Filed under ‘USB’
USB proximity lock
Need to keep the data on your laptop secure? How about something that automatically locks down your laptop whenever you move more than 10 feet away from it? That’s exactly what the Tripp Lite Wireless USB proximity lock does. You simply plug one end into a spare USB port on your computer, and put the other end in your pocket or hang it around your neck. Not only would this be good in a work or school environment, but also if you have little kids that jump on your computer and ‘play’ when you leave the room.
» Available from Newegg.com
PQI i810 – world’s smallest USB drive
PQI have released a new USB drive. the Intelligent Drive i810 (30mm x 15.2mm x 5 mm), and are claiming it’s another “smallest USB flash drive in the world”. The color range isn’t anything special (pink or grey), but the design is kinda cool, and the specs are good too – the i810 has been designed to be dust, water, shock, and vibration proof, has a transfer rate of up to 27MB/sec (USB 2.0), and comes in storage sizes up to 2GB.
12GB USB micro drive
These T.One USB microdrives have a monstrous 12GB of storage – all packed into an small aluminum case not much larger than a standard USB flash drive. The microdrive spins at 3600RPM and has a sustained data transfer rate of 8.8MB/sec – not bad for something you can fit in your pocket. The T.One microdrive is available for $119.99 for the 12GB, or $44.99 for the 5GB model – from ThinkGeek.com.
USB turntable
If you’re too lazy to dig out your ancient turntable (if it still works!) and hook it up to your computer’s soundcard, then the USB turntable is probably the only way you’re going to convert those old vinyl rarities to MP3. It can handle 33.33 and 45 RPM playback speeds, and although it’s not a super high end audiophile turntable, it’s only $150 – which is nothing once you’ve transfered a few of those “vinyl only” recordings to MP3.
» Available at ThinkGeek.com
Watch HDTV on your Mac
If you want to watch HDTV on your Mac, it’s a simple as plugging in the uber tiny USB Elgato EyeTV Hybrid. It can receive HDTV signals and standard definition TV signals – plus it has inputs for your camcorder, VCR, and game console. Although it uses the Macs processor to ‘make the pictures’ – I’ve seen one of these running on a low spec Mac mini with absolutely no glitching or stuttering. It’s almost enough to warrant the purchase of a Mac mini to use solely as an HDTV recorder.
» Best price at Newegg.com
