Most of us are typical PC users or laptop users and have become accustomed to our keyboard size and key locations, but for a select few, you run off a table PC or Netbook.  If that’s the case, then you’re probably looking for a nice, compact, portable travel keyboard.  Today we found your item.

The Atek OnBoard USB keyboard is compact in size, layout like a full QWERTY keyboard and sturdy case for portability.  The OnBoard uses a slide out protective case during transit and an inflatable wrist pad for once you’ve settled in.  The keyboard uses a USB cable to connect and has a tight wrap-around storage area for the cable iteself.

Atek is proud to divert away from the traditional portable USB keyboards such as fold-up, roll-up and miniature keyboards.

The OnBoard has 99 keys (missing are the Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Pause Break, and right side Ctrl and Windows keys) together with separate numeric keys and a full (if squashed) F-key row.  It weighs under 1.4lbs.  The ‘board measures 14-3/4 inches long and the cover can act as an angled stand. (more…)

GetUSB has reported many times over the popularity of USB music albums and how we feel this format will eventually overtake the CD for distribution of music.  Sure that day is a long time coming, but we’ll get there.  Here is another example:

Through a sister company of GetUSB we had the pleasure of helping create a USB Music Album for The Kin.  If you haven’t heard of The Kin, please read on.

The two brothers not only have a great, contemporary sound, but they also use current methods for MP3 data distribution.  The band put together a collection of USB sticks for different albums, including their most recent album “Live From The Pussy Cat Club.”

Click the USB music album image below to begin a free download of their single track hit “New Day.” (more…)

The US Branding Company has come up with a very clever USB stick which acts like a puzzle.  This is an excellent idea for promotional USB drives, as it forces the user to construct your company logo or brand before the USB stick can be used.

The trick is to correctly configure the printed logo so the USB connector pops out when the puzzle is complete.  Think of this as the 1974 phenomenon Rubiks Cube but applied to a USB stick and obvious very simplified.

The US Branding Co. has coined the phrase Rotating Puzzle USB and is available in a wide range of colors and sizes with print capabilities from single color to multi-color prints and logos. (more…)

LaCie introduced their CurrenKey earlier this week which is a silver or copper USB key in the shape of brushed metal coinage.  The design is definitely eye catching, but not all that practical.

Dealing with USB sticks day in an day out, having an odd shaped USB stick is the last thing anyone will want…or at least ultimately realize.  With the CurrenKey the round shape eliminates the use of other USB ports on the left or right.  Also, with many laptops these days the USB port is vertical, not horizontal, making the round shape impossible to connect unless you lift up your laptop or stack something underneath it.

LaCie did a great job in design work with the metal die-cast construction, but lacks in overall design of usable shape. (more…)

GetUSB has seen plenty of USB wristbands in the past, but nothing as unique and useful as the iPod Shuffle Bracelet.  The concept design does make sense as well, after all the only reason most have an iPod shuffle is for jogging and running where they’ve strapped the Shuffle to their arm anyway.  This design just brings about the fore-gone conclusion.

In addition, the popularity of the iPhone, Touch and larger iPods maybe Apple needs a fresh, different design for the Shuffle.  Keep that legacy product line alive.

Source:  TUAW.

American Weigh company introduces a new hybrid USB mouse which includes a small digital scale.  The precision digital pocket scale goes down to a 10th mark and supports 500g / 17.635oz / 16.075ozt / 321.5dwt weight capacities.

I would think this be a perfect scale for the small office or front office secretary for quick checking of letters and small packages.  Some of those larger scales take up quite a bit of space.

The USB digital scale mouse is available for $59 and a higher weight capacity unit for $69.

The USB digital scale will also work as a standalone device without connection with an internal [rechargeable] battery and includes a stainless steel platform in the size of 2.25 x 2.75 inches. (more…)

The Pentagon announced last week the ban of USB sticks within it’s organizations.  As part of the ban, the Pentagon is collecting all USB drives purchased or provided to department workers.  The motivating factor was a global virus the Pentagon was exposed to.

Not much information was collected about what type of virus or the extent to damage, but must be bad enough to initiate a global ban.

Military leaders have consistently warned of potential threats from a variety of sources including other countries - such as China - along with other self-styled cyber-vigilantes and terrorists.

The issue has also been of concern at the Department of Homeland Security. A September audit by the DHS Inspector General recommended that the agency implement greater procedures to ensure that only authorized computer flash drives or other storage devices can be connected to the network there and that an inventory of those devices be set up.

Finally, the Pentagon was quick to point their government agency isn’t the only institution having problems, but many companies and corporations are concerned about the potential security risks of USB drives, their data load size and their small size.  It’s a feed ground for malice opportunity.

Source:  Associated Press.