Everything USB - Gadgets, Wireless USB, USB 3.0

ExpressCard 2.0 Wholeheartedly Welcomes USB 3.0

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:20:13 -0600

USB 3.0 is here alright. What comes along with the SuperSpeed USB is the new ExpressCard 2.0 whose official group, PCMCIA, earlier promised the standard would be released as soon as new USB spec is published. ExpressCard 2.0 like its predecessor is closely tied to PCI Express 2.0 and USB 3.0 specs, and will take full advantage of both standards. While it is essentially the extension of PCI-E, most consumer-oriented ExpressCard adapters are actually USB-based (e.g. HSDPA modems, flash cards, TV tuners) for cost-cutting reason.

ExpressCard 2.0 hasn't been exactly published yet, as PCMCIA probably has just received the USB spec like everyone else. The group will soon begin to finalize the release and make it available to members in early 2009. Presumably, SuperSpeed USB-equipped laptops will inherently come with ExpressCard 2.0 slots when they start shipping in 2010. We can't wait to see the first SSD that works on both ExpressCard slot and USB 3.0 port. This is going to be one killer application.
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Legacy USB Joystick Brings Back Nostalgic Feeling

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:50:36 -0600

Old school gamers love the nostalgic feeling from playing games of the 80s and 90s, even in emulated mode with the state-of-the art gaming mouse and keyboard on a duo-core computer. Obviously, a few of us would go as far as bidding for an original Atari console, but at least we can now get a controller that the mimics the feel of the classic joystick.

Compatible with virtually any emulators whether they be Mame, Daphne, or Stella, the aptly-named Legacy USB joystick looks exactly like an Atari controller from the 80s (or is it 70s?), but ressurected in the 21st century, it interfaces with a PC/Mac/Linux with USB. The Legacy however comes merely with a single button. Luckily, the circuit board provides an 10 internal contact points for wiring up to the same amount of additional fire buttons. If a $400 Wii is out of your budget for this year Christmas holiday, then maybe get yourself a $14.99 Legacy USB joystick along with free ROMs floating on the Internet.
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SteelSeries Zboard Gaming Keyboard for Lich King Fans

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:01:35 -0600

Zboard is perhaps one of the most versatile gaming keyboards of all time with removable keysets, anti-ghosting for 7 simultaneous keystrokes, and drop-n-drop macro editing. Being the 'official' input device for games like Battlefield 2142, Counter-strike and several other RTS, the Zboard whose company has been devoured by SteelSeries has been brought back to life to conincide with the release of World of Warcraft: Warth of Lich King.

A default keyset allows you to type as you would on a QWERTY keyboard, and the specially developed gaming keyset is tailor made for the 10 million strong WoW fan base. For existing Zboard owners, the WoW: Warth of Lich King keyset is available separately for $19.99, while rest of the WoW population can get the complete keyboard bundle for $69.99. There is also a mousepad to go with the specifically themed keyboard. We reckon it won't be long until SteelSeries will try to milk with a WoW mouse.
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Callpod Drone - A Different Kind of Bluetooth USB Adapter

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:02:30 -0600

Callpod Drone is no ordinary Bluetooth 2.0 USB adapter. Classified as a Class 1 device, the dongle can boost up to 10 times the range (or 100m/328 ft.) of other lower-powered equivalents. The extended range is quite useful for audio purposes as Callpod Drone comes built-in with A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth profile for stereo streaming and remote control respectively.

The $49.99 adapter actually operates out-of-the-box, meaning it works indepedent of the Bluetooth software stack inside Windows Vista, Mac or even Linux. Your computer simply sees the Drone as a USB speaker and simply routes the audio accodingly. (This sounds very much like how the retired Logitech Wireless Music DJ works.) You'll need additional driver to use the Drone on Windows 2000 and XP. Last but not least is the automatic BT headset detection and pairing - a process that will save you 30 seconds.
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Lenovo's Keypad Lock-guarded USB Hard Drive (FD Encryption!)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:31:07 -0600

Lenovo is known to take good care of its ThinkPad users' data with enhanced laptop security features, and it now extends the protection to portable storage. Aptly named the ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drive, the mobile unit employs a physical numeric keypad lock allowing users to type in their passcode to retreieve their data.

Unlike some PIN-protected flash drive, the ThinkPad USB HDD features full-disk 128-bit AES encryption so it's not so prone to hacking through drive disassembly. Up to ten unique user ID's and one admin can be assigned to access the 3"x5" bus-powered drive. Of course, if the drive allows individual partition protection, that would be even better for collaboration. The ThinkPad USB drive will arrive in mid-November at $179 for the 160GB and $219 for the 320GB.
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AVerMedia's Multi-Region USB Digital TV Stick (Not Global Yet)

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:52:05 -0600

There's certainly no shortage of USB TV sticks, whether they be ASTC DVB-T, or DMB-T. Yet none of them supports multi-digital broadcast transmission standard, as some business travelers request. AVerMedia now seems to have a product that fills the void, by debuting a USB TV stick that can receive DMB-T as well as DVB-T signal. DMB-T is a standard backed by the Chinese government while DVB-T is favored by European countries as well as Taiwan. So, if you split your time between Europe and China (incl. Hong Kong), the AVerMedia DMB850 Plus might be what you need. Americans and Canadians obviously should be waiting for a version supporting at least the ASTC.

The DMB850 Plus additionally offers real-time H.264 conversion to QVGA iPod format, not only the quality you want to save your HD stream into. But to enjoy the high-def time-shifting and 16-channel preview, you would also need a Core 2 Duo 2Ghz or faster. The USB TV dongle comes a high-gain antenna for on the go mobile TV reception. No word on pricing nor shipping date. Somehow, we have a feeling the DMB850 Plus will have limited availability.
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Flip Mino HD Camcorder Receives High-def Upgrade

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:44:26 -0600

Pure Digital Flip has become the household name for cheap camcorders, but everyone is apparently lining up to dethrone Flip with new high-def contenders. In face of increased competition from Kodak Zi6, RCA HD-EZ300HD and alike, Pure Digital finally steps up with a new HD-capable camcorder called Mino HD.

Weighing at 3.3 oz., the Flip MinoHD sports the exact same seven-button layout and an identical 1.5 LCD preview screen as its standard-def cousin, but it bumps on-board storage to 4GB, enough to store 60 minutes of H.264 video footage in HD (720p 9Mbps VBR). Other aspects are mostly the same as well, including a 2x digital zoom and swiveling USB plug to recharge the camcorder's internal battery. New to the Flip Mino HD includes customizable case, and cross-platform compatible FlipShare software for preparing video to be shared via email, or on YouTube, AOL Video, MySpace or physical media like DVD. Whether or not HD recording, the additional 2GB, and customization are worth the extra $50 will depend on how you like the Flip Mino.
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USB Heating MousePad Keeps you Cozy during X'mas

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:29:17 -0600

Thanko's USB Heating Mousepad does look like another offbeat gadget at first sight, but it does seem like it can keep our hand cozy during the coldest days in the Winter. Presumably, the mousepad works the same way to heat up the surface as the USB beverage warmer, and can reportedly reach temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius It also sports a second USB power connector like the USB Heater Cooler Keyboard from the same company to provide enough juice for heating and the hub operations. We may end up seeing one of these ending up in one of the many Japanese gadget importer websites for twice the MSRP (1980 yen or $20 USD).
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PowerStick V2 - Same USB Charger Stick, Just $10 Less

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:57:59 -0600

It would seem Ecosol has upgraded its PowerStick, at least cosmetically. The new slim down version has a more plastic feel to it, while holding the same amount of electric charge. We suppose this helps to lower the MSRP to $59.99, $10 less than before. For those who haven't heard of the PowerStick, it's essentially an all-in-one universal USB charger bundled with no less than 9 connectors to hook up to your iPhone, Palm Treo, BlackBerry or any portable electronics that feed power through a micro-USB or mini-USB connection. Most of us in reality would need to bring about 2 to 3 jacks on the go.

The PowerStick can fully recharge its 750mA Li-ion battery through a standard USB port in 90 minutes. Once it is charged up, the dongle still stop draining power from the computer, unlike traditional chargers. There's about a billion charges sold every year, and when we leave them plugged in our phones over night, the chargers will consume standby power. The company claims the general idea behind the PowerStick is to reduce the need for multiple proprietary chargers, and to efficiently manage our mobile power need, hence saving our planet resource for other purposes.
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Microsoft "BlueTrack" Explorer Mini Mouse Review

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:58:39 -0600

Showcasing Microsoft's new-for-2008 BlueTrack technology, the Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse boasts a unique laser tracking system that claims to make the mouse usable on practically any surface. Designed to be both portable and fully-featured, the Explorer Mini employs a 2.4GHz wireless connection and ergonomically styled body in an attempt to be the ultimate mouse for desktop users who have the occasional need to work on the road, and who appreciate the latest technology. For full review, read on.
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SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to be Formally Unveiled Next Monday

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:37:29 -0600

Almost 14 months after Intel announced USB 3.0, the final protocol specification will be formally announced next Monday at the first SuperSpeed USB Developer Conference in San Jose, CA. The specs will then be handed over to early adopters that plan to design products around SuperSpeed USB 3.0. The third generation of Universal Serial Bus has been hit by delay after delay, and it's been a very long, difficult and challenging three-year effort. Only several months ago, nVidia, AMD and a few others threatened to create its own USB 3.0 if Intel doesn't share the controller specs with them on time. This fortunately didn't sidetrack the effort to deliver USB 3.0 on time as both sides quickly reached an agreement.

While not formally unveiled, the SuperSpeed USB logo was shown at WinHEC 2008 last week where Redmond engineers held discussions on which OS will support the new USB. Windows 7 RTM unfortunately won't ship with native USB 3.0 support; that is, if the next Windows doesn't encounter delays. Hopefully, USB 3.0 (with its new SuperSpeed USB mode) is worth the wait with speed boost to 4.8Gbps, the use of optical cabling, and new power management. WinHEC 2008 has a a brief performance comparison sample for data transfer of 25GB HD movie:

USB 1.0: 9.3 hours
USB 2.0: 13.9 minutes
USB 3.0: 70 seconds

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Gears of War 2 Special Edition Zune 120GB

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:12:45 -0600

Sometimes it makes you wonder whether all these special edition Zunes that coincide launch of their respective game titles are part of MS' desperate effort to boost sales numbers for the DAP. Just like last year's Halo 3, Redmond has shipped a Gear of Wars 2 edition Zune in celebration of the game release. The first thing that you will notice is the Crimson Omen etched on the back of the 120GB Zune. As soon as you fire up the player, you will discover full GoW soundtrack including 28 from the game sequel; 9 game videos (i.e. gameplay, trailers, behind the scenes); and lastly, 244 images of all kinds from custom Zune backgrounds to concept arts. Given the GoW2 Zune only costs you $30 than the regular one, we suppose hardcore fans wouldn't mind paying the extra.
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Cables Unlimited's WUSB Adapter Dives Below Magic $100 Mark

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:47:11 -0600

It's been a tough week for Wireless USB with WiQuest folding and Intel pulling out of UWB research. Wisair, however, sees more opportunities for itself as the fabless company's single-chip WSR601 WUSB silicon finds its way into Cables Unlimited's next product. Unlike other WUSB hubs, the Cables Unlimited Wireless USB Adapter set consists just a pair of dongles - one for the notebook or PC and another for the device. This helps to get the price down to below $100 - the magic mark for mass consumer adoption.

Wisair says the device-side adapter is compatible with wired USB peripherals such as external hard drive, printer, digital camera, camcorders, optical burners as well as USB hubs. Unfortunately, Cables Unlimited's adapter as of this writing has't included isochronous support as required by USB speakers and TV tuners. Perhaps Wisair could fix it via a driver update which the new defunct WiQuest had done earlier. The company also told us they are very much alive with enough cash to last until 2010 at which time we should be crawling out of the recession.
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Koreans Push 7" USB LCD for Widgets and Gadgets

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:39:21 -0600

There's no doubt bigger is better for LCD monitors, unless you live in Korea where Nanovision and DisplayLink are encouraging people to think small. These companies have jointly announced MIMO USB monitors, which are what they called dedicating visual workspace to applications that are used at a glance, such as IM clients, calendars and stock quote monitoring. The technology behind the MIMO is none other than DisplayLink, so these tiny monitors should handle most multimedia tasks with ease.

NanoVision initially will offer MIMO UM-710 with just a barebone USB-powered display. The 7" LCD's resolution tops at 800x480, and will automatically adjust its orientation accordingly as you rotate the screen. The UM-730 adds a 1.3MP webcam, a microphone as well as a headphone jack. The highest end model - UM-750 - comes all all the aforementioned features plus a touch-screen and a built-in DMB tuner. The price isn't pretty, at 130,000 Won ($129 USD) for the starter kit. Similar application is seen on Samsung's 22" wide-screen except the mini-monitor sidekick is always tethered to the main unit.
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USB Energy Saver Cuts Standby Power, Saves Planet

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:01:07 -0600

Saving the planet with new gadgetry is so 2008. TrickleStar, a relatively unknown Hong Kong company, claims to have the "world's first" power-saving device that can slash as much as 12% from your utility bills by cutting standby power and that presumably can reduce the same amount on your electricity use. (We hate to break this news to you, but CheckTap has beaten you to the world's first title.)

Here's how energy saver works. The TrickleStar PC Standby Power Saver connects to a PC via a USB cable and continuously checks the power status of the computer. There's another power extension cable that daisy-chains to your regular power strip with all your peripherals plugged in. When the PC is switched off, the TrickleStar's current sensing circuitry will cut power to the peripherals. Conversely, when a PC is powered on, the accessory devices will be switched back on. The power saver is due in January 2009.

According to International Energy Agency (IEA), standby power costs U.S. $4 billion annually.
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200x USB Microscope for Inquisitive Kids & Adults

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:33:08 -0600

Here's a USB microscope for inquisitive youngsters who is interested in microbiology. Even though it might be designed for a 8-year old, it doesn't skimp on features. Plug this thing into a USB port, and you get up to 200x magnification of the object on your monitor in full color. Stills can be taken at up to 1600x1200 via its 1.3MP lens. Video will probably be capped at 640x480.

The retailer recommends you start with a UK five pound note or equivalent, and you should be looking at everything underneath it. Then you can proceed to exploring your scars, wounds and perhaps acne (if you have them) in alarming microscopic details. When you're ready to share the horrid close-ups, the company has provided 2GB of online space just for this purpose. While the gadget is priced at $150, we vouch the USB microscope is going to be a lot of fun.
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Shrunken Wireless-N USB Adapter from Planex

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:32:47 -0600

We've seen thumbdrives, Bluetooth, USB TV tuner and external sound card shrunk into a mini USB dongle that is un-obstructive to neighboring ports. Now it's time for a miniaturized 802.11n adapter. How small is it you might think? Try to envision a USB adapter that is one-sixth the size of a regular USB dongle, or just check out the picture above.

Planex's GW-USMicronN, despite its small size, supports 802.11n with MIMO and is backward compatible with 802.11g. The tiny network plug doesn't skimp on security features, providing all encryption standards plus Wi-Fi Protected Setup - essentially allowing you to connect to a wireless LAN without having to enter mile-long passcode. Last but not least is Xlink Kai support for conneting consoles across the Internet as if they are on the local area network.
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Improved USB Performance on MacBook Pro

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:40:29 -0600

Our reviews consistently show that speed of USB drives could reach about 35MB/s in Windows environment. For some unique product like the Buffalo Turbo USB line-up, we even saw read rate going as fast as 40MB/s. On the Macs, it's another story. Speed - even for the same drive - would drop by 50% to about half that of FireWire 400. Perhaps Apple always has FireWire as an option for storage; the company never really optimized driver for USB bulk transfer. This is all changed in the latest MacBook Pro series.

The latest batch of benchmark shows USB 2.0 can hit 35MB/s during both read and write operations. However, that's the MacBook Pro, but since Apple chooses the first southbridge for the 13" MacBook, we should see the same performance gain on the consumer oriented laptop as well. That should address some concerns from users that USB isn't fast enough for DV imports.
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WD TV HD Media Player Ready for H.264, MKV & Full HD

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:40:20 -0600

BitTorrenters shopping for an affordable USB-based HDD-less media players (eg. Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link) may find the lack of H.264 support to be somewhat disappointing as more files uploaded are in high-definition and in specific container like the Matroska. Western Digital now has a new video extender that should put a smile on your face. Its new WD TV HD Media Player, instead of clogging up your wireless network, simply playbacks whatever that is on your USB hard drive(s) - supporting up to 2 drives to combine into a single pool.

Unique to the WD TV HD Player is the support for 1080p output through HDMI and most importantly, video compatibility for MS' WMV9, QuickTime's MOV (MPEG-4, H.264) and MKV. Audio compatibility includes the usual plus OGG, LPCM, AAC, FLAC, Dolby Digital (2-channel) and MKA. Nothing is perfect; the same goes for the Western Digital which omits MPEG-2 VOB and DivX decoding. But dual USB ports and MKV at 1080p are good enough to satisify most bitTorrenters, if not all. MSRP for the WD TV HD is $130, but it is likely to come down by the Christmas time.
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USB Audio Splitter... Why?

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:39:08 -0600

This so-called USB 2.1 Channel Sound USB Adapter strikes us as an unusual product. It takes a USB port and turns it into a dongle that accepts two headsets. Hardware-wise, the adapter has its own headset and mic mute as well as dedicated volume control. It would seem people who maybe interested in this are not aware of the existence of an audio splitter which works perfectly well with a USB sound card. Well, sometimes, you can expect this kind of stuff from Brando, which is shipping every item for free until Christmas.
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