Peripherals

What is it about USB devices that makes people want to abuse them so? This HDMC USB key can be dunked 1 meter under water and withstand shocks from drops of up to 4 feet, according to Akihabara News. Other than its rather odd almost-square shape (about 2 by 2.4 inches), the key is most notable for an extra-wide cord that doubles as a protective bumper around the device.

If you're really sadistic, however, you probably also want to consider the Kingston key that can be submerged even deeper (4 feet) and withstand temperatures minus-4 and 185 degrees … Read more

As we part of our self-awareness work, we've admitted to having issues with exposed cords, an unfortunate situation that has led us on exhaustive searches for solutions. But here's one that had never occurred to us: a pot. Especially a pot from an Italian lamp maker.

The "Multipot Personal Electric Charger" hides five power outlets behind a "soothing light," according to Ubergizmo. Just jam all your cords into the pot like you were making a wire stew and let the lamp make it all seem like a planned look.

The $178 might seem a … Read more

Coming soon to a desktop near you...Full Metal Keyboard. No, it's not a Stanley Kubrick sequel. It's a peripheral from UAC Japan that ships in 2007.

The keys, as well as the trackball surface, are made of stainless steel, while the body is made of aluminium, according to NewLaunches.com, which alerted us to the gadget. Dustproof and waterproof, the keyboard can be used in harsh environments--or, of course, to complement the decor of chic industrial-style lofts.

Just about every day, we come across a blog or site that claims to have found the worst or dumbest (or both) portable USB drive. And we usually agree each time, until the next one comes along. But we're somewhat conflicted over this 16-pound bowling ball, which the Raw Feed calls the "worst USB gadget yet." We admit that it kind of defeats the purpose of portability, but we still like it, probably because it reminds us of our drive-in movie days (memories over memory?). There's just one question: How do you toss it down the … Read more

If you're really serious about your gaming, you want every advantage you can possibly get (short of poisoning your opponent's Red Bull.) And you know that the nano-seconds between key strokes can be the difference between life and virtual death.

This is when you can't count on the mere mortals who have designed and assembled standard keyboard formations. Instead, you must take matters into your own hands and configure your own controls with Ergodex's DX1 Input System, which Bit-Tech says "allows you to create fully customizable key layouts that fit the shape of your hand, … Read more

We're not Star Wars fanatics, honest. But judging by the interest in previous related items we understand that a fair number of our readers are heavily influenced by The Force (euphemistically or otherwise).

To that end, we offer the latest installment in Mimico's theme-based USB drive series. Enter R2-D2, to join Darth Vader, the Stormtrooper and Chewbacca. No word yet on any reunion with C3-P0.

Other countries may lead in consumer technology development, but the Russians continue to show their asthetic prowess in everything from next-generation keyboards to phones made of gold and African Blackwood.

Their latest entry is a handmade optical mouse from designer Slava Tyukalov, who says his wireless creation is made from materials similar to those used by space agencies to form a "graphite-aluminum composite metal matrix" wrapped in high-grade Italian leather. According to his blog, the "Cold Steel" version pictured here goes for $397, though he stresses that demand is high (the Russians have discovered the wonders … Read more

At first glance, this looks like a cross between a hearing aid and a Derringer pistol, but it's actually something that belongs on the desktop. The Sigma SGM2 mouse owes its funky design to the intended use as a presentation device, to control the computer screen pistol-style with thumb and trigger finger.

It sounds like a grand idea, and we might even be able to get past the weird look of this mouse if it weren't for one thing: It's not wireless. Which, as Newlaunches correctly points out, makes it far less appealing for standup lectures or … Read more

It happens all the time: You take some photos with your gold camera, then transfer the files to your gold USB drive, but where do you make the prints? Hewlett-Packard has the obvious answer, with its 24-carat gold HP Laserjet printer.

The working 24k prototype is being auctioned in Japan, starting at a paltry $299, according to Engadget. You might even be able to call in the winning bid on your gold cell phone.