UsbDrive
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Iocell kicks out waterproof MDrive USB key in Korea
Sure, we've seen USB drives that shun water like it's their job before, but Iocell's iteration of the waterproof flash drive comes in a nearly irresistible package. This ultrathin drive makes for an excellent keychain adornment, and the Taegeuk pattern -- reportedly honed for this device by Young-Se Kim, CEO of INNO Design -- leaves no doubt that this sucka is aimed squarely at South Koreans. The MDrive is reportedly set to launch this week, and while the 1GB edition will run you ???39,000 ($42), the 2GB flavor will ring up at ???59,000 ($63). Click on through for a couple more looks.
The Mix Tape USB Drive remembers your roots
Sure, the compact disc may have just celebrated 25 years in the biz, but nothing says quasi-old school like a double-sided cassette tape. Granted, it's a bit harder to effectively distribute mix tapes on a format rarely appreciated this day in age, so the Mix Tape USB Drive steps in to deliver your favorite compilations in a modern form without ditching that crucial retro flair. Pricing details have yet to be released, but it's slated to hit the streets next month for those interested.[Thanks, Damien]
Apple TV Hacks calls for help to polish the USB drive hack
Two days after Apple TV Hacks published the much sought-after USB hard drive hack for the Apple TV, the site is making a call for help to polish the modification. For now, the hack isn't for the faint of heart - it requires some mucking around at the command line, not to mention an Intel Mac to apply the patch (i.e. - PowerPC Mac and Windows owners seem to be out of luck for now). It also appears that the hack is confirmed to not work on Apple TVs that have had their software updated to the 1.1 YouTube edition. Specifically, Apple TV Hacks is looking for help to simplify the hack's process and, ideally, bundle it in a GUI to make it a lot easier for all users to apply. Compatibility with the 1.1 Apple TV software is also on the todo list, since reverting one's Apple TV back to the original software and losing all the new features isn't the first thing most users want to do. If you have any skills with helping out on hacks or bundling them into a GUI, or if you know a developer who might, send them over to the Apple TV Hacks post to see if they can lend a hand.
Apple TV USB hard drive patch has arrived!
We are very pleased to report that Apple TV Hacks has published the long-anticipated USB hard drive hack for the Apple TV, allowing users to plug in an external hard drive to overcome the device's disappointing storage limitations. As with any hacks of this nature, however, the same 'hacker beware' policy applies: while the steps involved don't sound too difficult and this hack deals entirely with software (one of the rules of the contest that started all this was that the Apple TV case would not need to be opened to apply the patch), it is entirely possible that tinkering in this way could somehow void your warranty (though I would imagine you could simply use the device's menu option to reset all settings and software to original manufacturer status to clean up evidence you've been tinkering).Still, if any of you try this, be sure to chime in with your experience. The hack was designed and tested on the original 1.0 Apple TV software, so the crew isn't sure if it'll work with the current 1.1 YouTube edition released in June.
MICRODIA's Fruity USB flash drives: now in four great scents
While not nearly as lavish as Debreu's Scent Drive, MICRODIA is delivering its own set of scented flash drives for those who just can't keep their USB storage away from those nostrils. Reportedly, the USB 2.0 Fruity Flash Keys will arrive in four different flavors, so those who tend to prefer strawberry, grape, green apple, or (Engadget's personal favorite) orange should be thrilled by the selection. Each drive will supposedly be available in sizes ranging from a mere 128MB to 4GB, and while pricing and availability details aren't yet available, we'll keep our nose to the ground for any future information.[Via Gearlog]
Toshiba expands TransMemory lineup, readies 32GB Limited Edition
These days, it's growing mighty tough to differentiate flash drives, and while you'll be hard pressed to discover what's so "limited" about the 32GB Limited Edition device that Toshiba has up its sleeve, it's wearing the aforementioned label regardless. The capacious USB flash drive sports the same USB 2.0 connectivity, ReadyBoost compatibility, and password lockout system and its less endowed siblings, but does demand a bit more respect than the 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB flavors. All four devices will call the U2K Series homes, and while the standard models should hit shelves by October, it'll be closer to year-end before the 32GB iteration struts its stuff.
SanDisk offers up 4GB Ducati USB flash drive
If you're the type who prefers your vehicles to come with only two wheels, and you also don't mind paying entirely too much for a USB flash drive so long as its branded right, SanDisk's latest could be right up your alley. Amongst a number of Ducati-badged flash memory (shown after the jump), SanDisk has also unveiled the Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive, which doesn't do much to avoid looking like your average Liquid Paper Dryline Grip. Aside from the awkward resemblance, this glossy red device sports the same color effects as those found on the Ducati Corse team motorcycles, includes 4GB of internal storage, and touts write speeds of up to 20 megabytes-per-second. 'Course, that staggering $124.99 you'll lay down for this piece also includes a "custom lanyard" and SanDisk's RescuePRO Deluxe software, but we imagine the pricetag won't matter much for true aficionados.[Via PCLaunches]
Kingston intros pair of capacious DataTraveler USB drives
Those searching for a few more options and a tad more space in Kingston's ever-expanding DataTraveler lineup have struck gold, as the firm has just now unveiled a pair of miniscule USB drives that peak at 8GB of built-in storage. The DataTraveler II Plus (shown after the jump) arrives in a single 8GB flavor ($154) and comes bundled with Migo's data synchronization software, which enables the suits to have password-protected access to up-to-date Outlook folders and quarterly reports. On the flip side, the DataTraveler 100 touts that oh-so-admirable retractable action, meaning that the connector can creep out or take cover with just the flick of your thumb. Additionally, this USB 2.0 device is available in 1GB ($19), 2GB ($32), 4GB ($59), and 8GB ($116) sizes, plays nice with Windows, Linux, and OS X, and just like its aforementioned sibling, boasts a five-year warranty.Read - Kingston's 8GB DataTraveler II Plus – Migo EditionRead - Kingston's DataTraveler 100
CoMo's USB drive touts customizable, solar-powered LCD
Tacking an LCD onto the exterior of a USB flash drive is nothing new, but CoMo Gadget's CM-1022 is upping the ante by allowing users to customize what's pictured on the screen. This less-than-attractive device is helped out by the ability to upload a logo or picture onto the built-in screen, which then flashes to get "maximum exposure" for marketers. Additionally, there's room for 4GB of mind-numbing press releases, Java games, or one-time use coupons, and considering that the display is reportedly solar-powered, a dab of sun should keep the flashing going 'til the wee hours of the night. No signs of a pricetag just yet, but unless you've got advertising on the brain, we'd steer clear of this one.[Via EverythingUSB]
Iocell's rugged mDrive: built to last a decade
Iocell's been known to unleash USB drives that differentiate themselves quite effectively from the masses, and the firm's latest offering is no different. The ultrathin mDrive reportedly weighs in at just three grams, is available in capacities ranging from 1GB to 4GB, and is built to withstand just about anything nature throws at it. The water-, heat-, and shock-resistant drive is just marginally larger than a penny, but can reportedly archive data up to ten years and be written to "more than one million times" before calling it quits. Additionally, the drive will support the company's Castella Builder software, which purportedly allows you to transport applications and settings from one machine to another without any hassle. Now, how do we go about keeping track of this thing?[Via AVing]
Memorex's M-Flyer Pilot USB drive gets its wings
Granted, we're not exactly grasping the full connection between aircrafts and Memorex's TravelDrive M-Flyer Pilot, but the sleek, "aerodynamic" design and cutesy wing logo probably make this the USB flash drive of choice for the average commercial pilot. Regardless, this minuscule device touts a retractable, capless design, ReadyBoost compatibility, and comes with Portable Vault USB security software from Migo Software. Available in 2GB and 4GB sizes, the latest M-Flyer should be available in the US and Canada next month for $49.99 and $79.99, respectively.
Art Lebedev's Finger Folder flash drive
We know, either you're waiting impatiently for December to roll around or figuring out odd jobs to raise upwards of $1,500, but here's a gem from Art that'll take your mind off (momentarily, at least) that other creation. The Finger Folder flash drive describes itself fairly well without any help from us, as the brilliantly simplistic USB drive resides in a manila folder that you're free to label at will. Sure, you could get all fancy and buy a drive with a programmable BCD, but there's just something magical about doing things the old way.[Thanks, Mike I.]
White Stripes album sold on limited edition USB drives
For fans of Jack and Meg, it's probably a long-standing dream of yours to purchase the Icky Thump album on limited edition thumb drives complete with cartoon renditions of the rockers, but even if it that understandably bizarre scenario never actually crossed your mind, you can still make it a reality. Apparently, the White Stripes are offering up their latest album on two fairly rare USB drives, each sporting 512MB of internal space, an artistic rendition of one of the band mates, and thirteen rockin' tracks in Apple Lossless format. Only 3,333 of each will be created, and while just one will run you a whopping $57.50, you may as well grab the duo for a discounted $99. Of course, we're still not entirely certain if these things are actually licensed by the band, but it's safe to assume that a seven nation army of fans will have these bought up before the legal teams can even get their case together.[Via BoingBoing]
Marubeni Infotec knocks on wooden input peripherals
While we doubt a vast majority of you have gone and purchased a wooden PC just yet, a natural tower isn't necessary to enjoy the stained goods that Marubeni Infotec was showing off at Computex. While details concerning pricing, availability, and construction were all but nil, AVing's crew did manage to get its camera up close and personal with some of the wares. On display was a USB keyboard (complete with Scrabble-influenced keys), a number of colorful USB 2.0 flash drives, a multicard reader, and a four-port (we agree, the fourth port is hiding) USB hub. Click on through for shots so close, you can smell the sap.
Bob Marley's "Exodus" released on limited edition USB stick
It's not the first album to be released on a USB stick, but this new limited edition drive packing Bob Marley's classic "Exodus" is certainly one of the highest-profile releases to date, and apparently the first from a major label catalog artist. While the exact capacity of the drive isn't clear, there's at least enough space to store three videos of Bob Marley's 1977 performance at London's Rainbow Theatre in addition to the ten tracks from the album itself. As it's not coming from a record label that's seen fit to ditch DRM, however, there's also presumably a few restrictions on how you can use those tracks, so you'll just have to save your rendition of "No DRM, No Cry" for another day. You'll also have to act pretty fast to get one, as there'll apparently only be 4000 drives produced, with them only available to those joining the Bob Marley Passport Fan Club for $45 a year.
SanDisk intros Cruzer Professional, Enterprise USB drives
SanDisk has tossed a few more entries into its ever-expanding line of Cruzer USB flash drives, with its new Cruzer Professional and Cruzer Enterprise models offering a few additional perks for more security-minded folks. Both drives are available in 1, 2, and 4GB versions, and each boast the same 24MB/sec read time and 20MB/sec write time. Opting for the Professional model, however, will only get you some basic security features, including a "Privacy Zone" that'll let you password-protect as much or as little of the drive as you'd like. The Cruzer Enterprise, on the other hand, boasts mandatory password protection for the entire drive, along with a set-up process that forces users to create complex passwords. The Enterprise drive will also work with Sandisk's Cruzer Enterprise Central Management & Control server software, which'll give businesses central back-up and restore capabilities, and even allow for remote termination of lost drives. If that meets with your approval, you can snag the Enterprise drives now for between $75 and $185, or save a few bucks with the Professional drives, which'll set you back between $55 and $155.
Zip Zip offers up USB flash drives within Lego blocks
We're not particularly sure if Lego is actually getting a cut on these newfangled USB flash drives, but an Australian firm is offering up said storage options within Lego blocks nonetheless. The Zip Zip Memory Bricks will be available in black, white, red, blue, green, and yellow here shortly, and all house 1GB of storage and sport USB 2.0 connectivity. Additionally, a nifty lanyard allows you to attach your new 31- x 15- x 10-millimeter drive to your key ring, and while the A$59 ($48) pricetag may seem a tad high for just 1,024MB, you know the diehards can't resist picking this up to go alongside their Lego LaCie HDD.
Corsair Flash Survivor GT 8GB escapes torture test unscathed
We've seen some mighty rugged flash drives put to the test in our day, but Corsair's Flash Survivor GT 8GB managed to withstand a well-planned and carefully executed attack on its life like none that have come before it. This soldier of a USB drive not only performed great when tested against more fragile alternatives, it somehow escaped sans injury after being submerged in a pool, cooked in boiling water for ten solid minutes, and being creamed with a hammer numerous times. The torturers expected the CNC-milled anodized aircraft-grade aluminum housing to hold up fairly well under duress, but even they were utterly amazed at how invincible this thing really seemed. The $130 drive earned a much deserved 10 out of 10 rating from the flabbergasted review crew, and while we're not quite sure if it could withstand a nuclear attack like one of its competitors, it can apparently live through just about anything that you yourself could.[Thanks, Rodger]
PQI intros Traveling Disk H Series USB drives
For those of you out there who are already proud owners of Power Quotient International's Cool Drive U350, the new lineup from the same company probably looks eerily familiar. While the firm claims that "extra efforts went into differentiating the H series from its siblings by using techniques such as sand blasting, hairline treatment, and mirror finishes," we're not quite buying it. Regardless of looks, the new flash drives tout ReadyBoost compatibility (although it's apparently not likely to yield much benefit), are available in sizes ranging from half a gigabyte to 4GB, and come pre-loaded with a Webaroo offline browser that "downloads and saves internet packets of websites" for viewing whilst not connected. Unfortunately, there's no signs of a price nor an availability date, but aside from the still-nifty retractable nature that the U310H, U350H and U339H all rock, there's not much here to hold out for.[Via PC Launches]
SubRosaSoft's MacLockPick extracts personal info from OS X
While actually picking locks is no large task these days, cracking into one's highly encrypted information in OS X could prove problematic if the culprit had something to hide. SubRosaSoft's USB key purportedly allows "law enforcement professionals to perform live forensics on Mac OS X systems," and once the software on the included drive is ran, it automatically extracts data from the Apple Keychain and system settings to "provide the examiner fast access to the suspect's critical information with as little interaction or trace as possible." The program then compiles the details into a database and stores it back on the drive's internal memory, which can supposedly be read back on Windows, Linux, or OS X machines at base. Before the devious ones in the crowd get too excited, though, we should probably warn you that interested consumers will be forced to "provide proof that they are a licensed law enforcement professional," and even then, it will run you anywhere between $399.95 to $499.95 depending on your exact profession. But hey, we're sure you know a private investigator or police officer who can hook you up, right?[Via DragonSteelMods]
