Cool Tools archive

USB to parallel cable ships
If you have data on an older computer that doesn't have a USB port, yet you want to transfer data to a newer computer, you are in luck. Keyspan this week announced a $29 USB Parallel Transfer Cable, now available to consumers at CDW, PC Connection and other resellers. The... August 18, 2004

25 functions, one box
Addonics gets the prize today for the "most functions in one device" announcement. The San Jose-based company said its new MFR (stands for Multifunction Recorder) is a 25-in-1 digital media storage appliance that can do almost everything except make toast. The device can read and write 11 different memory card... July 29, 2004

Stream iTunes to your stereo
I'm always pleasantly surprised when Apple comes out with a new device, and it's no different today. The company today launched its AirPort Express device, an 802.11g base station that acts as a wireless access point, as well as a device that can stream iTunes music from a Mac or... June 07, 2004

New mobile USB hubs
If you like carrying around lots of USB-enabled peripherals when you travel, it's likely you will need a USB hub to connect all the devices to your notebook. More likely, you'd appreciate having a less bulky USB hub to connect all of your devices. Targus recently launched two new mobile... May 14, 2004

Clean up your laptop bag clutter
IOGEAR this week announced some new retractable cables that help users clean up the tangle of wires from all their different cabling. The ReelQuick retractable cables cost $19.95 and are available in phone/modem, FireWire, Ethernet or USB (pictured) varities. The cables offer up to five feet of wiring to connect... March 25, 2004

Two ports, single card
FireWire 800 (1394b) and USB 2.0 on the same PCI card? That's crazy talk! Akumen Online this week announced it was close to shipping a combination FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 PCI Host Adapter Card, dubbed its "Super Card", for both Windows and Macintosh computers. The card includes three FireWire... December 18, 2003

Flex your USB devices
Many desktops and notebooks place their USB ports in odd locations, causing devices to jut out or fit uncomfortably when connected to the PC. Xmultiple has solved this problem with its FlexUSB Adapter, an adjustable USB port that lets users fit their devices more properly. The adapter works with both...

Wirelessly enable your printer
IOGEAR this week launched a wireless USB print server that attaches to a USB printer and allows for printing over 802.11b/g. The $129.95 device is available now, IOGEAR said. The device connects to any USB printer that can print standard or tabloid-size documents, and supports the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP)... December 11, 2003

Wi-Fi and storage in one device
SOYO announced a device that combines a Wi-Fi (802.11b) USB adapter with a 128M-byte Flash memory tool. The Aerielink Wireless Flash Combo (AWUA1211) will cost $119 and will work with Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP computers, the company said. In addition, both 64- and 128-bit WEP security is supported,... October 17, 2003

Storage via FireWire 800
FirewireDirect.com this week launched the Ultra III 800, the newest of its 3.5-inch desktop hard drives that use the FireWire 800 interface. Also known as 1394b, FireWire 800 has data rates up to 800M bit/sec., appealing to digital video and audio enthusiasts, the company said. The Ultra III 800 users... August 08, 2003

USB 2.0 and FireWire in one hub
D-Link today announced a new multi-port hub that includes USB 2.0 and FireWire ports in one handy device. The D-Link DFB-H7 QuickMedia USB 2.0/FireWire 7-port Combo Hub includes four USB 2.0 ports and three IEEE 1394 ports to let users connect devices such as DVD drives, digital cameras and printers... July 16, 2003

Belkin to ship 8-in-1 media card adapter
Belkin this week announced a new Hi-Speed USB 2.0 8-in-1 Media Reader and Writer, a $39.95 device that lets users edit, store, and transfer files among eight different types of media cards. Belkin says the device will ship on May 30. The device has four slots that support eight types... April 16, 2003

SMC offers USB 2.0-to-Ethernet Adapter
If you have a USB port on your computer but no Ethernet, you might be interested in this. SMC this week announced its SMC2209USB/ETH, a USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet Adapter. The 3-inch device, which costs $32.99, lets users connect to a network via Ethernet through a computer’s USB 2.0... April 15, 2003

Sinbon releases new USB 2.0 products
Sinbon Electronics recently announced two new connectivity products in the USB 2.0 space. The USB 2.0 4-Port Hub lets users connect USB 2.0 devices (such as scanners, printers or DVD drives) to a network hub. The hub includes a two-color LED display, that shines green when the device is working... March 26, 2003

Transfer data among 7 media formats
Addonics Technologies today launched a new Flash memory reader/writer device that lets Macintosh and PC users transfer digital media files in seven different formats. The Addonics Firewire Mini DigiDrive can transfer files up to 400M bit/sec. USB 2.0 compatibility for Addonics' Mini DigiDrive and Internal DigiDrive was also announced. The... February 13, 2003