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USB cake design worst birthday surprise in history
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]
Nine USB flash drives compared in file system showdown
Kristofer Brozio already spent more time with more flash drives than most would dare to with his last USB drive round-up, but he's now come back for another go 'round, and this time he's even gone so far as to compare their performance with different file systems. To make things a bit more manageable, he pared things down to nine drives from the initial group of 21, and formatted and reformatted each with FAT32, NTFS and ExFAT file systems. As with last time, he found that the OCZ and Super Talent drives proved to be the best overall performers and, while ExFAT did come out on top in a number of benchmarks, he still recommends FAT32 due to its greater compatibility and still decent performance. Still need a bit more convincing? Then hit up the link below for the graph explosion.
Sirtified throws up hand USB flash drives
Let's face it -- it's hard to connect with kids these days, but Sirtified clearly knows what's up. The outfit's forthcoming line of Hand USB Sticks include 2GB of storage space and arrive in three street-approved models: Rock, West Side and a version that looks awfully similar to the Engadget logo. Hold the hand of your choice next month for $35.[Thanks, Kyle]
Verbatim trots out OS X-friendly 8GB Store 'n' Go retractable USB drive
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
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.
EMTEC's Kooky Klickers-based USB drives bring a smile to anyone's face
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.
Sony loads music and movies onto MicroVault Click USB drives, can't locate any buyers
Gee, Sony. We wonder how well this initiative will go over. In fact, we wonder what bigwig signs off on such a blatantly bad idea? In case you missed the memo, selling overpriced music on flash drives is not the next big thing in content delivery, though in fairness, we will give you the movie side due to file size limitations alone. All rants aside, Sony has just introduced new pre-loaded MicroVault Click USB drives, and the first three include Michael Jackson's Thriller (2GB; $19.99), The Da Vinci Code (4GB; $29.99) and Men In Black (4GB; $29.99). What's odd is that the outfit doesn't bother sharing how much free space is left for other uses, nor are we told that the likely DRM-laced material can be exported elsewhere in order to liberate memory on the stick. In other words, we'll pass. Gladly.[Via CNET]
SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise: first secure USB drive fully compatible with OS X
Listen up, paranoid readers. SanDisk has just introduced what it's calling "the first secure USB flash drive to fully support Apple Mac OS X computers." The new Cruzer Enterprise was designed to meet unique USB security / compliance needs by implementing a "hardware-based 256-bit AES USB encryption solution that puts mandatory access control on all files as protection against theft or loss of the drive." Of course, Windows environments are also supported, and on both platforms users can log in / shut down access to the encrypted storage area, change and manage passwords, alter contact information (among other preferences), launch online support (woo!) and view current firmware and drive information. The drive is available in 1/2/4/8GB flavors (runs around $60 to $300) and plays nice with both OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard) on the Mac side.
Crapgadget: not-even-suitable-for-gag-gifts edition
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 watchRead - USB VolcanoRead - Glass of Milk LightRead - Retro Handy HandsetRead - Air Flow MouseRead - Cake-shaped USB drive%Poll-21440%
Ao-LAB's eSATA SSD flash drive conveniently includes USB port
We're still baffled that traditional eSATA flash drives require power from the USB port in order to operate (at least until that Power Over eSATA initiative starts bearing fruit), but it seems that Ao-LAB has found a nice, practical workaround for the time being. The outfit's eSATA / USB Combo Drive arrives in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB flavors and provides dual interfaces along with a convenient way to power it if you're dead-set on using eSATA for transfers. And given that speeds over eSATA absolutely obliterate those over USB 2.0, you're going to want to. Shame there's no pricing / availability information, but we suspect you can get a few hundred of 'em sans issue should you contact the company seeking a bulk contract.[Via EverythingUSB]
Incrudo 8GB flash drive reeks of expensive
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
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 releaseRead - On sale for $199.99
Sony reveals limited edition 007 VAIO TT, USB Micro Vault and Reader Digital Book
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.
Crapgadget: gizmos to scar your USB port for life
Some things just shouldn't ever be plugged into your USB port. Not even that dusty, never-to-be-used socket in your 16-port USB hub. The gadgets you'll see below are among the worst of the worst, with some being so awful, they almost deserve a purchase just to give you a laugh live and in-person. Seriously, just listen: an actual "thumb" drive, a USB key doused in cabbage, a mousepad that doubles as a Lars Ulrich-approved drum kit and a USB Hollywood Film Kit for those still in denial over that acting school rejection letter. There should really be laws against some of this rubbish, but since there isn't, we're putting it to you -- drop your vote in below to let us know which of the following gizmos reeks the most. Good luck down there.Read - USB "thumb" driveRead - Cabbage driveRead - Hollywood Reject KitRead - High heels phoneRead - Finger drum mousepadRead - Finger skateboard %Poll-20275%
TrekStor's stylish USB stick doubles as bottle opener
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]
Lenovo shows off stable of Olympics-themed USB flash drives
Lenovo already rolled out one Olympics-themed flash drive long before the Beijing Games kicked off, but now that the Opening Ceremonies have come and gone, the outfit is showing off a few more for good measure. The Mascot series contains a half dozen colorful 4GB units that'll go for around $30 apiece, while the so-called Medallions will only be available on the second-hand market thanks to the original batch selling out. Lastly, we've got five slightly different 1GB titanium drives that boast swiveling plugs and arrive in a swank mahogany box. Huzzah?[Via EverythingUSB]Read - Mascot drivesRead - Medallion drivesRead - Titanium drives
plankton's nailed USB drive: perfect for handymen, frustrated computer owners
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
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]
Severed USB cable is really a 2GB flash drive
This one goes out to the same folks who buy bullet hole stickers for their whip, hang stuffed arms from their tailgates and have those half-baseballs suctioned to their windshield -- all in the name of garnering attention. HACKED! is a user creation-gone-commercial that features a severed USB cable with 2GB of internal capacity. For those not in the know, it looks as if you had a nasty encounter with a vicious canine (or a hacksaw), but in reality, it's simply a 2GB flash drive in disguise. This has success written all over it.[Via MAKE]
Imation's Atom Flash Drive is remarkably easy to mislay
Imation's Atom Flash Drive may not be the most capacious USB key you've ever seen -- heck, it's probably not even the smallest -- but it is this company's most diminutive of all time, and that just has to count for something. Available in 1/2/4/8GB sizes, these units feature Vista ReadyBoost compatibility and support for passwords while measuring less than 1.5-inches long and .5-inches wide. Slip one of these sub-1-ounce drives into your pocket today for $17.99 to $99.99, depending on capacity.
