USB e-lighter concept could fire up your next carton

Those trying to kick the habit should seriously consider looking away. The e-lighter concept, designed by Tao Ma, looks to come in black or white motifs, and can apparently fire up your next cigarette with nothing more than the mere 5v current from your nearest USB port. As these things typically go, not much information beyond that is readily available, but Tao does mention that reservations could be fielded if this type of habit-supporting device suits your fancy. Click through for a darker shade.

[Via EverythingUSB]

[sitheris @ Jul 11th 2007 9:33AM]

Why not just use, you know, a regular lighter? A regular lighter fits in your pocket and doesn't require a USB port for use.

[Alan Strangis @ Jul 11th 2007 9:38AM]

The first rule of quitting is not buy a USB lighter dongle for your PC.

The second rule of quitting is never smoke while at the computer, because you only smoke about 25-30% of any cigarette you light.

The third rule is stop buying smokes.

Oh well, I got the first two licked.

[MrFuNKy @ Jul 11th 2007 9:43AM]

How about a "USB cigarette" that just continuously pumps the smoke directly into your lungs.

[andy @ Jul 11th 2007 9:49AM]

Why make a long lasting lighter out of white plastic? That plastic will be yellow in about a week.

[yevon7 @ Jul 11th 2007 9:49AM]

how about a USB tumor!?

[SiLo @ Jul 11th 2007 9:51AM]

Sorry '5v -current-' bothers me, that's like saying 200 Ω of voltage. Even if it acceptable to word it the way they did, it just looks bad in my opinion.

Anyways, back to the issue at hand here, I think it's a pretty neat idea even though I don't smoke (nor do I condone it!). On a pure safety scale, fire is more dangerous than a "mini low-power electric stove." While both could cause damage when used improperly, it is nice to not need lighter fluid I guess.

Ah well, I mean it can't surprise anyone. They've got .25 bays for tower PCs that can cover all your 'household' needs: bottle opener, cup holder, ashtray, etc. You also have the USB mug wamer/coolers too and the aquariums! You could have like a USB house soon enough.

Wait for the USB mini dishwasher! ;) It'll clean a coffee mug and a pair of silverware for all those who bring them to work everyday! Haha, the scary part is as I say this, I'm sure someone at a company right now is thinking "hey, that's a good idea..."

[Carlton @ Jul 11th 2007 12:24PM]

Thank you! That "5v current" was really bugging me too! Glad I'm not the only one.

[Zarniwoop @ Jul 11th 2007 2:51PM]

How about a USB toilet so you don't have to ever leave your computer

[Zeus the God @ Jul 11th 2007 9:52AM]

How about we all just go and have cancerous cells injected into our body?

[timone @ Jul 11th 2007 10:17AM]

I hate to drop a PA link but I read this post and could only think of this:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2007/04/04

_It's clearly not for smoking_

[Christian Martin @ Jul 11th 2007 10:36AM]

You win for that.

[Alan Strangis @ Jul 11th 2007 11:28AM]

LMAO! Plug it into a 360, and it automatically lights up when you get Perfect on a Guitar Hero ballad!

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 1:12PM]

Nice!

[tiuk @ Jul 11th 2007 10:18AM]

Have you ever opened the computer of a smoker? Blech.

[Jack @ Jul 11th 2007 10:41AM]

hmm, I'm not sure how safe this is, last time I saw a pc ciggarette lighter for sale, a few reviews said it had blown the PSU, Although, now I think about it, that ran off a molex directly from the PSU I think

[strider_mt2k @ Jul 11th 2007 1:15PM]

This isn't necessarily rocket science.

There is easily enough room in there for a capacitor or rechargeable battery.

That would take the major load off of the live USB power source and use it mostly for charging, which can be done as gently as those one hitters you're gonna try this on.

-to the left, if you please. :)

[SOLO @ Jul 11th 2007 3:15PM]

Well,(as one who smokes and condones it) I think this is a great idea. We smokers are often neglected when it comes to trendy little computer devices. Thanks Tao Ma!
Thanks to all my fellow smokers out there also, we are (almost single handedly) supporting child healthcare in the USA!!