Usb -- Engadget

IronKey boasts 'world's most physically and cryptographically secure' thumb drive

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 13th 2009 at 9:51AM

This isn't the first time we've seen one of IronKey's encrypted USB thumb drives 'round these parts, but if you're an enterprise user, government contractor, or some sort of renegade corporate spy you'll want to take note of this next item. The S200 is being touted as the world's first and only USB flash drive certified for FIPS 140-2, Security Level 3, and features: hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption in CBC mode, a tamper-resistant and tamper-evident rugged metal case, hardware-based malware protection, trusted network restrictions (which prevent the device from unlocking on untrusted PCs), and all the other goodies you expect from the company. Of course, this level of protection doesn't come cheap -- with their consumer grade products starting at $79.99 and ascending pretty quickly from there, we can only imagine what enterprise customers are shelling out. Then again, if you have to ask what it costs, this one is probably not for you. PR after the break.

Continue reading IronKey boasts 'world's most physically and cryptographically secure' thumb drive

Samsung's 250GB SpinPoint N3U has on-board USB, personal bonus card

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 9th 2009 at 3:08AM

It may not be the first 1.8-inch hard disk we've seen pushing a 250GB capacity, but damn if Samsung doesn't know how to market its tech. See, these drives are small as Samsung skillfully demonstrates by photographing its new Spinpoint N3U disk in front of a credit card. And by including a native PATA to USB controller on the circuit board, Samsung has helped manufacturers eliminate a bit bulk from future portable USB disk offerings. The 3,600rpm drive itself features 125GB per platter, 8MB of cache, and should be capable of withstanding drops from about 20-inches. At least it will when these begin shipping in mid-July for about $200.

Video: USB powered chainsaw makes short work of a fake plastic tree

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 8th 2009 at 12:24AM

As far as USB gadgets go, this is one of the more unique ones, that's for sure. And while we usually don't have much opportunity to play with chainsaws 'round these parts (not in an official capacity, at least), the recently launched usbchainsaw.com has us wondering: perhaps we could stand to be a little more bloodthirsty in our Engadget labs torture testing -- if not for reasons of journalistic excellence, then at least for our own gratification. Of course, the i.Saw product website has all the hallmarks of a hoax -- but at least the video has provided some inspiration for the next time we're ready to wig out during a staff meeting. Check it out yourself after the break.

Continue reading Video: USB powered chainsaw makes short work of a fake plastic tree

Modder places USB flash drive in Atari 2600 cart, amuses geeks world o'er

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 7:08PM

Well, kids, if you like your USB drives with a little style, a little kitsch, and far too large to be carried conveniently, a gentleman named Robotic Evil, Inc. has just the thing for you. The evil one is hard at work as we speak, taking 2GB thumb drives and placing them in the artifacts of genuine geek nostalgia. Really, who wouldn't want to receive a hand-assembled computer peripheral in the shape of an Atari game cartridge or an NES controller? These things cost $29.99 (add another $5 for shipping and handling) and they're available at this dude's Etsy store. Check out the NES controller / drive yourself after the break.

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading Modder places USB flash drive in Atari 2600 cart, amuses geeks world o'er

Crapgadget: 'Gee... thanks?' edition

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 2nd 2009 at 1:33PM

If you need a flash drive or USB hub there are many useful and, more to the point, tasteful options out there. But if you want to saddle a hapless co-worker or relative with a silly, embarrassing, or just plain crapulant gag gift suitable for the current technological moment? Look no further than the following assortment of crapgadgets. Your illustrious Engadget eds have hand-picked a wonderful assortment of devices tailor-made to evoke awkward responses at office birthday parties and the like. So, without further ado...

Read - No Green Thumb Required: USB Fever 4-Port Flower Pot Hub
Read - USB Airplane Hub with built-in fan
Read - Robot USB Drives would make a cute gift
Read - USB Artillery Hub
Read - USB Octopus Hub

Star Wars flash drives' giant heads seep into our teensy hearts

by Laura June, posted Jul 1st 2009 at 11:52AM

We see so many flash drives around these parts, it is truly, truly hard for any to distinguish themselves in our eyes. These ones? Well, we'll admit it: we have a giant soft spot for their massive noggins. Not the first Star Wars flash drives we've seen -- this newest set store up to 2GB per drive -- which isn't anything to throw a party over, but they're really cute, right? The set, which includes Darth Vader, Yoda (look at his toes!), a Stormtrooper and Boba Fett, will be available starting in October for $25 each.

[Via Technabob]

Energizer USB clip to charge camcorder / DSLR batteries via USB

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 1st 2009 at 9:56AM

Energizer's Energi To Go catalog just keeps getting sweeter. After introducing a new range of XPAL battery chargers last month, the company is evidently gearing up to reveal what's likely to be its most convenient and altogether useful product yet. The USB clip you see above is designed to make contact with DSLR and camcorder batteries and provide juice via USB; in other words, it's like a portable, highly mobile DSLR battery charger. OhGizmo points out that you may need one of Energizer's USB-equipped battery packs to charge up the 7.4V cells, but at least we're still talking about a non-proprietary charging connector. Per usual, there's no mention of dollars and cents, but hopefully it'll be rolled out for less than a song here soon.

[Via OhGizmo]

Buffalo's 16GB 5mm USB Thumbkey: It's really small

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jun 24th 2009 at 6:58PM

This isn't the first time Buffalo's blown our minds with its lilliputian tech. The WiFi dongle, you have to admit, was pretty sweet. What can we say about the 5mm Thumbkey drive? For starters, it's really small. And it has a 16GB capacity. And it''ll cost you about $136 when it goes on sale (any day now). Sure, that's a tad pricey for a device that lacks gears and rubies -- but did we mention how small this thing is?

[Via OhGizmo!]

Seagate introduces FreeAgent Go Dock+ with powered USB hub

by Nilay Patel, posted Jun 24th 2009 at 4:58PM

We have no idea why Seagate buried this in a warmed-over press release touting rehashed FreeAgent for Mac drives, but there's a new $40 FreeAgent Go Dock+ that doubles as a powered three-port USB hub. Pretty convenient if you're into the whole FreeAgent Go lifestyle, we'd say, but we're sticking with our versatile bareback SATA docks.

Crapgadget: Delicious salmagundi of decorative inanities edition

by Laura June, posted Jun 21st 2009 at 12:36PM

We're always big fans of mixed-use gadgets -- but these ones kind of mutilate the principle. On hand today we've got a two pack of bedazzled necklaces -- one an MP3 player, the other a USB flash drive / watch combo. We've also unearthed a USB speaker that claims to be a whale, but more closely resembles a weird, in our opinion. Finally (and this one was worth the wait, trust us), we've got a tiny Moto Horn for your bike, which makes it "safer" to ride your bike by... making vroom vroom motorbike noises as you zoom along. Consider these our best suggestions for what to do with your disposable income, folks.

Read - USB Jewel Square Necklace MP3 Player
Read - USB Jewel Watch Necklace Flash Drive
Read - USB Cetacean Whale Speaker
Read - Moto Horn

Huawei's E583X wireless modem turns 3G to WiFi, beautiful lights

by Tim Stevens, posted Jun 19th 2009 at 8:04AM

The smallest USB 3G modems look like grossly over-sized thumb drives, while the biggest ones sport hinges or fold-out antennas that serve as tripwires for absent-minded businessmen with venti frappuccinos walking by your tiny little coffee shop table. Huawei's E583X detaches all that bother, acquiring a 3G wireless signal and then beaming it out again as WiFi, meaning you can leave it in your pocket and get a double-dose of microwaves. It sports a 1,500mAh battery, giving it five hours of independent living, and in emergencies it can act as a tethered modem as well. Sadly this first version will only accept a single WiFi connection, but future ones will allow four others to mooch your data plan. That it also blinks randomly like a prop out of Star Trek's utopian future is just an added bonus. It's set to light up Europe next month -- likely with some hideous contracts attached.

Verizon rolls out global laptop data with USB1000 stick

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jun 18th 2009 at 10:57AM

The promise of global data is finally becoming a reality for modem users on Verizon today with the release of its Novatel-sourced USB1000, a USB stick (hence the "USB" in the name, we're willing to bet) that features EV-DO Rev. A for domestic use plus triband HSPA when you're roaming around the globe. The stick itself runs $149.99 on contract after a $50 rebate, while monthly global data plans run from $129.99 for 100MB of data in 31 countries to $219.99 for 200MB; both plans include 5GB for use in the US and Canada. It'll be available online starting tomorrow.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Rocky III USB drives sadly missing Burgess Meredith version

by Laura June, posted Jun 18th 2009 at 9:31AM

Remember how awesome Rocky III was the first time you saw it? Come on, we know you were pumping your fist along to Survivor, you don't have to be shy about it now. Well, you can relive the well-toned glory that is Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa, and Clubber Lang in flash drive format, for only ¥2,850 (about $30) -- essentially a steal. Wait, where's Thunderlips?

Via Geeky Gadgets

Buffalo BSH4A02 USB hub loves switches, hates vampires

by Tim Stevens, posted Jun 17th 2009 at 8:27AM

Vampires don't just inhabit the night and your AC power strips. They come in USB flavors, too, and so far only Buffalo seems to be doing anything about them and their wasteful ways, introducing the charmingly-named BSH4A02 four-port USB hub. It sports one switch per plug, making it easy for you to put a stake in your smartphone's battery maintenance cycle, comes in three colors, hits Japan this October for ¥3,885 (about $40), and includes an AC adapter to power itself -- making us wonder if this thing doesn't have a bit of the undead in it as well. Perhaps Buffalo will call it "Blade" and give it some cool sunglasses before a US release.

[Via GadgetReview]

Penguin USB drive is infinitely cute, hilarious

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 10th 2009 at 11:02AM

It's not like we haven't seen slightly funny / interesting / unorthodox USB flash drives before, but there's just something about a headless penguin hanging from a USB port that gets us chuckling. Available in 2/4/8/16GB capacities, the simply titled Penguin drive even gives a portion of its proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund, providing you with even more reason to cave to the urge and pick one up. This little fellow's up on Amazon right now for $12.95 to $42.95.