Intel has reported a problem between the Haswell processor, the next-generation microprocessor that uses 8-series cor-logic sets.
Intel says when a PC system with Core i-series Haswell inside wakes from S3 sleep mode, it experiences issues with devices connected through USB 3.0. Intel defines the issue only as a nuisance for end users, but who will be the real judge of that?
Continue Reading
Here is a great tool for cleaning Windows Registry of USB drive entries. The program runs in the Windows console and removes all devices that are not currently connected.
To clean up the Windows registry of a USB flash drive, or other USB devices can make your system boot faster and run faster.
For example, each time you connect a USB printer to a different USB port on your PC there are registry entries made which associate the device with the drivers. Windows is trying to be smart and log this information so the next time you connect the device, Windows will know exactly what to do. Meaning when you connect the printer a second time, you don’t see the balloon from Windows saying “Installing Brother driver” or something, it’s just connected and ready to go.
But, for example, lets say you connect your Nikon camera to your PC and you use a different USB port each time, now you have a bunch of registry entries that can make your PC boot slower, run slower or possible give you trouble with that external device.
With all this said, if you are having trouble with a USB drive, or a USB camera, printer or scanner, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is run this Windows registry cleaner utility. Good chance it will solve your problems.
System Requirements:
WinXP / Vista / Win7 Writes settings to:
Does not write files to host computer Dependencies:
Administrator rights License:
Freeware How to extract:
Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch drivecleanup.exe either in the ‘Win32’ folder or ‘x64’ folder.
Gizmodo posted about a USB necklace in early February and all the comments ripped them a new one for the non-tech product. I kinda agree, but the funny thing, the “Upload” necklace is sold out. And sold out with a price tag of $48.
I think we should push the jeweler (if we can call her that) to make some more.
Order Page: Here!
Continue Reading
ComputerWorld did a nice write up about the IronKey Workspace product for Windows 8 operating system.
Read the full article here.
“IronKey storage devices have also been validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to meet the stringent Level 3 criteria of FIPS 140-2. Combined with the cloud -based IronKey Enterprise Management Service, data security can be managed and audited from anywhere in the world. The IronKey Workspace flash drive, however, is not FIPS-certified.”
The IronKey will boot from any PC or Mac computer. Boots in about 35 seconds but has an initial configuration time of about 4 minutes.
Continue Reading
Smartronix has a USB power monitor and it’s ideal for those who want to regulate what power is coming from a USB device. Most notably would be the ability to test power from a suspect defective drive or gadget. With so many useless USB toys made in cheap factories over seas, one can get a product which plays havoc with your system. Most problems always come from power.
Granted the power meter probably takes more juice then any USB power gadget your testing, but again, this is designed for the hobbyist or guy troubleshooting some gear.
This is also a good device to test products which claim to fall into the USB-IF specification for a USB device, something like this USB power meter could help prove your case against an overseas supplier who’s not fessing up to their poor quality work. (can you tell we’ve ran into this problem on multiple occasions !)
Too bad it doesn’t measure calories, otherwise we’d find out just how hard that USB humping dog is really working.
Smartronix webstore, vai Gadgeteer.
Features:
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 compatible
Large, easy to read LCD
Folding Stand
Auto Power-Down
Peak Hold
Measures current in either direction (Host>Device or Device>Host
Batteries and USB Cable included
Specifications:
Maximum Voltage Reading +/- 19.99 Volts
Voltage Reading Accuracy: +/- 0.1 volt from -10V to 10V; 5% from 10.01V to 19.99V; 5% from -10.01V to -19.99V
Maximum Current Reading +/- 1999 mA
Current Reading Accuracy: +/- 2mA from -500mA to 500mA; 5% from 501mA to 1999mA; 5% from -501mA to -1999mA
The DN-84254 is a microUSB cable which mirrors your smartphone screen on your PC. The sync software allows you to click around on the PC screen and control your phone.
So what’s it good for, imagine this:Â Â If an app would require you to input letters or characters, you can simply do so by using the PC’s keyboard. Several key shortcut buttons on top of the program also allow you to conveniently make the device do specific commands, or access certain areas instantly. So, aside from being able to record screen activity directly on your PC (for gaming and reviews and the likes), you can also intuitively control the smartphone within the PC’s environment as if it was just a simple Android emulating program or similar.
For me, this cable is worth
Continue Reading
If you haven’t heard,DELL is looking to buy back it’s public shares and go private. Why you ask? Going private would allow them to make quick and swift changes with in the company to re-invent itself. Currently the never-ending demands of the stock holders and investors ties their hands in freedom to create as they wish.
DELL, so it is said, started a new code project call Ophelia. The project is turning a USB key into a portable desktop. The USB would have the ability to access online software tools and operating systems. The USB solution from Ophelia will still require a hardware setup (someone’s PC) so think of it as a USB stick high-jacking the processor, RAM, motherboard, video controller etc to run it’s own OS.
We’ve seen things like this from smaller, start-up companies, but DELL has the ability to really make this main stream. The rumor on target price is $50 US Dollars.
I for one believe the ability to high-jack another PCs hardware doesn’t warrant it enough to be more then a complimentary tool to one’s main PC. Now if DELL can high-jack the
Continue Reading
Despite every effort for the world to go paperless, there is always one more idea or product to use it. Today we hear about IntelliPaper USB drives. This is a new technology where the parent company, IntelliPaper, is trying to raise funds for it’s manufacturing.
The idea is putting a controller chip embedded between several pieces of paper. From there, USB contacts are created to transmit the electical current of the four pins required to make USB work.
Granted, this wont be an 8GB flash drive, but you can autorun a website, store some basic information or embed music for an audible greeting card.
The ideas do seem limitless when you watch the video off the start-up webpage at Indiegogo.
Continue Reading
What is it about USB steampunk flash drives? Am I the only one with a keen interest in showing off these hand crafted USB drives? Could it be the material used which draws my attention? Could it be the fine detail of each device which peaks my interested? Could it be the impressive number of hours required to make each piece? I’m not sure, but I could flip through pages and pages of these USB steampunk drives.
For 2012, here are the top 12 styles. There is not particular order as each person will favor their own, but you will agree these are probably the 12 most unique designs you’ve seen the past twelve months.
Continue Reading
Brando is reselling [because they don’t actually make anything] a 5 socket USB power brick. The power block will supply a total of 11,000 mAh of Output, with not much of any port having significant Watts.
It is probably a good product for a trickle charge to several devices or a quick charge to one or two, so if you’re far away from that car charger, wall charger, or solar charger the USB power brick would be a nice edition.
The USB power brick sells for $60 USD + shipping of a couple dollars
Continue Reading
I read a great article on The Unofficial Apple Weblog [TUAW] about making a Mountain Lion installer on USB.
To make an installer version of Mountain Lion on USB you’ll obviously need a copy of the OSX Mountain Lion installer.
Next, go to your applications folder and find the actual installer…should be called Mac OS X Mount Lion.
Rich click that bad boy and select the Show Package Contents form the pop-up.
Navigate to Contents > SharedSupport and then start looking for the InstallESD.dmg. This is the image file for the installer.
Now we need to launch the DiskUtility so open a new folder with Command N.
Continue Reading
It’s happened. The darkest fears of humanity realized. Earth has been conquered by an ancient alien race. The Reapers. And the name ain’t a coincidence…
Mass Effect 3 is one of the coolest interactive video games out there. With a unique ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ narrative structure and mind-bending graphics and battle scenarios, Mass Effect 3 is pushing gaming forward. This ain’t no Donkey Kong! (no offense Donkey Kong)
Source:Â Mimobot.
Continue Reading