UsbKey -- Engadget

Solid Alliance's $10,000 Mnemosyne USB drive is built for style, not convenience

by Vladislav Savov, posted Jul 2nd 2009 at 5:47AM

The Greek goddess of memory, Mnemosyne, would surely be proud of this product bearing her name. For starters, it comes at a price few mere mortals can afford and is couched within an extravagant all-aluminum body. The puzzle cube certainly provides a ceremonial feel to accessing the data within, and makers Solid Alliance are pitching it as a luxurious receptacle for your most treasured memories. Yes, under all the sheen, you are still looking at 16GB of standard issue flash memory, but can we really put a price on mythology-infused style?

Canon EOS 5D Mark II flash drive: just 21.1MP shy of awesomeness

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 27th 2009 at 9:23AM

You could say that this is the perfect USB flash drive for existing EOS 5D Mark II owners. We'd argue, however, that this is the perfect USB flash drive for those looking to just live vicariously while not shattering the bank. 'Course, $129.99 for a 4GB USB key is pretty absurd, but at least that gets you Live View and a 1080p movie mode. Er, wait...

[Via Zungua]

LaCie's itsaKey, iamaKey and PassKey USB drives now available

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 14th 2009 at 7:43AM

Remember those so-very-key-like USB keys we peeked from LaCie earlier this month? Yeah, those bad boys are now priced and available for shipment. Designed by 5.5 Designers, the itsaKey, iamaKey and PassKey USB drives are now available to order, with the first two sporting up to 8GB of internal capacity and the PassKey boasting a built-in microSD card slot. As for pricing? Try starting points of $14.99, $17.99 and $9.99 in order of mention.

USB cake design worst birthday surprise in history

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 3rd 2009 at 7:01AM

Imagine this -- you walk into a custom confectionery and inform the design team that you want the image on a USB flash drive made onto a very special cake. In fact, you even leave the flash drive with them so they can really look it over. Sure, you'd think they would get to frost-brushing that unicorn flying through a rainbow right onto the cake, but apparently the artists in question had other ideas. Namely, creating a photo-perfect replica of a Lexar flash drive on the surface of what appears to be an otherwise delicious pile of sugar. Seriously. Too bad about that black icing, birthday boy.

[Via UberReview]

Verbatim trots out OS X-friendly 8GB Store 'n' Go retractable USB drive

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 6th 2009 at 3:28PM

Verbatim doesn't really make a lot of racket during the year, but come Macworld / CES, it pulls out all of the stops. Alongside a new family of delectable ExpressCard SSDs, the company is also introducing an 8GB Store 'n' Go Retractable USB Drive (Windows version shown) that caters to the OS X crowd. Verbatim's pushing two main selling points here: for starters, the capless, retractable design means that your USB socket will always be covered, and secondly, the password controlled access to the drive's private zone plays nice within an OS X environment. The half-ounce device is expected to land on store shelves in just a few weeks, though it'll cost you a stiff $59.99 if you're looking to pay MSRP.

SanDisk showcases new Ultra Backup / Cruzer USB flash drives

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 5th 2009 at 10:32PM

Rather than simply adding a new capacity option or throwing another adjective on the end (i.e. Ultra, Xtreme, Gnarly, etc.), SanDisk is actually launching something in the flash drive sector that's worth paying attention to. The Ultra USB Backup is hailed as the planet's first USB key with simple backup software activation at the touch of a button, and with capacities up to 64GB, we'd say this is a pretty decent option for keeping your digital paraphernalia backed up sans an external HDD. In related news, the outfit has redesigned the long-standing Cruzer to fall more in line with today's trends, effectively stripping the retro pastel hues and adding in "iconic new design language developed by global innovation firm frog design." The new bunch is expected in stores this April, with prices ranging from $24.99 to $99.99 for the Cruzer and $39.99 to $199.99 for the Ultra Backup. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading SanDisk showcases new Ultra Backup / Cruzer USB flash drives

EMTEC's Kooky Klickers-based USB drives bring a smile to anyone's face

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 30th 2008 at 10:02AM

Think you're having a rough day? Did you get a placard with instructions to the exit rather than a bonus check this week? We know, life's a little rough right now, but how on Earth can you look at the bunch pictured above and not crack at least a smidgen of a grin? Based on the insanely popular Kooky Klickers brand, the Kooky USB Drives are modeled after the widely recognized character pens and are being pushed by EMTEC. Curiously, there's no mention at all of a price, and odder still, not a peep on capacity choices; in other words, you should be fully prepared to pay too much for too little when your kid starts to wailing.

Crapgadget: not-even-suitable-for-gag-gifts edition

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 25th 2008 at 10:00AM

We all know the holiday season is coming up, but even if you're on the hunt for a gag gift for your fav-o-rite prankster, we can't not recommend the following turds enough. Up first is the absolutely unbelievable Night Sweat Alarm watch, which actually wakes you up if it detects that you're perspiring. Why? Legend has it that no one knows. Moving on, we've got the USB Volcano -- a perfect mix of your first-grade science project and your college-era infatuation with all things USB. Things start to get really absurd when viewing the self-explanatory Glass of Milk Light and the Retro Handy Handset, but even those are potentially topped in stupidity by the Air Flow Mouse and cake-shaped USB drives. Have a look at each below before casting your vote, but keep that barf bag handy.

Read - Sweat Alarm watch
Read - USB Volcano
Read - Glass of Milk Light
Read - Retro Handy Handset
Read - Air Flow Mouse
Read - Cake-shaped USB drive

Solid Alliance's 2GB USB Skull Ring helps RPG players look tough

by Thomas Ricker, posted Oct 21st 2008 at 4:51AM

We'll be straight with you: there's no single expression of bad-assery more potent in the polyhedral kingdom of nerdistan than the USB Skull Ring. Brought to you by Solid Alliance, the 2GB USB drive feels right at home transferring files to your PC or at the end of a fist, deftly buried into the gut of a Moradin dwarf. Your choice for $145, no seriously. One more hair-free shot after the break.

Continue reading Solid Alliance's 2GB USB Skull Ring helps RPG players look tough

Incrudo 8GB flash drive reeks of expensive

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 8th 2008 at 6:22PM

Don't spaz out or anything, but that thing you're peering at above actually isn't a small flask of cologne. No, no -- it's an 8GB USB drive, and it's one of the most expensive you can buy. Reportedly built with titanium, the drive is water-resistant, crush-proof and fancied up further with a single red ruby. Sure, it's 21,750 rubles ($837), but dollars to donuts they'd trade you one for a sure-to-be-authentic iPhone.

[Via Gadgets-Weblog]

Corsair's new 64GB Flash Voyager USB drive going for $199

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 1st 2008 at 6:56AM

Progress is beautiful, is it not? Just shy of two years ago, Corsair blew minds with its ruggedized 16GB Flash Voyager, built to withstand all but the nastiest of drops and hold oodles of quarterly reports for a mere $299. Earlier this year, we saw the capacity double up and the price fall to just $229. Now, the bootable drive has been bloated further with a full 64GB of space, only this one's available right now for just a buck ninety-nine. Dollars to donuts we'll see a 128GB version in under 12 months for around $150, but don't let that sway your purchasing decision or anything.

Read - Corsair release
Read - On sale for $199.99

Sony reveals limited edition 007 VAIO TT, USB Micro Vault and Reader Digital Book

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 29th 2008 at 11:31PM

In a move to pump up the impending theater debut of Quantum of Solace, Sony is simultaneously opening up a new promotional game and introducing a few new pieces of limited edition gear. Obviously, we're a touch more concerned with the kit than the game, so we'll skip over those details and head right to the meat of it. The outfit will be offering up 100 limited run VAIO TT laptops that are emblazoned with a 007 logo on the palm rest and a matching leather protection case. Additionally, a Special Edition Bond bundle for the Reader Digital Book will feature an embossed cover with a 007 logo and coupon codes for free downloads of Ian Fleming's novels Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Lastly, we've got the 007 USB Micro Vault in 8GB and 16GB flavors, both of which come pre-loaded with the Quantum of Solace trailer and other miscellaneous "bonus content." Wild guesses as to price / release dates are being accepted now.

TrekStor's stylish USB stick doubles as bottle opener

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 15th 2008 at 5:01PM

Is this a bottle opener that also functions as a flash drive, or is this a USB stick that just so happens to double as a bottle opener? While pundits debate that one, we'll step in to tell you that this brilliant creation from the minds of TrekStor includes a solid, brushed aluminum housing, USB 2.0 connectivity and the ability to play nice with any major operating system. Regrettably, it looks as if this one will launch in Europe alone next month for anywhere between €6.99 ($10) and €49.99 $71) depending on size (1/2/4/8/16GB capacities). Please, upload responsibly.

[Via CNET]

plankton's nailed USB drive: perfect for handymen, frustrated computer owners

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 30th 2008 at 7:53PM

Be honest with yourself: has there ever been a time when you felt like taking a hammer to a computer of yours? Yes, of course. Apparently some of the clever minds at plankton figured out a way to let people live out that fantasy without totally destroying their partially functional machine. The "nailed" USB flash drive features 2GB of internal storage, an unmistakable design and a rather huge head to ensure that even novice nailers don't miss the target. Of course, it doesn't take any responsibility for damage incurred by inserting said drive in the previously referenced manner, but a few light taps should suffice in most instances. Pick one up now in galvanized or blued (okay, not really) for €29.50 ($46).

[Via technabob]

Kingston sprinkles 16GB models into DataTraveler line, launches DT101

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 24th 2008 at 8:19PM

Nothing too fancy from Kingston Technology today, just a couple of more capacious flash drives and an all new one for good measure. For starters, the DataTraveler 400 with MigoSync software and the DT100 are both now available in roomy 16GB flavors. Meanwhile, the DT101 arrives on the scene with security software, capacities up to 8GB and in cyan, pink and yellow hues. Each of the newcomers should be available now, with the 16GB DT400 demanding $196, the 16GB DT100 costing $85 and the DT101 line ranging from $14 to $44.

[Via BIOS Magazine]