USB Resources Blog » USB Gadgets

USB Lighter

Grace — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:26:51 +0000

Even if you don’t smoke, carrying a cigarette lighter around is a great conversation starter. Brando has a great USB tool that may just replace your current wing man the next time you hit the clubs. It’s a USB Cigarette Lighter with a UV light. Charged by the ubiquitous miniUSB cable, an internal rechargeable battery powers a hidden spring loaded door that covers a pair of nichrome style red hot wires that can quickly get your smoke on. No, it is not compatible with the USB cigarette.
This may be the best thing that’s ever happened to bartenders with the inclusion of the UV light. In addition to constantly having to light cigarettes, bartenders and cashiers everywhere are also having to inspect currency with UV lights. Some counterfeit methods have an Achilles heel that is exposed when exposed to fluorescent light. Our same bartender friend can also use this to check the “Over 21″ hand stamp that his club puts on all the eligible patrons in fluorescent ink. Being able to check ID, check the cash and light a cigarette all with something that can be charged with most phone chargers is a stroke of genius. Don’t forget the goth factor and the convenience of lighting clove cigarettes and showing off your black light makeup at the same time.Ha,how good a tool!

Concept USB Watch —— Taking Too Much Time & Effort to Tell Time

Grace — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:20:41 +0000

Have you ever seen such a watch?
By the time you figure out what time this watch says, it will be that time tomorrow. Tokyoflash, who makes some very hip trendy watches, has a new e-Paper watch that they are getting a bit crazy with. The sleek concept watch incorporates a slick eInk face that wraps around half of the band. They have modeled four different methods of displaying the time and date that may give you a migraine as you try to learn the system. Some of their watches are binary-ish and some are downright bizarre. Our favorite is the one that shows the numerals in the negative space formed by random numbers.
This sleek watch stands out from many other offerings from Tokyoflash in that it is not overly gaudy. The company also plans to allow it to be charged by USB. The large display will require more than just a simple watch battery to run. The only other major problem is that the binary watch only shows the time with a button press. They are great fashion accessories and can be great for showing off your geek cred but they take effort to read and both hands. They are still feeling out their concepts so guessing on a price range or release would be premature. If you can’t wait to have an e-Ink watch you can find a few here.

ROCCAT Apuri USB Hub

Grace — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:49:12 +0000

Good news!If you dig the gaming device design style you can definitely look at ROCCAT’s line to get ideas. Their latest is the Apuri, a USB hub with 4 easily accessible USB 2.0 ports. The space-age hub stands on 3 legs looking like something out of War of the Worlds. The Apuri’s high posture allows it manage cables cleanly. We’re pretty sure it’s more to look cool than for function though. There’s a special abduction style LED light beaming down from the under belly of the hub just for effect. The blue glow matches the other peripherals in ROCCAT’s lineup well.
The kicker on this hub is its stinger. The stinger is a cord guide that keeps your high resolution optical mouse moving without getting hung up. This should reduce the accidental frags ruining your stats. The mouse Bungee as it’s called, holds your cord aloft and flexes in several directions to keep your mousing going at maximum efficiency. Pick up the Apuri at several online venues for around $47.
Tempted Heart？

SmartFish ErgoMotion Mouse

Grace — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:44:07 +0000

SmartFish’s ErgoMotion has finally gone from an actual concept to actual, shipping product, as a mouse.Hardware-wise, the ambidextrous laser mouse features chrome finishing, has a tilt wheel, and ships with a 2.4Ghz nano-sized USB dongle for wireless connectivity.
What’s unique about this ergonomic mouse is that it’s the industry’s first to sport a 3D-axis motion base so that mouse can swivel and pivot to adapt to your hand position. SmartFish claims this promotes a more wave-like fluid moment, so your wrist and hand are never in a fixed position, hence reducing risk of the irritating Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). While the ErgoMotion mouse may not have glass-tracking sensor and a precision wheel found on Logitech Anywhere MX, it maybe the answer to healthy mousing. The wobbling mouse is expected to be found in retail for $49.99 anytime now, though, you have better chance of getting it from Amazon.

USB Whirl Wind Cup Warmer –Keeps Your Coffee Hot & Tea Smooth

Grace — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:25:35 +0000

Have you ever had such a idea that your coffee shaken not stirred? Well too bad because Brando is going to keep it hot and swirly. The USB Whirl Wind Cup Warmer can heat your favorite beverage to a snappy 40 degrees Celsius. The high tech thermos is powered by a Lithium battery. The rechargeable battery is powered up by USB and charge status is displayed via LEDs on the front. Snap on the lid and take it with you wherever you like.
The heated mug also contains a handy contraption to constantly stir your beverage of choice. The built in agitator can run along with or without the heater. So go ahead and drink your coffee or your kool-aid precisely the way it was meant to be enjoyed. This won’t crush ice or stir soup but it should be fine for most drinks. You’ll only have to shell out $37 for this java warmer but that’s nothing compared to the value of making that free coffee at the office last all the way through the day.