MacBook laptops don’t come with VGA out or DVI out connectors for extending one’s video screens to more then the MacBook itself.  Today Wisair announced a solution for just that with their Wireless USB DisplayDock Set.

Wisair’s DisplayDock solution allows Mac users to connect to a monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers, via a single wireless link with a single adapter that connects to a USB port on the MacBook.  Since we haven’t seen a big offering to help out MacBook users we expect this to be a big hit with the MacFanBoys.

Wisair will be OEMing the solutions via three vendors [Atlona, Source R&D, Cables Unlimited and Olidata in the UK.

Some major points to consider:

• Point to point plug and play USB wireless
• Universal solution for MacBooks
• Distance up to 30 feet
• Doesn’t load over WiFi so your internet USB gadget surfing remains fast
• Wireless video supports up to 1440 x 1050 screen resolution
• Mac Leopard (10.5) and Snow Leopard (10.6) OS support.

No price yet was announced from the Press Release or OEM sites.  Product will be available the first of March.

Press Release

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jungo Ltd., a leading provider of connectivity systems and driver development tools, today announced the release of its ZeroDriver software, which enhances the user experience by enabling seamless connectivity between USB data cards (both 3G and 4G) and any laptop or PC, without the need to install drivers or applications on the host PC.

“We are pleased Jungo supports USB technology, by extending the simplicity and broad capabilities of USB to its customers.”

ZeroDriver supports all data card features that in the past have required drivers or additional applications, including dial-up and high speed browsing, voice calls, SMS, diagnostics, network statistics and more.

Equipping a data card with ZeroDriver is a highly cost-effective and user-friendly solution, for example, it reduces installation support calls to a minimum, maximizing user satisfaction and in turn, increasing ARPU. With support for HSPA+ bandwidth standards, ZeroDriver is fast and extremely flexible - it is easily ported to a variety of hardware mobile platforms.

ZeroDriver is currently available for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 and is compatible with a wide range of PC applications, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, MS Office, Thunderbird and more. Future versions will support Mac and Linux. ZeroDriver is also available in “installation mode” for operators who want to offer enhanced system support.

“Due to its ease of use and global availability, USB has become the standard interface between mobile broadband modems and PCs,” said Jeff Ravencraft, president and chairman, USB Implementers Forum. “We are pleased Jungo supports USB technology, by extending the simplicity and broad capabilities of USB to its customers.”

The Stanza app is a program for the iPhone which is an eBook reader.  It is slick software, easy to use, and allows you to load books via USB cable.  Well, it did.

The latest update from iTunes for the Stanza app indicates the USB connectivity feature will be removed from the application.  So if you want it, don’t update it.

The Washington Post called the maker, Lexcycle, and asked about the details and their spokes person said, “[Lexcycle is] forbidden from discussing the specifics of the conversations with Apple on this matter.”

It’s fair to say that Apple is keeping complete control of the device so that additional storage [non iTunes content] cannot be loaded along with reducing any virus possibilities hitch-hiking in via removable storage.

To learn more visit the Washington Post article.

iBin is a portable application designed for USB stick so users can restore files which have been accidentally deleted.  Since Windows does not redirect a deleted file off the OS into the Recycle Bin, once a user clicks delete, it’s gone forever [well unless you use restore tools to get it back], but iBin resolves that problem.

iBin puts your deleted files in a container on the USB drive itself and sits quietly until your custom flash drive gets to capacity, then you’ll need to do a bit of house cleaning.

iBin includes a collection of management features to set the preferences of the iBin.  Items such as confirmation of where to put the “deleted” file, iBin size, how to erase and when to dump the iBin data.

All in all, this is an excellent application for users to add one additional layer of safety for the delete button.

This is a Windows based product and runs on all OS’ from Microsoft, including Windows 7. (more…)

How To: Turn off USB Autoplay in Windows 7

Windows 7 is much like XP in accessing the feature to turn off the USB auto play function.  We don’t have a Window’s 7 machine, but I did find a great tutorial from DemoGeek.  Here is the info you need to turn off USB Auto Play in Windows 7.

Go to:  START > SEARCH > type “group policy”

From there Windows 7 will narrow down your options, select the “Edit group policy” option.  Should be the first one listed.

From here, it’s virtually the same as Windows XP.

Go to:
> COMPUTER CONFIGURATION
> ADMINISTRATIVE TEMPLATES
> WINDOWS COMPONENTS
> AUTOPLAY POLICIES

With having “AutoPlay Policies” highlighted, you will see on the right side of the dialogue box, “Turn off Autoplay” option.  Click That!

On the dialogue box which pops up, select the “Disable” radial button to (more…)

At first glance we became very excited about this 80 port USB board, we thought it was a huge USB hub.  Then we read the details and realized it’s just an 80 port USB power source.  And we say “just” with all the enthusiasm that word can carry.  Wicked awesome from our point of view.

We’ve done the math and have still come up short on the exact NEED for the 80 port USB power board, but never-the-less, it makes you smile.  Kinda like the iPad [even without USB support].

Our calculations seem to bring us back to quality control, that is the only legitimate reason why this board would be of “true” value.

Thanko is offering the USB power board for $165.

I have two questions, please answer on Facebook:  1) do you need this?  2)  what is a legit use for this other than QC testing for some USB gadget? (more…)

Yup, today was the day that Apple announced their iPad product.  The very first thing we noticed was a lack of USB ports for storage and connection; however, Job’s didn’t forget it.

The iPad camera connection kit comes with a male adapter card to connect either USB or SD cards.  Given the slim dimensions of the iPad we can understand the lack of design integration for USB, but SD or even microSD, now that makes sense.  Our only conclusion is a lack of real-estate on the PCBA used to make the iPad.

Interesting side note:  Apple has the exclusive patent on the 30 pin female connector it uses and plans to NEVER license it out.  I know the USB kit has a male connector, it just reminded me of reading that info a couple weeks back.

Source:  StumbleTweet.