usb

After extensive therapy, we've been able to admit publicly that we have issues with exposed wires, cords and cables. And we're happy to say that, with the help of some sympathetic manufacturers, we hope to make significant progress in the new year.

Belkin may be one of those companies, if the "cable-free USB hub" it's about to ship is worthwhile. Not only does the $200 hub work without a cable to the computer but, according to Engadget, Belkin also claims connection speeds of up to 480 mbps as far as 30 feet away. That might … Read more

Disney never got the Web. We could go into all kinds of reasons why, but that's not important now. The reason: In its latest technological initiatives, it's been leveraging what it does best--which is basically marketing any physical object that bears its iconic logo.

The most effective way for the Magic Kingdom to capitalize on technology is through such hardware as MP3 players and cell phones, where it can distribute mouse ears to the masses. To that end, even peripherals like the new "Mickey Sport Collection" USB keys are fair game. Made by A-Data Technology, these … Read more

When you hear Los Alamos National Laboratory is disabling its computers' USB ports to prevent people from toting away flash memory drives filled with classified nuclear weapons information, it's not a stretch to imagine that there might be a market for thumb drives with a bit of security.

Enter Lexar's SAFE PSD S1100, a product line announced Monday geared for use at corporate or government customer sites where there's a need to keep the lid on sensitive data.

The drives offer built-in 256-bit file encryption and a mandatory password to gain access to the data. The encryption … Read more

Most Webware.com readers who use Windows are familiar with two kinds of software: applications that run within the Windows framework, and Web-based applications. Using the former requires access to your own computer; using the latter requires password management and an Internet connection.

Now, the growing availability of software that runs off portable devices makes schlepping your laptop home for the holidays less of a necessity. PortableApps Standard Suite turns your memory device--iPod, Darth Vader Flash drive or even your digital camera's memory card--into a software and personal file manager.

Here's how to get started: Grab the PortableApps … Read more

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

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

It's been noted more than a few times that some of us at Crave have issues where cables are concerned. (We try not to talk about it, for Erica's sake.)

So we're always pleased to see a product that helps manage the inevitable tangle of unsightly wires we so dread, such as these revolving USB ports we happened to see on Gizmowatch. The proliferation of USB devices--and lack of ports in our older computers--has led to some unruly and possibly hazardous combinations in our immediate areas, and we fear that the fire marshal may be onto us. … Read more

If there's one thing we've learned here at Crave, it's that there's an infinite number of ways for middle-aged men to embarrass themselves. Yesterday, for example, we learned of a way to make air guitar come to life (shudder).

But if you want a more conventional way to make a fool of yourself, this USB electric guitar from ThinkGeek might be more appropriate. The iAXE is a full-sized instrument that plugs into your computer and comes with software that simulates effect pedals and amps.

Mercifully, the $100 guitar is also designed to work with headphones--thereby limiting … Read more

Whether at home or at the office, you can never satisfy everyone with the temperature. We've seen people almost come to blows over the thermostat, setting and resetting the controls whenever others weren't around.

To keep the peace--and your personal comfort--you can always get a pair of these USB Warmer Gloves. Japanese retailer RareMono Shop says they're safe because the gloves warm slowly with the USB power. Added benefit: You can get that homeless chic look without burning your hands over a garbage-can fire.