With technology now a major part of everyday life, it’s important to preserve your cool while sporting the latest tech tools.
Internationally renowned pop music group Far East Movement has created a new union of technology and fashion by teaming up with tech accessory/street-wear designer HEX to create their Free Wired signature line of tech-cessories.
They sent me a few samples of this cool product line and I’m impressed with the balance of form, function and stylish design. The signature line includes three geek-chic products — the Free Wired Recon Backpack, the Free Wired Icon Watch Band and Free Wired Code Wallet – all designed with elements that make them as unique to fashion as Far East Movement’s unique stamp in the realm of pop music.
“We’re excited to have teamed up with HEX to help design this line,” says Kev Nish, of Far East Movement. “For us, HEX, is the perfect ‘Free Wired’ mash-up of fashion and tech so it’s become an everyday part of our lifestyle.“
The entire line is available at ShopHex.
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The Free Wired Code Wallet is a low-key, trendy and sleek-designed wallet that also fits one of the most popular mobile phones on the market today: the iPhone 4/4S. It’s a two-in-one accessory that offers to save pocket space by combining two of your most important pocket/purse items. Built with a uni-fold design and comprised of genuine leather with a neutral gray exterior and red interior, this accessory won’t clash easily and is topped off with a black elastic band for enclosure.
I’ve been carrying mine for about 3 weeks with fairly heavy usage and it is BY FAR the best new addition to my accessories. I’m the type of guy with about 20 cards in a wallet only made to fit 10, so this eliminates the unsightly bulging wallet in my pockets and my irresponsible habit of ditching the wallet by carrying the important cards loosely in my pocket. On the interior left wall is a 3-slot opening designed to carry the most necessary cards: identification, debit/credit, and of course my AMEX Black Card. Okay, just kidding on the last one.
If you’re the type that likes to keep a little cash on hand, you can easily reserve that last slot to slide a few bills in. A few! Sorry, no room for the jingling currency. Opposite the card slots is a custom-designed iPhone 4/4s mold that hugs the device quite snugly, but still allows for ease of removal. It’s pretty awkward trying to hold the wallet up to your ear just to take or make a call, so removing the phone with ease is important to maintaining your cool factor, especially in public. If you’re like me and you like to use a set of headphones with your iPhone 4/4s, you’ll find that the open top edge of the phone case allows for easy access to the headphone outlet, just as the open bottom edge allows the device to be charged while it remains in the wallet.
Since the Free Wired Code Wallet only fits 3 cards at a time, it may not be ideal for daily use so I’d recommend reserving it for nights out on the town where you want to be fashionable to the max while carrying the minimum. Also, the Code Wallet would be even more awesome if its design is eventually expanded to fit a few more tech-forward devices (hi Android phones!).
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Also included in Far East Movement’s signature line by HEX is the Free Wired Recon Backpack. Like the Code Wallet, it has a minimalist design with a sturdy composition that includes a neutral gray water-resistant fabric with red detailing and red cushioned interior. The design works well for a range of consumers, from the tech-savvy blogger to the office-tethered businessman. (I happen to be both!) The front outer pocket is specifically designed to fit the Apple iPad, or your choice of tablet device. It’s a spacious pocket that allows your tablet to easily slide in and be removed without being compacted or scratched.
The smaller front pocket is designed for the less spacious accessories like your earbuds, keys or even the Code Wallet (which matches, by the way). Inside the pack is an extra- cushioned laptop panel which snugly fits up to a 15” laptop and for the card-carrying professional, there’s an internal pocket, pen slots and a mesh pouch on the surface of the laptop compartment to hold those items while keeping them intact and dry. Whether you’re making a run to the studio, covering an event for your blog, or heading out to close the deal, this pack can carry what you need in a neat, shapely design. Due to its simple design, it’s easier to pack only what you need into this lightweight bag and it fits comfortably on the back with a cushioned back panel. For me, it’s been much easier to take through airport security and to transport my tech devices in the business districts of major cities like Chicago and San Francisco. In short, the Recon Backpack gives the tech-centric look for the business-minded individual.
The Free Wired Signature Line allows you to live free while staying wired in all three worlds of fashion, technology and business. The products are built to last while the designs maintain the cool look of the tech-savvy generation. “We are excited to get to work with musical talent who also support the fashion and design behind our brand,” says Dan Maravilla, vice president of HEX. “As fans of Far East Movement’s music and their unique style, we saw a great match where we could connect our music and fashion worlds.”
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The HEX|Free Wired capsule joins an extensive line of fashionable tech accessories including HEX’s bag line, Code Wallets and iPod Nano watch bands. For more information and pricing please visit http://www.ShopHEX.com.
Thanks to Mack for the review! Follow him @SoundSavvy and check him out at Sound-Savvy.com
