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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!"

22 of 245 comments (clear)

  1. The problem by fredistheking · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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?

  2. Wait for it... by Spazntwich · · Score: 5, Funny

    the only thing dumber than this product will be the lawsuit spawning from some previously unknown IP company suing Imation over their wristband patent.

  3. I'm just waiting for the ... by gardyloo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Flash Trenchcoat. Sure to be a hit with the kids.

    Hold on, there's a knock at the door...

    ^H^H^H^H^H

    1. Re:I'm just waiting for the ... by Guppy06 · · Score: 5, Funny

      For the love of God, put your dongle away!

  4. USB wristband? by YrWrstNtmr · · Score: 5, Funny
    So?

    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.

    1. Re:USB wristband? by DaedalusLogic · · Score: 4, Funny

      At first when I read your post I thought... Wow, that WOULD be cool.

      Then I thought about having to stick your finger in your computer...
      Reaching around an old computer just to get your data off.
      Your friends catching you stuck in a particularly fat computer.

      The jokes practically write themselves...

    2. Re:USB wristband? by bladesjester · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I still loved the one some guy put into a barbie doll. To use it, you rip off Barbie's head and shove her neck into the usb slot.

      --
      Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
    3. Re:USB wristband? by Levine · · Score: 4, Funny

      Or one that's 12 years old...

      (You're right, they do!)

  5. Re:Security risk by jpmkm · · Score: 4, Insightful

    hmm... Just like any other product worth anything at all?

  6. 2 points by JonN · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Sure to be a hit with the kids!
    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
    1. Re:2 points by miyako · · Score: 4, Funny

      Hmm, putting a thumbdrive on my keyring might be a great idea. I never misplace my thumbdrive but I couldn't tell you where my keys are right now...

      --
      Famous Last Words: "hmm...wikipedia says it's edible"
  7. At least it has one key feature...... by 8127972 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ..... 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.
  8. Here's TFA by JonN · · Score: 5, Informative
    2006 CES, Las Vegas - New Imation Flash Wristband makes data storage more convenient for everyday users

    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
  9. LCD watches, back in the '80s by IvyMike · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

    1. Re:LCD watches, back in the '80s by DaedalusLogic · · Score: 4, Funny

      What else can we stick a USB drive in?



      Well if you want to get pummeled you could always say, "Your Mother" "Your Wife" or "Your Girlfriend".

  10. You have to be kidding by the+eric+conspiracy · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is too dorky for even a geek.

  11. I have USB white blood cells! by llamaluvr · · Score: 4, Funny

    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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  12. one size fits none by fermion · · Score: 4, Interesting
    The biggest mistake they made was the one size fits all. It would have been a big deal to fit in some accordian type fit. Probably this will work for teenagers and small adults, but not for children and regular adults.

    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
  13. Word order seems a bit off by tepples · · Score: 5, Funny

    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."

  14. Ok... by gbobeck · · Score: 5, Funny

    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"/

    --
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  15. I'm waiting for the wireless version. by Myself · · Score: 4, Insightful

    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. :)

  16. Finally by realmolo · · Score: 4, Funny

    Having my porn files on my wrist gets them ONE STEP CLOSER to being truly "interactive".