I spent a good few hours moving my iTunes library onto a different machine this morning (in fact, if anyone knows of a method that only takes five minutes, please don’t tell me). Anyway, because of the lack of technical gadgetry available and an impatience to just get it done, I used my USB key.
This was combined with a bit of a trawl through my old magazines, and a chance encounter with Giant Robot’s 'display thru April' edition. The story of why I love that method of naming an issue is another matter entirely, as I discovered that the inside cover of this one in particular contains an advert for Tokidoki’s mean but oh-so-cute USB key design for Mimobot. I was then reminded of the Transformers USB key I was recently craving, and I decided to look a little closer at the world of designer flash drives. Though many I found were tacky beyond belief, some were well worth the extra investment, for ‘talking point’ value at least. So many of my gadgets are purchased based on size, power or capability, that I thought it would make a refreshing change to look at something aesthetically.
1. It only seems fair that I start with my inspiration for this post - Mimobot - a specialist site packed full of kooky designs and bizarre character-based accessories. Tokidoki’s USB’s don’t quite make my list, but the site’s top seller (CP30) speaks to my inner geek like no gadget has before (not even my glow in the dark Star Trek mousepad...ahem).
I’m also a fan of Mimobot’s GURP programme, which is the site’s GreenBot USB Recycling Program. Essentially, they pay you in Mimobot credits to buy back your old, unwanted, or otherwise worn out flash drives.
2. Next of the list is the aforementioned Transformers USB. It’s just awesome and that’s all that needs to be said.
3. Continuing a vintage toy theme, my next pick is the good old Lego version that’s actually been on the market for ages. An oldie but a goodie; it’s hardy, looks great and comes in every colour imaginable (if you do a little digging).
4. Gadgets you can’t even buy! I found these snaps (from Maubrowncow on Flickr) of manga style penguin and happy iPhone keys from Macworld. Words can’t express how much I want one of each and they’re bound to be collector’s items at some point.
5. Last but by no means least, the MIXA (pictured top right). A cassette shaped USB key designed specifically to be used as a digital mix-tape. Choose a colour, design your own label, purchase it and fill with whatever you like. Such a classic idea brought into the modern age and favourite by far.