usb

We realize that hands aren't the only body parts that get chilled at the computer, but ... knees? It's one thing if you're arthritic, but otherwise--well, never mind.

If you really do suffer from unusually cold patellas, take heart: Vavolo has introduced the "Warmmi USB Heating Knee Pads" to save the day. At least it's not a Hello Kitty lap warmer.

Some manufacturers are clearly hell-bent on making USB keys look like fine jewelry. And unlike most of these attempts (Swarovski), some of them actually seem to be done in relative good taste.

But we have to ask: When one of these products clearly looks like it belongs in a jewelry case, like the "i-Disk Vogue" from Pretec, why bother to include a USB drive at all? BornRich says this "pendant drive" is available in storage sizes up to 8GB and can work with the latest Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, but we seriously doubt that … Read more

They've been run over, submerged in water, subjected to extreme temperatures and even built to withstand nuclear explosions. For some reason, people insist on treating USB flash drives like contestants on Fear Factor. And yet, more often than not, they seem to survive with flying colors.

The "Corsair Flash Survivor" is the latest to enter this Thunderdome culture, an aluminum encased device with a black O-ring to prevent water seepage that comes in 4GB and 8GB storage sizes, according to Everything USB. What we can't figure out, however, is why it looks like a flashlight.

Today's pop quiz: What's the difference between a portable hard drive and a USB flash device? Not much, if Buffalo has anything to say about it.

The Japanese company is developing a USB key that stores a ridiculous 16GB of data, according to Akihabara News, using silicon hard-drive technology without the actual disk. But there's no information on availability even in Japan, so don't go skimping on that storage option in your next computer purchase just yet.

Now, for extra credit: Why is this company named Buffalo? (We have no idea.)

It's no secret that we're not terribly fond of uber-combo devices, particularly when mice are involved. But the "Mini-Memory Mouse" may be an example of one worth having.

This little guy includes flash drive storage for up to 1GB of data as well as functioning as an optical mouse with a retractable USB cable, according to Red Ferret. It can't point lasers or do yoga, but depending on the price (which wasn't provided), it could be a good two-fer deal.

The AMBER Alert program has come a long way since its freeway-sign origins, making particularly good use of online and other technologies to raise awareness about the perils of child abduction. Its latest brainchild involves one of the most accessible devices in the digital world, the USB drive.

The "AMBER Alart Child ID Kit" is designed to store as much personal data on a child as possible in one place that can be immediately turned over to law enforcement officers in an emergency. Gadgets Weblog says there's no limit to the type of information that can be … Read more

Apparently no gadget is safe from mad scientists who want combine all manner of functions into a single device. The latest target of Dr. Frankenstein wannabes is the lowly USB drive.

The prosaically christened "5-In-1 128 Camera Memory Stick" from Aggeggi takes photos, records video, stores music, provides Webcam feeds and holds 128MB of data in its USB flash drive. (It also looks about as exciting as its name.)

As Ministry of Tech says, none of the $195 device's features is very impressive on its own, but it does deserve some credit for combining so many things … Read more

If nothing else, this musical instrument is worth mentioning because it's not one of those infernal USB guitars that are encouraging middle-aged men everywhere to make fools of themselves. Ion's "USB Electronic Wind Instrument" looks like a futuristic clarinet but does a lot more, offering "a range of woodwind, brass, string, synthesizer, percussion and other instruments straight from your computer."

Chip Chick notes that the instrument also comes with its own software and touch-sensitive buttons that can vary pitches and blends for truly original arrangements. That could be a good or a bad thing, … Read more

It's been a banner week for germaphobes. Just the other day we pointed to a device that purifies water with UV rays, and now we get word of a product that filters out airborne germs from the air within its immediate vicinity.

The "Ionic USB Air Purifier," according to Fareastgizmos, "discharges negative ions to absorb second-hand smoke, odors, clean airborne dust, and eliminate bacteria, germs, viruses." The device circulates air silently without a fan and needs no filters. All you need, apparently, is faith.