Scan 3D Objects via a USB Webcam for Free

If you have ever wanted to scan 3D models of real objects into your computer but didn’t want to cough up thousands of bucks for the software you can now do it for free. That is assuming you have a laser of some sort that projects a straight line onto the subject and a USB webcam. The software is called DAVID and to use it you place the object you want to scan into a corner with 90 degree angles. The software will puzzle the images together to give you a complete 360 degree view of the subject. However, the site states the portion of the software that puzzles the images together is not currently available. At least you can scan one side of the object into your PC.

(c) www.everythingusb.com

uPlusPen - PC Tablet for Writing and Drawing without the Tablet

If you have ever wanted a graphics tablet for your PC like the ones Wacom makes, but didn’t want to have the required tablet portion on your desk there is a new USB device that might be just what you want. The uPlusPen from Korea acts just like a drawing tablet but requires no tablet portion. You can use the USB powered pen on any surface you wish and the written or drawn information is transferred directly to your PC. No word on pricing or availability, but it sure looks pretty cool.

(c) www.everythingusb.com

Handy Drive includes pen, flashlight

By Peter Cohen

US Modular has introduced the Handy Drive, a flash memory storage drive that connects to a Mac or PC using USB 2.0 and features a built-in pen and flashlight. The Handy Drive starts at $19.99 for a 128MB model. Storage capacities range up to 4GB.

The Handy Drive ships on a ring so you can attach keys or hook it to a bag or briefcase. It’s self-powered and reads data at up to 8 Mbps, writes at up to 6.4 Mbps. It’s plug-and-play compatible with Mac OS 9.x or later; it also works with Windows and Linux operating systems.

(c) www.macworld.com

USB Firefly Squid

You can always expect the craziest USBs from Japan and one of the latest finds is a deceptively edible-looking squid in a supermarket-style package. But, upon close examination and use of some Japanese language skills, you’ll soon realize this squiddy wont be able to satisfy your appetite for some raw ika, but it will help you transfer files.

Created by SolidAlliance, the Firefly Squid USB contains an LED that glows when plugged in giving it a nice squiddy luminescent effect. And surprisingly, it actually does something useful with its 512MB memory capacity, unlike the USB Humping Dog that just, well, humps. It will be available by the end of January 2007 and would probably make a great gift to any of your squid-loving friends.

[original post: www.slashgear.com]

Duck Image's Super Secure USB Drive Design

If you are really paranoid about the data on your USB drive you will feel really good about this high security drive integrating both physical and software security methods. The Duck Image 007 USB Flash Drive starts its security off with a bike lock looking chain that keeps the cap on the drive unless you know the combo to open it. Once the cap is opened, you need a password to access the drive when connected to a computer and the data on the drive is encrypted as well for maximum security. This little drive is featured on a designer’s website and there is no mention of if the product is real or not. Might be an interesting product, but it feels like vaporware to me. I am surprised they didn't include biometric security as well similar to that of the LaCie SAFE drive.

[source: www.everythingusb.com]