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Nortel Launches Virtual Secure Office USB Stick

For the limited number of you who visit GetUSB.info and work in a large, corporate environment, the Nortel virtual office USB stick might be your answer to working from home.  The Nortel virtual office is a plug-n-play stick to provide any remote user instant access to the company server via VPN.

Nortel USB stick

Access privileges can be set according to user IP address or authentication strength from data input.  Nortel’s VPN Gateway will authenticate the remote connection request and approve connection based on the information provided. This is a great solution for remote users who are looking for top level security over a Virtual Private Network.  A Nortel customer gives one good example of use:
Dr Zafar Chaudry, director of IT for Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Community-based midwives … will be using Nortel Secure Portable Office with hospital-provided laptops, 3G wireless data cards and Nortel Mobile Client Accelerator to securely access, review and update server-based medical records from patient homes.
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USB Tutorial: How to Make a USB Coil Cable

Here is a simple USB tutorial on taking a typical phone cord and splicing it so USB connectors sit on each end.  The concept being a cheap and easy way to make a short cable expand out for long distance connection during use.

usb coil cable

The only fear is that phone cords are not well shielded and that might slow down the data transfers or possible drop packets.  But at the length shown here, we feel you’re alright. If anything, making the USB coil cable would be a nice little project for a DIY starter.  Great to sharp those soldering skills and steady hand.  The full USB tutorial can be found at Instructables. Continue Reading

Newton’s Cradle USB Hub

newtons cradle usb hubThe Newton’s Cradle USB hub is a fun twist on that traditional office gift of Newton’s Cradle.  Rather than stainless steel balls however, this one uses USB connectors to make up a 4 port USB hub. Albeit a bulky device for a USB hub it would create some interest from the folks around the office.  Clearly it would observe the law of conservation of momentum, but none-the-less a great conversation piece….for about 20 seconds. The Newton’s Cradle USB hub is available from Buy.com but is currently sold out.  They are still booking orders. Source:  RedFerret. Continue Reading

Darth Vader’s USB Web Cam

Darth Vader always had the coolest looking Twin Ion star craft, it was the one with the bent wings.  Now you can have that famed war craft as your USB web camera.  The Darth Vader web cam has several red LED lights that eluminate upon connection.

darth vader web cam

The Twin Ion cruiser comes with built in microphone and monitor clip for easy mounting.  Since it’s not available until the end of October [08], you’ll need to get your fix with some Mimobot Darth Vader gadgetry. This isn’t the best web cam gadget to impress your girlfriend, just your buddies, so if you’re still interested the Star Wars web cam is available through Forbidden Plant for $43ish. Continue Reading

SuperSpeed USB Spec Released by Intel

superspeed usbIntel released a draft specification for USB 3.0 or SuperSpeed USB. The Extensible Host Controller Interface or xHCI provides a standard method for USB 3.0 host controllers to communicate with the USB 34.0 software stacks. Both AMD and Nvidia voiced complaints earlier in the year that Intel hasn’t released update information to make the new spec an open industry standard and an easy path for transition. Today’s release is Intel’s answer to that request. Dell, Microsoft and NEC also support the release because the xHCI will expedite the industry transition to next-generation USB 3.0 technology.
One important factor in adopting SuperSpeed USB products is interoperability between multiple devices from different manufacturers. The xHCI draft specification revision 0.9 aims to make interoperability easier to implement, while also making it easier for developers to create software support for the market.
The next revision update is expected at the end of 2008 with revision number xHCI 0.95. So no SuperSpeed USB yet, but the big boys are working their way to it. Source: CRN. Continue Reading

Wii Aids in USB Missile Launcher Accuracy

An Instructables member took an extra Wiimote and turned it into the eye-site gauge for the famous USB missile launcher.  Now you can have all the fun with the added pin-point accuracy for a deadly shot with your missile launcher.

usb missile launcher wii

With a spare remote, USB cable, USB missile launcher and some code they guys at Instructables provided, you too can have this USB hack.  The only concern you should have is the foam missiles really aren’t all that accurate, at least not the sample we tested.  But hey, forget about the logistics of it all, it’s the cool factor we’re chasing after. Source:  Engadget. Continue Reading

Kevin Rose says New iPods Coming Soon

Is Digg.com founder and Diggnation star Kevin Rose abusing his Apple contacts? This past weekend Kevin blogged about some new stuff being released by Apple next month including new iPods and an iTunes update. According to Kevin, Apple will announce the following within the next few weeks:
  • the iPod nano will take on a slimmer, more rounded look
  • the iPod Touch will get an update with a new 2.1 operating system
  • Prices of the iPod line will drop to differentiate the product from the iPhone
  • iTunes 8.0 will be a major new release with several additional features
  • Further out Apple is planning to add Blu-ray support to Mac OS X
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NEC Intros New Wireless USB Host Controller

nec logoNEC has long had the best performing USB PCI card with their USB host controller chip (uPD720170) and today they are expanding the portfolio to includes wireless USB.  The new wireless USB host controller will allow high speed communication between PCs and peripherals with wireless USB technology such as USB hubs, printers and external storage devices. The NEC wireless USB host controller received approval from the USB Implementors Forum and uses the WHCI protocol developed by Microsoft, NEC, Philips and Texas Intstruments.  The Wireless Host Controller Interface specifications supports data transfer rates of up to 480 megabits per second (Mbps) of data, comparable to wired USB 2.0 connections at close range. The NEC wireless USB host controller starts at $10 for sample and development use with prices dropping at higher quantities. Source:  NEC America. Continue Reading

USB Heating Blanket or Shawl

usb heating blanketDo you get the chills while at work but don’t have access to turn down the AC because the boss’ office is over heating from the corner windows?  Well, this USB heating shawl will definitely help. With a quick connection to a USB port, say goodbye to the mid-day chills.  Equally effective would be putting the shawl on your legs if the color doesn’t match your outfit [yes I’m talking to the women out there]. The blanket has a button on two ends to loop together so the shawl doesn’t fall off while warming up.  I could see this as a great office gift for those getting too cold in the summer months from AC or just too cold in the winter…because…well..it’s winter. Source:  LikeCool.com.  USB Heating Blanket only $30. Continue Reading

GetUSB Dealz: $14 Equals 3 Port USB Hub, Multi-Card Reader, Small Package

Limited stock for this Nyko 3 port USB hub and multi-card reader which supports SD, Smart Media, Compact Flash and Memory Stick for only $14.99.  Great deal without rebate and free shipping.

usb hub card reader

Grab the GetUSB Dealz now!

The Nyko 3 Port USB Hub 2.0 with Multi-Card Reader gives you 3 USB 2.0 ports and a multi-card reader that supports Smart Media, Compact Flash, Sony Memory Stick and Secure Digital (SD card) formats. This item works with both PCs and Xbox 360 systems. The Multi-Reader for Xbox 360 lets you connect additional wired controllers, Flash drives, an iPod or PSP to your PC or Xbox 360. The Media Card Reader supports Smart Media, Compact Flash, Sony Memory Stick and Secure Digital formats. Easily view photos from a digital camera or listen to music stored on an iPod using your Xbox 360. The unit draws its power from the Xbox 360’s USB ports – no additional batteries or AC adaptor is required. Grab the GetUSB Dealz! Continue Reading

20 Target SD Card Duplicator (UberGeek Review)

20 Target SD Card Duplicator for Bulk SD Copying

Update: Since the original post, Nexcopy has redesigned their SD card duplicator box. The image from the original post has been updated to reflect the current 20 target SD duplicator model. (Jan 2024)

Nexcopy recently unveiled its industry-leading edge in the market with the all-new SD200PC 20 Target SD Card Duplicator; a 20-target SD Card Duplicator designed for tech-savvy professionals and businesses immersed in Secure Digital media. While duplicating 20 copies of a personal SD card may initially raise eyebrows, Nexcopy is catering to a niche market—specifically targeting companies engaged in distributing software applications on SD cards for field devices or managing large quantities of miniSD cards for fleets of portable electronics.

The SD200PC is compatible with microSD cards, making it a valuable tool for phone companies to efficiently load promotional materials onto phones for their customers. With the increasing power of smartphones and PDAs, coupled with expanding media storage capacities, more individuals and businesses rely on microSD cards for critical data distribution.

With ease-of-use in mind, the SD200PC connects via USB and features 20 numbered SD ports, simplifying the identification of each card. The accompanying software supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, and even proprietary formats an OEM or manufacturer may have developed. This is possible thanks to its bit-by-bit copy engine that makes a perfect digital clone of the master SD card. The duplicator is compatible with Linux distribution packages and caters to complex embedded applications. For less tech-savvy users, Nexcopy provides a user-friendly job wizard within the software to guide them through the duplication process.

Priced at $1,299, the 20 Target SD Card Duplicator offers exceptional value considering its advanced features and immediate availability for delivery. While the investment may seem steep for casual users, it’s a crucial tool for businesses and tech enthusiasts requiring bulk SD card duplication with high reliability.

The Nexcopy SD200PC provides a sophisticated solution for organizations distributing SD card content and tech professionals seeking fast, efficient, and accurate duplication capabilities. With its broad compatibility, user-friendly features, and competitive pricing, the 20 Target SD Card Duplicator stands out as a top choice for managing large volumes of SD and microSD cards effectively.

SD160PC is USB 3.0 Speed SD Card Duplicator

Nexcopy expanded its line of flash memory duplication equipment with the USB160PC, a 16-target USB duplicator built on USB 3.0 technology back in 2014. This system offers a significant performance boost compared to older USB 2.0 models, such as the SD200PC, which requires approximately six minutes to write 1GB of data. With the USB160PC, that same 1GB data load can be transferred in about one minute, providing IT professionals, content distributors, and production teams with a far more efficient duplication process. The enhanced speed is especially beneficial for environments where large volumes of data or high-capacity drives are used, reducing overall production time and increasing throughput without compromising reliability.

Both the USB160PC and the SD200PC are fully compatible with Windows 11 operating systems. This ensures that regardless of whether users choose the high-speed USB 3.0 duplicator or the widely used 20-target USB 2.0 solution, they can seamlessly operate these systems on modern PCs, maintaining productivity and compatibility with current technology standards.

Nexcopy provides specialized hardware solutions capable of reading the CID (Card Identification) values from Secure Digital (SD) cards—a unique serial number programmed by the card manufacturer that cannot be altered or accessed through standard operating systems. Unlike basic software utilities that interact with the file system, reading a CID value requires low-level communication with the SD card controller, which is not possible with a typical PC card reader. Nexcopy’s proprietary hardware is specifically designed to interface directly with the SD card’s protected registers, extracting this data accurately and reliably. This functionality cannot be achieved with software alone because most consumer-grade card readers do not expose the necessary hardware commands, making dedicated Nexcopy equipment essential for CID reading applications such as security authentication, device whitelisting, and digital rights management solutions.

People want to write a CID value to a Secure Digital (SD) card primarily for security, licensing, and device authentication purposes. The CID (Card Identification) value is a unique, manufacturer-programmed identifier stored in the SD card’s controller. Certain industries and software developers leverage this ID as a hardware-based “fingerprint” to bind applications, encryption keys, or digital content to a specific card.

By writing or customizing the CID value, organizations can:

  • Prevent Unauthorized Copying: Lock digital content or licensed software to a specific SD card, preventing it from being copied and used on another device.
  • Enable Secure Boot or Device Pairing: Some embedded systems or IoT devices use CID values for secure boot processes, allowing only whitelisted cards to operate with their hardware.
  • Facilitate DRM and Content Protection: Media companies can distribute protected files that only work with cards having pre-assigned CID numbers.
  • Streamline Manufacturing & Tracking: Hardware manufacturers can pre-program cards with known CIDs for inventory control, traceability, and product authentication.

Because the CID is typically locked at the factory level and not changeable with standard readers, specialized hardware like Nexcopy duplicators is required to program custom CID values, making this an essential capability for businesses that rely on hardware-based security measures.

Source: PRWeb

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Vinyl and Cassette Tape Ripper Through USB

ADS Technology has released their Instant Music ripping system to easily convert old vinyl and cassette media to MP3 files.  The Instant Music will convert any analog audio signal into any number of popular digital formats such as MP3, WMA or OGG.

mp3 conversion

Instant Music connects via USB and ships with Acoustics Spin It Again software to set sample bit rates, configure audio formats you plan to convert from analog to digital and more advanced features such as ID3 tagging. I don’t think it’s as slick looking as the Ion Audio unit but then again we see a big price difference between the two ($49 verse $150) and the Instant Music will convert any analog signal, not just those old vinyl records. Continue Reading

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