USB - Universal Serial Bus, a connection technology for attaching peripheral devices to a computer, providing fast data exchange. These used to be simple and mostly tied to PCs with limited data storage. Not any more.
USBs are part of many different devices and technologies, though they still serve the same purpose, storing data and connecting peripherals. Most computers come with two or more USB ports. It is very unusual to see anything less. Those are USB connectors, that come in many different types (
Types of USB Connectors). These days USB has moved on to many other devices. It is part of new TVs, handheld devices, some phones, tablets, memory storage devices and much more.
USB flash drives are small and portable. They come in many different forms, shapes, sizes, and even colors. One example is the
Transcend Jetflash Rugged USB
flash drive. It comes in variety of colors, but most importantly it comes within a rubber casing that can survive shocks, splashes, dust, and drops from several feet. Making it a great storage gadget to take on a trip. It is available with 16 GB of memory to store a ton of travel photos, videos, and more.
All the gadgets with the USB connection built-in also need to be charged somewhere if the computer is not immediately available such as during traveling. And that is where devices such as the Traveler3USB, come in. With several USB charging ports, it allows travelers the ability to charge cell phone, MP3 Players and other portable devices easily and quickly. Though if traveling abroad don't forget to also take along a
Travel Power Plug Adapter
compatible with voltage in country where you are traveling.
A green alternative to charging your devices on the go is the
Lenmar Solar Powerport USB battery charger.
As the name implies this portable charger can power any USB-compatible cell phone or media player from a 3-hour solar charge. Hopefully your travels will take you to places with at least that much of sunshine available to keep your gadgets juiced and ready for use.
For more demanding gadgets such as tablets and netbooks, there is high-powered though still compact travel charger and battery back up. XeMilo from Revolve (
revolveusa.com/index.php?p=1_55_xeMilo) has a 4,400 mAh built-in battery that can be powered from outlets or from the sun. Making it a powerful yet eco-friendly travel gadget.
Another type of device utilizing USB storage is a voice recorder flash drive. One example is the Sony ICD-UX71 Digital Voice Recorder. This gadgets are small, easy to use since they come with simple functions.
No software to install. No cables or batteries to worry about. Depending of amount of storage, can capture audio up to 40 hours. It also can be used to store MP3s and other media. Great to have on a business trip or an exploration.
Update 07/08/11: Today stumbled across a new cool USB gadget, Ice Cube-inspired Topaz Desk USB Lamp. Check out more info about it
here.
USB Battery Charger -
charge two AA Batteries in four to six hours while on a computer or plugged into wall outlet adapter. Just plug the power station into any USB Port and the LED light will blink while the batteries are charging and turn off when they are fully charged. The USB Battery Charger has a safety circuit that prevents overcharging.
Some interesting USB flash drive designs:
Outlets of the future might look like this - in-wall USB Charger, but until then there are gadgets that make it easy to charge your USB device. One such adapter that I recently acquired is the Belkin Mini Surge Protector. It transforms one wall outlet into three outlets just by plug it in. Not only that but it swindles in place so you can adjust to whatever way the outlet is facing to make room for any other devices to plug in. It also has 2 USB chargers built it so that you can easily charge your mobile gadgets without having to drag additional adapters.
