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TP-Link Portable 3G Wireless N Router fits in your pocket, draws power from USB
Sure, we may be fast approaching the 12th year of the 21st century, but as you may have noticed, planet Earth has yet to be coated in a warm, fuzzy blanket of WiFi. And yes, we're just as befuddled as you. For now -- and for the foreseeable future as well -- we'll need to continue furnishing our own provisions for reliable wireless internet access, which is often no small feat. Fortunately, if you're able to find a USB 3G modem or Ethernet connection, TP-Link's new Portable 3G/3.75G Wireless N Router (TL-MR3020) can hook you up with WiFi for a mere $40. The tiny device is small enough to fit in your pocket, and offers a variety of power options, including a built-in plug and mini USB connector -- enabling you to use the device with an external battery pack, for example. A second USB port lets you hook up a UMTS/HSPA/EVDO USB 3G modem, which you can then dish out to other wireless gadgets. This pocketable WiFi wonder will be available on December 14th at Fry's, Micro Center, B&H and Data Vision, along with e-tailers like Newegg and Amazon. If an Ethernet-only model will suit your needs, the TL-WR700N is another option, shipping on November 23rd for $30. Jump past the break for the full rundown from TP-Link.
Simple hack turns the Magic Trackpad into a USB-powered affair
While many hacks we feature on these virtual pages are terrifyingly complex, this one is anything but. Even more surprising, it's actually useful. Mark Bog decided to tether his Magic Trackpad to the sweet, endless power supply of his computer over USB, instead of swapping out AAs endlessly. To do this he merely pulled out the black and red power wires of a USB cable and attached them to a battery-shaped dowel, which slots easily into the Trackpad. The best part is that this seems basically non-destructive to the trackpad (if the 5 volts coming from the USB cable isn't too much for its precious internals), so Mark shouldn't have much trouble switching back if he suddenly misses the wireless freedom for a stationary desktop object that so far seems lost on him.
Plextor ships PX-B120U USB-powered Blu-ray drive for $100
We aren't saying your nifty new netbook can actually handle the stresses of playing back a Blu-ray Disc, but if your USB-equipped laptop has the oomph, Plextor has a new device to bring the spoils of BD to your previously lackluster machine. The new PX-B120U is a USB-powered BD-ROM drive, which not only plays back Blu-ray flicks but also burns DVDs and CDs of the blank variety. The standout feature, of course, is the ability to function entirely off of USB power, with no extra AC cabling needed. Furthermore, the device can be converted into a living room player when connected to the forthcoming PlexMedia, and while we wouldn't expect a wealth of extras, the $99.99 MSRP is shockingly tempting. %Gallery-97832%
Samsung develops USB-powered desktop PC monitor, plans 2011 street date
We've seen more than our fair share of USB displays as of late, and on the whole they're usually tiny -- say, around 7-inches. Sure, they're well-suited for someone who wants to get that Tweetdeck or their IRC window off of their main desktop, but that's about it. It looks like Samsung's poised to take the whole affair to the next level with its new 18.5-inch LCD display. By "improving the transmittance of the panel and the luminance efficiency of the backlight," Tech-on! notes, the company was able to keep power consumption down to 6.3W -- low enough that a forked USB 2.0 cable is sufficient to power the thing as well as supply data. The only drawback? Apparently the device uses an edge-lit backlight that limits the device's lifetime to 30,000 hours compared to 50,000 for existing LCD monitors). According to the company, you can look forward to seeing these things hit store shelves sometime in 2011.
Atlona's VGA to HDMI adapter ditches the brick, does 1080p on USB power
Laptops or desktops stuck with only VGA output often need a little help to get their content onto an HDTV, and Atlona is there for them. It's introducing another in a storied line of HDMI adapters, this one taking VGA input and turning it to HDMI output. That's not particularly special, but that this one does it powered only by a single USB port is. It'll also pull in analog audio over a 3.5mm plug and add that to the mix, then pump the results at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200. Of course, all that functionality is going to cost you: $120 for the adapter, but it does at least include a six-foot HDMI cable. They're up for order now ahead of a date with the postman next week, and there's another picture waiting for you after the break if you're really into the orange and black scheme.
DLO WallDock iPhone charger shoots for minimalist practicality
Yesterday's in-wall USB charger hackery might have inspired plenty of you to take up tools and start the USB power revolution, but if you own an iPod or iPhone and just a smidgen of common sense, you might wanna look at this first. The DLO WallDock is a teeny tiny charger that plugs into those familiar standard wall sockets, and its designed so that your iDevice leans back when connected, turning it into a neat (and wireless) substitute for your regular dock. We still wouldn't sacrifice the $25 asking price at the altar of cable freedom, but the more important question is, would you?
Crapgadget: Dead Santa edition
Nothing celebrates excess like a holiday murder immortalized in 10 bucks of USB-powered plastic. The Mini X'mas Desktop Snowman USB Aquarium Office Gift (really, that's the name) features a built-in motor that keeps Santa's corpse and undelivered package in constant motion. Festive, sure, but only if you share The Snowman's contemptuous glee at becoming the number one pitch man for the holidays. Hurry, only two left.
Thanko USB bear gloves don't inhibit your typing, keep palms toasty
Ah, how timely! Over two years after the USB-powered G-Gloves hit the scenes, in comes Thanko to bring a much needed new face to the niche. These Kumasan mittens both get powered from a single USB port and even have cutouts to allow your fingers to move freely. There's no mention of a price nor any indication that these will ever be released outside of Japan, but this is definitely a must-buy if you're headed to that side of the globe anytime soon.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Conceptually simple hack turns VGA port into power-only USB socket
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/hardware/Simple_hack_turns_VGA_port_into_power_only_USB_socket'; Seriously, it should be a Class 1 felony that there's no way to buy this. Okay, so maybe that's a stretch, but we can't get over how genius this is. As the old adage asserts, the best solutions are spawned from the most perplexing quandaries, and when one hacker determined that two USB ports on his laptop simply weren't enough, he figured out a way around it. Essentially, he utilized a VGA gender changer, a spare USB port and a bit of old fashioned solder work in order to transform an unwanted VGA connector into a power-only USB socket. Sure, the applications are limited, but are you really going to complain about an extra option for charging your cellphone / DAP / Darth Vader voice changer? No, no you are not.[Via EverythingUSB]
Video: DIY USB pan cooks your egg faster than a cellphone
Look, we know it's pointless and likely in violation of even the most rudimentary safety codes enacted since the Middle Ages. But there's something about DIY hackery of that 500mA USB port that tugs at the little Erector Set cobbling kid in each of us. Just wire up an off-the-shelf pan with some insulated tungsten filament and you'll be cooking an egg in about 7 minutes -- you know, after an overnight pre-heat, presumably. Now prepare to have your noodle scrambled along with an egg in the video after the break.[Thanks, Mira B.]
DIY USB Popcorn Maker: pops corn, explodes your mind
You paying attention Redenbacher? Those daring kids at Instructables have created the USB Popcorn Maker from a high intensity heater light, aluminum cup, and mason jar. Add oil, non-Linux kernels, and salt and you're ready to cozy-up in an uncomfortable three-some with the Wachowski Brothers. Unfortunately, the video posted after the break jump-cuts between USB attachment and the first corn kaboom. But given the 5V USB source, you'll likely need plenty of time to get the oil boiling. Then again, nobody said this was practical.[Thanks, Sophia D.]
USB Boxer floats like a butterfly, stings like a 500mA USB current
Wipe that look off your face, it should be completely clear by now that as time progresses, the probability of a concept or thing -- any concept or thing -- being made into some form of USB-powered device approaches one. Around here we just call it Engadget's Law.[Via technabob]
Wooden Ladybug speaker serves no real purpose
What's missing from your life these days? If you said a faux-wood, USB powered, "ladybug" shaped speaker -- well, that's pretty odd. Regardless, now your sick, twisted fantasies can be fulfilled with the Wooden Ladybug mini-PA, a charming yet useless accessory for your desktop. If you don't want to stay shackled to your USB ports, you can also throw in a few AAA batteries and take this on the road. Be sure to show it off to your friends so they can congratulate you on your totally boadacious new sound system. Available now for the shockingly odd and affordable price of $13.76.[Via Technabob]
The USB Greenhouse makes Al Gore cry
The USB Greenhouse grows plants which is good for the environment right? Oh sure, 'cept you have to keep your PC running 24/7 in order to provide the fake USB sunlight to the artificial soil. It's what life will be like when robots farm, only with Marigolds not the wee babies harvested of their electrical properties. $43 for you without a soul.
LG launches ultrathin USB-powered external DVD burner
For those not quite ready to take the high-definition plunge, LG is looking to make burning those vanilla DVDs a whole lot easier whilst on the road. The uber-slim GSA-E50N (and LightScribe-equipped GSA-E50L) measure in at just 6.14- x 6.5- x 0.84-inches and weigh 0.84-pounds, come in black or white motifs, and play nice with Windows Vista. Moreover, the unit is powered completely via USB, and can burn DVD+R / RW, DVD-R / RW, and DVD-RAM discs at up to 8x speeds. Both units are slated to hit the streets soon, and while the GSA-E50N will ring up at €89 ($122), the GSA-E50L will demand an extra €10 ($14).[Via The Inquirer]
SolidAlliance's USB 2.0 Engine HUB drives up your geek cred
Oh dork lord incarnate, meet the SolidAlliance 3-port USB Engine Hub. Modeled after a motorcycle engine, SolidA's latest features a kick starter, gear shift, and enough faux-engine revving effects to drive everyone around you nuts. No word on price yet, but it's available starting tomorrow in Japan. Now check the video action after the break.Update: Priced at ¥5,250 or about $43, vroom vroom daddy, vroom vroom.
Samsung patents combo phone antenna / USB charger
The crafty engineers at Samsung haven't given up on their lil' stubs -- the company has just received a patent for integrating a USB or FireWire plug into a stick-out antenna, allowing you to charge or sync your phone with ease. We don't know what Sammy is planning to do with this, but that illustration is giving us hope that it's about to release a new take on one of our all-time faves, the Ericsson T39m.[Via The Raw Feed]
USB Mini Fridge keeps the dorks cool
We know you've been waiting for it. Now finally, Brando brings you the $33 USB Mini Fridge. Sure, it takes 5 minutes to bring the fridge down to 8.5 degrees centigrade (47 degrees fahrenheit) and it holds just one can. But hey, it's a 5V USB-powered refrigerator dambit and that's worth it at any price.
Brando's Wii Crystal Cooler lights up your life
Although it's been unscientifically proven that Nintendo's Wii is the least likely of the three major consoles to actually need a heat suppressing adornment flanking its side, it's no surprise that accessory manufacturers are out to get the suckers anyway. For those of you who just can't keep your Wii cool enough, and weren't about to drop any dough on the repulsive China Shenzhen Firstsing variety, Brando's coming to the rescue. The company famous for its USB-powered, unnecessarily flashy gizmos has struck again with the Wii Crystal Cooler, which utilizes USB power to fan off your Wii, sports a nifty blue LED to give it that special touch of tacky, and also doubles as a stand. It can be yours today for just $19.
The USB dancing shoe
That ain't no USB Slipper folks. It's an honest to goodness USB powered dancing shoe. Ok, ok, the image is clearly digitally manipulated. But if we know Thanko and SolidAlliance like we think we do, it won't be long before we see a craplastic version in a production run. Check the video after the break.
