Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[This year's hottest pocket mirror is also a USB 3.0 multi-format card reader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/this-years-hottest-pocket-mirror-is-also-a-usb-3-0-multi-format/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/this-years-hottest-pocket-mirror-is-also-a-usb-3-0-multi-format/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/this-years-hottest-pocket-mirror-is-also-a-usb-3-0-multi-format/#comments We always knew that the worlds of technology and popular culture were on a collision course of epic proportions, and if this isn't proof... well, you might say that proof simply doesn't exist. Brando's newest gizmo has an identity crisis that Charlie Sheen would simply salivate over, but if we had to guess, we'd surmise that a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed card reader -- complete with support for CompactFlash, SDXC and M2 cards -- does a lot more #winning with a mirror slapped onto the side. Pre-order yours today for the tidy sum of $25, or alternatively, a vial of #tigerblood.

This year's hottest pocket mirror is also a USB 3.0 multi-format card reader originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandocard readerCardReadercfcrapgadgetmemory cardmemory card readerMemoryCardMemoryCardReadermirrorpre-orderreadersdsuperspeed usbSuperspeedUsbthankousbusb 3.0Usb3.0weirdWed, 30 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Crapgadget: 'blurring the line between comical and offensive' edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/crapgadget-blurring-the-line-between-comical-and-offensive-ed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/crapgadget-blurring-the-line-between-comical-and-offensive-ed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/crapgadget-blurring-the-line-between-comical-and-offensive-ed/#comments Just because the flow of Crapgadgets has apparently slowed from an outpouring to a mere flood doesn't mean we haven't been dutifully collecting the worst of the bad over the past few months. Without further ado, we present to you the latest edition, complete with a handful of this quarter's most atrocious / splendiferous gadgets. Frankly, it's a chore just deciding where to start -- should we extol the portable speaker kit with an utterly unnecessary Core i5 label on the outside, or give priority to Thanko's heated mousepad / hand-engulfing cat face? On second thought, maybe it's the real wood stick-on that enables every smartphone owner to literally knock on wood whenever the mood strikes. Unfortunately for us, there's also an iPhone 4 steering wheel to consider, not to mention a stick figure speaker with a questionable audio jack and a retrofied telephone with an integrated reading light. Have a peek at each below, and let us know in the poll below which is most abhorrent. And remember, honesty really is the best policy.

Read - Portable speaker kit, Core i5-powered!
Read - Audiobot, who could use a zippered fly
Read - Thanko's cat face / mousepad / warmer
Read - Knock On Wood iPhone stick-on
Read - iPhone 4 steering wheel (with speakers!)
Read - USB retro telephone (with alarm clock!)

View Poll

Crapgadget: 'blurring the line between comical and offensive' edition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crapgadgethand warmerHandWarmerretrotelephonethankousbWed, 30 Mar 2011 00:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Earbud / alarm clock takes the comfort out of sleeping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/earbud-alarm-clock-takes-the-comfort-out-of-sleeping/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/earbud-alarm-clock-takes-the-comfort-out-of-sleeping/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/earbud-alarm-clock-takes-the-comfort-out-of-sleeping/#comments Love sleeping with earbuds in? Hate setting your smartphone in its alarm dock before you go to bed? The folks at Thanko have unveiled a little something called EARINALM which may be right up your alley. The premise is pretty straightforward: it's a set of earbuds that contains an alarm clock, stopwatch, and a calendar. The package includes a USB adapter of charging. Yours now for a mere ¥2,980, or roughly $35. The As Seen On TV infomercials practically write themselves.

Earbud / alarm clock takes the comfort out of sleeping originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarm clockAlarmClockcalendarcrapgadgetearbudsEARINALMearphonesjapanstopwatchthankoSat, 05 Mar 2011 22:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's USB kitty mask might get you noticed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/thankos-usb-kitty-mask-might-get-you-noticed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/thankos-usb-kitty-mask-might-get-you-noticed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/thankos-usb-kitty-mask-might-get-you-noticed/#comments You know why he's so happy? Because he's Japanese, and being Japanese is awesome. Trains run on time, robots do the work, and you get to wear kitty-faced masks with a USB- or battery-powered fan to circulate the atmosphere in front of your air holes... and nobody cares. ¥1,980 (about $24), or ¥2,190 gift wrapped for someone special.

Thanko's USB kitty mask might get you noticed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catcat maskCatMaskdiseasefangermsjapankittymaskthankousb maskUsbMaskvirusThu, 03 Feb 2011 04:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's monitor hub takes all your desk clutter and hangs it from your LCD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/thankos-monitor-hub-takes-all-your-desk-clutter-and-hangs-it-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/thankos-monitor-hub-takes-all-your-desk-clutter-and-hangs-it-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/thankos-monitor-hub-takes-all-your-desk-clutter-and-hangs-it-fr/#commentsThanko's monitor hub takes all your desk clutter and hangs it on your LCD Your desk is a mess. Didn't your mother teach you anything? I mean, really, wouldn't that pen be better off in a drawer or something instead of tossed haphazardly behind your keyboard? And how long are you going to keep those empty soda bottles there? Maybe you should organize yourself a little, and maybe Thanko can help with its LCD monitor hub. It attaches to the sides and bottom of your LCD, giving you a four-port USB replicator below to help reduce cable-clutter and a series of tilt-out drawers on either side of your display where you can stuff the pens, pencils, cables, candies, thumb drives, screwdrivers, utility knives, digital cameras, toy cars, Gorillapods, memory cards, stickers, scissors, headphones, Wiimote wrists straps, and everything else that might not otherwise have a home. Or maybe that's our desks and we're just projecting.

Thanko's monitor hub takes all your desk clutter and hangs it from your LCD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryclutterdeskhublcdmonitorthankousbusb hubUsbHubThu, 16 Dec 2010 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's Laptop Table Bag stores your laptop, hides a table, saves your lap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/thankos-laptop-table-bag-stores-your-laptop-hides-a-table-sav/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/thankos-laptop-table-bag-stores-your-laptop-hides-a-table-sav/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/thankos-laptop-table-bag-stores-your-laptop-hides-a-table-sav/#commentsWe've all ready the scary reports of what happens when a laptop makes your lap top a little too toasty. The solution? Buying a desk, obviously, and now Thanko has one that you can take with you. It's called the Laptop Table Bag and it looks like a surprisingly normal, if decidedly corporate-issue, laptop bag. But, out of the bottom pivots four legs to hold your mobile device at what may or may not be a comfortable height. The 5980 yen ($75) contraption weighs about six pounds empty, making it a poor companion for your ultralight, but if your machine is more of a luggable -- or if your manservant does the carrying for you -- you may not even notice the extra heft.

Gallery: Thanko Laptop Table Bag

Thanko's Laptop Table Bag stores your laptop, hides a table, saves your lap originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carrying caseCarryingCaselaptop caselaptop table bagLaptopCaseLaptopTableBagtable bagTableBagthankoMon, 01 Nov 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's Spy Button video camera becomes slightly less ridiculous with high-def video mode]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/thankos-spy-button-video-camera-becomes-slightly-less-ridiculou/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/thankos-spy-button-video-camera-becomes-slightly-less-ridiculou/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/03/thankos-spy-button-video-camera-becomes-slightly-less-ridiculou/#comments It still won't fool your mark if you pin it to a stained T-shirt, but if you're rocking the plaid button-down look you'll be happy to know Thanko's Spy Camera has received an incremental update. For ¥4,980 (about $58), the third revision of the button-hole camera will shoot 8 megapixel stills and record in 1280 x 960 HD for up to 50 minutes on a charge, which sets the household espionage device just this side of crapgadget territory. Bring your own dignity... and microSD card.

Thanko's Spy Button video camera becomes slightly less ridiculous with high-def video mode originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buttonbutton cameraButtonCameraCameraespionageHDpinhole cameraPinholeCameraspyspy camspy cameraspy camerasSpyCamSpyCameraSpyCamerasThankoTue, 03 Aug 2010 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Crapgadget: you never thought you'd need this (and you were right) edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/crapgadget-you-never-thought-youd-need-this-and-you-were-righ/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/crapgadget-you-never-thought-youd-need-this-and-you-were-righ/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/crapgadget-you-never-thought-youd-need-this-and-you-were-righ/#comments
A great idea can change the world -- and a bad idea? All too often, that becomes a crapgadget. Do you really need a pair of speakers for your MP3 player shaped like stuffed bears? Juicy Couture seems to think so. How about fluffy "cat ear" headphones? We wouldn't recommend them unless you're a 13-year old girl -- or maybe getting ready for Anthrocon 2011. And don't even get us started on Tuttuki Bako, the little green box that exists so you can put your finger in it and see a heavily pixelated, monochromatic rendering of you finger... in a green box! We also have a Bluetooth speakerphone unit for your wrist and an ultraviolet toothbrush sterilizer that gets power from glorious USB. No thank you.

Read - UVMini USB Toothbrush Sanitizer
Read - Tuttuki Bako green box toy
Read - Nekomimi Headphones for Cosplay aficionado, perverts
Read - Juicy Couture Mini Bear Speakers
Read - Atomic9 Bluetooth wristband speakerphone

View Poll

Crapgadget: you never thought you'd need this (and you were right) edition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetooth watchBluetoothWatchcrapgadgetJuicy CoutureJuicy Couture Mini Bear SpeakersJuicyCoutureJuicyCoutureMiniBearSpeakersMini Bear SpeakersMiniBearSpeakersNekomimiNekomimi HeadphonesNekomimiHeadphonessanitizerThankotoothbrushTuttuki BakoTuttukiBakouv sanitizeruvminiUvSanitizerMon, 26 Jul 2010 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's Bluetooth earpiece / wristwatch for the on-the-go, shameless tech professional]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/thankos-bluetooth-earpiece-wristwatch-for-the-on-the-go-sham/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/thankos-bluetooth-earpiece-wristwatch-for-the-on-the-go-sham/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/thankos-bluetooth-earpiece-wristwatch-for-the-on-the-go-sham/#comments
Thanko has given us much joy over the years, from e-cigarettes to necktie / spy cameras. But the Bluetooth Headset Wristwatch? Hell, this one looks almost useful: your watch can be popped out of the wristband to do double duty as a Bluetooth earpiece. Charging for two hours via USB will give you around four hours of operation, depending on whether you're using it to make calls or listen to music. Available in Japan for roughly $90.

Thanko's Bluetooth earpiece / wristwatch for the on-the-go, shameless tech professional originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothBluetooth Headset WristwatchBluetoothHeadsetWristwatchcrapgadgetearpieceheadsetthankowatchwristwatchTue, 20 Jul 2010 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's Bracelet Battery is back, better and geekier than ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/thankos-bracelet-battery-is-back-better-and-geekier-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/thankos-bracelet-battery-is-back-better-and-geekier-than-ever/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/07/thankos-bracelet-battery-is-back-better-and-geekier-than-ever/#commentsThanko's Bracelet Battery is back, better and geekier than ever If 2007's Bracelet Battery from Thanko didn't match your lifestyle, there's a good chance 2010's model won't either. That's because it looks identical to the prior model, sporting the kind of style that would go perfectly with a Caped Crusader costume and virtually nothing else. New with this year's model is an adapter cable that enables it to work with an even greater variety of devices, a 1,500mAh lithium-ion battery, and (wonder of wonders) an on/off switch. Yours for just ¥3,980 -- about $40.

Gallery: Thanko Bracelet Battery

Thanko's Bracelet Battery is back, better and geekier than ever originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 May 2010 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500mahbatterybattery braceletBatteryBraceletthankothanko battery braceletThankoBatteryBraceletFri, 07 May 2010 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[80-port USB hub makes you feel like a powerful soldier]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/80-port-usb-hub-makes-you-feel-like-a-powerful-soldier/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/80-port-usb-hub-makes-you-feel-like-a-powerful-soldier/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/80-port-usb-hub-makes-you-feel-like-a-powerful-soldier/#comments You know that 49-port USB hub you picked up last year? Sissy. Thanko just introduced an 80-port USB hub to charge all of your gadgets from a single location. Fantasy or nightmare? Well, first you have to consider the price (¥14,800, about $165) and the cabling chaos this will bring. Then you must know that the hub seems to charge your devices only: no USB data. And are you really man enough to handle the repulsive stares that a device like this will surely invoke from your family and so-called friends? Who cares! When a gadget promises this:
"When viewed from the side of the port in line, you feel powerful and somewhat like a soldier in the army."
You'd be crazy not to want it.

Gallery: 80-port USB hub makes you feel like a powerful soldier

80-port USB hub makes you feel like a powerful soldier originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80 port80-port80Portchargercharginghubthankousbusb chargerUsbChargerFri, 29 Jan 2010 01:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko Microsports MP3 player is small, really small]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/thanko-microsports-mp3-player-is-small-really-small/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/thanko-microsports-mp3-player-is-small-really-small/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/17/thanko-microsports-mp3-player-is-small-really-small/#comments Thanko is a brand forever tied to crapgadgets. It can, however, surprise us occasionally as it has with its new Microsports MP3/WMA/WAV player in 2GB (¥4,980 / $55) or 4GB (¥5,980 / $66) models. Measuring 16×25×22mm / 8g, it's about the size and weight of an average Bluetooth headset. And while we've seen similar micro players strung from lanyards, this is the first we can recall with an integrated ear-bud -- the second bud attaches via USB-cable for stereo audio. Looks comfy, eh?

Gallery: Thanko Microsports MP3 player is small, really small


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Thanko Microsports MP3 player is small, really small originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dapmicromicrosportsmp3mp3 microsportsmp3 playerMp3MicrosportsMp3Playerportable audioportableaudiosmallsmallestthankoThu, 17 Sep 2009 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko USB dental device will help prove you still need a dentist]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/02/thanko-usb-dental-device-will-help-prove-you-still-need-a-dentis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/02/thanko-usb-dental-device-will-help-prove-you-still-need-a-dentis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/02/thanko-usb-dental-device-will-help-prove-you-still-need-a-dentis/#comments Oh, the joys of self-diagnosis. Thanko's unleashed a USB dental "microscope" to let you check out the inside of your own mouth in great detail -- because you're so much more knowledgeable than a real dentist, right? This puppy's got six LEDs plus a small CMOS camera so you can shoot JPEGs / BMPs or 1,280×1024 resolution vids of your champers then check them out on your home computer. Of course, the sample shots (which are disgusting and after the break) inexplicably show a closeup of someone's scalp, demonstrating that this USB badboy has a variety of uses, all of them pretty gross. Is there something wrong with us if we just don't want to see our bodies in that much detail? It's only available on Thanko's Japanese site for the time being, and costs in the neighborhood of $80, but we have a feeling that it'll show up in the States anyday now... as soon as Oprah gets wind of it.

[Via Gizmodo]

Continue reading Thanko USB dental device will help prove you still need a dentist

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Thanko USB dental device will help prove you still need a dentist originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dentaldental microscopeDentalMicroscopemicroscopethankousbSun, 02 Aug 2009 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko Silent Keyboard EX might sneak up on the unalert]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/thanko-silent-keyboard-ex-might-sneak-up-on-the-unalert/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/thanko-silent-keyboard-ex-might-sneak-up-on-the-unalert/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/thanko-silent-keyboard-ex-might-sneak-up-on-the-unalert/#comments
So you've bought your Silent Mouse EX and now want to pair it up with a similarly radical text input device? Thanko is keen to make that choice as easy and obvious as possible, and has now updated its venerable Silent Keyboard with the EX moniker and an extra shot of quiet. The value of cutting 16.5 dB from the sound of a keyboard tap is somewhat lost on us, but Thanko seems to think it is precisely $52.79. Bundle the two sort-of-silent peripherals together for $77 and you might just save enough money to buy a decibel meter, which will be the only thing capable of telling the difference.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Thanko Silent Keyboard EX might sneak up on the unalert originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboardsilentsilent keyboardsilent keyboard exsilent mouseSilentKeyboardSilentKeyboardExSilentMousethankoWed, 08 Jul 2009 06:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's Spy Button video camera, because you've already failed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/thankos-spy-button-video-camera-because-youve-already-failed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/thankos-spy-button-video-camera-because-youve-already-failed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/thankos-spy-button-video-camera-because-youve-already-failed/#comments So what if Thanko's ¥5,980 (about $62) Spy Button Camera doesn't look exactly like the other buttons on your shirt. Anyone inclined to wear such a device to covertly record VGA video at 15fps (or 1280x1024 stills) to 4GB of internal memory isn't likely to get noticed in a crowd anyway. At least the magnetic on/off switch gives renewed purpose to your wedding ring while offering evidence of your continued poor decision making skills. Just be sure to bring your inhaler to keep your breathless excitement in check.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Thanko's Spy Button video camera, because you've already failed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buttoncamerapinhole cameraPinholeCameraspyspy cameraSpyCamerathankoThu, 02 Jul 2009 04:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Mouse EX reduces mouse-related noise pollution by 22.5db, no one cares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/silent-mouse-ex-reduces-mouse-related-noise-pollution-by-22-5db/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/silent-mouse-ex-reduces-mouse-related-noise-pollution-by-22-5db/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/silent-mouse-ex-reduces-mouse-related-noise-pollution-by-22-5db/#comments
Oh, Thanko, fine purveyor of hidden cameras and ill-advised input devices, whenever it gives us a peripheral that looks like, well, a peripheral, it feels like a big step in the right direction. And what do we have here? The Silent Mouse EX is a bit of a misnomer. After all, it isn't totally silent -- rather, the manufacturer claims that it generates 35.5db of noise when in operation. Compared to 58db of sound the "average" mouse makes (or so we've heard), that is... well, it's less. Actually, we have a hard time believing anyone cares about this sort of thing, but if you'd like to prove us wrong, you can hit that read link and put ¥3,180 (approx. $33) where your mouth is. Or better still, just use a trackpad.

[Via Akihabara]

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Silent Mouse EX reduces mouse-related noise pollution by 22.5db, no one cares originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mousequietsilentSilent MouseSilent Mouse EXSilentMouseSilentMouseExstealththankoThu, 25 Jun 2009 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's new wireless mouse can be operated without a desk, but only in the worst way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/thankos-new-wireless-mouse-can-be-operated-without-a-desk-but/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/thankos-new-wireless-mouse-can-be-operated-without-a-desk-but/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/thankos-new-wireless-mouse-can-be-operated-without-a-desk-but/#comments
You know when you flip over your optical mouse and trigger the beam a few times just for kicks, sending your cursor skittering across the screen? Thanko turned that into a thing. The company's newest wireless mouse includes media controls and so forth on the flip side of the mouse, allowing it to act as a remote of sorts, but it also presents you with the optics of the mouse for mid-air operation with your thumb. Sure, maybe it works great -- but we somehow doubt it. If you're hanging out in Japan at the moment, it'll run you 4,980 yen (about $50 US) to find out.

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Thanko's new wireless mouse can be operated without a desk, but only in the worst way originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air mouseAirMousemousethankowireless mouseWirelessMouseMon, 04 May 2009 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's own necktie doubles as spy camera, naturally]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/14/thankos-own-necktie-doubles-as-spy-camera-naturally/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/14/thankos-own-necktie-doubles-as-spy-camera-naturally/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/14/thankos-own-necktie-doubles-as-spy-camera-naturally/#comments
A necktie from Thanko -- you could tell this thing was only fit for a double agent already, couldn't you? Freshly introduced and ready to draw attention to your poor taste, this here spy tie includes a built-in video recorder along with a minuscule handheld remote used to turn it on and off. The video camera itself is installed on a USB-equipped slab of flash memory (4GB, or about four hours of low resolution footage), making those tie-to-PC transfers extra snappy. And at ¥12,800 ($128), it comes off as a bona fide steal compared to less useful alternatives in Bloomingdale's. Our only lingering question? What's a brother got to do to get a clip on version?

[Via AkihabaraNews]

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Thanko's own necktie doubles as spy camera, naturally originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camcordercameracamera neckieCameraNeckiehiddenhidden cameraHiddenCameraneck tieNeckTiespyspy cameraSpyCameraspyingThankotieundercovervideo cameraVideoCameraweirdTue, 14 Apr 2009 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's USB-powered Health E-Cigarettes sound healthy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/thankos-usb-powered-health-e-cigarettes-sound-healthy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/thankos-usb-powered-health-e-cigarettes-sound-healthy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/31/thankos-usb-powered-health-e-cigarettes-sound-healthy/#commentsThanko's USB-powered Health E-Cigarettes sound healthy
It was only a matter of time, and it took Thanko to make it happen. The purveyors of all things able to be tethered to that most special port now offer the affordable, USB-powered Health E-Cigarette; a name that cunningly stops short of raising the ire of the WHO while still giving you the hope that they might really be "healthy." Like other electronic cigarettes, it uses a heating element to vaporize a nicotine solution to supposedly give you a purer smoking experience along with a suite of other benefits: preserving the health of those around you, keeping your teeth white, and even preventing fires. All that at a fraction of the price of other USB-powered cigarettes -- just ¥2,980 (about $30). If that's all it costs to make Smokey proud, you can sign us up.

[Via TechFresh]

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Thanko's USB-powered Health E-Cigarettes sound healthy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cigaretteelectric cigaretteElectricCigaretteelectronic cigaretteElectronicCigarettethankousbusb cigaretteUsbCigaretteTue, 31 Mar 2009 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's latest USB pen sports four SDHC card slots (just because it can)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/05/thankos-latest-usb-pen-sports-four-sdhc-card-slots-just-becaus/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/05/thankos-latest-usb-pen-sports-four-sdhc-card-slots-just-becaus/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/05/thankos-latest-usb-pen-sports-four-sdhc-card-slots-just-becaus/#comments
As our coverage from 2004 indicates, SD card-reading pens are amongst the oldest, most reverent gadgets on the face of this planet. That said, even they aren't immune from upgrades, as Thanko has just produced one that's approximately four times superior than the one you're still trying to squeeze ink from. It's latest USB pen contains not one, not two, not even three -- but four integrated SDHC card slots. We get the feeling that actually writing anything while transferring data from a foursome of flash cards will be near impossible, but aren't you strangely inclined to hand over ¥1,480 ($14.87) in order to find out?

[Via OhGizmo]

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Thanko's latest USB pen sports four SDHC card slots (just because it can) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It may not technically qualify as a pico projector, but this new so-called Miseal projector available from Thanko is certainly at least somewhat pico-ish, and fairly unique as far as tiny projectors go. The stand-out feature, as you can see above, is an included speaker dock (2W, if you must know), which also includes a headphone jack and a line-out port in case you're looking for a bit more wattage. As for the projector itself, you can expect to get an adequate SVGA resolution, plus a whopping 25 nits of brightness, a 100:1 contrast ratio, and an image up to 112 inches in size from a 16 foot distance. No word on a release 'round here, but those in Japan (or those willing to pay the necessary import-related costs) can grab one now for ¥39,800, or roughly $435.

[Via SlashGear]

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Tiny Miseal cube projector can dock with equally tiny speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>misealpico projectorPicoProjectorprojectorthankotiny projectorTinyProjectorMon, 09 Feb 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko rolls out HDD Media Player 2, hard drive not included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/thanko-rolls-out-hdd-media-player-2-hard-drive-not-included/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/thanko-rolls-out-hdd-media-player-2-hard-drive-not-included/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/thanko-rolls-out-hdd-media-player-2-hard-drive-not-included/#comments
It's not quite as whimsical as some of Thanko's other gadgets, but those looking for a barebones media player may actually want to consider the company's new HDD Media Player 2, which looks like it should get the job done and do so on the cheap. Naturally, you'll have to supply your own hard drive, but the enclosure will handle most of the media-playing abilities you'll likely want (including DivX and even DVD VOB file playback), and you'll get a decent enough complement of ports, including VGA, component, composite, s-video, and an optical digital audio output. Look for this one to set you back just over $70 -- plus the necessary shipping charges from Japan, of course.

[Via Le Journal du Geek]

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Thanko rolls out HDD Media Player 2, hard drive not included originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's not quite as whimsical as some of Thanko's other gadgets, but those looking for a barebones media player may actually want to consider the company's new HDD Media Player 2, which looks like it should get the job done and do so on the cheap. Naturally, you'll have to supply your own hard drive, but the enclosure will handle most of the media-playing abilities you'll likely want (including DivX and even DVD VOB file playback), and you'll get a decent enough complement of ports, including VGA, component, composite, s-video, and an optical digital audio output. Look for this one to set you back just over $70 -- plus the necessary shipping charges from Japan, of course.

[Via Le Journal du Geek]

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Thanko rolls out HDD Media Player 2, hard drive not included originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhdd media playerhdd media player 2HddMediaPlayerHddMediaPlayer2media playerMediaPlayerother hardwareotherhardwareothersthankoFri, 06 Feb 2009 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's latest MP4 watch boasts 1.8-inch display, video camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/14/thankos-latest-mp4-watch-boasts-1-8-inch-display-video-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/14/thankos-latest-mp4-watch-boasts-1-8-inch-display-video-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/14/thankos-latest-mp4-watch-boasts-1-8-inch-display-video-camera/#commentsThanko's last MP4 watch was, um, less than gorgeous, but this one can actually be worn in public without automatic public humiliation. Sure, it's still a bit stocky, but we're confident that fashion-forward nerds could still pull it off. In between the two (p)leather straps sits a 1.8-inch 160 x 128 resolution color display, a multimedia player with MP3 / WMA / AVI / JPEG support and a video camera capable of logging VGA-quality clips. You'll also find a mini-USB port and an internal speaker, and there's 4GB of internal memory to go along with about 3.5 hours of music playback time. All yours (if you live in Japan) for ¥14,800 ($163).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

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Thanko's latest MP4 watch boasts 1.8-inch display, video camera originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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]

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Thanko USB bear gloves don't inhibit your typing, keep palms toasty originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hungry for a hot lunch at your desk every Monday through Friday, but don't want to stand in line for the microwave? The USB-powered heated lunch bag is probably something you'll want to look into, then. It apparently keeps your food at a steamy 140 degrees Farenheit all day, though it gives us pause that we're warned to "make sure the plastic container that you store your food in is of a certain grade and quality" to ensure that there's not "an adverse chemical reaction," but we figure that's probably a minor concern. We don't know if the bag will ever be available in the US, but we have a feeling that if it is, it'll be at least double the size of the current iteration.

[Via Everything USB]

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USB powered lunch bag will keep your food hot while you "work" originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentobento boxBentoBoxheated bagheated lunch bagHeatedBagHeatedLunchBaglunchlunch baglunch boxLunchBagLunchBoxthankoTue, 25 Nov 2008 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's USB lock protects you from imbeciles, thumbless woodland animals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/06/thankos-usb-combination-lock-protects-you-from-imbeciles-thumb/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/06/thankos-usb-combination-lock-protects-you-from-imbeciles-thumb/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/06/thankos-usb-combination-lock-protects-you-from-imbeciles-thumb/#comments
What kind of security does $7 buy you? You're looking at it: the Thanko USB combination lock. It apparently fits onto any USB drive and likely offers about as much security as a UFO Detector or Targus iPod Lock. Then again, maybe your personal data just isn't that interesting.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Thanko's USB lock protects you from imbeciles, thumbless woodland animals originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combination lockCombinationLocklockthankousbusb driveUsbDriveWed, 06 Aug 2008 03:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's i2! Stream forces your friends to hear your jams]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/thankos-i2-stream-forces-your-friends-to-hear-your-jams/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/thankos-i2-stream-forces-your-friends-to-hear-your-jams/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/02/thankos-i2-stream-forces-your-friends-to-hear-your-jams/#comments
So we've basically seen the wired version of this in Belkin's RockStar, but at least that made a modicum of sense. This, however, does not. Thanko's i2! Streams works as such: you plug one of the wireless transmitters in between your DAP / PMP and headphones, and up to five of your pals simply hold onto a receiver unit with earbuds of their own. As you can guess, those five pals now have your music piped to them through the air. The only problem? Why hold on to one of these things when you could pick up a chintzy DAP of your own down the street for a couple yuan / yen / whatever? Thanko's wonders never cease...

[Via CrunchGear]

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Thanko's i2! Stream forces your friends to hear your jams originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comfy, she-dork? Good, because you're quite possibly slopped atop Thanko's most foolish product yet, the Lazy Geek's Cushion. That's saying something from the company that brought you the USB mask, slippers, and Gold Ingot Hub. While it promises to alleviate neck and back pain, somehow, looking at these pics, we find that hard to believe.

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The Lazy Geek's Cushion: absurd even by Thanko's standards originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So we've seen a few solar-powered gizmos (that we wouldn't touch with a ten twenty foot pole), but Thanko's own sun-lovin' DAP actually doesn't look half bad. The Solar Digital Audio Player, from the front, looks like any other ho hum unit, with a 1.8-inch 220 x 176 resolution display, 4GB of internal storage space and a miniSD expansion slot. Flip 'er over, and you'll find a thoughtful kickstand that just so happens to have a solar panel slapped right on, enabling the brilliant, outdoor sunshine to give it a few more minutes of life. There's no official word on a price or release date, but we wouldn't bank on it ever coming Stateside, anyway.

Update: Seems this is just a rebadge. So much for thinking ahead, huh?

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Thanko's solar-powered DAP urges you outdoors originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 May 2008 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know what kids in developing nations need besides water, vaccines, and schools? MP3 players... and laptops, lots of laptops. Meet the Cranko, at least that's what we're calling it since Thanko's "Cranking MP3 Player" bores us to the point of Wal-marting razor blades. The 1GB capacity player from Thanko features a flashlight and 10 minute charge per minute of cranking. You know, just in case your spelunking adventures take you too far away from a USB port. Yours now for ¥6,000 or about $60.

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The Cranko MP3 player twists our panties into a knot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This little external USB "Charger Bracelet" battery from Thanko boasts of an extra 4.5 hours of play time for your PSP, and a hard-to-believe 28 hours of extra play on your DS Lite. Oh, and it also boasts some of the worst quasi-sci-fi stylings this side of the galaxy. Proceed at your own risk.

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Thanko's Charger Bracelet: dorkier than it sounds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If there was ever a device that probably didn't need a sequel, it'd be the silent mouse, but leave it to Thanko to invent a "new and improved" rendition that somehow proves even quieter and more versatile than the original. Of course, there are certainly other ways to nix the clicks in your computing routines, and this here gizmo won't really do you any good unless your PC sounds more like a gentle breeze and less like an impending tornado. Still, the Silent Mouse 2 touts five total buttons, a scroll wheel, an unfortunate tail, and walls of soundproofing material lining the innards. According to some fairly unscientific testing, this unit pounds out just 36.5 decibels compared to the "industry average" of 58 decibels, so if you just can't stand to hear yourself click on any longer, Thanko's latest can be your cure for ¥2,980 ($25).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

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Thanko's Silent Mouse 2: now with more quiet originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, the art deco crowd has plenty of fashionable alternatives when it comes to alarm clocks, and even the off-kilter set has a few surefire options to get them a-risin', but for those of you who just can't live without the tried and true round faced variety with a pair of ringers perched at the top, Thanko's got your number. The MP3 Clock connects to your Windows XP-based PC via USB, and the included software can insert a number of animal calls, sensational alarms, or even your very own recording onto the device. Rather than striking up that annoying screech in the morning, you can now awake to cows mooing, a dog barking, motorcycles revving, chainsaws blaring (saywha?), or your very own voice demanding that you release yourself from sleep. The MP3CLK01 is available now to shake up your wake-ups for ¥2,980 ($25).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

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Thanko's slightly retro MP3 Clock allows personal recording originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2007 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's no secret that FM transmitters are dodgy at times, but if you were wading through the endless supply of MP3 watches on the market in an effort to find one a notch below hideous, having that feature built-in certainly wouldn't hurt. The king of all things USB has upped the collective ante once more, as its FMP3 Watch not only musters a bearable design scheme, but it also offers up a nice laundry list of specifications to boot. Aside from telling you the time and day of the week, it also boasts 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB of internal memory for MP3 / WMA playback, headphone out, an integrated voice recorder, USB connectivity, volume controls, eight-hours of battery life (three if beaming over FM), and the obligatory FM transmitter to stream your tunes to one of several FM options. If you're anxious to get your wrist into one of these suckas, all three flavors are available right now, and can be had for ¥12,800 ($108), ¥16,800 ($142), and ¥19,800 ($167) from least capacious to most.

[Via EverythingUSB]

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Thanko's FMP3 Watch touts an FM transmitter originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clockfmfm radiofm transmitterfm watchFmRadioFmTransmitterFmWatchmp3portable audioportableaudiothankotimetimepieceusbusb watchUsbWatchwatchwristwatchFri, 06 Apr 2007 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiimote gets another charger / battery pack combo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/05/wiimote-gets-another-charger-battery-pack-combo/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/05/wiimote-gets-another-charger-battery-pack-combo/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/05/wiimote-gets-another-charger-battery-pack-combo/#commentsIt looks like those that just can't stand swapping AAs have yet another option to keep their Wiimote powered, with Thanko's descriptively-named "USB Charger for Wii Remote Control" joining similar offerings from Brando and JoyTech. Like the JoyTech unit, this one gets its juice from a USB port, either on the Wii itself or any one you can spare on your PC, with the former taking about three and half hours to charge, according to the company, and the latter knocking the wait time down to just just two hours. Once it's topped off, the battery pack will supposedly give you a full 30 hours of use. At $29 Thanko's charger is a bit cheaper than JoyTech's, although you'll need to pick up a pair of 'em if you want to keep both your Wiimotes charged at all times.

[Via coolest-gadget.com]

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Wiimote gets another charger / battery pack combo originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>thankousbwii remotewiimotewiimote chargerWiimoteChargerWiiRemoteThu, 05 Apr 2007 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's CEO interviewed: the man behind the USB Mask]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/04/thankos-ceo-interviewed-the-man-behind-the-usb-mask/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/04/thankos-ceo-interviewed-the-man-behind-the-usb-mask/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/04/thankos-ceo-interviewed-the-man-behind-the-usb-mask/#comments
Oh man, this has geek Emmy written all over it. Akihabara News had the chance to sit down with the president of Thanko Corporation, Mr Yamamitsu. You know, the man behind the Gold Ingot hub for pirates, USB slippers (more than 10,000 sold!), USB gloves for men and women, USB Mask, and more. Not since Borat has English spoken as a second language been so "very great -- great, great, great." Check the entire video after the break, you won't be sorry.

Continue reading Thanko's CEO interviewed: the man behind the USB Mask

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Thanko's CEO interviewed: the man behind the USB Mask originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thanko's already rattled our skulls with its Vonia bone conducting earphones, but they couldn't leave well enough alone. The Vonia BCT SportsHeadband kicks out the jams using two waterproof bone conduction speakers near the temples, and also has a compartment conveniently located smack on the forehead to hold a small MP3 player. It's too bad the compartment isn't waterproof, since that'd be necessary to use this thing underwater -- so without a waterproof player we're not really sure how these will play out with the swimmer crowd, who Thanko is also marketing the headband to. On the other hand, runners, joggers, sprinters, skippers, and speed-walkers should be a-ok to blast some bone-rocking beats while keeping their ears open for oncoming traffic and catcalls.

[Via Crave]

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Thanko's Vonia BCT SportsHeadband: bone conduction fun on the run originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shenzhen Adragon Digitek's MP4 watch was met with quite a bit of fanfare from folks who fell suddenly in love with the idea of having movies on their wrist to pass the time during class or on subways trips, and considering that Thanko brought this intriguing piece of kit to market, it's only right that we show you a hands-on review to help you with your potential purchasing decision. The folks at GearDiary landed a black rendition of the video-playing timepiece, and noted that although video files have to be converted from their current format to .NVX, software (in English, too) was included to "remove the guesswork" and make the process painless. Judging by the photos, it looks like the rubberized band provided for a comfortable fit, and although the 1.5- x 1.5-inch face doesn't look nearly as gaudy as some watch faces we've seen, it still screams geek whilst resting on your arm. Sadly, a proprietary USB cable coupled with an always-discouraging 2.5-millimeter headphone jack do warrant a few understandable digs, but the "all day" battery life, intuitive menu system, and respectable display all go in the watch's favor. On the musical front, it was said that playback was "on par" with other DAPs they tested, and while watching a movie back on such a diminutive screen wasn't apt to replace his PVP anytime soon, it was deemed a nifty feature that will "definitely garner geek points among those that are impressed by such things." So if you're interested in seeing just how long your retinas can stand to watch (ahem) a major motion picture on a 128 x 128 display, be sure and hit the read link for up close snapshots before coughing up the required dough.

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Shenzhen Adragon Digitek's MP4 watch gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nah, USB-powered fans aren't anything special these days, but infusing a couple of 'em into a bizarre facial mask and marketing it to folks with allergies earns top marks in the outlandish department. Thanko, the folks who continually put the fun back into USB, is busting out yet another oddity that relies entirely on USB power and your willingness to suffer through public humiliation. The whirlwind mask purportedly circulates airs and filters the incoming flow in order to provide a constant stream of clean, "purified" air, which could actually be useful for secretaries or other cube-dwellers who are forced to inhale the same stale office air day after day. So if you've been having trouble breathing, and don't mind being tethered to your computer nor the constant whirring that'll surround your mouth, you can snag the USB Mask now for ¥2,480 ($21).

[Via Engadget Japanese]

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Thanko's USB Mask circulates air, freaks out co-workers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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