MEGATech Showcase: Hey Look! More Flash Drives! Beth Snyder October 30, 2012 Features It must be because they make excellent stocking stuffers. That’s the only reason I can think of why suddenly after a long drought I am inundated with nifty-looking USB flash drives. Not that I’m complaining! As you know, I have something of an obsession with them. In fact, my Slave Leia flash drive from Mimoco is the one I use most often at work when transferring files from one system to another. You have to do something to amuse yourself. First up for today is a flashback to grade school. Well, maybe not for you younger folks, but whatever. Every year I would get a brand new Pink Pearl eraser to keep in my desk, and every year I would throw away the old one because it was worn and dirty. These flash drives are actually mounted inside real erasers, so on the off chance you do still use a pencil and paper you can correct your mistakes. Better to just overwrite the data, no? These are available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB, with pricing starting at $20.00 US. Source: Technabob Next up is something that I could have used in a previous life, but I had to quit smoking. It still could come in handy, though, because you never know when you’re going to need some fire. This is an all-metal lighter which also features an 8GB flash drive. The lighter actually works, can be refilled, and has an adjustable flame. There is a small slide lever on the side of the case providing access to your data. It measures 1.5″ x 2.4″ x .5″ (3.8 x 6 x 1.3 cm), and will run you $39.99 US. Source: 7 Gadgets How about some bling with your data? Swarovski has designed a crystal-encrusted bracelet that contains a flash drive. And while I normally am not much of a one for jumping on the Swarovski crystal bandwagon, I really, really like the looks of this. The band is black rubber, with a stainless steel centerpiece encrusted with 10 jet hematite crystals. When you open the centerpiece, it reveals a 16GB flash drive. It doesn’t come cheap, though…this one will set you back $175.00 US. Source: Gizmodiva While not technically a flash drive, this does facilitate data transfer via USB, so it deserves a place here. This double-ended cable transfers data between two computers without necessitating saving, copying and pasting, downloading, uploading, or doing much of anything other than plugging the cable into both machines. It even works between PC and Mac. This is another kind of spendy gadget at around $127.00 US, but it’s worth it if you have to transfer a ton of stuff constantly. Source: Red Ferret It’s a flash drive. It’s a ballpoint pen. It’s a stylus! How convenient to combine all three gadgets into one device that will fit in your pocket easily. The flash drive offers 8GB of storage, while the capacitive stylus tip can be twisted off for easy replacement. The ballpoint pen is revealed with a simple twist, and it comes with one refill ink cartridge. This is on sale right now for about $10.00 US. Source: 7 Gadgets Battlestar Galactica is perhaps not quite as popular as some of its space-related counterparts, but it still has a loyal following. And those of you who are among its fans will recognize Adama’s Mark II Viper, no? This flash drive offers you 8GB of data storage in a 5 1/8-inch long package. I only sort of remember the TV series, but one of the things I do remember is this ship. Available now for pre-order (delivery in November) for $34.99 US. Source: Geek Alerts This one really caught my eye. It’s not made of metal, but rather is injection-molded plastic. It’s three pieces, and made to look like the Benchmade 62 Bali-Song knife. I admit I know nothing whatsoever about the knife, but the flash drive is really neat. $30.00 US will get you 4GB of data storage. Source: TechFresh Do people even wear cufflinks any more? I don’t deal with businessmen as a rule, so I have no idea. But if they do, then these are the cufflinks for them! Each one hides 4GB of data storage for a total of 8GB, and can be custom engraved if you wish, up to eight characters. These are available for pre-order now, at around $250.00 US per pair, with an additional $8.00 US charge for engraving. Source: 7 Gadgets This one is equal parts adorable and disturbing. Who doesn’t love a teddy bear? This one will easily sit in the palm of your hand, and can be cuddled if you so desire. In order to expose the flash drive, you pop off his precious little head (thus the disturbing part). He comes in 2GB ($22.00 US), 4GB ($25.00 US), 8GB ($28.00 US), 16GB ($32.00 US) or 32GB ($38.00 US). Source: Gizmodiva Gigantor! Yet another flash drive that pretty much demands to be mine! It’s a limited edition, made of hand-finished pewter with movable arms. He measures 3″ x 1.75″ x 1″, a classic episode of Gigantor is included on each drive, and it will hold 8GB of your data. Did I mention it’s a limited edition? There are only 150 available. Anywhere. Ever. So order yours today! $40.00 US really isn’t anything like a unreasonable price considering its exclusivity. Plus, it’s just neat. Source: Coolest Gadgets Pewter Gigantor not up your alley? I don’t get that, but ok. How about a bar of gold bouillon? This one will give you 32GB of data storage, and slips easily into your pocket. Which makes it both less and more valuable than an actual bar of gold, I guess. There aren’t very many left, so if you want one you should order soon. These cost about $34.00 US. Source: 7 Gadgets This is another one that caught my eye. Its simple design just appeals to me for some reason, and then when you add in the fact that it offers anywhere from 8GB to 64GB of data storage, it becomes irresistible. The zinc alloy case is sandblasted to create its metallic shine and also resist scratches. It’s also supposed to be water, dust, shock and vibration proof. I don’t see pricing information, but I’m guessing it’s not gonna be cheap. Source: TechFresh Last up, as is often the case, we have a couple of USB hubs. But these offer something a bit out of the ordinary. The Pocket Hub (top picture) measures 1.9? X 1.9? X 0.5? and weighs just 1.4 ounces. Its USB cable stores inside it, and it has a blue LED light so you know it has power. The Strip Hub (bottom picture) is even smaller at 0.7? X 0.7? X 3.3? and weighing 0.9 ounces. Its USB cable also stores inside, and it also offers blue LEDs. Each of these is available now, and will cost just $10.00. Source: The Gadgeteer Share This With The World!