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Vera home automation system helps to conserve energy

Nerd Grind — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:49:44 +0000

Mi Casa Verde’s new home automation system hopes to prove to the world that it actually can be easy being green. Sorry Kermit. Vera, a Z-Wave / 802.11 hub with a robust web interface for monitoring energy usage of devices in your home, is the kind of simple gadget we could all use to do our part to reduce energy consumption. The device shuts your gadgets down if they are burning too much power. You can also use it to set any of the devices to power on and off with a timer. Pretty handy.

Vera runs using a modified Linux format and also is touted as being able to operate locks and security cameras. The company also boasts that the system actually saves more power than it uses. Wait a minute, really? Somebody call Obama or McCain. We may finally have a forerunner for endless energy.

The street date is October 31st and the retail price for the unit is set at $299 with a secure remote access gateway running $8 a month. Mi Casa Verde is offering a pre-sale price of $149 with one free year of gateway access, though. Get on it! You carbon footprint is gigantic. Really. It’s huge. People have been talking.

Synchrotech 13-port hub

Nerd Grind — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:11:50 +0000

All right! It’s about time – a 13-port USB hub!

Kudos to Synchrotech for bringing us a 13-port USB 2.0 hub, which is much smaller than Century’s CHMP-16, the 16-port version designed to serve 2 computers (pictured below). For a mere $45 you can enjoy the sleek and small design and add peripherals to your heart’s content!

And hey – perfect stocking stuffer idea!.

Belkin 5-port Network USB Hub

Nerd Grind — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:37:16 +0000

Shipping now is the $129 Belkin 5-port Network USB Hub which works with an existing wireless router to give wireless access to peripherals. It works by simulating a direct USB connection, tricking the computer into thinking the devices on the network are directly attached to it, thereby letting you use USB 2.0 devices at full speed.

The company does warn that the system doesn’t support some high-speed/high-bandwidth USB devices such as HD-streaming webcams or other video-transfer applications.

Lili and Oscar

Nerd Grind — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:56:20 +0000

Just when you think it is safe to browse the USB hubs and webcams again, here come strange little eco-friendly Lili and Oscar.

Oscar (the USB hub) and Lili (webcam with 1.3-megapixel sensor and a built-in microphone) are available in four different colors, are constructed from recyclable materials, and are produced "in a fair trade environment." Lili will cost Â£30 ($60), and Oscar will be available for Â£20 ($40).

USB Hub Looks Like Medical Device of the Future

Nerd Grind — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:31:02 +0000

Can you imagine the poking and prodding this thing could do? If one imagines it larger than it really it, it’s actually quite frightening. But as a combination USB/Firewire hub, it’s pretty remarkable in a very dense field. Made by Ora-Ito, "The Hub" includes dual USB extension cables, a standard USB cable, a miniUSB cable, a USB fan and a USB light. I’m sure there’s artificial intelligence in there that wakes up the moment you place it on your desk, that performs alien medical experiments, but if you’re willing to take a chance it’s reasonably priced at $90.

D-Link Joins Growing Number of Wireless USB Vendors

Nerd Grind — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:40:10 +0000

I love it when good technology, in this case wireless USB, starts generating some real competition. D-Link has joined the ranks with its DUB-1210 wireless USB adapter and the DUB-2240 four port wireless hub. The standards apply, such as a 30 foot range and operation in a frequency range that won’t interfere with other wireless devices.Up to three of the hubs can be connected together, handling just about as many USB devices as any sane person should ever possess. You’ll have to wit until the final quarter of the year, and you’ll be shelling out $119.99 for either or $219.99 for both.

Belkin Wireless USB Hub

Nerd Grind — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:46:15 +0000

Coming in August is Belkin’s new wireless USB hub which allows you to move off that desk. The hub will give you about a 30 foot range and transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, with full compatibility promised for any "Certified Wireless USB" devices. Price figure heard is around $200 and that includes a wireless USB adapter.

Belkin Adds to the Plethora of USB Hubs – Only These are Useful

Nerd Grind — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:50:08 +0000

Belkin is releasing a trio of nifty USB hubs. The Swivel Hub ($30) is a 4-port hub that allows for flexibility in positioning the ports for easiest access. The Clip-On Hub ($30) provides two ports and clips in place (obviously). Finally, the Hub-to-Go ($50) provides 7 ports, with three portable ports. Just goes to show that just because USB hub possibilities are nearly infinite, it doesn’t mean some aren’t decent.

Tomy Proves that USB Hub Permutations are Truly Infinite

Nerd Grind — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:39:07 +0000

Yes, this is just as it appears: a 4-port USB hub with a built-in pirate game. If Tomy can make this, then it proves the theory that USB hubs can come in any form. Pricing and availability are unavailable at this point, but it sure looks like fun. Ahem.

SolidAlliance USB Engine Sidelights as Gas-Powered Generator

Nerd Grind — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:24:36 +0000

Okay, that’s not true. It’s actually just a hub in the shape of a motorcycle engine that makes (unrealistic, I’m sure) obnoxious engine sounds. The novelty would likely wear off in about, oh, the first few minutes, and I think I’m being generous. If it makes it to the US at its current Japanese price, it’ll be about $43. Again, from SolidAlliance, in case you want to avoid them out of sheer principle.

NerdGrind - How-to Computer Help - Tutorials - Tech and Gadget News » hub

Vera home automation system helps to conserve energy

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Synchrotech 13-port hub

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Belkin 5-port Network USB Hub

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Lili and Oscar

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USB Hub Looks Like Medical Device of the Future

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D-Link Joins Growing Number of Wireless USB Vendors

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Belkin Wireless USB Hub

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Belkin Adds to the Plethora of USB Hubs – Only These are Useful

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Tomy Proves that USB Hub Permutations are Truly Infinite

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SolidAlliance USB Engine Sidelights as Gas-Powered Generator

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