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PQI's U510 flash card gets ritzy for Chinese New Year
Although PQI's not cramming 16GB onto this rendition of its U510 USB flash card, it is giving the device quite a fancy makeover for the Chinese New Year, as the Limited Fortune Pig Edition Card Drive (seriously) dons red and gold colors in preparation for the celebration. Moreover, the "hairline treated surface," along with the peony at the bottom right corner surrounded by fortune pigs, are reportedly meant to symbolize "prosperity, joy, happiness, sincerity," and all sorts of other good things to kick off the New Year. Interestingly, this isn't the first time a USB flash device has gotten ritzy for the forthcoming occasion, but considering that these aren't actually made of precious metals, we have a good feeling they'll be a bit more manageable on the wallet. Per usual, the cards come with a flat, retractable USB 2.0 cable, carrying bag, and personal file management software, and though we aren't sure just how much these nifty cards will run you, only 1,000 1GB flavors (pictured after the jump) are being produced while just 500 2GB units will see the light of day, so we'd suggest you place your dibs right about now if you're interested.[Via FarEastGizmos]
NEC mimics VALUESTAR laptop with latest flash drive
We've seen flash drives disguised as vehicles, bowling balls, and even Legos, but NEC's latest rendition of the handy USB memory key actually favors one of its own. The diminutive drive is a near-picture perfect copy of the company's VALUESTAR Type C laptop, sports ReadyBoost certification, and matches the grown-up lappy in color and other minutia such as the "battery compartment, air inlet, and screw placement." The 1/10 scale model certainly looks to do its hero justice, but as usual with gimmicky things like this, there's sadly no word on price nor where proud VALUESTAR owners can pick this thing up.
Xmultiple intros SQ flash memory card
As if you didn't have enough flash memory options to choose from, Xmultiple now looks to be trying to shake up the pocketable storage waters even further, announcing the speedy and easily loseable SQ card, along with a USB adapter that ups the usability factor. While the company's claim of being twice the speed of existing cards may be a little dubious, the card does boast some impressive read/write times, promising 32.4MB/sec and 21.5MB/sec, respectively on the 2GB model, with the 1GB version clocking in a little behind with a 24MB/sec read time and 12/MB sec write time. Xmultiple's also promising a 4GB variation, although details on it are scant for the time being, as is any word on pricing or availability for any of the three models.
Marsilli kicks out cellphone-controlled toy car / flash drive
We're not exactly sure what's up with Asia's infatuation with toy cars and shoving completely irrelevant (but entirely useful) features inside of them, but now Marsilli is offering up its own admittedly peculiar flash drive in the shape of a vehicle. Presumably in direct competition with Gold Kiwi's Bluetooth GPS receiver ride, this Mobile Remote Control Car is a diminutive four-wheeled ride with impressive aerodynamics, a 512MB flash drive built-in, USB connector in place of a central-mounted exhaust, and it even allows users to drive it around a cardboard course with "any cellphone." Of course, we're not entirely sure if all that controlling action is done over Bluetooth or some other propriety channel, but we have strong suspicions "every mobile" might not be equipped to handle this road burner. Nevertheless, you can probably pick one of these up in the near future at your favorite street corner vendor in Asia, but for now, click on through for a more closeups.
Gibson goes wild, unveils new consumer electronics lineup
While a company not typically associated with consumer electronics can make the leap at any point, it's usually a relatively modest entrance, but Gibson has apparently had a bit too much fun at NAMM, and has thrown its logo on just about every device it could think of in the process. You won't find much of anything new in Gibson's lineup of consumer electronics, but if you're a Gibson purist and live life one riff at a time, these goods are for you. The company announced its own line of USB 2.0 Gibson Signature Series Les Paul flash drives, which currently come in a 1GB flavor and mimics a 1959 Les Paul Standard, and the firm plans to roll out more collectible drives shaped like other classic instruments in the future. Additionally, a 500GB external HDD was released, boasting USB 2.0 and a glowing Gibson logo on the side, and it seems that the firm is looking to snag a bit of that high-end interconnect market by offering up "premium gold" versions of optical audio, USB, and HDMI cables. Also on tap was a 7.1 AV receiver with a built-in guitar input, XM capability, and HDMI 1.3 video switching, various forms of recordable media, a dual-layer DVD recorder, surge protectors, and a few home theater speakers to boot. Although pricing is still up in the air at this point, it looks like you'll have the opportunity to get your external storage, surround sound gear, and a few spare E-strings all at the same place here soon.[Via Macworld]
Corsair bumps BCD-equipped Flash Readout drives to 4GB / 8GB
Sure, your USB thumb drive might not be the most fanciful mainstay in your knapsack, but just in case you like a dash of style even on the most diminutive of items, Corsair's got that covered. Upping the capacity of its Flash Readout USB 2.0 drives, the company is now offering 4GB and 8GB flavors to augment the 1GB and 2GB variety already available, but everything else is remaining the same. You'll still find that swank Bi-stable Cholesteric Display (BCD), the ability to write 11-characters of your own text, and a graphical / textual representation of just how much room is left on your drive. We hope you didn't expect such niceties to run you cheap, however, as the CMFUSBREADOUT-4GB will set you back $89.99, with the CMFUSBREADOUT-8GB demanding a stiff $169.99.[Via TGDaily]
A-DATA goes SSD crazy, shows off 128GB 2.5-incher
Friends, the age of SSD is upon is, and there's no better evidence than the upcoming 128GB 2.5-inch drive from A-DATA, which hooks up via SATA II, totally schools PQI's offering, and makes all your wildest dreams come true. A-DATA was showing this drive off at CES behind closed doors, along with a 64GB 1.8-incher and a most impressive 32GB ExpressCard. Mass production and availability is due for late Q1 and early Q2, and while there's no word on price just yet, with the way flash drives have been trending lately, we're hoping for good news when these hit the streets.[Via gizmag]
Gefen shows off HD PVRs that export to USB drives
While Gefen has helped many a folk use two computers on one monitor and extend their cabling for miles on end, the company is now giving us PVR freaks something else to spaz about. The two (plainly-named) Personal Video Recorders sport sleek, brushed aluminum enclosures that resemble a Mac mini in form, and both units are all but identical save for the high-end edition's ability to handle 1080p. These PVRs differ from most, however, as they can record content from television or any other attached source (i.e. a camcorder), and transfer the video in MPEG4 format directly to an attached USB flash drive. According to Gefen, users "simply save their programming on the USB device, remove it when needed, and plug it into any USB-equipped computer for instant access." Furthermore, the boxes tout a switching functionality that allows users to connect multiple sources and flip a toggle to determine which one gets captured. From what we can tell, there's no reason an external USB hard drive couldn't be used as well for mass capturing / transporting, and while we (unfortunately) don't know when these suckas are shipping nor how much coinage they'll demand, consider our interest piqued nonetheless.[Via EverythingUSB]
SanDisk rolls out Cruzer Contour USB flash drives
It looks like SanDisk is trying to class up its ever-expanding line of Cruzer USB flash drives, unveiling its shiny new Cruzer Contour at CES. Slide open that glossy black exterior and you'll find an handily hidden USB connector, doing away with the need for a pesky and losable cap. Otherwise, the drive's pretty standard as far as flash drives go these days, with a promised write speed of 18MB/sec and a read speed of 25MB/sec, as well as full adherence to the U3 standard for running apps directly off the drive (Skype, Avast, and a handful of other programs come pre-loaded). The drive's upscaledness also extends to its storage capacity, with the lightest in the batch coming in at relatively hefty 2GB, and the others in the group doubling things up to 4GB and 8GB -- all should be available sometime in March for $90, $150 and $240, respectively.[Via Photography Blog]
Norcent announces DCC-1025 / DCS-760 digicams, slew of storage accessories
Hot on the heels of Norcent unveiling its forthcoming lineup of HDTVs, the company has announced that we'll be seeing its photogenic side as well, as the DCS-760 ($199) and DCC-1025 digicams make their debut at CES along with a slew of storage-related accessories. The 10.1-megapixel DCC-1025 ($179; DC-1020 pictured) reportedly sports a "champagne colored, brushed metal finish," 2.5-inch "scratch-resistant" LCD monitor, 3x optical zoom (and 4x of the practically worthless digital variety), 14 pre-selected scene modes, red-eye reduction, 640 x 480 MPEG4 movie mode, NTSC / PAL compatibility, 32MB of internal memory, SD / MMC slot, and AV out to boot. The more compact DCS-760 features a seven-megapixel sensor, "high-end design," 15 scene modes, VGA movie mode, 2.5-inch LTPS monitor, and the same 3x optical zoom and SD / MMC slot as the larger sibling. Making sure your digicam is fully prepared for a long day of shooting, the firm is also unveiling its SD Duo, Micro SD Trio, and Micro SD Reader / Adapter; the SD Duo combines SD and USB support, while the Micro SD Trio adds microSD, and neither unit needs a card reader to interface with any USB-equipped PC. As if that weren't enough, it's also showing off a 1GB ($19.99) / 2GB ($29.99) USB Pen Drive that rocks a LED indicator light and a "twist to open" cap to curb that "missing lid" syndrome so often associated with flash drives. While the DCS-760 won't be available until the Spring, everything else is available right now, and will be out on display in just a few days at CES.Read - Norcent DCS-760Read - Norcent DCC-1025Read - Norcent SD Storage lineupRead - Norcent USB Pen Drive
Gold and silver USB drives celebrate the Year of the Pig
While most of you may think we're just rolling along in 2007, you're probably just paying too close attention to that Gregorian calendar, as there's still a ways to go before the Year of the Pig is rung in. In a collaborative effort between the Beijing Zhongshi Boda Company and Lenovo, a limited run (9,999 to be exact) of gold and silver USB flash drives are being released with celebratory engravings on the sides. Each drive is made from "30 grams of its respective metals," and reportedly sports a purity level of 99.9-percent. Looking to woo folks who just can't get enough of that Chinese culture in the side of their computer, the devices feature a pig pattern and "2007" to commemorate the upcoming new year, and moreover, the Chinese characters "Jin Zhu Tian Fu" are inscribed, which translates to "may the gold pig bring you good fortune." We've no idea if silver users won't be nearly as lucky for typographical reasons, nor how much capacity these things actually have, but the sets should start selling soon for a whopping 9,999 CNY ($1,281) over in China.[Via Spluch & Engadget China]
US Modular shoves a pen and flashlight into its Handy Drive
We've seen some fairly multifaceted flash drives in our day, but US Modular's Handy Drive gets bonus points for including two things that actually are, well, handy. Aside from looking like your run-of-the-mill jump drive with a keyring on it, this unit sports a built-in flashlight and ink pen for those times when carrying around a Bic / Maglite combo just isn't feasible. With capacities ranging from 128MB all the way up to 4GB, this could be the perfect gift for that "tool guy" who already owns the entire Craftsman collection, and prices start at just $19.99.[Via Macworld]
Sunyang DNT's Volvox webcam and flash drive: does not rhyme with Dolores
You know, if you really have to carry flash memory around, why not bundle it into something useful like a lego, swiss army knife, or plate of rancid sushi? Sure, Sunyang DNT's Volvox is just another webcam with built-in flash; 512MB of it in fact, with an integrated 0.3 megapixel camera capable of a 640x480 resolution at 30fps. Not bad if you're toting an older laptop lacking a cam in the bezel. Regardless, we've certainly seen worse attempts at convergence. The Volvox is yours for 55,000KRW ($59) with 1GB and 2GB models expected this January. The perfect gift for Aunt Mulva.
Corsair launches 16GB Flash Voyager drive
Looks like pirate-loving Corsair is the latest to join the 16GB club, bumping up its trademark Flash Voyager thumb drive to that magical number while still keeping the physical size of the drive in line with earlier models. While it gets a boost in storage (though we're sure it still won't be enough for some), this latest USB drive does take a slight hit in performance compared to some of the company's leaner options, garnering a 22MB/sec read time and 7MB/sec write time. Also, as with other Flash Voyager models, the drive comes equipped with Corsair's "True Crypt" security measures, and has an all-rubber casing and "water-resistant properties" -- all the better for pirates moonlighting as graphic designers, we suppose. This one's available now for $299, which includes a ten year warranty and a stylish lanyard.[Via The Inquirer]
Elecom CR-FP2, yet another biometric flash drive
If you're looking for an alternative to the Pretec i-Disk Touch USB flash drive or to the smartSTIK-MD, and find yourself in the Land of the Rising Sun, you may want to check out the new Elecom CR-FP2 biometric flash drive. From what we can tell, it's a pretty standard half gig drive that will encrypt your data such that it can only be unlocked by way of a fingerprint scan. It can be yours for ¥8,820 ($76) sometime later this month -- just make sure you don't get in a fight with some Yakuza and lose a finger or two before then.[Via PC Watch]
Duck Image's USB flash drive sports three layers of security
Sure, security is important when toting break room sketches of future inventions and PDF menus of your favorite eateries, but this here just might be overkill. While there's a slew of security-focused flash drives already calling your name, this prototype boasts no fewer than three layers of protection to ensure your data stays put. The 007 USB Flash Drive gets its design cues from those bike lockers used to secure your wheels to any halfway sturdy object, and boasts combination locks on the steel wire, the stainless steel cap, and even requires a password once the pesky cap is torched off. While this looks more like an idea than a product in the final stages of production, it certainly wouldn't surprise us to see these hanging right beside the handcuffs (or biometric locks) in a few months.[Via SciFi Tech]
World's heaviest USB flash drive
Here's one record that's not likely to be shattered anytime soon (or at least we hope not). While it's no secret that USB drives have been gradually getting smaller and smaller (that's what we all wanted, right?), this trend has apparently led to an increasing amount of lost flash drives from folks who can't keep up with minuscule property. In meretricious fashion, Chris Spurgeon actually went so far as to "embed his flash drive" into a regulation sixteen-pound Galaxie 300 bowling ball in order to keep it from vanishing while out on the town. While attaching this device to laptops and PCs within cramped confines probably isn't desirable, it should definitely keep that precious data out of the washing machine, but we doubt this bad boy lands a strike anytime soon with such an extrusion.[Via The Raw Feed]
Transcend JetFlash 180, the shiny new flash drive
We're not really sure how many people worldwide have been pining for a flash drive to match their Zippo, but Transcend's decided that's exactly what we need. Beyond coming in the normal assortment of sizes ranging from 1GB to 4GB, the JetFlash 180 "also comes bundled with some very useful software applications," although we're not really sure which ones. Still, it's got some decent read and write speeds, coming in at 10-12MBps and 8MBps, respectively. Unfortunately Transcend's sped off without letting us know when or where we can get our greasy paws all over this shiny new drive.[Via Far East Gizmos]
SolidAlliance's FATBEAR USB drive: gets fat, scares kids
If your kids have grown wise to your idle threats of coal in the stocking, then how about letting them play with FATBEAR in their fairy-tale lands of candy-cane slides and soda-pop fountains. Then, when that toddler steps out line, just rip off the bear's head and delight in the screams of compliance. Now this isn't just any ol' child-herding, decapitated teddy bear mind you, FATBEAR -- which is more like your creepy uncle LEGO Man in a bear suit -- is from none other than Japan's own, SolidAlliance and offered up deadpan with a tagline of "let me taste your sweet memory." Start feeding FATBEAR up to 256MB of your data and this little plastic furball actually begins to grow, we think -- oh please god of the craplastic, let it be so! Of course, his powers of recall will be wiped quicker than you can breathlessly utter "eeer," after tapping that belly for a USB bong. Available now for ¥3,980 (about $34) for the 256MB model or just ¥1,980 (about $17) for the 128MB version -- but worth it at any price. [Via Impress]
PQI's "pen-like" retractable Cool Drive U350
Power Quotient International -- best known for squeezing exorbitantly large amounts of data onto incredibly small modules -- is at it again with its zany flash drive antics, and this time the company is unveiling a retractable version to keep that presumably delicate USB connector safe. The Cool Drive U350 will be available in 0.5/1/2/4GB sizes and play nice with both Windows XP and OS X-based systems, but differs from the stockpile of other alternatives by "automatically retracting the USB head into the main body" when the outer tab is pulled. Although the U350 is a tad lengthy at 7.75 centimeters, at least it's less likely to be "misplaced" when out and about, and the "pen-like" mechanism will give you one more thing to fidget with while on the subway if nothing else.[Via Far East Gizmos]
