Michael Bastian Releases the MB Chronowing Smartwatch

By Tim Yap November 7, 2014

Watch2

Word on the street this week is that Apple Watch won’t be released till early next year. So what is a well-dressed, techno geek in the holiday shopping spirit to do? Allow us to recommend the MB Chronowing by Michael Bastian, one of the best-looking smartwatches we’ve seen that combines beautiful design and total modernity without the superfluous digital bells and whistles busy professionals could actually do without.

“A watch like this should provide men with quick, simple, accurate information at a glance, much like the displays and dials of a car dashboard,” explains Bastian, whose luxury lifestyle brand happens to be built on the very idea of streamlined elegance.

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As such, the MB Chronowing, engineered by Hewlett-Packard, features a 44-mm stainless steel case with a multi-layered finish, distinctive crown bezel bolts, a lighted chronograph, inlaid button controls, and three interchangeable watchbands in black rubber, perforated brown leather and olive nylon. The watch ($349) is also compatible with both iOS and Android devices and syncs with an app that allows users to personalize the watch interface (read: the minute you make a selection on your phone, it takes effect instantly on your watch.)

Users can quickly check the time, date, weather, sports and stocks updates, but also easily control music playback and glance at text, e-mail, and social media alerts so you’re not constantly taking your phone out of your pocket to look at (something to consider if you’re all suited up in cold weather.)

Fairly lightweight with automatic time-zone adjustment, 5 ATM water-resistance, and a seven-day power reserve, the MB Chronowing makes a fine impression anywhere. To celebrate the launch, Bastian also designed a limited-edition version in all-black with a genuine alligator strap, a sapphire crystal lens with anti-glare optical coating and all-black PVD plating. That $649 edition comes with a dedicated concierge line for exclusive tech support and a signature card signed by the designer. Says Bastian, “I really felt there was a need for a device that looked and felt like a stylish watch first. The smartwatch I’ve developed is just that.”

Available from today exclusively on Gilt.

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Best cheap backpack deals for October 2022

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If you're looking for the best cheap backpack deals, you be happy to find there are many choices. The backpack universe includes packs for hiking, biking, commuting, and more. For this overview of the current best cheap backpack deals, we focused primarily on backpacks tech backpacks for commuters or people who work from home, and backpacks for travel.
Today's Best Cheap Backpack Deals

How To Choose A Backpack
Size
Backpack capacity is best determined by the size of the person who will be wearing it, but there are variation based on personal preference and habits. A middle school student who likes to carry their all books to and from school every day will need a larger backpack than a student who rarely brings books home. Student athletes may want a gigantic bag to carry sports clothing and gear, though in that case a second bag is often an option. One factor regarding size is specific to electronics, considered separately just below. Commuters will want to consider how much weight and bulk they want to carry on a daily basis.
Laptop And Electronics Readiness
Computers, Chromebooks, tablets, and other electronics are expensive. Even though most devices can take moderately rough handling, the best solution when choosing a backpack is to pick one with a padded protected area that fits the device. Most laptops will fit in a sleeve designed for the most common 15.6-inch display size, but a few are larger, so be sure to account for screen size (measured diagonally). Because many tech-focused people and some students carry more than one device, there are also backpacks with multiple protected sections. Two additional handy electronics-focused features to look for are an opening for a USB charging port and an easily-accessed zippered compartment for adapters, cables, mice, and other small accessories.
Material
Backpacks are constructed of a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton fabric, leather, and more. If you're choosing a backpack for a student, keep in mind the material will need to withstand rough treatment and often be put or stored in areas where they will pick up dirt.
Comfort
Backpacks often have a variety of handles and extra straps, but padded shoulder straps that don't dig in when the backpack is loaded with books can add a lot to its comfort.
Water Resistance
None of the cheap backpacks below are waterproof, but some are constructed of water-resistant material. If anyone will be wearing or carrying the pack in the rain, at least minimal water resistance is a good thing.
Style
Style is another personal preference consideration, but try not to sacrifice function and comfort just for looks.

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Amazon first opened Amazon Style Glendale (California, outside of L.A.) earlier this year. While the tech-forward brick-and-mortar store sports upgrades to old-school big box stores, some customers have reported being disappointed in the experience, according to The Guardian.

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