The USB connector on your computer is a handy dandy little item, good for plugging in your peripherals, loading data into the computer from a USB key and the like. There’s also a weird mini trend in creating goofy gadgets that you can plug into your USB connector to power them. Consider, for instance, the USB pencil sharpener!
Spotted any zany USB gadgets out there? Let us know right here for an upcoming show.
Hi Nora,
It is amazing what you can kind of gadgets you can plug into your USB connector to power them. The following is a Christmas wish list compiled with my colleagues in mind:
Track Stick Mini GSP Tracking System – This Mini GPS tracking System can fit in the palm of your hand and works world wide! This GPS tracking system can map exactly where it has been by recording its own time, date, location, speed direction and altitude at preset levels. Containing 1MB of memory it can store information for months of travel. It’s so small you can hide it for covert applications. The recorded information can be downloaded to your computer through the USB port, there are no special software applications to buy, no hidden fees to see where the Track Stick has been. Just think no more wondering how the extra miles got on the car find out if your employees are taking two hour lunches. This GPS tracker is small enough to hand to your workers and have them carry it all day or just put it in your tuck and find out where they spend the day.
http://www.spyville.com/mini-gps-tracking-system.html
Personal fan, mini aquarium, hand warmers, foot warmers.
Air Conditioned Shirt – Everyone actually does have a natural air conditioner which is sweating and the air conditioned clothes are designed to give that mechanism a shot in the arm. The clothes have two 10 centimeter fans located at right and left sides at the back of clothing at waist level. These fans draw in a large amount of air which helps to vaporize thus dissipating sweat and bringing down the wearers body temperature. The clothing comes with a switch to adjust the fan speed. Just connect your shirt to the USB port and be cool. Other than USB the shirt is powered by four AA batteries or your car’s cigars socket. This ingenious idea is the brain child of Kouzi Ichigaya an ex Sony technician. At present half sleeve shirts for men and women are available with this unique system in Japan.
http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/usb_powered_air_conditioned_clothes.php
Beverage Cooler/Heater – Thanko Japan has finally broken the silence and come up with another whacky USB product. This whacky gadget can cool or heat a beverage at a flick of a switch. The unit measures 150 x 170 x 145 mm and weighs 500 grams. It is available in Japan for 4,980 Yen ($ 42)
http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/usb_powered_beverage_heater_and_cooler.php
George Foreman Grill,and the other kind of keyboard – one of the musical variety USB piano keyboard.
Enjoy!
Marian
I need a new USB hub, but I’ll resist the temptation to buy a TARDIS. On my Christmas present wish–list is a Samson Q1U USB Microphone, podcasting for the use of.
Andy, I find it hard to believe that the same person who may well have won the ‘ubergeek’ title could possibly resist a Doctor Who-themed USB gadget!
I’m holding out for a Dalek!
Oh, and John Ross claims the title "Ubergeek". I’m just another keyboard monkey.
This has got to be one of the most useless (but funny, in a sick kind of way) uses of a USB port.
Who thinks up these things, anyway?
http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/index.php/digital_tokyo/articles/legs_everywhere_rejoice_as_dog_humps_usb_port_silly/
JL
I like the usb plasma ball [ http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/964e/ ]
The only other things I really use is a 500GB external SATA drive to backup my data, and a 1GB flash drive hacked so that it fits into a lego brick.
I don’t if Nora and the gang is going to find this appropriate, but I did a quick search on this USB gadget subject and came across a USB vibrating dildo. Yes, I vibrating USB input dildo.
I don’t know if Nora and the gang is going to find this appropriate, but I did a quick search on this USB gadget subject and came across a USB vibrating dildo. Yes, I vibrating USB input dildo.