Which USB watch would you pick?

Our first contestant is this high-end looking watch with 4GB of removable USB flash memory.  Outfitted with:

This watch has a plastic case covered by stainless steel mask with brushed silver finish and convex mineral glass with shiny raised index. The USB flash drive fits inside the watch case flush with the contours of the watch case - ready to hold your data safe and secure.

What I particularly like about this watch is the claimed “Japanese quartz movement”  Not sure what that means, but if it’s anything like my Honda, this USB watch is dependable and spot-on time.

Next we have the USB Timeless watch.  A geekness rendition of what a watch should really look like.  (more…)

Have you seen this error message before from your Windows machine when a USB device is connected: “This USB Device can Perform Faster if Connected to Hi Speed USB 2.0 Port?” Well, I’ve seen it recently and went through a fairly long process to figure out how to correct it. Surprisingly it’s not difficult.

First, let me say I’ve found little information on WHY this error occurs and how to avoid getting this error message when a USB device is connected to your computer. From the research I’ve done, this USB error message of “device can perform faster when connected to hi-speed USB” stems from a corrupt setting for a device on your computer in relation to how it communicates with the hi-speed USB host controller.

So here is the quick and easy fix: Reinstall the drivers for your Enhanced USB controller. Sounds complicated, but it isn’t. In fact, it’s a simple right click and a reboot. That’s it. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Unplug any USB devices from your computer with the exception of your keyboard and mouse [if they are connected].

Step 2: Navigate to your Device Manager page by doing:
Start > Control Panel > System > go to Hardware tab > Device Manager

From this window scroll down until you see the + sign for “Universal Serial Bus controllers.” Click the PLUS sign and another list will expand out. Simply identify the item which references a “USB Enhanced” controller and right click. From the options provided from your right click select “uninstall.”

You will get a warning sign, but don’t worry. Click OK.

Your computer will go through the process of uninstalling the USB Enhanced USB controller. Your computer will then immediately go through the installation process as well. After the re-installation you computer might seem all-is-well; however, your error message will not go away until you reboot your machine. Do that now.

If you have any questions or comments hit the forum post for follow up.

It’s probably fair to say most of use have damaged a USB drive while stuck inside a computer by bumping it, jamming it or stuffing it in via the wrong direction.  To reduce the possibility of damage and increase the life of your USB stick, designer Damjan Stankovic has come up with a flexible USB device.

The “USBee” is a new prototype design which includes a flexible neck just after the USB connector but still keeps the flash memory usable for data storage.  The USBee is shaped like a Bee and has thin wire between the USB connector and flash memory to provide flex under stress.

It does look like a manufacturing nightmare, but hey, if we can build automobiles with robots, I’m sure we can string out some wire between point A and point B to make a flex drive.

In addition, the tip has a rubber flap-back lid for quick access to the USB connector and quick protection for the USB connector.  Stankovic calls it the “lid-snap system.”  The USBee can also twist, turn and flex in any direction to save itself from your daily abuse. (more…)

EFiX is the long awaited gadget fix to quickly and easily install Mac OS X Leapord on a standard Bill Gates machine.  The device allows you to install the OS from the source DVD directly to your system without having to tweak the BIOS settings, or anything else for that matter on your beloved PC.

The USB EFiX dongle uses an internal USB header connector so make sure you have one of those and there’s some additional hardware considerations you’ll need to be aware of.  For example, any Gigabyte motherboard should do but only a handful of USB sound cards are supported.  Check the EFiX site for more details.

The EFiX USB dongle retails for about $125 with links on their site on where to buy the EFiX dongle.

Here’s a Google video showing the install…a little too boring for a post, but I’ll dish up the link. (more…)

This company took the term USB Key very literally.  If you’re one who stores back-up information or sensitive data on a USB drive, then this USB key could unlock the secrets to your world - so be sure it doesn’t slip from your possession.

The USB key - aptly named - is yet another USB promotional item which could very well be a perfect trade-show give away if your someone like Kwikset or Royal Lock.  Or just a fun shaped for those trying to clearly show others it’s got valuable info on your USB stick.

The USB key is available in every size imaginable from 512MB to 8GB, fully customizable with logo [as we did with GetUSB.info] and a variety of colors.  Lead time seems to be about 1 week with quantity runs between 500 to 50,000.

If you’re looking for a USB key - in the literal sense - check these guys out.

This isn’t your typical message board at a college campus and it’s no more likely to land you a gig, like a college message board. It’s an LED message board so you can pretty much send a message to yourself or to a co-worker within eye site of your desk. What is different about this LED message board [from others] is the ability to sound out your message as well. USB Geek has an example of a Happy Birthday song for the product which, I must admit, make someone’s birthday kinda fun and surely get a laugh out of the aging recipient.

There isn’t much to the LED message board, just the LED lights which scrolls your message along, a USB connection and simple software to create your message and set sound effects.

For just under $25 it could be a fun gadget. What I’d like to do is sync this up with the door-bell so a message would appear to those Mormon folks who always come knocking on my door. Or better yet, sync the LED message board to my Nav station in the car so I can really speak my mind.

USB Geek is pushing this for $23 and change. YouTube link.

As announced, Mimobot has come out with their 3rd USB Mimobot for the Series 3 Star Wars set.  Today they announced the arrival of the Royal Guard.  In flashy red attire you can’t miss the Royal Guard, and these guys look tough as they’ve got their wand in hand ready to kick some a$$.

So as a short re-cap we have:  Darth Sidious, Wicket and Royal Guard.  See a trend here?

Mimoco hasn’t officially released the product for purchase but that comes at the end of the month.  Here is the corporate link to keep yourself up-to-date.