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The USB Wristband
Enigma50 writes "From the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) comes the world's first USB flash wristband. The uniquely designed Imation Flash Wristband provides an easy way to transport your precious digital files, such as photos, music or videos, securely around your wrist or attached to a backpack. Sure to be a hit with the kids!"
That's useful.
really 867993
Karma schkarma
Seems like these would get stolen once thieves hear about them.
is that these gimmick flash drives never keep up with the pace of regular vanilla flash drives. 64MB swiss army knife or 32MB usb watch anyone?
the only thing dumber than this product will be the lawsuit spawning from some previously unknown IP company suing Imation over their wristband patent.
Flash Trenchcoat. Sure to be a hit with the kids.
Hold on, there's a knock at the door...
^H^H^H^H^H
Dead already?
USB wristwatch, keychain, swiss army knife, rubber ducky...wake me when someone gets one implanted in their finger.
And no...not the one that looks like a thumb. An actual finger.
Just on that note, the average kid never wanted to look like a nerd from what I remember (suckers). This seems like an object that will probably fly better in the 18-24 demographic, mostly with kids going to university/college.
Also, I was wondering how secure the band is from falling off. I mean with most USB thumb drives,I could just attach them to my keychain and I was almost certain I would never lose it. With this thing, I would be always checking to make sure it was on my wrist.
do.what.promptcmds
... definately too girly for a man. Would teenage girls want a USB flashdrive?
We apologize for the inconvenience.
for a spell check instead.
..... There's no annoying cap to lose.
This is my opinion. To make sure you don't steal it, it's covered by the DMCA.
A convenient way to swap a music file or six, your favorite game saves and other small files. I've moved a lot of stuff around on a little 16 meg. Amazing how much you can stuff on those. although a gig or two would certainly be better :)
...does it have a watch? If not, I'll patent my own (referencing this one of course) that lets you sync the watch to the PC (and vice versa). Anyone else seen these plush drives from the same guys too?
You can hold down the "B" button for continuous firing.
Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve and carry your memories on your wrist with the new Flash Wristband from Imation Corp. The uniquely designed Imation Flash Wristband provides an easy way to transport your precious digital files, such as photos, music or videos, securely around your wrist or attached to a backpack.
Providing the ultimate in portability and durability, the Imation Flash Wristband consists of a rubber molding shell and friction fit locking band, assuring you that the drive, and your valuable files, such as homework and e-mails, are protected from accidental damage.
"The innovative portable, durable and secure design of the Imation Flash Wristband makes transferring files from home to school or work easier and more stylish for everyday consumers," said Tom Lally, U.S. executive director of sales and marketing, Imation. "With their digital files saved securely around their wrist, users can feel confident that their valuable information will be there when they need it."
The Imation Flash Wristband holds up to 256 MB of data and can be used on any computer. To use, simply "unplug" the wristband and plug the drive into the computer's USB port. Then, "drag and drop" digital files from the computer's desktop to the wristband or vice versa, in a matter of seconds.
Starting this January, the Imation Flash Wristband will be available in "one size fits all" blue and black colors in Target stores across the U.S. for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $34.99.
do.what.promptcmds
At some point back in the '80s, the cheap, almost disposable, LCD watch was perfected. Soon after we were treated to a parade of typical household items...but with an LCD watch in them! Yay! But we soon burnt out on them.
But don't worry, because now we have a trend of our own: devices with a USB in them?
What else can we stick a USB drive in? A wristband...why not a headband? A hat! Why not a shoe? How about a toothbrush! A novelty toy fish! Etc.
This is too dorky for even a geek.
I hope this thing is water-proof. I'd hate think that it gets reformatted everytime you wash your hands.
I just prick my finger, stick it up to the PC and I'm good to go. Great for downloading virus definitions.
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The other issue is that one must get it on and off with one hand. While opening a closing a clasp on a bracelet once a day might be bearable for many, taking this thing off a few time a day might be unbearable.
The price is pretty good, and it comes in colors, so i can see many people buying it as a fun thing, and wearing it a few time, but the necklace style seem to have much more staying power.
"She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
USB Barbie! Stores files, creates gender confusion. And looks good doing it!
5 /16/p758
http://www.vsepuch.com/index.php/picturies/2005/0
Flash Drives... The most common use? Backups(temp), Sharing Information, Files etc etc (yes theres more but thats not the point here).. So the scenerio is, I backup my Tax forms, couple pictures, maybe scanned copies of some important documents, and im going to leave it on my wrist? Or even better, Strap it to a backpack? I was unable to RTFA but just the thought of it makes me wonder the purpose of this device. And why do these so called "Cool Kids" need flash drives? (Skip the bringing homework from school part)
-- I Dont Deserve A Sig I Have Bad Karma
Cuz I'm lame
Well, the link's down (that was quick...) I assume it's some sort of USB wristband looking thing though... I just hope noone gets strangled.
I don't think wearing your valubale, secret data that is too private to keep on a computer around your wrist has quite the same effect as around your neck. That way, it is closer to the heart, in a pocket somewhere.
USB flash drives are already smaller than this, they just came up with new packaging. You could embed such a device in a Frisbee or a racquetball or practically anything. So?
rooooar
One con I went to had a company that gave out as swag, among other things, pocket protectors as a joke. They were actually a huge hit lol
Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
I just prick my finger, stick it up to the PC and I'm good to go.
Are you new to the English language? The correct word order for preparing your "hardware" for use in the FU-FME drive is "I just finger my prick."
will it store files?
I do not accept czechs.
I'm still waiting for a USB buttplug or suppository. This way I can give it to people after I tell them to shove their stupid .doc files up their ass.
I guess that would put a whole new definition of "pulling a paper out of one's ass"/
Navicula hydraulica plena anguilarum est. Omnes castelli tuus nostri sunt. Ed elli avea del cul fatto trombetta.
As cool as this is, I'm still waiting for my spiked dog colar, you know, to complete my goth look.
Think about it: to get your data, all you would do is connect your leash to your computer. How is that different than what we all do any way. At least this way no one has any illusions about your commitment.
Seriously, the memory wristwatches are a neat idea, but tethering your wrist to the side of the computer while you move data is not. And removing the watch every time sounds like it would suck.
:)
With WirelessUSB coming down the pike, and ultrawideband radio boasting some impressive energy efficiency at short range, how long until we see this? For that matter, a Bluetooth version should be possible now, but at 1mbps raw data rate, moving anything but text files would be painfully slow. Hopefully WUSB will make it practical.
And then we get to worry about security again.
Great , now we can have newer 'as useless as a ' sayings
h tm
As useless as a usb Turd http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/usbshit.
I say we take off and Nuke the site from Orbit, It's the only way to be sure.
the world's first USB flash wristband
Not really, what's a wristband but a watch that doesn't tell the time?
My watch has a capacity of 128MB, it's made by LAKS and was covered by Slashdot here http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/05/ 21/0046230&tid=159&tid=137
I've had it for two years without fault.
What Would Jesus Download?
What about a watch-like device that contains a memory and a microphone to record sound (mainly ideas) that can be connected to the computer (via USB) to fetch the audio ?
Pupeno
Wrist crossbow with USB-enabled darts. Shoot an update over to the guys down the hall. Writes once, reads once (more if you're lucky and/or have good aim). It's perfect: violent AND disposable, so everyone wins. Well, except the consumer, but since when has anyone cared about THEM?
Does anyone remeber those slap-on bracelets from the early 90s? They look like an 8" strip of metal, but you slap it as hard as you can on your wrist and it winds around your arm. If they made those in USB, I'd buy a dozen.
You must have missed the picture as the site has been slashdotted, however the design is like a handcuff, in that the USB end 'plugs' into the opposite end. Therefore, you will not be holding your wrist beside the computer.
do.what.promptcmds
this will be old by the time it comes out...i would rather it be 32 mb and have Wireless USB that 256 and be plain USB. Especially since its a wristband...the usb watch sucked cause it was attached to you. i dont see how this is different
LostHobo.com
Soup Kitchen of the Internet
Nice job completely regurgitating the grandparent's post and throwing in a gratuitous link to your own page in the process.
Now not only can suicidal teens cover their wrist....they can store a hitlist of all the people they want to kill on their wrist and have it ready for those special occasions...
Um.
This is the CES news?
So I guess my hopes for a Ipod Nano Video in 20gb and 40gb with built-in 1024x768 projectors is out?
This years' mega CES gadget! USB drives in a bracelet! And soon to be available in necklace, earring, pinky ring, toe ring, anklet, and belly button ring. Some items may have USB mini and may not be compatible with all computers.
Show that special girl how much you love her, give her USB jewelry this Valentine's Day.
Remember when CES had new items like, I dunno, quarter sized 40 gb drives and micro computer chips that we hadn't had in the store for a year or more already?
Bring back the days when men were men and software all fit on a stack of 120kb disks or audio tape.
The sad part is, I'm betting tomorrow we see this story again.
Why are women so complicated? Find out how little I know here.
Why not make wearable useful jewlery out of these things. Maybe make it in a tough metal or plastic ring? With a closable and sealable mini USB female port. Save your personal ID, contact info, some email (or the portable open office) and some nice pron. Huh? It reminds me of a Larry Niven novel where he mentions a superconducting ring that had a large computer spinning around in it. Or it may have been someone else, I forgot! ,
Mine would need to be inscribed (in fiery letters): Ash usb nazg durbatulûk, ash usb nazg gimbatul, ash usb nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.
"Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life." Terry Pratchet
The "first" is certainly a dubious claim at best. http://www.michael-young.com/ has his USB bracelet design dated 2004 (under Product). http://www.charlesandmarie.com/ were selling the Michael Young designed bracelets for $14 for a couple of days before Christmas. I don't remember how much storage space they had.
dont just say your a nerd, prove it by wearing a USB bracelet.
this will turn out just as good as those slap bracelets from years ago.
as probally just as useful.
Having my porn files on my wrist gets them ONE STEP CLOSER to being truly "interactive".
Comment removed based on user account deletion
And I was just thinking about how I haven't been beat up since high school. Let me just go pick up some easy to loose, gaudy, piece of crap that looks like my grandmothers arch supports. Unless this thing also comes with a laser I'm not interested.
I bet that goes great with that jockstrap on your head....
2 cents,
Queen B
HDGary secures my bank
The high security suppository flash drive.
...
to access you take a usb cable and
Only if it were a Lance Armstrong band... (sarcasm)
So what's the big deal? This stuff has been around forever... is it because Imation makes one?
h &hl=en&lr=&safe=off&sa=N&tab=ff&oi=froogler/
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=USB+wristwatc
Nothing to see here, move along.
Easy to id the image with string for jpg, I figure this is the correct image attached to that item.a l.jpg
l oads/477_normal.jpg
./ers...
http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=477
hence;
http://www.thetechzone.com/nephp/uploads/477_norm
Here is the Coral Cache image of that item.
http://www.thetechzone.com.nyud.net:8090/nephp/up
You brute
"Don't let fools fool you. They are the clever ones."
But is it really worth being lumped in with those dorks wearing the yellow Lance Armstrong band? Magic 8-Ball says 'no.'
What that would DO for your love life?
For me, it would probably slow it down a little..... but I'l get used to the extra weight and we're back in business.
I love humanity, it is people I hate
1. Buy USB wristband.
2. Impress hot chick with above mentioned wristband.
3. Finally have sex!
Thank You for posting the image!
Now I know the answer to the question "But if I get robbed, won't the thieves steal it?"
http://www.usbwatches.net/
back in the day we didnt have no old school
Anyone else not getting very excited? USB sticks are totally boring. You can only manage files on them by plugging them into other devices. If you want to share files, you'd better bring such a device. I'll (USB) stick (haha) my files elsewhere:
Almost every new cell phone model takes some sort of memory card (mine takes up to 2GB), provides a management interface and.. Bluetooth. Tap, tap, click and you're sharing files. No need to lend your precious USB wristband to a friend. No need to bring the laptop to see what's even on it.
Oh, and you can make/view pictures with it as well (mine up to 2mpx), listen to your music, play games, surf the Internet (anyone else noticing there's a massive WAP revival?), add GPS functionality (some models), send text messages and even make the occasional call (within a few years based on Skype and high bandwidth GPRS/UMTS).
So basically we're able to carry around mobile devices that would make Mr. Spock turn green of envy and people get excited about USB wristbands? Puhleeze.
I'll stick with my flash/mp3 playing glasses, thanks.
Ages ago I bought a 128MB version of this
l ?rb=14814500263&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV 3&product_uid=51193
o ny-microdrives-146637.php
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.htm
I see that Sony has just done something similar
http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/ces/live-from-ces-s
My drive lives in my wallet. Not as geeky as hanging it around my neck, but it got admiring glances when I used it and it was always with me.
I've hardly used it lately as most files can go in email these days. I used to back up some of my files to it, but I have other methods now. There's a few Windows utilities on there for emergencies.
This is getting mighty close to my patented products...the Flash Cock Ring and the Flash Condom (Penetration Cam and other accessories available).
The problem with my Flash Condom is that a lot of people still haven't warmed up to the idea that you can reuse it.
* Si hoc legere scis numium eruditionis habes *
Find the USB wristwatch at
http://www.hip2b2.com/ -- Click on "Think Shopping"
At least it provides more use in terms of telling the time.
It would give you several Mega bites.
Well, I'm a geek, but I'd fell the urge to kick the shit out of anybody who was wearing one of these things.
Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
underwater?
Sure to be a hit with the kids
So what do you get when you Break the Bracelet?
That would be really neat - sit down by your computer, and the drive you wear pops up on the screen!
Stop the brainwash
to come up with a stylised USB SD card reader?? I had to buy a 1GB USB drive because my PC at doesn't have a SD reader. I would have rather bought a USB SD reader (but it has to be small) - at least then i can utilise my existing cards!
In Soviet Russia, prick finger YOU!
While I wouldn't be caught dead wearing one, I could easily see people hanging these from their backpacks/laptop bags... With the rubber coating, it looks nice and durable - a quality too often missing in USB drives these days.
Think outside the... Hey, where'd the friggin' box go?
They must not have run this product by their lawyers yet as I didn't see any disclaimers to the "one size fits all" line. By the time it hits market I imagine we'll see the inclusion of "one size fits all*" where * = "If product happens to be too constricting to blood flood and hand becomes black and blue, remove product immediately. Neither Imation or any of it's partners are liable for any amputations caused by use of this product."
If big boobed women work at Hooters do one legged women work at IHOP?
a gold, GMT Master II, model 16713 specically.
And my USB drive (1GB thank you) is worn around my neck where it belongs.
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Vote: -1. "Buy an ad!"
In what sense, shape, form, or consequence is this news?
Clear, Dark Skies
This is old news and is not new. It's a stripped down version of the DiskGo watch. I have been using my DiskGo watch with 256mb and USB on it for over 1 year. YAWN...
The really cool gadget at CES this year appears to be the PCMCIA wireless mouse.
Stores and recharges while in the slot of your laptop, but pull it out and it's
a wireless mouse....
The other two replies don't get the joke. If you don't get it either, then just move along...
Procrastination -- because good things come to those who wait.
Oh, I see now. It's for gay nerds.
... on kids studying Beowulf.
Wristwatch MP3 player?
That's be cooler...
Coderz 4 Life
These wearable USB (watches, wristbands, necklace, whatever) devices would be useful for storing secure keys and the like. For SSH public key authentication, PGP email or encrypted laptops, this would be a nice method of conveniently storing private key files with less worry about misplacing a standard USB drive. If someone were to steal my laptop with SSH keys stored locally, there is a potential security problem there. Of course, keys should be password protected, but this seems like a good additional security idea. Of the "something you are, something you have and something you know" levels of security, this is a simple and convenient way to add "something you have." I suppose the "biker geeks" could just put their USB drive on their bulky wallet chain, but I'd prefer to use one of these unobtrusive wearable drives.
I have 3 small children, one kindergartner, two two-year-olds. They all run around with little bracelets from time to time (right now, the charity-style rubber ones are the rage).
... maybe not all exploits are a necessarily evil.
;)
1. For small children or the elderly, equip the USB drive with important allergy, medical emergency information, etc. for use in case they are in a serious accident and they or their parents are not able to communicate.
2. For small children, equip with a program that when inserted into a computer, will "phone" home, possible notify authorities, etc. Could be useful for a child who has been abducted. If it works even a single time for a single child, it's worth inventing. I seem to recall a buffer exploit in USB
3. Unfortunately, I couldn't see the sight due to Slashdotting, but the concept could be made into jewelry that has fashion value. I know my wife required a designer laptop purse to compliment her ensemble, and she doesn't always have pockets for little thumb drives and such, so perhaps an attractive band isn't such a bad idea as some detractors in this forum declare. For all you Weisenheimers, she doesn't always take her laptop bag with her wherever she goes, though I admit its rare for her not to have a purse of some kind. Still, ladies can be gadget lovers too, you know.
Soon to be available on thinkgeek. Humm is there a conflict of interest running this story? Isn't /. owned by the same...
There is no confirmed conflict of interest here. - Slashdot Management.If you were going to do something like that wouldn't you make it look a little nicer?
The only reason I can see for this is sneaking data out of protected places.
I suppose if you were in IT a few utilities on your wrist would be nice, but wouldn't it be more likely that you forget to wear this than one in your wallet or on your keychain?
Make sure they put an RFID tag inside every one.
Even though this may be the first USB wristband, it's definitely not the first USB wrist device. There have been devices such as Xonix's, a USB wristwatch with an MP3 player built-in.