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Death to USB Dongles

Quang Ly — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:00:52 +0000

It has been a few days since my last post. I’ve been really busy researching Grad School and curriculum. Anyway, some of you may know that I make music under the Delta Dreams project. It is sorta like Portishead meets The Killers. I switched to Logic Studio which is a great unified music sequencer over the summer.

Previously, I used ProTools LE. It has great workflow but wasn’t very reliable. I didn’t get the performance as I did with Logic Studio. Furthermore, I had to purchase a lot of 3rd party software synthesizers that required the despicable USB dongle. The USB dongle is essentially a hardware USB drive that has your authorization code in it to run the program. I received this email from KORG (music equipment supplier) a few days ago that tells me they no longer support USB dongles but now authorizes the key to your computer. It is very confusing and it just reinforces my hatred towards these things. Why am I as a legitimate buyer have to suffer while software pirates do not have to deal with this issue?

This is another reason I switched to Logic Studio. I don’t need USB dongles sticking taking up slots on my MacBook Pro. It comes with world class plugins that meets me musical creative needs.

Dear KORG Legacy Collection user,

We hope you are enjoying your KORG Legacy Collection software suite.

This email is to inform you that we have released the latest updater. Thank you for your patience.
Please be sure to read the following notice with regards to the changes in copy protection for Korg Legacy products.

******************************

************************************
Important notice regarding changes to the copy protection method for Korg Legacy software titles
******************************************************************

November 9, 2009

Korg announces that there is a change to the copy protection method for the KORG Legacy Collection series. Korg is switching from the USB Key Copy Protection to the Challenge/Response License Authorization where a unique license code is issued to your computer.

To all KLC series customers, we apologize for any inconvenience associated with this change, and greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Today, we have released KLC updaters* where you can choose either copy protection method. Please note that we are going to stop providing user support services for the USB Key Copy Protection system effective from April 30, 2010. And from May 2010, any updates we issue will support only the Challenge/Response License Authorization system, not the USB Key Copy Protection system.

We appreciate your continuing support for Korg’s KLC series products.

KORG Legacy Collection team

*… KLC-1/Virtual MS-20/ANALOG EDITION/ANALOG EDITION 2007 v1.2.3, KLC-DIGITAL EDITION v1.3.2

For information on downloading/installation of the new license authorization based versions, please visit the following web page.
http://www.korguser.net/shop/software/support/copyProtection/

For Frequently Asked Question concerning the new copy protection method, please visit the following web page.
http://www.korguser.net/shop/software/support/copyProtection/faq.asp

******************************************************************
KORG Legacy Collection series update
******************************************************************

KLC-1/Virtual MS-20/ANALOG EDITION/ANALOG EDITION 2007 are updated to v1.2.3 respectively, and KLC-DIGITAL EDITION is updated to v1.3.2.

The stability has been improved (including bug fixes), and this version now supports Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (32-bit).
*Regarding Windows 7 support, we will check the compatibility after DAW applications support this OS.

You can download the updater freely from the “Download for registered users” section of KORG USER NET (http://www.korguser.net). Enter your registered e-mail address and password into the provided fields on the right side of login page, log into KORG USER NET and click [Download for registered users].

==================================================================
Please do not reply to this e-mail address. This is not an active reply desk. All queries should be directed to your local Korg distributor:
http://www.korguser.net/html/distributors_list.html
==================================================================

Sincerely yours,
KORG USER NET

128 GB capacity USB flash drive!

Sarah — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:00:05 +0000

Lately I’ve been shopping around for a USB flash drive. I’ve not had much of a need for one before, but seems like I do now. And I came across this…

That’s right. 128 GB USB flash drive. This one is by Kingston. But I found another made by DiskGo (though it doesn’t look quite as cool). I hadn’t thought I would need such a high capacity USB drive, but now that I know it exists (it was just a matter of time really), well now I really REALLY NEED one. Though at $546.00 for the Kingston and $389.95 for the DiskGo I might need to rethink the need part a little.
They both have the ability to password protect, though sadly only on Windows (for now, hopefully).
But ultimately I like the Kingston better for the simple fact that it has a sliding USB connector. Great idea:-)
They come in 64GB and 32GB versions as well for significantly cheaper. I’ll probably have to go with one of those until I strike it rich with my brilliant screenplay. Heh.

Via OhGizmo!

Fix Your Posture, Batteries Not Required

Sarah — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:30:51 +0000

I have terrible computer posture. I start out okay but within minutes my shoulders are hunched and my neck is craned forward. After several minutes I’ll notice and self correct but by the end of the day a visit to the chiropractor is in order. If only I had something that would remind me sooner. A device of some kind that could monitor my posture and warn me immediately when I start to slack.
Fortunately for me there is just such a device. Introducing the Visomate:

The name has a little something to be desired but as noted over at Boing Boing the device looks eerily similar to those little dudes from Batteries Not Included (that movie with Jessica Tandy that I LOVED when I was 8 years old). And it’s USB powered (so literally, batteries not included because none are required), so I’ll overlook the name this time.

For only $21.69 on Uxsight.com it’s well worth it. You can make that up by NOT needing to visit the chiropractor twice a month like I was doing back in the day when I had that soul sucking tech support job.

Here’s the full description:
• Posture Alert Reminder is your smart companion that reminds you with flashing LEDs and chimes once you are closer than
the recommended visual distance ( 35cm-60cm ) from the monitor. (That’s between 13 and 26 inches for us metrically
challenged folks).
• Interactive distance detcecting with program.
• The Vision Posture Reminder works with ultrasonic sensor.
• Flashing LED signal of the Vision Posture Corrector indicates correct distance away from monitor.
• CHIME ON/OFF selection for personal setting.
• Blue lights means your head is positioned within a moderate visual range. Red light flashes when your head is closer than
35cm from monitor and it means too close.
• Easy to use: Just place it on your monitor, plug it to the USB port. No battery and no maintenance needed.
• This USB Vision Posture Corrector is powered by USB port, no battery needed.
• Size: 6 cm long( at the longest ), 5.5cm wide( at the widest ), 1.5cm thick ( at the thickest ).Approx.
• Length of the USB cable: 149cm long.
• Color: White and Black.
• Weight:120g.

via Boing Boing
Product page: Uxsight.com

EyeClops Bio Cam For Kids

Quang Ly — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:02:29 +0000

I got Lasik about 4 years ago and it was one of the best decisions. I can see so clearly without contact lens or eye glasses. However, I did not get the 400x Zoom package procedure done to see into objects at the micro level. Well, at least now I can get the EyeClops Bio Cam to let me do that. Actually, it’s probably more suited to entertain and educate kids.

EyeClops Bioni Cam

The EyeClops BioniCam Video Microscope from JAKKS Pacific let’s kids (Ages 8 and up)have fun by exploring their microscopic world by easily taking pictures and videos.

Bioni Cam

It runs on five AA batteries (not included) that are inserted into the blet clip battery pack. You also use the included USB memory ontop of the BioniCam to store videos and pictures.

The camera has an ergonomically shaped handle for long hours of fun. You can focus ona number of everyday objects like clothing, fur, hair, soil. EyeClops then shows you the images in real time and full color on your LCD screen. You can also use the menus on the screen to manage your video and photos.

The zoom dial works in either 100x, 200x or 400x magnification modes. You focus on an image by twisting the I.R.I.S. lens attachment until everything is in perspective. It does take some practice mostly due to shakes of your hand, but afterwards, you’ll be focusing soon.

EyeClops BioniCam

USB Desktop Basketball Dunk

Quang Ly — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:08:13 +0000

If you don’t have enough distractions in your work life with Facebook, IM, Twitter, or MySpace, then try the USB Desktop Dunk by Jumpin Banana.

USB Desktop Basketball Dunk

USB Desktop Dunk

The USB Desktop Basketball Dunk is a fun way to take a break. It has a USB port which connects to your computer so no batteries are required. You can challenge your friends and coworkers for the highest score in a 30 second round. The USB Desktop Dunk also keeps scores and plays music. It comes with the mini-arcade basketball hoop, four basketballs, and USB. It runs on Windows XP and Mac OS X.

Who says White Men Can’t Dunk?

Ghoulish USB memory sticks

Sarah — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:23:27 +0000

Nothing says more about a person’s personality than the kind of USB memory stick they carry around with them, right?
Ok, that might be stretching it. But today I found these little gems that at least 80% of my friends would like (that is, if any of them needed memory sticks).

USB Geek Ghoul Series USB Drive

Ghoulish USB memory sticks

I’m partial to Mr Black myself. But all are ghoulishly cute with a practical 2 GB storage capability too!

Cutify your workspace

Sarah — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:10:42 +0000

Having just come home from a year in Japan only a few weeks ago, my mind is still wrapped up in Kawaii culture. In case you don’t know what that means Kawaii is Japanese for “cute” and boy do they take it to the extremes over there. This is exactly the kind of thing my former co-workers and students would just love…Tiny USB powered animal shaped fans…

USB Cow Frog Fan

Again from USB Geek (quickly becoming my fave accessory site)…Now if only they had a devil kitty version…

Submarine K95 Waterproof USB Drive

Quang Ly — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:20:44 +0000

The world of portable USB flash drives just got a bit more water proof. You don’t have to worry about the rain and spilling your morning coffee over it. The submarine shaped USB drive adds to the fun factor. The K95 drives are available in 1GB and 2GB sizes. You can also add more joy to your life by selecting from four different colors: white, red, green and black. Unfortunately, it is still in design by Moscow’s Man Works Design. As always, we will let you know when it’s available for water fun.

Via Coolest Gadgets

Thin is in – iDrive Portable USB Powered Hard Drive

Jay — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:34:09 +0000

America is obsessed with thin. We want to know all about who’s gaining weight and who’s losing it. Well we gadget nuts are obsessed with thin too, but in our own geek way. Thus I present to you the iDrive, the thinnest portable USB hard drive on the market.

This skinny puppy holds 320GB of data accessible at 5400RPM, which is faster than the hard drive of most laptops. It’s 10mm high. It’s powered completely by the USB connection to your laptop. And it’s brushed aluminum. Tres chic, tres cool. And it’s eminently reasonable at $70. Check it out at iDrive.

The Simpsons Mr. Burns Webcam

Quang Ly — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:27:41 +0000

The Simpsons Mr. Burns Webcam

If you happen to be one of the few people on earth that wants to work for Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, this webcam gets you one step closer to the real thing.

The Mr. Burns webcam supports 640×480 resolution and can record video at the typical 30 fps. It has a built-in microphone and compatible with most Windows. You can use it with most of the popular instant message programs such as AIM, MSN, Yahoo, or Skype. The webcam also has a clip that can connect to your LCD monitor or laptop.

Now you thought your micro-manager was bad!

Mr. Burns USB Webcam & Microphone

USB Office Coffee Warmer Keeps You Awake at Work

Nichole — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:40:52 +0000

USB Coffee Warmer by Lagoon Group

These days, there’s no shortage of stuff you can plug into your USB port. How about a mug warmer? Yes, it’s basically a small hot plate for the cubicle set, but the simplicity of this product is what makes it a great idea. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, there are models that will keep your favorite drink hot or cold, and one with a four-port hub that displays the warming temperature. There are even mugs available that make the commute with you, plugging into both a car outlet and a USB port. So now you have no good excuse for falling asleep at your desk.

Declare War on your Office Mates with a USB Cannon.

ethan — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:00:04 +0000

A lot of people complain about their jobs. Many say that their job has just lost its appeal, and has become monotonous and boring. Maybe it’s time you spiced things up a little bit in the office with a USB cannon.

The USB cannon plugs right into the USB port of your PC or laptop. Load the cannon with nerf darts, and press the appropriate command on your computer to shoot the darts up to 10 feet! No longer must you deal with Wanda’s pervasive giggling about funny animal pictures two cubicles away. A simple pop! on the noggin with a nerf dart should shut her right up for the day. Three cubicles down, Jim is listening to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” for the 5th time this morning. A thwap! with the nerf dart should spare you from the rockin’ 80′s for the rest of the morning.

And you thought work was boring…