USB Powered Gadgets and more..

USB effects your everyday life. It really does. We’ll show you how.
USB technology is the leading connectivity standard for consumer electronics. GetUSB.info takes a look at these products and other fun USB Gadgets to show how USB affects your everyday life, it really does. We talk about USB 1.1, USB 2.0, Wireless USB and soon to be USB 3.0. We have USB hacks, tutorials and general USB information. Welcome and enjoy.

Tiny Wii Remote Isn’t a Wii Remote At All

02.20.08 | Flash Storage| Gaming| YouTube Video | Permalink

Before you Wii addicts get too excited, it’s not a Wii remote at all, but a well disguised USB stick.

This design uses the Wii A button to pop out the USB connector. The spring loaded mechanism looks a little stiff (see video). What’s great about this product, is it looks just like the Wii remote - but far from it and for the Wii fan - it stores between 1 & 8GBs of whatever you want.

usb wii remote

So what do you call a Wii remote look-a-like USB stick? The Wedisk of course. For those interested in a gift giving idea, the company will also custom label the remote with your logo.

Source: Techeblog.

Firmware 1.12 iPhone Unlock SIM Card

02.19.08 | Apple / iPod | Permalink

Word on the street is that USB Fever as a Firmware version 1.12 SIM card to unlock your iPhone.  Card is $30 and available now.  Here is a picture of what you get and it replaces the current iPhone SIM card.  The site also includes an iPhone tool kit to help you get through the process.

iphon sim card

Firmware 1.12 iPhone Unlock SIM card link.

The Mars Volta USB Music Album

02.18.08 | USB Music Album | Permalink

Mars Volta has joined the ranks of artists who’ve introduced music via USB Albums.  Their latest album, The Bedlam in Goliath is was available on a 1GB drive but is now sold out due to popular demand.  The drive included album artwork and music video Wax Simulacra and what’s interesting about this Mars Volta offering - after Feb 29th connecting the USB music album to your computer allows unique content download from the Mars Volta website.  Including B-side material, webisodes and limited edition wallpaper.

The Mars Volta USB Album

I’ve mentioned before about the death of the CD because of the recent trend in USB music albums and with dropping flash memory prices I believe this music trend will continue and grow in strength, numbers and popularity.

Here is the Mars Volta web page and the dedicated order page (sold out now) for the USB music album ($29).

Military Grade USB Password Protection from Mandylion

02.15.08 | Security | Permalink

How many would raise their hand if asked, “Do you use only two or three on-line passwords?“  I bet the number would be huge.  Unfortunately, having just a small handful of passwords isn’t the best way for on-line business and buying.  Today I bring you the Mandylion Password Manager which is a military grade device which can create, store and access 50 different log-in sequences.

mandylion usb password manager

The password manager comes with a Policy Master Configuration Software (Windows only) which connects via USB where by you can set and configure sequence options and group policy requirements.

The Mandylion Password Manager displays 14 characters and works with any setting such as length, alpha-numeric and special characters.  You can also set the password manager to regenerate passwords at preset time intervals (90 days, 1 year etc).   So with this device you can easily upgrade your weak password habits to that of uber-security-geek.

The device uses a 5 button keypad for navigation and data entry and a unique key pattern is the only way to unlock the device and get to your coveted 50 passwords.

This little unit has been designed to meet U.S. Military standards for secure creation of passwords (use authorized under Army Regulation 25-2 IA.) This device helps create a strong security policy for your work environment - so naturally you can brag to the boss about how security conscience you are.

The Mandylion Password Manager is available from ThinkGeek for only $49.

GetUSB Dealz: Sandisk Sansa 2GB MP3 Player Only $25 Bucks

02.14.08 | GetUSB Dealz | Permalink

Suggested retail price is $199, street price is $175ish and this reconditioned 2GB Sansa is only $25. Reconditioned? Not a big deal, especially with a reputable company like Sandisk. 90 day warranty and all the goodies which come with a normal retail pack - it might just be that perfect Valentine’s gift for yourself.

2GB Sansa only 25 bucks

Here is the corporate line:

The new Sansa C250 2GB MP3 Player is the latest in SanDisk audio line. Created by the leaders in flash memory, this flash-based player provides everything you need to play music, enjoy photos, and FM radio in vibrant color! This affordable, compact color-screen MP3 player has an amazingly easy-to-use interface. It supports Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription music and is available in 2GB capacity.

If you use Google checkout the $25 price drops another $10 bucks. SO - support the site, click the link, grab the GetUSB Dealz! Thanks.

Note to self: The Sansa also has a micoSD slot for expanded storage so the 2GB is native with ability to hold more.

USB Tutorial: USB Telescope for Under $40

02.14.08 | USB Tutorials| YouTube Video | Permalink

The guys at Instructables have come up with yet another great tutorial to add some USB gadgetry to your closet. This time we take a look at building a USB telescope from an old analog zoom lens, webcam and PVC piping for housing. Reading through the instructions, the USB tutorial is a seven step process. You will need some prep work done at the hardware store and have your zoom lens and webcam available (both items can be found on eBay for under $15 each). Here is a video summary:

For the full USB Telescope tutorial make the jump.

USB Hack: Turn Any USB Drive Into a Readyboost Drive

02.14.08 | Readyboost| USB Hacks | Permalink

Readyboost is a Windows Vista feature which uses flash memory to enhance computer performance.  The reports have varied about it’s success, but one thing is for sure - you need a Readyboost drive to use the feature - well, until now.

Here is a USB hack or work-around for turning any regular USB stick into a Readyboost drive.  First, lets look to see what Windows would like in a Readyboost drive:

  • The USB Key must be at least USB 2.0.
  • The device must be able to do 3.5 MB/s for 4 KB random reads uniformly across the entire device and 2.5 MB/s for 512 KB random writes uniformly across the device.
  • The USB Key has to have at least 64mb of free space.

If your USB key is at least USB 2.0, but is rated slower for the random reads and writes required to use ReadyBoost, more than likely you have seen this message:

readyboost error window

If so, plug in the USB Key, and cancel Autoplay if it pops up.

Click on Start button, and select “Computer.” After Windows Explorer opens, in the right window pane find the USB Key you want to use.

Right click and select Properties, then select (more…)

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