usb

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.

Even if the "Mottainai" bronze USB drive were real gold, it would still pale in comparison to the "Snow" drive. This 4GB storage device has a case made of 18k white gold and trimmed with 96 diamonds totaling 1.44 carats, according to Ubergizmo, and at current market prices that adds up to nearly $19,000. But according to Mii Stor--which offers "a unique range of USB jewelry accessories" (ya think?)--a platinum "Ice" model is on the way with 350 diamonds totaling 5.8 carats. So start saving now.

If we've learned anything from George Lucas, it's that he never lets the Empire have the final strike. So it made perfect sense that Mimico followed up its Darth Vader USB flash drive with a Chewbacca version a few weeks back. But now we learn from Josh Spear that a counterattack is being launched by Stormtroopers, in the usual sizes of 1GB, 2GB and 4GB. What will the Force come back with next?

While slightly larger than the usual USBs, Chip Chick points out, the Pexagon Store-It portable USB 2.0 hard drives pack in a lot.

The 1.8-inch Store-It comes in a 60GB version for $199, or 20GB for $139, and the 2.5-inch Store-It comes in up to 120GB for $179. They all include an EZ-Touch One Button that instantly backs-up your stuff. The idea is that in age where more and more applications are tied to the Web, you no longer need to carry them with you.

Instead of carrying personal laptops for trips, you can take the more … Read more

A $760 USB drive? Sure, why not. It would go well with your million-dollar cell phone.

After all, it's not often you see a storage device that looks like a gold bar embedded with Statsuma Kiriko crystals (as if we've ever heard of them). Akihabara News reports that the 2GB "Mottainai" is made by SolidAlliance, which it says is "an expert for uncommon USB keys." Apparently so, though we might offer a different adjective, given that the Mottainai's case is bronze. At that price, you'd think it would be solid gold.

Once … Read more

There's been a lot of buzz recently about USB flash drives as an art form--these days, it seems like the gadget and design sectors of the blogosphere are all about Mimoco's kind of cute, kind of creepy Mimobots, and now Notcot is showcasing what it jokingly refers to as "Saint USB." But you won't find them in stores (or churches). These high-tech devotional statues are part of "Oh Maria, Keep My Data Safe," a project by Spanish graphic designer Luis Eslava. He considers them a statement about our "adoration" of computers.… Read more

When we first saw a picture of this USB Webcam on I4U news, we almost passed it up after mistaking it for a countertop kitchen appliance. Instead, we learned that it's a Cam Optia from Creative, a plug-and-play device with a "precision lens" that can be mounted on just about any type of monitor or a flat surface. It also comes with a stereo headset and a swivel base to make it more versatile--but not versatile enough for baking or any of this, so far as we know.

(Photos: Creative Technologies, KitchenAid)

Sony has a secret: When it designs impossibly small products, it often leaves some features on the drafting-room floor. Then it offers "extras" sold separately.

OK, it's not just Sony. But we needed a hook to write about an otherwise boring-looking product. Anyway, at 10 inches across and 18 ounces, Sony's new USB Vaio speaker is almost as big and heavy as its latest laptop. Most disappointing of all is the design. With so many museum-quality speakers on the market, one would think that Sony, of all companies, could have done better.

(Photo: Akhihabara News)