Off USB Topic – Have You Seen The Gear Ring?
Once again, I am off topic of USB, but sometimes you get ultra cool products that you must mention. Today I found a great gadget from our buddies at Gizmos For Geeks. It’s the Gear Ring.
Robot Arm Looks And Works Like Elephant’s Trunk
Engadget posted a video today about a robotic arm which looks and acts like an elephant trunk. Made by Festo’s it’s an impressive robotic machine. It appears much bigger than it is, watch the video and you’ll see the arm hand something off to a human.
ASUS USB 3.0 Netbook Out-n-About
We’ve been chomping at the bit waiting for a Netbook to have USB 3.0. Last month we heard several models coming out while at CeBIT, but still nothing from the manufacturer websites.
USB Music Album – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is scheduled to re-release “The Fame Monster” on USB around May 3, 2010. Although USB music albums are nothing new, it’s still a unique way to release music, create a buzz and provide hard core fans with a collectors edition memento.
Review: USB Benchmark Software
Review: USB Benchmark software by USB Performance.
USB Performance has a nice USB benchmark testing program with lots of features besides read / write tests.
The USB performance testing software gives you the option to test at a File Copy level or a Bit for Bit copy level. The difference with the File Copy is the process includes reading from the File Allocation Table [FAT] and thus slows down the process. The bit for bit read/write tests will show the best possible performance your device will be able to obtain.
Included in the USB benchmark software are some bonus features such as file recovery.
We all know with flash memory once you click delete, it’s gone forever. Well the USB Performance software will recover those deleted files. OR maybe you’ve lost data with a system Blue Screen or hardware crash, again the USB recovery feature should be able to restore those lost files.
Another nice feature is the backup function. The backup function will create a single image file on your PC. You can restore or backup the image file at any time. This nice thing about a single image file [rather than copying all the files off your USB stick] is that you wont accidentally delete a single file or folder, you’d have to really be an idiot and delete the entire image file backup.
Other nice features include the USB typology layout and bad sector scan function.
The USB Performance software is free for download with no time limit or expiration date, however, it does miss a couple features of the full [paid] version.
Bottom line, if you need some quick benchmark testing, this is the way to go.
USB Power And The iPad – Don’t Freak – It’ll Charge
It’s fairly well known from user complaints over the weekend the iPad charges a bit differently then the logic used in our brain. Here is the low down on the iPad USB power issue if you don’t feel like reading 20 paragraphs for these simple points:
- The iPad will [obviously] charge when used with the supplied 10 watt power adapter.
- The iPad will not charge over lower powered USB ports while “in use” however, they will charge when asleep.
- If the user gets the iPad message “Not Charging” you must take this literally. This means the use of the iPad will equal the draw of power and only when it goes to sleep will it recharge…so it’s like a break even.
microSD Duplicator From Nexcopy
Nexcopy recently introduced an upgraded line of microSD duplicators supporting media capacities from 16 to 60 port configurations—no adapters required. These systems are built from the ground up for high volume deployments and advanced flash memory control.
PC Based Solution: mSD160PC (16 Port)
The mSD160PC is a USB 3.0, PC connected duplicator featuring:
- 16 targets per run with maximum card write speed utilization
- Six copy modes: File Copy, Copy Add, Device Copy (short/full), IMG Copy, and Unique Data Streaming
- CID (Card ID) reading capability with CSV export—ideal for content encryption tied to unique serials
This PC based unit excels in custom data workflows and streaming content uniquely per card. Supported by Drive Manager software running on Windows 10+, it offers unlimited free software updates and support.
Standalone Duplicator: mSD115SA (15 Port)
The mSD115SA operates independently—no PC needed—and is ideal for on-the-go use at trade shows, field sites, or telecom recycling centers:
- 15-port standalone unit with synchronous or asynchronous copy modes
- High-speed binary copying (including bootable devices) at up to 1,800 MB/min
- Built-in functionalities: Copy, Verify, Compare, Erase (including D.o.D. Secure Erase), H2 integrity test, speed benchmarking, and auto-start capability
- Real-time LCD feedback, rugged design, and compatibility with FAT, NTFS, Ext2–4, proprietary formats
Documented in Nexcopy’s 2016 press release, this model offers both simplicity and durability for 24/7 industrial use.
High Volume Option: microSD131SA (31 Port Standalone)
The microSD131SA builds on the mSD115SA architecture to support 31 targets and is priced at approximately $3,399:
- No PC required—supports FAT, exFAT, NTFS, Linux formats, and proprietary systems
- Fast synchronous/asynchronous copying, CRC-32 verification, memory benchmarking, D.o.D. erase, and automatic job start
- Rugged hardware built for extended production with real-time performance feedback and compatibility with 110/230V power
This system is engineered for industrial-scale duplication where speed and accuracy matter most.
Why This Matters
Compared to earlier adapter-based copying systems popular in the 2010 era, all new Nexcopy microSD duplicators eliminate the need for micro-to-SD adapters—reducing labor, improving throughput (up to 30%), and enhancing reliability in telecom, recycling, and promotional content use cases.
“The microSD duplicator is ideal for telecom recycling centers who need to process and format microSD media left in cell phones … formatting, erasing, verifying and data loading is a very simple and straightforward process.”
To learn more or request a quote, please visit Nexcopy’s mSD160PC, mSD115SA, or microSD131SA product pages.
Source: Content compiled from Nexcopy’s product pages and official press releases.
Another Great USB Steampunk Product
I have been a fan of USB Steampunk products for a long time. I’ve even thought about running a Steampunk contest for the most creative, but never gotten around to it. Today, I’ve come across another great creation which is 100% hand made. The construction is similar to other Steampunk products we’ve seen, made of brass, copper, glass, watch parts and clock parts. The metal connections from the brass wire outside are made with silver solder and an acetylene torch, which gives it the unique look and feel. In addition, the maker, put extra time into the fitting and position of the internal components for a solid product.
Beer Can Humidifier – Cure Hang Overs?
We all know that hang overs are caused from dehydration. We’ve all [our loyal fan base] seen USB humidifiers powered by our computers. Today I’ve come across the combination beer can and USB humidifier, which now begs the questions, could a humidifier help a hang over? After all, it’s spitting out water all night long which you are breathing in.
Chat Stick – USB Flash Drive To Recover All Her Dirty IMs
Several weeks ago I reported on the flash drive which detects p0rn and today I’m letting you know about the Chat Stick. A flash drive which recovers all those dirty Instant Messages. The USB Chat Stick is loaded with software which scans the host computer for all instant message conversations, deleted or not, and uses recovery software to localize all those discussions into one, nice, handy place; the flash drive.
MIMOBOT Introduces Star Wars Series IV
Press Release: Mimobot With New Star Wars Series
Star Wars MIMOBOT Series 5 Video! from MIMOBOT & mimoZine on Vimeo.
Mimobot product page. Continue ReadingiPad Drawing App – Simply Amazing
Unless you’ve been living under a rock [like my neighbor], you know this weekend is the big release of the iPad from Apple. Well, to kick things off lets take a look at one amazing iPad Drawing App called “Drawing Pad.” We’ve seen some of the authors work before, and for this new release of the iPad Drawing App there is no better way to explain the functionality and features, than watching a [very entertaining] video. The iPad Drawing App includes an extensive pallet of paint brushes [two sizes], colored pencils, crayons, markers, roller pens, background paper and stickers [incredible clip art]. I don’t know the exact count, but it looks like the iPad Drawing App has well over 125 colors to choose from.
