Best Inventions of 2008
From a genetic testing service to an invisibility cloak to an ingenious public bike system to the world's first moving skyscraper — here are TIME's picks for the top innovations of 2008
Home Audio
The FatMan iTube ValveDock
The iPod obviously
is the greatest thing since unicorns and rainbows, but it can produce a
slightly thin, cold sound. Valve amps, while they put out warm, rich
audio goodness, are hilariously clunky and outdated. But if you run the
one through t'other, the way the ValveDock does, you get the best of
both worlds: the organic power of the analog past redeems the sins of
the digital present. Plus those glowy retro vacuum tubes look
cool.
Price: $450; $550 with speakers
More info: Fat Man iTube ValveDock
Sennheiser MX W1
Wireless Headphones The sound that pumps
through these precious earbuds — via an audio technology called Kleer
— is crisp and full. They're comfortable too, and they work with
virtually any device: just plug in the base station and you're good to
go.
Price:$499
Samson StudioDock 3i
Widely known as a maker of in-studio
equipment, Samson has condescended to create this handy audio solution
for civilians: a pair of sweet, pure-sounding speakers with an iPod dock
built right in, plus a bonus usb interface so they can talk to your
computer too.
Price:$149
More info: Samson StudioDock 3i
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