USB Technology

The Ultrabook Revolution

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:05:53 +0000

For far too long the majority of laptop manufacturers have applied a half hearted, almost lazy approach to laptop design. They have assumed that consumers are content with laptops that looked like grey plastic slabs and made little effort to revisit and improve on their aging design ethos.

Even the success of Apple’s Macbook Air failed to spark other manufacturers into action as they continued churning out laptops that once again looked like last year’s model.

So.. In steps Intel

Concerned by this lazy approach to design and also by the rate at which tablets had begun eroding the laptop market Intel decided to take action.

But why are Intel so worried about the popularity of tablets? Simple, Intel don’t make processors for Tablets. As such, each Tablet sold is revenue going somewhere other Intel.

And more concerning for Intel is that Tablets have become fashionable, a status that mainstream laptops have not had for many years. Laptops are viewed as productive pieces of technology whilst Tablets are fresh, youthful and exciting.

Enter The Ultrabook

Faced with the biggest threat to their primary revenue stream since AMD’s early Athlon chips became extremely popular Intel knew that they needed to act fast.

They needed to recreate the Laptop and encourage manufacturers to take a new approach to design that could re-establish laptops as a fashionable piece of technology.

..So, they created the Ultrabook (which they’ve also trademarked).

But What Is An Ultrabook?

For a laptop to be classified as an Ultrabook it must comply with the specifications defined by Intel.

These specifications state that all Ultrabooks must be less than 21mm thick and resume from hibernation in less than 7 seconds. In essence, the Ultrabook is a small and light laptop that has the “always on” convenience of a Tablet.

And it doesn’t stop there! Intel are going to continue revising and improving the requirements for a device to be classified as an Ultrabook which should ensure that manufacturers don’t become complacent again.

Any Ultrabook Negatives?

There’s only one real negative to the first batch of Ultrabooks to hit the shelves.. their price!

Even lower specification models cost considerably more than traditional laptops and also a lot more than the majority of Tablet PC’s. This could be a real problem for Ultrabooks whilst the world experiences a very tough economic climate.

We can’t help thinking that for Ultrabooks to succeed and claw back some of the market share they have lost to Tablets they’ll first need to compete on price.. time will tell.

Nintendo Wii USB Enabled Lan Adapter

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:04:41 +0000

You have got a Nintendo Wii and you’ve a broadband internet connection on your personal computer. You’ve discovered all the amusing things you are able to do online with your console. Yet when it comes to connecting your Wii to the internet, you dont know what to do. With our amazing new LAN Adapter for the Nintendo Wii, you will be able to produce a wired high-speed net connection for your console. Only plug the Adapter into your Wii’s USB port, then connect it to your personal computer’s DSL or Cable modem or your router using a network cable. Its as simple as that! It’s USB 2.0, taking advantage of the latest and fastest USB protocols. Because Wii LAN Adapter uses a cable connection, it always offers high-speed, reliable data transfer speeds. Its ideal for places where wireless connectivity Is not possible, maybe because of thick walls or interference from other products, and it is faster than any WiFi connection. In the end, you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted online gaming.

Some feautures:

-Instantly creates an Ethernet connection from any USB port for faster and more reliable internet connection. Plug and Play. Easy installation. USB powered, no external power required.

-Bus-powered or self-powered Full-duplex and half-duplex operation

Nintendo Wii USB Enabled Lan Adapter

Wagan 2295-6 Smart AC 210 USB Inverter

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:27:20 +0000

Wagan Smart AC 210 USB Inverter provides compact mobile power to convert 12 volt DC to one hundred ten volt AC for your electronics. Provides 210 watts continuous power and five hundred watt peak surge power. Includes 2 grounded AC outlets plus a USB port to power your gadgets. Also admits a changeable swivel head for use at multiple angles and a built-in thermal cooling fan. Loaded with safety features such as overload protection, auto-reset short circuit protection, low battery indicator and low battery shutdown.

Product characteristics

Two grounded AC outlets
1 USB port
Built-in thermal cooling fan
Changeable swivel head for use at multiple angles
Built-in safety features

Wagan 2295-6 Smart AC 210 USB Inverter

Rolodex Hub 3 Power/USB

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:14:35 +0000

Keep your office clean, your power simple and your business up and running with this multiple port USB hub.

Product Features

One grounded three-prong outlet is adjacent to the two USB 2.0 ports
Compatible with Windows® 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, XP and Mac® OS 10.0 or higher
Includes plastic hub frame and rubberized feet for use on your desk
2 1/8″H x 6 1/4″W x 2 3/8″D
Gives you the ability to add a power adapter for more high-performance devices

Technical Details

Brand Name: Rolodex
Model: 82419
Form Factor: External
Networking Feature: Hub
Hardware Platform: PC
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Data Link Protocol: Hi-Speed USB
Number of Ports: 2

SanDisk Cruzer 16 GB Cruzer USB Flash Drive

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:49:04 +0000

From the Manufacturer With USB ports popping up everywhere you look, you need a simple and reliable way to store and share your photos, videos and music on the fly. Because it works with virtually any computer or electronic device with a USB slot, this flash drive lets you leave your laptop at home but still take your vast amounts of content with you to share with family and friends. Whether you need to transport your latest MP3 downloads, vacation videos, or your college thesis, the SanDisk Cruzer USB Flash drive offers portable storage that you can trust.

SanDisk Cruzer Details

Reliable USB flash drive
Intel Pentium PC or Macintosh computer with USB support
Personalize your drive with U3 (compatible software that can run directly on the drive, without leaving any information on the host computer/laptop)
Windows XP, Vista (U3 and storage)

Buy it for 32.37$ from Amazon:SanDisk Cruzer 16 GB Cruzer USB 2.0 Flash Drive

Apple iPod Dock Connector to USB Cable

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:57:42 +0000

Product Description:
Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable iPhone / iPod charging / data cable – Hi-Speed USB – 4 pin USB Type A (M) – Apple Dock connecto.

Buy it for only 4$ here: Apple iPod® Dock Connector to USB Cable

How to use a USB Flash Drive as RAM

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:27:49 +0000

Here you will see how to use a USB Flash Drive as a RAM. Please note that a Flash memory can only be written to an x number of times (about 10 million rewrites). this means that after 1-2 years, your “flash-ram” will stop working, and you will have to buy another memory stick…

Garmin USB Cable

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:17:04 +0000

This cable allows you to make a powerful connection between your GPS and your PC. Create routes and waypoints on your PC and transfer them to your GPS. Also it allows you to download map detail from MapSource CD-ROMs to compatible units. Cable features a USB connector. Does not provide wiring for external power.

Product Features

Usb Cable For GPS Navigation Systems
Allows User To Download Map Detail From Mapsource Cd-Roms To Compatible Units
Allows User To Connect GPS Device To Pc
Does Not Provide Wiring For External Power
Transfers Routes & Waypoints From Pc To GPS Device

Buy it for 10$: Garmin USB Cable

Doctor Who – Dalek USB Webcam

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:53:23 +0000

The dalek USB webcam can see and can hear you with its concealed lens and in build microphone.

Daleks have an eyestalk which they use to view the world. But baby Daleks aren’t as lucky. They have eyes in their torso and are quite often captured from their nests and enslaved by larger lifeforms to be used as webcams.

It is plug and play, and has LEDs to let you know when it is powered on.The built in microphone will let you send sound along with your video. And if you want your Time Lord friends to have a better view of your face, you can always slip on the monitor clip and stick the webcam up a little higher.

Some features and details:

Product Dimensions are: 2 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches ; 8.5 ounces
Estimated age: 5 years and up
Built In Microphone
Include CD with Drivers and Video Software available only for Windows
Dalek Iris and Ears Illuminate
Removeable Stand & Monitor Clip
WARNING: Doctor Who – Dalek USB Webcam has small parts which can be eaten.

The price for this ‘toy’ is $39.03 (on Amazon). Click here to buy:Doctor Who – Dalek USB Webcam

USB Office Fairy Lights

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:10:49 +0000

Fed up with your boring computer? Despair no more as we’ve designed these unique fairy lights to turn your computer into the most attractive item in the office! It simply plugs into your computer USB port (Apple Mac or PC) and it does not require software or batteries.

USB Office Fairy Lights feautures:

Fairy lights will turn your computer into the most attractive item in the office!
Makes your work station more inviting!
No software or batteries required.
Illuminate your work space!
Gentle but bright lights without frequency changes!

USB Office Fairy Lights

Buy it for 12.99$ on Amazon: USB Office Fairy Lights