Category: Lifestyle Tech

House of Marley: Headphones with Soul

In 1945, Robert Nesta Marley was born in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Taking the name Bob Marley, he formed a band with brother Bunny Wailer and four other musicians in 1963. Their ska music quickly became popular, and the band went on to record 13 of the most well-known and beloved ska and reggae albums ever made.

Marley died in 1981 from advanced skin cancer, leaving behind an incredible musical legacy. During his life, Marley received numerous awards, not only for his music, but also for his efforts to improve the lives of Africans living in Jamaica and other third world nations. Among his many honours were acceptance into the Jamaican Order of Merit and receipt of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

His song “One Love” was even named the song of the millennium by the BBC in 2001. Bob Marley’s life and music have inspired countless artists, organisations and even corporations. An example of the latter is The House of Marley, one of the top-selling manufacturers of headphones and earphones in Australia and the rest of the world.

From the start, the House of Marley began giving back to communities around the world by donating a portion of the proceeds from all of their sales to 1Love.org, an organisation founded by Bob Marley’s children, which funds projects to protect the environment and provide opportunities for impoverished youth around the globe. T

he headphones and earphones produced by The House of Marley are all engineered to be environmentally friendly, in keeping with Bob Marley’s philosophies on taking care of the planet and those who inhabit it. All of the materials used in the fabrication of the brand’s products are renewable and eco-friendly, such as recycled aluminium, organic cotton and wood sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests. Even the packaging of The House of Marley products is free of toxins and made from recycled materials.

Making incredible music was another of Bob Marley’s passions, and The House of Marley strives to emulate the musician’s aims by creating products that enhance the quality of digital music. The earphones and headphones made by the brand feature incredible, driving bass with no distortion, so that reggae, hip hop and many other genres of music sound just the way they were intended to. Custom-made, high-definition coil drivers that are placed into the earbuds and earphones make this distinct bass sound possible.

The brand’s products are also designed to be durable and to have appearances that reflect Bob Marley’s personal style. Each one is named after one of Marley’s most popular songs as a tribute to the musician. One of the most popular of The House of Marley’s earphone models that we sell at Bing Lee are the Marley EM-FE023-MI Zion In-Ear Headphones. Black in color with just a splash of brown wood for an eye-catching accent, the earphones feature a 52-inch fabric covered cord that is emblazoned with traditional Rastafarian colors (red, yellow and green). The fabric that covers the cables prevents them from becoming tangled and kinked. The earphones include five different tips to offer various sizes for maximum comfort.

Student’s Guide to Living Large in a Small Apartment

Thanks to reality television shows like MTV Cribs, we’ve all been given a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of Hollywood’s A-listers. Clearly this level of extravagance is well beyond the means of most of us and particularly if you are a student. Let’s face it, making the commitment to study goes hand in hand with living in a tiny apartment or dorm room and skimping on many luxuries. With so little cash to splash you have to be selective with how you treat yourself. Here are a few high-tech solutions that allow you to live large in a small apartment, on a student’s limited budget.

Home Computing

 

Having a laptop is great when you’re on campus, but when you are at home working off a wide-screen makes life so much easier. But don’t just spend your money on getting a computer monitor. You need to get a wide-screen that will serve as your television as well. Small LCD TVs are available from around $250 from quality brands such as Samsung and Palsonic. Pair the monitor with your laptop or hook it up to a separate PC, which can also provide extra storage space to ensure you always have a back-up for your work. Use a wireless keyboard and mouse combo with your widescreen to make those hours slaving away on assignments even easier.

Audio

 

MP3 docking systems are compact and powerful enough to provide quality sound to a confined area like your small apartment. Docking speakers are available in a range of funky designs for less than $150. Many docking systems are wireless or portable, which is handy for when you want to party outdoors with your friends. For even better sound quality invest in a micro-system. Many of these devices can be wall-mounted and are small enough to fit on a study desk or bedside table. Not only can a micro-system be used as an iPod or MP3 player dock, they can be connected to your other media devices to enhance your viewing or gaming experience.

Gaming

 

Multifunctional capacity is the key to saving space and stretching your dollar further, and this is where gaming consoles represent another great investment of your finite funds. Enjoy the sweet escape of playing your favourite games, watch DVDs, listen to music, surf the net and record your favourite television shows right there on your gaming console.

Student Kitchen Essentials

 

Ok, so you can’t exactly afford your own chef, but there are a few luxury kitchen items to make your life easier and save you money in the long run.

 

• Pizza Maker – for less than $150 you can make your own pizza, Turkish bread, naan and pasties at home. Your homemade pizzas will taste so much better than the takeaways everyone else is getting.

 

• Sandwich maker – toasties are the staple food for students, so sink your cash into a good appliance that will last.

 

• Coffee maker – with as little as $200 you can make café style coffees at home – a godsend when pulling all-nighters to meet your assignment deadlines.

Canon Captures the Community Spirit

In 1933, a company called Kwanon became the first in Japan to create a 35-millimeter camera with a focal plane shutter. This new design placed the shutter directly in front of the film, resulting in a more compact design and a camera that was able to take pictures more quickly than earlier models. The unique design of this revolutionary camera launched Kwanon into international fame, and the company still creates some of the most acclaimed cameras and optical devices in the world. In the present day, these cameras are produced under the brand name Canon, the name that Kwanon adopted in 1947. Canon established Canon Australia in 1978, and since then, the branch has grown to include offices in all five of the mainland states. Headquartered in North Ryde, Sydney, the company employs more than 1,200 people. Throughout the world, Canon is known for its continued innovation, which is possible because of the company’s continued research and development work. Each year, Canon reinvests 10 percent of its profits into developing new products and improving former designs and has been among the top three companies receiving patents in the U.S. for more than a decade. Through all of the company’s successes, Canon has remained a firm dedicated to giving back to its customers and to the planet. The corporation describes its approach to working toward the common good as “kyosei,” and in keeping with its philosophy, launches projects in all of its markets to better the lives of the people and wildlife who live there. Each year, Canon sponsors an Environmental Grants Program, which gives funding to communities with projects that protect local flora and fauna. The company also sponsors the Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards, which recognizes and rewards top Australian photographers. Creating high quality cameras continues to be a focus of Canon, and in Australia, the brand’s point-and-shoot cameras are among the most popular styles available under the Canon name. Bing Lee carry the most popular and latest models of these cameras in our stores, intended to produce professional quality results without users having to make adjustments each time they are ready to take a picture. The Canon PowerShot line has won numerous awards in Australia and abroad since its introduction, and its latest model, the Canon G1X has been met with much acclaim. This new PowerShot camera includes the HS SYSTEM, a high sensitivity sensor that cuts down on blurriness, even when subjects are in motion. In addition to cameras, Canon is widely known for its collection of printers. Particularly its PIXMA range of inkjet models, are available at Bing Lee. One of the newest additions to this lineup is the Canon MG6250 PIXMA All-In-One printer, which creates professional quality photographic prints. The printer features Google Cloud Print and allows users to print images from the Internet directly without the need to first browse to them on a computer. The model also includes WiFi for communicating with laptops, cell phones and tablet computers. All of Canon’s printers use only the finest quality inks and are designed to be more energy efficient than other designs as a part of the company’s efforts to protect the planet.

Bosch: Inventing Innovation and Convenience

Bosch has a rich history that began in 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany. It was there that Robert Bosch started his business, which was then called the Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering. The early inventions that emerged from Bosch’s shop were mainly related to automotive technology, such as spark plugs and ignition units. In 1907, the auto parts produced in Bosch’s factory debuted in Australia. With just one importer, Bosch products were available only in Sydney and Melbourne. In 1922, Bosch automotive products began to be widely sold in Australia by the company Pyrox, which operated a location in Sydney. In 1930, Bosch permitted Pyrox to start manufacturing products under the company’s brand name, launching a rich heritage of manufacturing in Australia that continues to this day. By 2002, Bosch products made in Australia made more than $531 million in sales worldwide. The company employs 1,800 people throughout Australia and New Zealand, producing automotive parts, consumer goods and industrial equipment. The headquarters for the Australasian region is based in Clayton, Victoria. Household appliances were first produced under the Bosch brand name more than 75 years ago, and since then, the brand has made many achievements in its range of consumer goods. Here at Bing Lee, one of the most popular lines available from Bosch is its ActiveWater Plus Dishwasher collection. Designed for maximum water efficiency, this range is the only complete collection of dishwashers available in Australia that has a 5.5 WELS water rating! The dishwashers in the collection use as little as 10.3 Liters of water and can still hold up to 14 place settings, while using five times less water than washing the same amount of dishes by hand. The lineup of Bosch products available at Bing Lee includes many other kitchen appliances. For cooking, the brand manufactures traditional and microwave ovens, warming drawers, cooktops and ranges and was one of the first to introduce automatic roasting and baking modes in their products. Bosch also makes a line of refrigerators, including top mount, side-by-side, bottom mount and French door styles. To round out its kitchen appliance range, Bosch offers coffee makers, food processors, hand blenders and multi-purpose kitchen machines. Bosch is the number one selling brand of washing machines and dryers in Europe. Here in Australia, many of their models are on the cutting edge of technology. An example is the Logixx 8 Vario Perfect Washer, which has a 5.0 WELS water rating and a unique drum system known as the VarioSoft. This system gets clothes cleaner than a traditional washer drum, but is still gentle enough for delicate fabrics, despite its increased power. Each year, Bosch includes new features in its household appliances range that are intended to help protect the environment. The brand calls this its Green Technology Initiative, and it centers on creating products that require less electricity and water to operate. In addition, the Bosch factories located in Australia are constantly improving their recycling efforts. In 2008, Bosch received the prestigious German Sustainability Award for the strides the company has made in protecting the planet.

Which Heater Type is the Most Energy Efficient?

Amidst a growing culture of environmental consciousness and rising power costs, energy efficiency is now just as important as price to anyone looking at purchasing new household appliances. This is especially true for those thinking about buying a new heater. So which type of heater is the cheapest to run and most energy efficient? If you want to know how much power and appliance uses, all you have to do is look at the product’s compliance plate. Every electrical appliance sold in Australia has one. It is a metallic sticker or plate attached to the body of the appliance that details information about the item, including how much power it uses. The compliance plate will state the number of watts (W) or amps (A) the appliance uses. The higher the power rating number, the more power the heater will use regardless of whether it is a convection, column or radiator heater. Just as important as the running cost of a heater is how energy efficient it is. Many people confuse these issues as being one in the same when they are in fact two separate (albeit interrelated) matters. Energy efficiency refers to how the output of an appliance relates to the energy it consumes to achieve the task. Energy efficient products are those that use less energy to do the same or better job than a comparable product. When it comes to heaters, gas heaters are far more energy efficient and cheaper to run than their electric counterparts. The running cost of gas heaters is lower because gas is cheaper than electricity. Gas heaters are more energy efficient because they provide high heat output in relation to the energy used to generate that heat. Gas heaters can quickly, effectively and efficiently heat large and open-plan areas. In contrast, electrical heaters are only really effective at warming small to medium enclosed spaces. However, not every home has a gas connection so using an electric heater is the only option for many people. Even though electrical heaters are not as energy efficient as gas models, they can be used efficiently to make the most of the heat they provide and minimise running costs. You can do this by choosing the heater best suited to how and where you will be using it. • Radiant heaters contain glowing elements and reflectors that radiate heat to quickly heat objects immediately in front of them. However since they don’t warm the air, they are more effective at helping you warm up than heating entire rooms. • Convection heaters contain an element that warms and circulates air to heat a room. Since they take some time to heat a room, they are most effective when run over long periods within a contained area. • Oil-filled column heaters take time and energy to warm up, but once heated they will maintain their warmth for quite a while. This type of heater poses a low fire risk, making them ideal for operating in enclosed areas, unattended over long periods, such as in a bedroom overnight.

Choosing Your Heater: Oil, Electric or Gas?

It’s a good idea to start thinking about how you will heat the inside of your home before the winter chill sets in outside. There is a fantastic selection of heaters now available, each with their own benefits. Electric Heaters Electric heaters work by converting electrical energy into heat and are best suited to heating small to medium sized enclosed areas. The are several different types of electric heaters: • Radiant heaters consist of glowing elements and reflectors that radiate heat, providing quick heat to the nearby area. Unfortunately they are not very energy efficient and can ignite nearby objects. • Convection heaters warm a room by circulating air that has been heated by an element within the heater. They are safe to run, posing a low risk of causing a fire or contact burns. • Fan heaters are fan-forced convection heaters. They are great for quickly heating small areas but tend to be noisy and use a lot of power to run. • Column heaters – see section on oil heaters below. Oil Heaters Oil heaters are a type of electric heater. They are comprised of oil-filled steel columns with an electric heating element at the base that heats the oil. The heat transfers through the metal, circulating through the surrounding air. The oil takes a fair amount of time and energy to heat, but once heated it will stay warm for some time. Although unable to provide the amount of spatial heating a gas heater is capable of, oil heaters are a popular choice for bedrooms and smaller enclosed spaces. This is because they are safe to leave unattended and ideal for heating areas long periods, such as a bedroom overnight. Oil heaters are considered to be safer than electric fan heaters because they tend to have lower surface temperatures, reducing the risk of scalding. Most oil heaters also have a sensor that will cut power to the unit in the event it is knocked over or placed on an uneven surface. Gas Heaters Gas heaters are the most energy efficient type of space heater and are capable of quickly and effectively heating large areas. Portable, ducted and wall-mounted gas heaters are available. Although these types of heaters are ideally run from mains gas supply, those without a connection can still operate a unit using a gas cylinder. Anyone considering this option should ensure they have the correct fittings to connect their appliance to the cylinder. You will probably need to pay more for a gas heater than an electric one but it is cheaper to operate which will help you to save on energy costs in the long run. As with all appliances, when you are shopping for a gas heater, ensure you check the energy efficiency star ratings.

Top Mother’s Day Gift Gadgets

Mother’s Day is a time to show your mother just how much you love her. What could say “thanks for everything, Mum!” better than a brand new gadget that makes life easier and brings a smile of true appreciation to her face? Not quite sure what to get? We have assembled a list of some of the most popular Mother’s Day gift gadgets to help you with your choice!

• Clock Radio for iPod

Available from under $30, one of these little gadgets will fit into any budget. They can charge and powers all iPod devices and feature a top quality AM/FM radios with a built-in Wake Up function. Your mum can throw out her old alarm clock and wake up in digital style!

• Juice Maker

A juice maker or juice fountain lets you promote a healthy lifestyle while showing your mother that you care. With this thoughtful gift, she’ll be able to turn all her favourite fruits and vegetables into a luscious juice and start every morning with a delicious hit of vitamins, minerals and fibre.

• Canal Earphones

Gift the gift of music this Mother’s Day. With a pair of high-quality canal earphones, your mum can enjoy crisp clear sound to enjoy all her favourite songs on demand. From only $39, canal earphones deliver excellent quality and value.

• Espresso Machine

Is your mother a lover of good coffee? Then a home espresso maker will be sure to make you a gourmet hero. Treat your mum to the perfect morning brew, day after day. We know how tough it can be to choose the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. That’s why at Bing Lee, we’ve made it easy to find ideas based on relationship, interests, and budget.

See the “Gift Ideas” Tab for more great gift ideas for Mum, Dad, Teen, Someone Special, Him, or Her. Order now and get delivery in time for Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day from everyone at Bing Lee!

LG Electronics Make Life Good

If you see the LG brand, you can be sure that it’s a great buy because LG is definitely a company that knows electronics manufacturing. As the second largest conglomerate in Korea, you can find the LG brand on everything from television sets and sunglasses to home appliances and mobile phones. Every product that rolls off of the LG assembly line is high quality and made for durability.

“Life’s Good” – It’s More Than A Motto

The LG motto is “Life’s Good” and, not surprisingly, that’s just what people say when they use an LG product. Whether it’s a television set or a washing machine, this brand’s attention to quality and focus on making products that simplify your life shine through every time. Since there are such a wide variety of products to choose from in the LG line, you will have plenty of opportunity to experience that moment in which you just have to say, “Life’s Good”.

Innovative Research and Development

To gain its spot as one of the top electronics manufacturers in the world, the folks at LG are constantly working toward creating new, innovative technologies. The researchers at LG work day and night until they have a design that looks good and works even better. LG doesn’t just copy what other companies develop. Everything in the LG line is cutting edge. If it has the LG brand, you can rest assured that years of research and development went into making it a top quality product.

Extraordinary Selection

Here at Bing Lee, we make it our priority to bring you the very best products of every brand we sell at some of the most competitive prices on the market. Our comprehensive selection of LG products includes washers, dryers, microwaves, TVs, computer monitors, refrigerators, and digital audio visual equipment. Extraordinary prices, extraordinary selection, extraordinary service – you won’t get anything less than the best at Bing Lee. Speak with us today to learn more about how LG products can make life good for you.

Simpson Brings You the Best in Performance and Affordability

As a member of the Electrolux appliance family, the Simpson brand has long been associated with high quality and affordability. Did you know that every second of every day, two appliances in the Electrolux group of brands are sold? That simple fact bears testament to the forward thinking and efficient production technologies that make Simpson one of the most sought-after brands in Australia.

Simplicity of Design, Timeless Appeal

Simpson strives to keep the design of each and every product it produces simple. Just one look at a Simpson washing machine or dryer will give you an idea of the timeless appeal of every appliance this renowned manufacturer offers. Whether you use a Simpson for 10 years or 100, you won’t have to wonder whether or not it will fit into your home’s constantly evolving colour themes and styles. A Simpson appliance will fit in just as well in a cosy, old-fashioned cottage or an ultra-modern apartment in the heart of the city.

Outstanding Functionality

Simpson Appliances are built to perform. A Simpson washing machine does what it is supposed to do. The controls are totally straightforward and user-friendly, which means you won’t have to read a manual to know how to use it. The greatest benefit that you’ll enjoy when you buy a Simpson is the peace of mind that you are getting more than your money’s worth. You’ll never have to wonder if you paid for a lot of features you are never going to use.

Fairness in Pricing

When you’re looking for an appliance that fits into your budget, it can be hard not to get cynical and start thinking that every appliance manufacturer is just out to separate you from your money. Like every brand in the Electrolux group, Simpson is priced with you in mind. You’ll never pay more than what an appliance is truly worth.

Wide Selection

Here at Bing Lee, we want to make things easier for you. To help you get an appliance that’s perfect for you, we have a wide selection of Simpson washing machines so that you can buy a size that isn’t too small or too large. If you can’t find an appliance that is just right for your individual needs, we aren’t happy. Our goal is to offer you the greatest products at the most competitive prices. Come in to see us today, or chat right now to one of our friendly online product specialists to get a great deal.

Fisher & Paykel – Only The Best

At Bing Lee, we’re constantly striving to offer the best products at the best prices. That’s why we’ve assembled the finest range of brand name products available online, with offerings from Samsung, Westinghouse, and Logitech. Our line of Fisher & Paykel is no exception. From the very reasonably priced Fisher & Paykel Elegance Fridge to the stylish and functional Double DishDrawer, the top quality and affordability of Fisher & Paykel will never let you down.

Innovation

Fisher & Paykel holds over 420 patents on products ranging from Active Smart refrigerators to electric cooktops and top loading dryers. This trusted electronics manufacturer prides itself on its ability to improve with each new design, making use of modern technology to create living solutions that are more efficient, more stylish, and more functional. Because each of Fisher & Paykel’s 3300 employees around the world believe in the products they create, the brand is the proud winner of the Smarthouse Best Refrigeration System Award, the Best Laundry Supplier Award, and Australia’s Most Trusted Brand Award.

Environmental Friendliness

Each of the products that come off of Fisher & Paykel’s assembly line was designed specifically with the environment in mind. This is a company that takes full responsibility for its impact on the environment, setting an eco-friendly example for other manufacturers with its ongoing sustainability and recycling initiatives. And of course, you simply will not find a Fisher & Paykel product that is not energy efficient.

Stylish Design

Have you ever seen one of Fisher & Paykel refrigerators? They’re so attractive we’d almost call them works of art instead of appliances! Fisher & Paykel is famous for whitegoods for a reason: the brand has won numerous good design awards, including the 2011 Australian International Design Awards, the 2007 Home Beautiful Award, and the Best Design Awards – Gold Product. Whether you want to bring contemporary gleam into your kitchen, or prefer the warmer old-fashioned look, you won’t have any trouble finding the right Fisher & Paykel appliances to suit your particular needs.

We Have What You Are Looking For

At Bing Lee, we have one of the most comprehensive selections of Fisher & Paykel products you’ll find anywhere. If you’re unsure about which range or model is the best for you, why not have a chat with one of our friendly product specialists? We’re here to help you make the choice that will make you happiest. And don’t forget, you can negotiate live online!