Moments after Apple announced their new and improved iPhone 4, Grove posted photos of their new bamboo iPhone 4 case. Thanks to a leaked prototype, we were able to actually build an iPhone 4 case before the product launch. The new Grove case will be available 3-4 weeks after the iPhone 4 goes on sale. Reserve yours today with a introductory price starting at $49. Aside from being 24% thinner than the iPhone 3g/3gs, the new version features an improved display, HD video capabilities, multitasking, and FaceTime video calling. The Grove bamboo case will only add 1/16″ to the iPhone 4 and will protect the glass back surface from damage. Like Grove on Facebook for the chance of winning a bamboo iPhone 4 case.

We just launched our new company Grove. Grove is a partnership between myself and Ken Tomita of Tomita Designs. Our first product is a laser engraved bamboo iphone case. The cases are highly customizable, with 7 different aluminum bezel colors and 3 bamboo options. We’re curating an artist series and also offer custom laser engraved cases.



After months of top secret R&D, we’ve perfected our bamboo iphone cases - and we’d like to celebrate with you. The Grove launch party will go down during the open studio night at Towne Storage on May 1st 6pm-10pm. We’ll be giving a bamboo iphone case away every hour and the winners can choose artwork to be laser engraved on the spot. There will be new laser engraved artwork on display by Jolby & Friends and we’ll be pouring Vortex IPA from Fort George Brewery. If you’re in Portland on the 1st, stop by with a glass and friends.

The folks at NOTCOT just posted images of one of my laser engraved Moleskine designs as seen through a microscope. The close-up depicts the triangular tip of the USB symbol. The images are engraved at 400dpi, so the lines are not visible with the naked eye, but under a microscope at 200x magnification, one can see the individual passes of the laser beam. I simply cannot imagine a more in-depth product write-up - thanks NOTCOT! Design your own laser engraved Moleskine notebook at Engrave Your Book.

Thanks to NeuBlack for letting me know about this new concept laptop from Fujitsu that was introduced at Milan Design week 2008. The beveled edges are reminiscent of the new Apple MacBook Air, but I’m not feeling the integrated soft case. Leave it up to the design geniuses at Apple to create an elegant all wooden laptop, hint, hint….
Asus is also exploring natural materials with their concept bamboo laptops.
My favorite example of this new trend is by Holland-based Miniot, makers of wooden iphone/ipod cases. I just ordered one to engrave, I’ll post the results soon.