Oh! Gizmo

By Andrew Liszewski

According to the movies, books, video games, comics, toys etc. the real R2-D2 was a true jack-of-all-trades, but I don’t think he had the one feature that I’m sure most people look for in a droid; the ability to keep a single canned beverage cool. So even if you’ve already plunked down a stack of republic credits for your own astromech droid, you’ll still need to pick up this miniature USB powered version if you want to keep your drinks cool.

And just to clear my name, the product shot was taken directly from the Play.com website, but I’m not exactly sure what brilliant Photoshop artist was responsible for so perfectly comping in that Coke can. And I assume that this R2-D2 USB micro fridge also comes with his domed head, even though it doesn’t appear in this photo. You can get it from Play.com for about 35 republic credits.

[ Star Wars: R2-D2 USB Micro Fridge ] VIA [ Nerd Approved ]

By Luke Anderson

Novelty USB flash drives are dime a dozen, but this one really hits the nail on the head. Okay, I seriously apologize for the horrible puns, but I just couldn’t resist. At least I didn’t go with the other one about your computer getting nailed.

This Nailed USB Flash Drive is actually one of the more costly and pointless drives I’ve seen in a while. It doesn’t have any fancy design or crystals, it just looks like a nail. A 1GB drive is going to set you back almost $47. I think I’ll pass.

[ Planktonstation ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]

By Luke Anderson

I like The Simpsons, I’ve been watching it pretty regularly for years. Despite my love for the Springfield family, there is no way you would every find these Homer Simpson USB Monitor Lights anywhere near my desk.

Yes, Homer is funny and he does a lot of crazy stuff. But just the thought of trying to do anything on a computer monitor covered in these things makes my eye twitch. If you don’t mind not being able to see things like your tool bars and address bars, then by all means grab this USB lights for around $32.

[ DrinkStuff ] VIA [ GeekAlerts ]

By Evan Ackerman

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “what the heck is this? Fish Tank Fridays used to be cool.” Well, this is a USB hub. With fish in it. Again. I can’t help it, people just keep on makin’ these things! And I can only assume that people (other people) keep on buying them. This one has a magnetic paper clip holder on top and four USB ports in the bottom, with 2 fake fish, some LEDs, and…

And…

Sigh. You know what? You’re right. This is NOT a cool Fish Tank Friday. I’m in the mood for something bizarre and random, not a lame fake fish USB hub that holds paper clips. Soooo, how about this:

More pics, and a priceless description, after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

By Luke Anderson

I’ve spent several years working as a network technician, and can appreciate the need for security. Unfortunately many people just don’t seem to understand the importance of locking down their wireless network, and thus I can connect to no less than 3 such networks while sitting in my living room. Sure, some of them might know it’s a bad idea, but are scared to set up their encryption for fear of destroying the internet. Well, if you pick up one of these new wireless routers and a USB adapter, anyone can set up a secure network.

With these new EZLink-enabled devices from Asus, you can set up a secure network simply by pressing a button on the router, then a button on your USB wireless adapter. Alternatively, you can simply enter a PIN which is located on the device. Either way, this is definitely the easiest method for securing a wireless network that I’ve seen.

The USB-N11 adapter supports 802.11n Draft up to 150Mbps, and will work on Windows, Mac and even Linux operating systems. No word on pricing or availability.

[ Asus ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Jonathan Kimak

Online store GeekStuff4U is selling a USB powered version of a carnival classic, whack-a-mole. For roughly $42(the listed price is 21.00€) you get this little tabletop game where you “whack” little ghosts by pressing them with your fingers when they light up.

It keeps score and has sound effects for the whacking. It’s too bad the ghosts don’t pop up and down like the real whack-a-mole. Then again, I was never good at the real whack-a-mole, so I might have a fighting chance with this version. Cotton Candy and seedy gamer merchants not included.

[ Whack It at GeekStuff4U.com ] VIA [ Akihabara News ] AND [ TechEBlog ]

By Jonathan Kimak

USB-powered coffee warmers are nothing new, but they are usually little coaster like devices that range in quality and leave your coffee either at a nice temperature or at just above frigid. But never has a device that can heat up your beverage had the possibility of branding you or a co-worker.

When I see the Heat Me coffee heater I think it is both neat and more dangerous than any other heaters whose only flaw is that they may heat up your elbow. For now the Heat Me is still in the concept stage but with billions of coffee drinkers around it’s sure to be created regardless of it’s dangers.

I don’t drink coffee myself, I choose a healthier lifestyle by only drinking a 6 pack of red bull each day.

VIA [ Engadget ]

By Luke Anderson

Are you one of those people that likes to freak people out for no apparent reason? Good, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine. If you’re in the market for a new flash drive, but want something a little different, you have to check out this crazy looking Hacked! drive.

This little 2GB flash drive appears as though you’ve ripped the end off of a USB cable and stuck it into your computer. I think this one would be a little funnier if it were some kind of Bluetooth dongle. Then you could tell everyone that you decided to go wireless, which would make them shake their head and quickly walk away. No word on pricing or availability.

[ WorldWideFred ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]

By Jonathan Kimak

There are plenty of gadgets that need charging while you’re on the go. The old standard was that all your gadgets could be charged by plugging an adapter into the cigarette lighter of your car. Now more devices, like mp3 players, use USB to get charged. This multi-use charger has two USB slots and two cigarette lighter outlets so that you can keep your gadgets running regardless of which method is used.

The charger also handles up to 20 amps, which should be enough to charge 4 items at the same time. It also comes with a kit to mount the charger to the dashboard and can be wired directly into your car’s wiring. At under $20 it looks like a great deal.

[ Amazon.com ] VIA [ Lifehacker ]

By Luke Anderson

Have you ever thought about switching to a Mac, but decided against it due to the high cost? I can’t really blame you, as I’ve been meaning to save up for another one for several years now. Sure, you can go the Hackentosh route (which I have done) but you need very specific hardware and a good bit of patience to get everything working right. However, thanks to the EFiX USB Dongle, you might have an easier time.

Essentially what this little dongle does is allow you to install Leopard from a standard retail CD onto a variety of PCs. The compatibility list with various motherboards is fairly large, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one that will work. The device will set you back $125, which means you could build a Hackentosh for a fraction of the price of a full Mac.

[ EFiX ] VIA [ EverythingUSB ]