Technology can be a love / hate relationship. A couple days ago Brando released a product which I think is just brilliant…the company badge holder that doubles as a card reader.

For those working the corporate gig and require an ID badge, I would think this card reader fits the bill perfectly. What better way to tot around your GBs of porn personal pictures without the worry of knowing those pictures will leave your person. Or maybe run your iTunes from a flash card.

Compatible with an array of cards, SDHC (nice), MMC, miniSD, RS MMC and microSD (nice) along with extendable USB cable for connectivity to those pesky USB locations. At $14 it’s a drop in the bucket for you hi-powered, highly-paid executives.

ID Badge Card Reader product page.

(read that headline again) Grundig is doing dictation digital style. The DigtaSonic xMic is all professional and hard to call a typical dictation gadget. None-the-less, it’s out there with elegance and style. The design has a “soft touch” texture for … wait for it … long lasting pleasure comfort.

Using USB connectivity the DigtaSonic takes control of any PC application via Grundig’s Track Point mouse technology. For custom integration (medical applications) the Grundig mic comes with SDK tools for 100% software compatibility.

Digital quality is claimed to be top shelf with integrated sound card and dynamic speaker for optimal recording and play-back.

Clearly not a dictation tool for the common office executive but would make a great item for that afternoon rant.

Source: Grundig

So the grandparents have the Ion Audio USB Turntable for converting vinyl records to MP3 and now Ion introduces the TAPE2PC USB cassette archiver for the 40 Somethings.

With a dual dubbing cassette deck and advanced software to convert directly into your iTunes library, those old cassette tapes will never feel left out again. Ion Audio left no stone unturned with a “metal” or “CrO2″ tape selection feature - if you even remember what its for.

The TAPE2PC connects via USB therefore no drivers need - yet another plus for the technically challenged middle aged. Price is around $100USD. (more…)

IOGear is set to release their upgraded USB Travel Kit which includes USB mouse and four port hub. The biggest improvement IOGear made was the VCSEL technology to their optical mouse. The Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser enables the mouse to work on any surface - including glass. Heck I can’t get my mouse to work on white paper so there is definitely value there. With a maximum of 1600dpi this means increased accuracy and decreased hand movement.

The 4 port USB hub is slim on design as this is a “traveling USB kit” so that added ports help out for limited laptop USB connectivity. I’d like to see a re-charger interface somewhere before calling this an ultimate USB travel kit.

The GME226 IOGear USB Travel Kit will be available soon, but their older version GKC431 is currently available although without the VCSEL technology.

USB Fever incorporated a Compact Flash and miniSD card reader into their rotating USB hub.

Rotating up to 90 degrees for the USB connectors make it a nice hub for your stack of USB junk. Actually, you can downsize the junk pile and throw away your card reader.

Just $13.99 and USB Fever ships anywhere in the world, free of charge.

USB Rotating Hub & Card Reader product page

Brando is filling in their spectrum of product offerings to include both low-end and high-end. From the seasonal trinket like USB Christmas trees and USB Plasma Balls to higher end products like quality USB solar chargers and today; USB Microscope, Brando is building their brand.

This just isn’t any old microscope either. It’s literally packed with features. Features, that of course, make total sense. The Brando USB Microscope connects via USB, houses a two port USB hub and includes a web camera for sharing.  So if you can’t find it…you just don’t need it.
Taking a closer look at the junk around your house or office has never been easier. Easy to share too. Zoom in from 30x, 200x 400x and 600x to see every gory detail using any one of three (more…)

I definitely could have used a USB stress button today. My cable service was down all day so jumping on the internet didn’t happen for most the afternoon. For someone like me, that’s a LONG time. I guarantee this USB stress button would be broken.

Brando, maker of all things USB, now has a USB stress button which strides to reduce your blood-pressure via a bright red target button to slam down upon when you’re stressed. To put some creativity into an otherwise boring product, Brando incorporates three modes; crack open an Excel spreadsheet (um, no good for me), boss punch out (again no good as I am the boss) or simulated bomb explosion - now we’re talk’in.

At just $17 bookmark this for the holiday season. If this USB stress button isn’t exactly what you need check out our USB Easy Button and USB Panic Button (still love the title of this post).

Source: Brando USB Stress Button product page.