Here We Go Again – World’s Biggest Hard Drive
Buffalo just put the call to action for SanDisk, Western Digital and the like for the world’s largest portable hard drive, the MiniStation.
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Matt LeBoff
Kicking around in technology since 2002. I like to write about technology products and ideas, but at the consumer level understanding. Some tech, but not too techie.
Give Your USB Some Class With Exclusive UFD
ZaNa Design is looking to raise the bar for classy looking flash drives. Sure we’ve seen UFDs made of wood, but not like this.
Review: hField USB WiFi Extender – Conclusion: HOT
hField Wi-Fire Review hField sent GetUSB.info their latest WiFi signal boost device the USB Wi-Fire for product review. Below are the details from our Wi-Fire review. Wireless Local Area Networks are by far the least expensive and most convenient way to stay connected. However, using WiFi technology means we live with limitations. The biggest limitation, and most obvious from the term “wireless local area network” is the distance between access point and receiver. To that end, hField develops WiFi extenders to boost signal strength, increase connection speed and improve reception. The hField Wi-Fire is a directional antenna with a highly sensitive receiver designed to increase signal strength and connection speed. hField includes their proprietary software which also aids in the optimization effort. It’s important to understand the Wi-Fire is not a wireless router, but rather an add-on device to boost signal strength on a laptop or workstation which is receiving a wireless router signal.
USB Putting Green and Ball Returner
There is no better way to show your boss how little you think of him and the paycheck he signs – than tee’in up a game of golf at your desk. And we’re not talking about Tiger Woods either, we’re talking USB miniature golf.
New Site: FilterMyRSS.com is RSS Filter or Feed Filter
Okay, so this post is off topic of USB gadgets, but worth a mention in my book. I have just published another website which is a simple RSS filter or feed filter. True, there are other services out there, but I never liked the login and password concept for free services. The new RSS filter from FilterMyRSS is simple just get in there, filter and go.
Fire Off a Round with USB Gun Mouse
It’s rare a USB information website has the opportunity to write about guns, not that it’s a fascination or hobby to obsess over – none the less – Loopy Gadgets found this USB gun and I thought to pass it along. The USB gun is a replica of a P230 semi-automatic handgun…Small dimensions, it is often carried as a backup weapon, holding 8 rounds of .32 pistol cartridge or 7 rounds of .380 pistol cartridge (bullet). Wiki…and the company marketing the product claims it’s the ultimate gadget for having fun around the office. Um, I don’t think using a replica semi-automatic USB mouse gun would necessarily make office life fun. Unless of course you work at Homeland Security.
UFD’s Are a Gateway to Data Breaches
Recently the head of marketing for SanDisk, Dror Todress, made a claim where “there are endless examples of data breaches…” then immediately sites an example of a stolen US Army UFD (USB Flash Drive) being purchased from a reporter just 200 yards from an army base in Afghanistan.
Todress goes on to explain most IT managers understand and are aware of such security risks and most employees who bring in USB drives or MP3 players with mass storage capability do not have malicious intentions. However, this doesn’t mean valuable information IS leaving the building.
Considering between 80% – 90% of UFDs do not have encryption software, I thought to browse back through my USB Security category and list out a couple articles which could be of help.
USB lock – a physical blocking of USB port
Free open-source USB encryption software – TrueCrypt
Visual password protector
Disable writing to USB drives on Windows systems
IT management software to control USB endpoints
SanDisk’s answer
Windows Vista locks out USB (actually I don’t think it ever worked)
Wireless PC lock from USB dongle
Another PC port blocking software package
There are a host of other USB devices with security features in my USB security category, but those are device specific not network specific.
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Old School Analoger Appreciates Plantronics USB Headset
For those just not willing to give up their old school analog headsets, or gaming headsets that plug into an audio card, you can now have an easy and convenient direct connect through USB with Plantronics new design Audio 625 USB Stereo Headset.
Give Your Mouse The Finger
I believe the optical finger mouse is a key component to a successful multi-tasker as it allows your fingers never to leave the keyboard so you can crank through those blog posts – o maybe a mobile environment where a flat surface isn’t available.
Having USB Problems With Vista?
Windows Vista has not been an easy transition for many people. One of the problems with Vista is USB support, or lack of. If you are having USB problems with Vista then please read on.
Several months ago Microsoft released hotfixes for Vista for some badly-needed improvements for USB operation. Most notably is the problems, conflicts and issues related to USB and audio components.
Microsoft plans to officially address the USB issues with their SP1 due out in early 2008, but in the mean time lets check out the Microsoft roll out update page.
If you are using Vista and having problems be sure to double check the device manufacturer update before using the Microsoft updates, your solution might already be out there.
Peter Kirn provided a couple valuable tips while diving into your problems, please read
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Registry Analyzer for U3 Flash Drives
Albeit U3 claims no trace of U3 software remains on the host PC it doesn’t hurt to run a registry analyzer package just to make sure. While in the midst of doing this USB gadget research, I found the following free utility. Ntechnologies has a U3 specific reg analyzer to aid in the registry clean-up process.
GetUSB Dealz: $0.01 Ultra Slim MicroSD Card Reader – Limited Time
GetUSB.info just got word from USB Fever they are blowing out an Ultra-Slim USB MicroSD card reader for only ONE PENNY.