Pretec is about to introduce an aptly named eSATA/USB dual interface flash drive named Cobra. This ultra fast flash drive has max read speeds of 90MB per second and max write speeds of 60MBs per second.
The dual channel interface has the eSATA connector at one end and the USB connector at the other.
The Pretec Cobra is available in 32GB and 64GB sizes, which is respectable given the fast transfer rates. This info was sourced via Engadget China, so no word on pricing or availablility.
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The blogosphere has been talking quite a bit about the new LaCie USB key chains, in fact, I did a post just the other day about them. Well, yesterday LaCie sent GetUSB.info the iamaKey model. Here she is in the wild.
The iamaKey is a beautiful drive. Extremely solid, heavy and doesn’t scratch easily. LaCie put a lot of effort into the design and material selection to make one outstanding drive. I’ve used dozens of flash keys and most end up failing and in the trash. With the durability I see here, the iamaKey will last.
So here’s the deal…I’m going to keep the iamaKey on my keychain until it breaks. I use USB sticks daily so there will be frequent tests. I’ve also been known to forget my keys in my pants, which ultimately ends up in the wash…so there are many stress test opportunities.
I’ll report back when the device fails, but don’t expect an update anytime soon.
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LaCie launched a new line of USB keys that look like, well…keys. I’ve mentioned a key looking USB key before, but it was just a prototype. Here LaCie made USB keys a real-deal and they look pretty sweet.
There are three models LaCie has introduced. The PassKey, IamaKey and Itsakey.
Engadget reports these guys also have microSD card readers, but I honestly don’t see where that is, but clearly a nice addition.
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What is more economical: Buying a 2GB flash drive or downloading a $0.99 cent application to get 2GBs of free storage on your iPhone? Don’t answer. We know.
MiDisk is one of those great iPhone applications. The app gives you the ability to create Directories on your iPhone for storing files, documents etc. It’s great because you don’t need the iPhone sync app – you can use the iPhone as a mass storage device.
So how do you make the iPhone a mass storage device of 2GBs?
Turn on the application (while in Wi-Fi), point a web browser to the link that it gives you, and there you go. You have full access to all information stored within this application. The information held inside the application is protected by a PIN number. To turn on access to the files within the application, your PIN number must be entered.
You can also view your documents with the built in documents viewer. You can view image, text, PDF, and many more types of files.
Wi-Fi is required to use this application. In situations where a Wi-Fi network is not available, if the computer supports Ad-Hoc, you are set.
Store your information in multiple directories to keep organized. Easily remove and add new files as you need.
Here is the step-by-step:
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Yes we do…or at least the 64GBs of memory…and yes, I said gigabits, not megabits. No word or price for the Spongebob drive, but it’s expected to display at CeBiT 2009, so we’ll find out soon enough.
Ion Audio, the guys known for their vinyl record ripper, expands their analog conversion product line, with the Ion 35mm Photo Negative and Slide Converter.
Quickly and easily transfer slide film or 35mm film into beautiful, high resolution, digital images with the Ion unit. USB 2.0 connection and USB 2.0 port. There is fixed focus range and auto exposure/color balance with high-quality 4 glass optical element to bring you the best quailty of digital copies.
Although you wont get the very best image quality the Ion 35mm converter is definitely an economical solution for small jobs or home transfer projects.
The product is available at Amazon for well under
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Gizmodo did an interesting post today, it’s as though they knew I purchased an iPhone over the weekend. Yes, I’m part of the “cool kid crowd.” Giz did a post on a new iPhonecustom flash drive. It’s a cute little thang, with two eyes, a red dot mouth where the home button is and two munchkin feet.
By pulling the top rubber lid, you expose the USB for connection. No word on the price, but you can visit the site if you really need one.
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A recent study was just released that suggests over 9,000 USB drives are left, lost or forgotten at laundry mats. The study was done to show consumers how easy it is to have valuable information fall into the hands of a stranger.
Even on our best day, accidents happen. A similar study was done with PDA and cell phones left in taxi cabs. That number is close to 6,200 per year.
Given this information and each of us knowing we are not perfect, it is wise to put some encryption on your USB drive or password protect the device. Many times the manufacturer will supply a utility free with the device…don’t try and format it off, rather use it!
David Porter, head of security and risk at Detica, explained that there was only so much that experts and computer systems could do to thwart identity fraud. According to Porter, final responsibility rests with the consumer. “Identity fraud attacks succeed largely because of human fallibility; however there are simple steps that people can take to avoid being caught out by fraudsters,” said Porter.
So take a moment and protect yourself from the accidents of everyday life.
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D-Link introduced a sweet little 7 inch LCD display powered by USB. The SideStage, which I think is a great name, is a 800×400 resolution monitor which extends your primary screen. It’s great to stream stock quotes, or run IM applications or other small utilities you don’t want to use on the main monitor. Yet not the first one we’ve seen.
The SideStage would also be ideal for Photoshop users and such who want to move the toolbar out of the main screen.
The SideStage from D-Link is expected to sell for about $100, although no price point has yet been announced. The other piece of info we didn’t get is launch date. Set to be summer time, which isn’t soon enough.
According to D-Link’s representative Les Goldberg, the SideStage is compatible with virtually all CRT and flat-panel monitors, has standard and wide-screen aspect ratios, 32-bit True Color depth for high-quality images, and ultra-low power consumption, which is consistent with the D-Link Green initiative.
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USB sticks come in many different sizes, shapes and colors, but today is the first time we’ve seen a custom USB drive with the look and feel of RAM memory. The Segon Turbo drive is another release from Brando on unique USB shapes.
Brando claims it’s ingenious and exquisite, which I think is a bit too much on credit, but definitely a different look. Too bad you can’t use the PCI looking slot to boost your real RAM needs.
The Segon Turbo drive includes a push-pull design for the USB connector making it a good portable product with protection to the connector.
Some notable software functionality comes preloaded on the IC controller chip, such as:
Security Manager
Boot Manager
Flash Mail Manager
PC Lock Manager
Bookmark Manager
Security Folder
Available in a 2 and 4GB sizes, starting at just $12.
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Sirtified is a web company that sells all things cool for guys. Their most recent release are three models of hand symbols with a USB stick embedded inside.
The Hand USB stick is a 2GB flash drive for $35 and carries the ultimate gesture in the form of USB geekness.
Source:Â Engadget via Sirtified.
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What is more simple than connecting via USB? Especially for projectors. Sure the VGA isn’t hard, but who wants to screw in the anchors. That’ why the BenQ projector is so appealing.
Once more, BenQ turns the USB connection into an easy way to upload images, video and slide shows to the portable projector. So not only is the USB an easy way to connect a laptop, it’s also an easy way to data load for a standalone projector.
The GP1 USB projector from BenQ offers a throw of 100 lumens, which is nearly twice of some other brands of the same size. It’s 1.4 pound unit with a distance of 80-inch diagonal for imaging.
The GP1 from BenQ is offered at the MSRP of $599.
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A recent study was just released that suggests over 9,000 USB drives are left, lost or forgotten at laundry mats. The study was done to show consumers how easy it is to have valuable information fall into the hands of a stranger.
Even on our best day, accidents happen. A similar study was done with PDA and cell phones left in taxi cabs. That number is close to 6,200 per year.
Given this information and each of us knowing we are not perfect, it is wise to put some encryption on your USB drive or password protect the device. Many times the manufacturer will supply a utility free with the device…don’t try and format it off, rather use it!
D-Link introduced a sweet little 7 inch LCD display powered by USB. The SideStage, which I think is a great name, is a 800×400 resolution monitor which extends your primary screen. It’s great to stream stock quotes, or run IM applications or other small utilities you don’t want to use on the main monitor. Yet not the first one we’ve seen.
The SideStage would also be ideal for Photoshop users and such who want to move the toolbar out of the main screen.
The SideStage from D-Link is expected to sell for about $100, although no price point has yet been announced. The other piece of info we didn’t get is launch date. Set to be summer time, which isn’t soon enough.
According to D-Link’s representative Les Goldberg, the SideStage is compatible with virtually all CRT and flat-panel monitors, has standard and wide-screen aspect ratios, 32-bit True Color depth for high-quality images, and ultra-low power consumption, which is consistent with the D-Link Green initiative.
Continue Reading
