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Posts with tag usb-powered

4.3-inch USB-powered monitor asks "will the real nettop please stand up?"

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 14th 2008 at 6:13AM


So you've just purchased a new desktop that checks in at 1.6- x 2.4 - x 2.1-inches (actual size may vary), and you're looking for the perfect LCD to accompany it. At long last, we finally have a solution for the aforementioned quandary. The Century LCD-4300U is a 4.3-inch LCD monitor that not only provides the convenience of a USB connection, but it also gets every ounce of energy it needs via that same USB cable. The mini monitor touts an 800 x 480 resolution, LED-backlighting and compatibility with Windows XP / Vista and OS X. Now, if only the darn thing didn't cost ¥19,800 ($197), we might have ourselves a runaway winner.

[Via OhGizmo]

USB-powered desk fan doubles as 4-port USB hub

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 21st 2008 at 1:44PM

Any halfway dedicated nerd already owns at least one desk fan that's either USB-powered or features some sort of dual purpose, but if you're a budding star in the kingdom, this might be the one to get you going. The way-too-loudly-colored Cute Green Desk Cool Fan plugs into any spare USB port, moves a small quantity of air around and doubles as a 4-port USB hub. There's even an On / Off switch for the fan for those times with stagnancy is preferred. Not too shabby for $14.99 delivered, we say.

[Via Protein OS]

USB Heated Shawl: great for the geriatric, cold-natured sets

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 20th 2008 at 8:11AM

USB blankets are old hat (for better or worse), but the USB Heated Shawl takes an aged concept and makes it relevant again with the addition of a single clip. Clearly designed for elderly folks who aren't kept warm enough by the bottoms of their laptops and for the billions of cubical dwellers who freeze in silence each and every day, this $28.95 device is a godsend. Just plug it in, wrap it around and enjoy the warmth. Oh, and ignore the haters.

USB-powered HEAT ME stirrer: a coffee addict's dream

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 17th 2008 at 7:36PM


We'll go ahead and squash your hopes before you waste time pulling out the plastic -- this thing's just a concept, at least for now. From what we can glean, the HEAT ME is a fantastic device just waiting to be snapped up by Brando (or similar) and turned into the next must-have USB-powered gizmo. Put simply, the metal ends of this here stick warm up when plugged into your USB port, thus giving you a toasty wand to keep your hot tea / coffee at the proper temperature even when colleagues pull you away momentarily. Really though, is there any doubt this won't go commercial within the next six months?

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

USB-powered infrared pad heals road warrior's aches

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 3rd 2007 at 10:07AM


It's not often that we see a USB-powered gizmo claiming to "relieve tiredness, muscle strain or even pain," and considering that we can't leave our posts even for a moment to see an actual doctor (a non-robotic one, at least), we couldn't be happier about this development. The USB Far Infra-Red Pad gets all the power it needs from a spare USB port, and apparently emits infrared light onto your weary arms, back or biceps in order to leave you feeling completely revitalized. Interestingly, the manufacturer warns that leaving it on one spot for over 15 minutes can cause all sorts of problems, so yeah, there's that. Anyways, those who spend the majority of their time slaving over a keyboard can snap this (likely worthless) thing up for $21.99, but don't expect any miracles, alright?

[Via EverythingUSB]

USB-powered whack-a-mole annihilates productivity

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 1st 2007 at 10:22PM


We've seen plenty of desk distractions over the years, but the USB-powered Whack It game definitely has the potential to be a productivity killer like no other. This relatively small device simply plugs into a powered USB port and challenges workers to smash the critters as they light up. Reportedly, the game boasts 30-second and one-minute gameplay modes and a wee LED scoreboard, too. Of course, figuring out how to slam down on this thing without drawing attention to yourself is another battle entirely, but if you're up for it, you can grab the game now for £14.99 ($31).

[Via Technabob]

LG launches ultrathin USB-powered external DVD burner

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 29th 2007 at 4:14AM


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]

USB necktie with built-in fan keeps you cool, single

by Nilay Patel, posted Aug 10th 2007 at 8:31AM


Ain't nothing classier than a clip-on tie...except one with a built-in USB-powered fan in the knot. We're not certain how this thing keep you cool, or why you wouldn't just use any of the million other USB-powered fans that don't increase your dork factor by 1000, but the people in the photos look so blissfully content we're actually a little curious.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Brando intros beefed up USB can cooler / warmer

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 14th 2007 at 5:19AM


Brando's previous attempt at cranking out a sufficient USB drink chiller / warmer was certainly commendable, but the excessive amount of exposure to the air left us desiring a more effective solution. Not one to disappoint, the company has indeed unveiled a new edition, complete with a wraparound design that totally submerges your canned beverage in a world of heat (or cold). This USB-powered gizmo even sports an in-line toggle switch to determine the temperature, and for just $32, how can you not consider this a road warrior must-have? More pics after the jump.

Continue reading Brando intros beefed up USB can cooler / warmer

USB e-lighter concept could fire up your next carton

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 11th 2007 at 9:22AM


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]

Continue reading USB e-lighter concept could fire up your next carton

Brando's USB-powered aquarium: for the fish owner to-be

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 22nd 2007 at 2:43PM


If you've been eying one of those snazzy USB-enabled fish tanks of late, but are still a bit gun shy when it comes to taking care of a live animal, Brando's got you covered. The USB Interactive Aquarium looks to be the perfect device for the wannabe fish owner, as this completely USB-powered tank includes a pair of thoroughly fake fish that swim around using mechanical tails. The included software allows owners to feed, care for, and play with their robotic pets, and you can even get an underwater rave going by flipping the built-in LEDs off and on in rapid succession. Not a bad way to see if you're up to the real challenge, and for just $23, it's an inexpensive way to snag an office pet that's not needy on the weekends.

DESK EOS rids your workspace of evil electromagnetic waves

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 13th 2007 at 11:21PM


Sure, you may have already been suckered into buying one of those cutesy USB air purifiers before, but Pure Air is hoping to fill up yet another one of your connectors as its DESK EOS fends off evil electromagnetic waves. Of course, this is bound to spark up another one of those "dangerous / not dangerous" debates, but this looks to be the device for you if you're not keen on taking chances. The debatably stylish unit can be had in red, silver, or blue color schemes (shown after the break), and the blue LEDs that glow once plugged in are an admittedly nice touch. Still, you'd probably be better off just holding onto that ₩60,900 ($65) and donning a tin foil cap instead.

[Via AVing]

Continue reading DESK EOS rids your workspace of evil electromagnetic waves

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.

Brando's Wii Crystal Cooler lights up your life

by Darren Murph, posted May 16th 2007 at 5:59PM


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.
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