The USB Duplicator by Nexcopy is an interesting product to say the least. Granted it wouldn't apply to the average consumer, but it does have it's place. In addition, I would say USB flash drives are the #1 most under-rated promotional item business' have missed out on, so I can see why this product is coming to marketing. Get your company logo branded on there, load her up with data, sales material, promotional videos, tutorials...I could go on and on...



Even if a customer deletes the data off the flash drive, the company logo is still branded on the device. Always in the customers face, always reminded them where they got the drive.

Maybe it's the process of data loading the information onto the drive on why flash drives haven't become more popular with companies for handing out information. It's a very viral gadget. The USB duplicator is an obvious choice for making such a life, much easier. The Nexcopy USB duplicator is a 20 target system and the company says a 5 minute mpeg video (about 30MBs) can be copied in about 40 seconds. This means the USB duplicator can churn out [estimated] 1,200 drives in about 1 hour. I'll have to back that number down considering swapping the drives, the OS identifying the drive etc. But even so, the USB duplicator turns a miserable task into an easy process.

USB music albums are becoming a much bigger hit these days as well, and having a USB duplicator to make your album definitely speeds up the process from a hub and copy-n-paste. I know you can put the following information onto a CD or DVD, but for the groupies, something unique like a flash drive is just ideal. Putting your band video, back story interviews, lyrics etc. onto USB is a new way to give a bands fans something unique. The other advantage with making a USB album is increasing a bands margin on selling promotional items. Your 20% margin is a lot more in dollars with a $25 USB drive than a $10 T-shirt or $7 CD.



So again, the USB duplicator concept isn't for the masses, but is a great idea for the select few. Speaking of which - are you [or someone you know] part of the select few? If so check out the USB duplicator from Nexcopy.

Source: GetUSB.info


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Labels: gadgets, usb

Chances are, you have at least one coworker with a tendency to "let one go" at the office. Hopefully you don't work in cramped cubicle farm. It's not exactly a fun time. Especially when the said fart "lingers" and someone has overkill the room with Axe Body Spray (Paul).

Honestly, we all blow hot air from time-to-time... whether it be talking smack to our boss about how busy we are, or literally blowing hot air after a big Mexican lunch (Chris). In the latter case, it’s good to know we have back up from the good folks at Thanko.


She looks pretty happy. I wonder what she ate for lunch.
The Thanko USB seat vent is designed to cool off that hot seat of yours while increasing air flow to the immediate area. Greg at GetUSB.info proudly filed this under useless USB gadgets. That's probably because he doesn't know Chris or Paul.

BeSocial: digg story | flickr | methodshop

Labels: geek, usb

Ready to get some digital gear for summer? Nothing would fit that ticket better then a USB 2.0 SurfDrive. With its innovative surfboard design and colorful graphics, you can transfer your files in true nerdy surf style.



The USB SurfDrive is Windows and Mac OS compatible and does not require any drivers (except for Windows 98. Why are you still using Windows 98 anyway?). USB SurfDrives are available in several sizes ranging from 256MB to 2GB with free shipping on Amazon.com.

Who says USB novelty items are worthless?

[Via GetUSB.info]

BeSocial: methodshop

Labels: usb

The iDJ is a compact mixing console with 2 built-in iPod docks. Mixing directly from your iPods gives you the ability to utilize thousands tracks from your iTunes collection at your next party or event. If you need to pull audio from additional sources, you'll be happy to know that the iDJ has two additional turntables or MP3/CD players inputs. I can see how this would come in handy at an event like a wedding where someone ends up handing the DJ a CD at the last minute.



The iDJ Mixer is both Firewire and USB2.0 compatible, so you can use 3rd Generation iPods (iPod mini, iPod photo) or newer generation models as well.

After reading through the specs, I noticed you can take things a step further and connect via S-Video. Greg from getusb.info thinks this feature "makes the iDJ a good video mixer for schools, churches or corporate applications where you have multiple people presenting and don’t want to fumble around with PC connections and projectors."

The iDJ Mixer also features headphone pre-cuing, separate channel three-band EQ and an industry-standard Kensington security slot. The security slot enables you to lock down the iDJ to a table in case you need to walk away for a few minutes for a cigarette or quick bathroom break.

Technical Details

• Voltage: 110
• Length: 18.5 inches;Height: 5.75 inches;Width: 14.0 inches
• Weight: 7.0 pounds
• Inputs - 2 iPod, 2 Line (CD/MP3), 2 Phono (Turntable), & 1 Microphone
  
• Outputs - Master RCA, Record RCA, S-Video, Headphone (1/8 & 1/4)
  
• Compatible with 3rd & 4th generation iPods, iPod Minis, & iPod Photo
  
• Compatible with Firewire & USB 2.0 iPod connectors
  

The iDJ can be purchased either from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

BeSocial: getusb.info | methodshop

Labels: music, review, usb

The MoGo Wireless Mouse is a business-card sized, Bluetooth-enabled mouse that stores and recharges neatly inside (yes, inside…) your laptop's PC card slot. To recharge your MoGo Mouse, just slide it into the empty PC card slot in your laptop. It will fully recharge in less than an hour and provide you with enough power for about 8 or 9 hours of use.


As you can imagine, the MoGo Mouse is specifically designed for people who spend a lot of time traveling like writers, reporters and sales reps. Other mice, even those meant for travelers, usually don’t cut it. Mini-mice (aka “walnut shells”) get lost in your hand and are difficult to maneuver, and the idea of carrying a full-sized mouse defeats the entire purpose of mobility on the go.

The MoGo Mouse is a natural fit for road warriors. Storing it inside you PC Card (PCMCIA) slot is pure genius and the fact that it charges there is just the icing on the cake. The only thing I'd like to see in future models is a scroll wheel. I know that the size of it makes it hard to have a wheel but maybe a touch wheel, like one some laptops, could have been possible.

"an excellent tool for the road warrior or... minimalist." ~ GetUSB.info

If you spend a lot of time on the road with your laptop, then the MoGo Wireless Mouse will just make your life easier.

digg story | methodshop

Labels: review, usb

Tired of grey and black colored Flash drives? USB flash drives are now candy colored thanks to Transcend's Jetflash V60.

The drives are available in four colors, with each color corresponding to a different storage capacity: orange is 512MB, blue is 1GB, red is 2GB and green is 4GB. All the Transcend drives come with basic security software including a program capable of locking your PC from prying eyes and wayward fingers alike.


A Transcend press release for the Jetflash V60 claims that "Now everyone can transfer to a paperless society." Yes, Western civilization was just waiting for the V60 to appear in order to be convinced that a paperless society was viable.

Technical Details

• Fully compatible with Hi-Speed USB 2.0
• Easy Plug and Play installation
• Driverless (Only Windows®98SE needs the enclosed driver)
• USB powered. No external power or battery needed
• Partition & Security Function: Create a private partition with password protection
• Write Speed: 2 MBytes per Second
• Size (L x W x H): 61 x 18.6 x 9.8 mm
  

digg story | methodshop

Labels: usb

Our friends over at GetUSB.info stumbled upon this one while researching another product. ACP-EP Memory has teamed up with the best snowboard companies in the industry to create the first and only authentic USB Flash Drive Snowboards. They've combined the graphics from actual Forum Snowboards like X-Games Snowboarding Star Eddie Wall's Signature Series Board.

With a cool rubberized feel, these snow board shaped UFDs also have authentic graphics. At the head of the board there's even a LED light to indicate activity.

• Forum Recon 2GB SnowDrive USB 2.0 Flash Drive
• Forum Eddie Wall 1GB SnowDrive USB 2.0 Flash Drive
• Forum Recon 512MB SnowDrive USB 2.0 Flash Drive
  

Capacity ranges from 512MB to 2GBs with 2 year warranty. Prices range from $20-$50USD respectively.


Features

• Forum Graphics w/ Rubberized texture
• Neck strap attachment on USB Drive
• USB 2.0 High Speed Interface (USB 1.1 Compatible)
• True Plug-and-Play connection for hot swap function
• LED indicates when drive is in use
• No drivers required for Windows Me/2000/XP,
• Mac OS 9.0 or later
• Size: 24mm (W) x 4.9mm (H) x 95mm (L)
• Backed by ACP-EP Memory's 2 Year Warranty

Is surfing not snowboarding more you style? ACP also makes USB surf boards. Check out the 2GB USB 2.0 Black Surfdrive.

GetUSB.info | methodshop

Labels: usb

Let's face it, the traditional "office toy" needed an upgrade. Gone are the days of stress toys and metal balls on strings. The new rage is to add USB to anything and plug it into your computer.

What office would be complete without a USB fish tank? The USB Mini Desktop Aquarium is the home to some very low maintenance tropical fish. These fish won't starve or make a mess. They just drift around in the tank thanks to a small motor that generates a current. The aquarium is equipped with a high-intensity blue LED that illuminates the tank in dark environment. Both motor and LED can be independently switched off.

The LED and the water-current motor can be powered by USB connection or batteries. The package comes complete with the tank, two fish, and USB cable. Operation is simple! Just add water to the tank, connect the cable to your computer, and enjoy the aquarium.

• Can also be powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) for non USB operation
• Both the motor and the light can be switched on and off independently
• Each fish has a hinged tail for a more life-like appearance
• Includes: tank, two fish & a USB cable
• Unit Dimensions - 3.75" (w) x 3.5" (h) x 2.5" (d)

What makes this gadget stand out is the little details. The tails of the fish constantly move, making them look alive. The blue light of the tank is soothing and adds to the realism. Even better, the aquarium doesn't have to be cleaned and the fish don't have to be fed. Plus the USB Mini Desktop Aquarium lists for under $10. Not a bad upgrade for your boring desk.

digg it | methodshop

Labels: usb