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Posts with tag usb power

Video: DIY USB pan cooks your egg faster than a cellphone

by Thomas Ricker, posted Aug 6th 2008 at 1:19AM


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.]

Continue reading Video: DIY USB pan cooks your egg faster than a cellphone

SolidAlliance's USB 2.0 Engine HUB drives up your geek cred

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 26th 2007 at 4:17AM


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.

Continue reading SolidAlliance's USB 2.0 Engine HUB drives up your geek cred

Hello Kitty takes a dip in USB-powered aquarium

by Darren Murph, posted May 21st 2007 at 4:31PM


You might wonder why a cat would enjoy being trapped inside a container of water, but as you should already know, all rules are thrown out when it comes to Hello Kitty. The USB-powered aquarium features a couple of oh-so-cute Hello Kitty mermaids in a snow globe / fish tank fantasy land, and while we're sure the hordes of fanboys and girls just adore the idea, this one could actually satisfy those on the other end of the spectrum as well -- fess up, it's not too often that you get to satisfy your SO and take pleasure in holding your (least) favorite feline underwater for an indefinite period of time, right?

Homegrown USB-powered calculator synth doubles as pillow

by Darren Murph, posted May 21st 2007 at 7:02AM


As if the Cushion Control pillows weren't cute enough, here we find a USB-powered, felt-covered calculator synth to ooh and aww over. Artists Kelli Cain and Brian Crabtree were able to conjure up this nifty device at a Felt Circuits workshop held in Los Angeles, and while details are relatively scarce, the creation is essentially a homemade eight- x six-inch calculator constructed from dyed wool that was hand-rubbed into felt. The two also "designed, etched, and populated noise-making circuit boards" which were then put into the contraption, and when connected to a USB port, touching the metal contacts that are sewn on "makes a bunch of noise," which we can causally refer to as abstract music. Unfortunately, there's no sign of these things going on sale, but if you beg the duo hard enough, you might find out if another workshop is in the pipeline.

USB heated knee pads -- 'cause they can, that's why

by Thomas Ricker, posted Mar 22nd 2007 at 10:13AM

Now you can add the $20 Warmmi "USB knee pads" to your USB heated ensemble. So what's keeping ya? Just toss your laptop into a rucksack and slip into a tethery outfit of USB knee pads, slippers, and gloves and head out to the Burning Man playa, playah. Just leave the USB lap warmer at home -- hippies hate anything Hello Kitty.

Greenhouse's USB car ashtray sucks, and does

by Thomas Ricker, posted Dec 11th 2006 at 9:45AM

It's not the first USB ashtray we've seen, but hell, it's been awhile and these are the holidaze. And what better way to show you care (about yourself) than by picking up this ¥500 (some $4 and change) USB Car ashtray with real suck-action for that nicotine fiending friend, family member, or colleague. Drop the top and on come the headlights and fan to keep the air free of second-hand smoke. It's powered by the USB tether or with the help of a couple AAA batteries -- the ashtray section can even be removed for a quick wash. All for less than a fin when these hit smokes-obsessed Japan near the end of December.

[Via Impress]

USB-powered "G-Gloves" for the ladies

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 26th 2006 at 8:15PM

Alright fellas, if you're sitting around enjoying the cool breeze emanating from your seat cushion, then you're fully aware of how invigorating a USB-powered gizmo can be during the summer months, and equally aware in the depths of winter. For that lucky lady in your life (or cyberlife), these comfy G-Gloves (G for girl, we presume) can keep her hands warm during those chilly December fragfests, and thanks to their ability to quickly convert into mittens, even her fingertips are covered. Sporting a detachable cable, on / off switch, alphabet stitching, dual warming pads, two-levels of heat intensity, and the ability to get toasty through any powered USB port (yes, even the Wii), these should be a sure fire (ahem) hit in the stocking this holiday season. The G-Glove hand-warmers are available now to heat things up in pink or blue for $22.

[Via MobileMag]
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