USB thumb drives that are bigger than my hard drive circa 2001 are great. Waiting 5, 10, 15 minutes for the files to move to that USB 2.0 drive isn’t so great. Now that USB 3.0 is becoming a common thing in laptops and devices, we can finally get faster flash drives as well. More »

Gizmodo

Hardware is always updating and there’s one bit of hardware I really like. A while ago the USB standard enhanced to become 3.0 and that’s changed things for a lot of portable devices. Now I love portable file storage and being able to move around my own computer files very easily. This is why I’m a big fan of the USB 3.0 flash drive devices and I own so many of them. I’ve used a few older versions for a long time and now I’ve upgraded.

I use a USB flash drive in my work to backup my important files. I use these for my personal life to store my audio and videos on when I’m moving them between my personal laptop and my own TV. I can’t consider anyone I know that doesn’t know what any USB flash drive is.

The problem with all the older models was because they were too slow. Old USB 2.0 flash drives were fine to use for small files and became very popular for that. But for larger files the original transfer speeds have been too slow which is why folks started using external hard drives instead. But a USB 3.0 flash drive is a lot more portable than an external hard drive now they can be just as good for read/write speeds.

As well as becoming quicker they can now store a lot more files. Not too long ago all flash drives were small and very slow. Now they can be as fast and save as many files as some external hard disk drives. They’re small enough keep these things in your pocket on your key ring.

Some USB flash drives are even so small that you cannot notice them plugged into your computer. I know my brother use’s the USB 3.0 flash drive to bring his homework and games directly into college and his tutor doesn’t notice it plugged in.

See my USB 3.0 flash drive reviews for deals on USB 3.0 flash drives

We’ve seen monitors with touch input and displays powered only by USB, but combining both those features into a single unit would make for something truly unique. We’ve gotta hand it to Mimo Monitors for pulling it off — the Magic Touch and Magic Touch Deluxe deliver 10.1 inches of capacitive interactivity using only a single USB 2.0 cable. The panel itself offers a resolution of 1024 x 600 for keeping video chats out of your way, displaying email or monitoring social networks. The Deluxe version also adds a two-port USB hub but, if you plan to charge your devices through it, you’ll have to hook up the optional AC adapter. Sadly, while they can act as a secondary monitor regardless of OS, you’ll need a Windows 7 machine to take advantage of the touch capabilities — and even then it’s single touch only (though, the panel itself is technically capable of four-point multitouch). Both models are available to pre-order now for 0 (Magic Touch) or 0 (Magic Touch Deluxe) with delivery expected before Christmas. Check out the complete PR after the break.

Continue reading Mimo Magic Touch adds 10 inches of capacitive touchscreen to your PC using only USB

Mimo Magic Touch adds 10 inches of capacitive touchscreen to your PC using only USB originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Patrick, who can’t wait another day to start taking advantage of his newfangled blue USB port. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I just got a new laptop with a USB 3.0 port. I currently have a USB 2.0 external hard drive, but I would like to upgrade. First of all, is the speed boost really worth the money? Is there a speed difference between those that need external power and those that are powered through the USB cable? Looking for one that’s 1TB to 2TB, and my price range is about 0, give or take. Thanks!”

It’s certainly harder to come across a SuperSpeed bargain than a USB 2.0 bargain, but we’re sure there’s a few deals to be had. That said, reliability has to come into play here — any well-rounded suggestions for this fellow? Drop ‘em in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best 1TB+ USB 3.0 external drive on a budget? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget

The Samsung CLX 3160N Printer does more than just provide you the ability to print with either color or monochrome Samsung CLX 3160N compatible toner. Within one enclosure, it also works as a scanner, copier and fax machine. Everything is contained inside its body measuring 18.3 inches x 16.9 inches x 19.1 inches (W x D x H). Attachment to a PC is done by means of a USB port, although it’s also network-ready for use within a workgroup.

Being a laser printer, it can dish out 16 black-and-white pages each minute. That’s equivalent to 4 pages each minute when doing color jobs. But for both tasks, a resolution of up to 2400 dpi x 600 dpi (dots per inch) may be utilized. Upon purchase, starter toner cartridges are provided. The black toner can last for a max of 1500 pages, while the rest (cyan, magenta and yellow) each can last for up to 700 pages.

Standard media handling capacity is up to 150 sheets, courtesy of the single paper cassette available. The tray can be configured to handle a variety of media sizes. Speaking of media sizes, the machine can work on anything which measures from 3 inches x 5 inches to 8.5 inches x 14 inches. Compatible media types include plain paper, cards, transparencies, envelopes and labels. An optional 250-sheet capacity paper tray may be attached for increased media handling requirements.

An A4-size flatbed scanner is around, which can offer an interpolated image resolution of up to 4800 dpi x 4800 dpi. Out in the front is a USB 2.0 port. When scanning, you have the option to directly save the document to a USB flash memory plugged into the port. However, saving it to the computer’s hard drive or attaching it to an e-mail is also possible. Scan to network feature may be activated if the machine is shared by a workgroup.

As a copier, it works in the same speed exhibited when being used as a laser printer, for both color and mono documents. However, a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi may be taken advantage of. Up to 400 percent document enlargement may be done; that’s 35 percent for size reduction. You may choose between the automatic document feeder or flatbed scanner, and create a max of 99 reproductions.

Color and mono faxing are both allowed. Data transmission speed is up to 33.6 Kbps, thanks to the modem residing inside the CLX 3160N. Resolutions which can be used include 300 x 300 dpi and 200 x 200 dpi. As much as 320 pages may be stored on the allotted fax memory. Making up for the missing handset are user options on the control panel for easy redialing, accessing phone book address, etc.

Well laid out, the control panel makes the operation of this 4-in-one machine a breeze. Other than faxing, there are also dedicated buttons for copying, scanning and of course printing. Available USB port on the front panel may also be used for direct printing of files on a USB flash drive or digital camera. A total of 128MB RAM already comes installed. There’s support for an assortment of operating systems.

Duty cycle of the Samsung CLX 3160N Printer is set by the manufacturer at 24200 impressions a month. Providing a designated spot for this unit is recommendable, as it weighs a little over 45 pounds. And when you use Samsung CLX toner, your output will be consistently professional and sharp. Now only one nifty solution is needed to get printing, scanning, reproducing and faxing tasks done in the workplace.

Seagate FreeAgent Go 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive ST903203FBA2E1-RK (Royal Blue)

• Able to take your desktop environment with you
• Save all your private information instead of on the computer
• Protect against unathorized use with 256-bit encryption
• Windows XP/Vista compatible

Free Agent GO Drive – 320GB 5400RPM 8MB Cache USB 2.0 up to 480MB/s

Rating: (out of 820 reviews)

List Price: $ 99.99

Price: $ 57.51

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