic black line drawing with white and blue and it reprinted quite nicely as well.

It actually looks sharper than the Love Is one which is interesting since this was definitely lower resolution than that one.

On all 3 cases you see some color loss as it seems the process of printing seems to wear out around the edges but that is only evident on the 2 solid color cases, the Keanu case doesn’t show it off as much.

Since the case is glossy it also picks up a lot of fingerprints and smudges – so look to wipe it as much as you do the iPhone screen.

PROS:

• Easy and quick to use web design interface.
• Fast delivery in nice box.
• Good quality printing.
• Good price.

CONS:

• Not going to save your iPhone from a fall.
• Not a solid color application on edges.
• Glossy coating absorbs fingerprints and smudges.

ROUND-UP:
If you have a case you love then this is probably not going to replace it, especially if it’s a Griffin or Encase one – even those Hong Kong ones with the cool cartoon designs are good. But if you want something very special for yourself or you want to make a crazy gift for your friend then UnYOUsual is the only game in Hong Kong for this price and free shipping.

Just think: anniversaries, birthdays, going aways etc – download the highest resolution photos from Facebook and apply to a case that will get a laugh and keep the memories alive. Or you can do what we did and just apply the latest internet memes to it. Also feel free to download the photos we’ve taken of Chrissie Chau and apply then to your iPhone case.

Of course, UnYOUsual will be adding in iPhone 5 cases in October if you are thinking of upgrading.

Order here now and get 15% off by using the code UN8VP11E by September 30th.

And finally thanks for reading this review – you can win one of these 3 cases if you just comment below which of the 3 you want. We’ll randomly pick 3 and mail them to you.

PS: Keanu Reeves’ reaction to Sad Keanu on the BBC:

We recently sat down with Apple in Hong Kong to check out 3 new attachment devices to your iPhone or iPod Touch that will take the capabilities of an already amazing device even further.

So beyond just having cool apps, music and allowing you to see your party photos on Facebook – these 3 attachments will make a device usually known for making phone calls able to improve your golf swing, your cycling and your blood pressure all available now in Hong Kong as well.

• iBike Dash

This new app from iBike is the company’s most powerful and easy to use cycling computer yet. It utilizes your iPhone or iPod in conjunction with their waterproof, shock resistant mounting device to provide real-time information on your ride, from speed and distance to heart rate and power. The app also allows you to design sophisticated training programs, even interval training.

Price: HK$1,600 with free app.

• iPing Putter App

The new free iPing Putter App from golf gear giant Ping promises to improve your stroke and establish your putting handicap. The app works with the Ping cradle, which allows your iPhone to clip to the shaft of your favorite putter. The iPing putter app then uses a series of criteria to measure the consistency of your putts to develop a putting handicap which you can watch come down as your consistency improves.

Price: HK$240 with free app.

• iHealth

iHealth is the first ever blood pressure monitoring system for the iPhone, iPod and iPad. The app works in conjunction with the iHealth dock and accompanying blood pressure cuff. It provides an easy and, dare I say, fun way to measure your blood pressure both systolic and diastolic, and your heart rate. This powerful app also provides users an easy way to track, graph and share their results.

It’s exciting to see the new ways the iPhone is being used in conjunction with attachment devices. These three powerful apps/ devices just go to show how much of the iPhone’s and iPad’s potential is yet to be explored, especially in the world of health and fitness.

Price: HK$800 with free app.

Hi-end audio experts Bowers & Wilkins have announced the release of their new C5 noise isolating in-ear headphones.

The C5 headphones are the most affordable product in the Bowers & Wilkins consumer audio line but truth be told, provide a sound quality that would justify a much heftier price tag.  The C5 combines an array of new sound technologies to deliver its superior audio quality.

The new micro porous filter and outwardly projecting audio, rarely seen in in-ear headphones, creates a wide-open, natural sound.  Bass lovers will be more than satisfied, while audiophiles looking for a more holistic listening experience will be more pleased than with the notoriously bass-centric Beats by Dr. Dre.

The greatest innovation in the C5, and what is perhaps most responsible for the superior audio quality, is the revolutionary secure loop design in which a an easily adjustable loops fits to the contours of the ridge inside each user’s ear.  The secure loop provides what is perhaps the most comfortable fit of any headphones outside of enormously expensive custom fitted earphones.  The C5 is compatible with the iPhone and certainly provides one the best listening experiences in their price range.

Check them out on the web or check them out live tomorrow night at our VIP event which you can still register for here.

With iPhone cases of every shape and color flooding the market we are shocked that it took so long for someone to finally think of this.  Now, with unYOUsual, your iPhone can be as unique as you are.

unYOUsual offers a real-time what you see is what you get WYSIWYG editor.  You can choose an image from unYOUsual’s online library, with everything from No Porn No Life to World’s Best Dad, or simply upload any artwork/photo you’d like as long as it is at least 1500 x 1100 pixels.

Customized iPhone cases also make a great gift and adding a free personal message is free. With a few clicks your loved ones will get your message loud and clear. The editor is fun, easy to use and surprisingly versatile but if you’re in a hurry or not the creative type then you can check out unYOUsual’s Quick Pick Gallery and pick an iPhone case pre-designed by one of unYOUsual’s talented designers.

Finally, we can all avoid the embarrassment of showing up to a party only to find that you and some poser are sporting the same iPhone case.

How much?

Slender Case: slim fit with glossy and anti-scratch finish, HK$189.00

Clutch Case: extra protection with glossy and anti-scratch finish, HK$189.00

GlassPic Panel: bring custom design directly to your iPhone 4, HK$249.00

Key Points:

• 3-side glossy and anti-scratch printing
• Free worldwide standard shipping
• Powerful and easy to use WYSIWYG Editor
• Add a personal Message for free
• Library with hundreds of Artworks
• State-Of-The-Art Portfolio
• Corporate Discount

Get your tailor-made iPhone 4 case today at

www.unyousual-online.com

Or email us your favorite image that you’d like to have made into an iPhone case to editor@neonpunch.com and we’ll choose the 3 best ones to get a free iPhone case courtesy of unYOUsual.

Have a look at some of the designs that have for you to use now, or feel free to customize your own – we think it would be a great gift for your a going away gift, an anniversary or for whatever mood you’re in and you can’t find a pre-designed one.

The Cole Haan Fall 2011 collection is centered on the concept of duality: comfort & style.

Vintage-inspired workmanship and versatile designs are created with multi-dimensional personalities in mind, resulting in looks that are tailored and relaxed, structured and soft, classic fused with elements of new.

The Major Deegan Layered Boot updates a classic look with contrasting colors and materials, sturdily efficient yet with an aura of sophistication.  Cole Haan classics like the Air Monroe Penny Loafer and Air Colton Collection emerge in bold materials such as velvet, suede, croc print and plaid, with two sets of laces on offer with the Colton—one neutral, one in a pop contrast color.

For a more disciplined look, there’s the Jayhawker Collection, a handsome update to a classic. Heavy welt details and stacked heels highlight the finest burnished suede on an ankle boot, while substantial pebbled and smooth leathers infuse the wingtip Oxford with a classic elegance brought together with comfort thanks to Nike Air technology in the heel.  Premium leathers and sturdy nylons make the Bayshore and Merced Bag Collections both utilitarian and effortlessly stylish.

A range of wallets, belts, briefcases and Kindle and iPad cases combine and contrast rugged hardware with soft premium leathers for a broad appeal that gets better with age.

Download the full price list for the Cole Haan Fall 2011 collection here.

COLE HAAN STORES IN HONG KONG:

• Festival Walk, Shop LG1-22, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: 2265 8386
• IFC Mall, Unit 2089B Podium Level 2, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: 2234 7679
• Sogo, Basement 1, Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Tel: 2831 8436

For the Fall/Winter season Louis Vuitton has introduced a new line of leather goods.  The new line, Damier Infini, consists entirely of products crafted from the softest calf leather and embossed with Louis Vuitton’s iconic Damier check.

Damier Infini is designed with the modern urban male in mind and to that end is offered exclusively in rich charcoal, red and light gray with a metallic trim finished in brushed titanium.  Louis Vuitton will offer their most well-recognized and renowned styles of bag including The Keepall and the Porte-Document Voyage as well as other  bags and small leather goods in the new Damier Infini style.

Representing a a new level of softness and sophistication Damier Infini hits Hong Kong stores in mid-August.

Check out the new collection in these Hong Kong stores:

Louis Vuitton Stores Hong Kong Island:

• Landmark Atrium, G/F, Shop 7-17, Hong Kong
• The Pacific Place, The Mall, 3/F, Shop 351A, Hong Kong
• The Lee Gardens, G/F, Shop G01&G10, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Louis Vuitton Stores Kowloon:

• 5 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
• Elements Kowloon Station, 2/F, Shop 2048-2055, Austen Road West, Hong Kong
• Peninsula Hotel Arcade, 3/5, E2-E6 & M1-M7, Hong Kong
• Chinachen Golden Plaza, F/UG1, 77 Mody Road, Hong Kong

Paris-fashion house Hermes has introduced the HigHtecH (they’re spelling, not ours) – a case for your iPad that they are calling a “leather work station” it allows you different ways to prop up your iPad for typing or watching videos and surfing the web.

The HigHtecH is made of ebony evergrain calfskin and comes in 2 colors for a price of US$1,400/HK$10,900.

Available at Hermes.com