Aliens Quadrilogy Blu-Ray Case
(Note: Updated April 12, 2014) As part of my recent blog cleanup, I have condensed this post to one image and a shorter write-up) Basically this case design uses the Armored Transport vehicle from Aliens to store all the films. The turret would slide to the back of the vehicle (just like it actually does in the film), allowing access to the cases.
For fun I think it would be cool to include a few Alien figures, so you can run them over just like Ripley did.
Playstation 4 Flat Concept
Compared to some of my other console designs, this is a very minimalist approach, one that uses my often-preached need to flatten electronics. Flat as in the same orientation as your LCD TV screen. If the TV can be a space-saver, then why can’t all your component electronics and consoles be the same? Your entertainment unit should only be about 7-10 inches deep in this blogger’s opinion.
With this Playstation 4 standing parallel to the wall, I gave it a ‘S’ shape design, so you can nicely feed it discs and the cords in the back. This way the cords are hidden from view thanks to the angular design:
This is a very simple design, using a very low-key approach. Typically I would add LED lights and a few other bells and whistles. However in light of Sony’s latest PS3 console iteration, which reduces the LED lights and power consumption, I thought I’d take the same approach. One LED power indicator, and it’s pretty much a black slab. A hybrid of the PS2 and PS3.
My thoughts then turned to the faceplates of the first version of the Xbox 360. Having those graphics on the console certainly livened things up. With a big black box staring back at you, I thought I’d take a similar approach, and create a stand that would turn your Blu-Ray or PS4 game case into a faceplate of sorts, by providing a place for it to sit:
The stand would retract from the base stand, creating a perch for your jewel case. This feature acts like a theater marquee of sorts, announcing what you are currently playing or watching. Makes for a nice display. Also it’s very handy to have, as you’ll never misplace your case again.
No controller design here, but I it would likely be another DualShock for the PS4.
Spongebob Squarepants Alarm Clock
Apparently there is a whole armada of Spongebob Squarepants alarm clocks, but none of them are a replica of the one used by Spongebob himself on the show; and I’m really surprised by that. Statistically speaking there are “morning people” who want to emulate the sponge’s wake-up routine.
The only reason I can think of as to why this doesn’t exist yet, is that it would be too expensive to have a 3-foot tall foghorn alarm clock parked by your bed. That said it could be smaller (maybe 8 - 12 inches tall) which you could call “life size”, given how small the characters are in relation to us humans.
It must be equipped with the option for the radio or other beeping sounds for the alarm sound; a horn blaring in the morning isn’t for everyone. The face could also be backlit, it has that eye-pleasing aqua color in the show.
If you like this check out the Spongebob lamp.
Dr. Who Tardis Blu-Ray Case
Update: Be sure to check out the new and improved design! Original post as follows:
A confession: I’ve never watched Dr. Who. It’s a bit daunting to check out a series that’s been running for several years (the current iteration). Maybe one day I’ll check it out, as I enjoy the Torchwood spinoff (weird I know).
But I don’t have to be a fan of the show to know that people love the Tardis, the doctor’s time machine. It is disguised to look like a police phone booth. The Wikipedia page on the Tardis is a fascinating read.
I’m a bit surprised BBC hasn’t used this boxy machine for DVD or Blu-Ray release yet, as it would be an ideal design. I’m guessing they were held up by the same issue I was - how to integrate standard-size jewel cases into the frame. Well you can’t, as I have learned. It’s best to use cases that are more CD-shaped, to maximize the volume and storage of the Tardis. Fortunately I made some cases of that nature for my Dark Knight Trilogy design from way back when.
Some LED lights at the top of the case would complete the look. I believe the light on top pulses. That would look awesome in your entertainment center.
If you made the jewel cases very thin, you could store many seasons in this Tardis. It also would be ideal to leave some room for future growth. With that room you could store the top light and pyramid fixture inside when packaging and shipping these cases, as I am a stickler for efficient volume use.
This design reminds of the NBA2K10 special edition design, where they shipped the game in a locker with room to store other games. That always stuck me as a very thoughtful design.
Geeky Beds Part 3: The Shoebox
I love shoes as much as the next person, but not enough to collect them or anything like that. I am very much aware of the die-hard shoe enthusiasts, of which documentaries and songs have been made. And for those who love shoes, I offer this shoebox-themed bed.
It’s pretty simple: the bed frame is a giant replica of a shoebox, with the box lid placed underneath. The duvet cover would feature a print of some shoes, laid out as though they were in said box.
Given the big boxy look, I would probably have some shelves built-in at the base to store - what else - shoes. Scratch that - probably clothes and junk. You don’t want smelly shoes under your bed, unless you are one of those enthusiasts, who have a large rotation of shoes and deodorize all of them diligently.
Geeky Beds Part 2: Wrestling Ring
Please note: this is just a design, I do not make or sell beds. Please go here for more information. Original post as follows:
Here is one I’m a little surprised no one has done yet, even as a home-brew project: a bed based on a WWF/WWE wrestling (or boxing) ring. It would feature the ropes and turnbuckles of a ring, and the wrestling mat graphics would be printed on the duvet and/or sheets.
If this was made, the temptation to recreate wrestling acrobatics would be huge. I would make the corner poles telescoping (would descend when there is weight on them). The bed would need to be sturdy in case the kids like to jump around. As a safety precaution the ropes could have a break-away feature (like your Xbox 360 wired controller).
This design is more for kids, but if adult wrestling fans want one, be prepared for non-stop ribbing.
BONUS IDEA: A baby crib shaped like an MMA Octagon. That would be hilarious, seeing a toddler crawling around a blood-stained UFC ring.
Star Wars Weigh Scale
Darth Vader kneels humbly on top of an illuminated pad when he is chatting with the Emperor, which I’m guessing is some sort of holograph phone thingy.
With a scale that looks like this, you too would be saying “What is thy bidding, my master?”
This would probably need to be plugged-in, with all the lights it has. Perhaps one without lights would be adequate, chances are your bathroom is well-lit anyways.
The transporter pad from Star Trek could also be employed in a similar fashion. Same goes for the pink hoverboard from BTTF.