The MobileLite G2 features a dual-slider design: On one side lies the USB plug, and on the other, the card readers. Both sides, when slid outwards, protect what's within. It sounds kind of complicated, but isn't too hard to use, though it certainly requires more steps than a typical card reader. To insert a card, you push the card reader side toward the middle, revealing the slot for your card. After your card is safely in its slot, you extend that side back out again, protecting the cards (or not, you can leave them unprotected if you're some kind of negligent owner). Then, push the USB side in, revealing the USB jack, and plug it into your computer.

It does sound a little complicated when I explain it, but really it's pretty simple: Both the card side and the USB side extend to cover their respective delicate bits. (Note: The first person to say "foreskin" will be either banned or promoted, I haven't decided which). Unfortunately, the MobileLite G2 only supports SD/HC, microSD/HC and Memory Stick Duo, not CompactFlash, which is a bummer. But it's given an MSRP of $11, and it could well retail for less. It's a pretty handy little gadget to have around, that's for sure, and it should be available later this week. [Kingston]

While it may look like a somewhat ugly and useless perfume bottle, popping off the lid to reveals a USB plug. On the bottle's underside, you'll find ports for SDHC, micro SDHC, microSD/T-flash, Sony M2, Memory Stick and MS Duo. Then, when you're done pulling information off your cards, the perfume bottle can sit back on your desk. That is, until you hear about next month's Earwax Vacuum USB Night Light*. [USB Geek via Nerd Approved]

*Note: The Earwax Vacuum USB Night Light could be and probably is a real product. Anyone looking to steal the idea should proceed with caution.

"Until now, there hasn't been an affordable and effective solution for consumers to securely protect
their credit card data while shopping online" said Daniel McCann, President of NetSecure
Technologies. "Hackers have extremely sophisticated methods of circumventing traditional internet
security to steal your personal information right from your computer. SmartSwipe facilitates
transactions that leave no trace of credit card data, guaranteeing your information remains secure.

If it's worth it for you to have a little added security and the ability to bypass typing in your credit card number, the SmartSwipe is available now for $100 CAD ($87). [SmartSwipe]

SmartSwipe Revolutionizes Online
Shopping
World's first truly secure personal credit card reader keeps PC safe while shopping
online
Regina, SK – July 14, 2009 – NetSecure Technologies is proud to offer US consumers the
immediate availability of SmartSwipe, a personal credit card reader that keeps your credit card
information and identity completely safe when you're shopping online. Plug the SmartSwipe into your
computer's USB port, visit your favorite online stores, and swipe your credit card exactly like you
would at a shop. SmartSwipe then scrambles and encrypts the user's credit card data before it
reaches the user's computer or internet providing instant protection from malicious software attacks.

Traditional online security only protects your sensitive information once it has reached the internet,
but not while it's sitting on your computer. Credit card companies, online retailers and security
professionals spend millions every year to make the internet a safer place for credit card transactions.
Despite these constant advances, credit card data is stolen every day due to the vulnerability of
personal computers. Hackers and thieves make a living taking your credit card data and personal
information right from the desktop.

"Until now, there hasn't been an affordable and effective solution for consumers to securely protect
their credit card data while shopping online" said Daniel McCann, President of NetSecure
Technologies. "Hackers have extremely sophisticated methods of circumventing traditional internet
security to steal your personal information right from your computer. SmartSwipe facilitates
transactions that leave no trace of credit card data, guaranteeing your information remains secure."

SmartSwipe features simple plug and play installation and also eliminates the need to manually enter
credit card information saving time while you shop online. The SmartSwipe works with nearly every
major credit card and credit/debit card combination including Visa, MasterCard, American Express,
and Discover. System requirements include Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Internet Explorer 6 or
higher. It also features a 90 day no-hassle return policy should you not be 100% satisfied

They're promising some speedy transfer times with the All-in-One—up to 34MB/s with the speediest CompactFlash cards—and you can use multiple card simultaneously to move stuff between cards. It's $30. The Multi-Card is a little pokier, at 30MB/s read times with a fast enough SDHC card. It's $20.

Since we don't see where the USB cable plugs in, I wonder if they have the same problem as the old-school ImageMate I've got—if you don't have 'em propped up on the stand, the port is so recessed you can't use a standard USB cable with it. Blam actually broke the corner off his to make regular mini USB plugs fit. I hope not, since I wouldn't want to mar these. [Sandisk via Ubergizmo]

They also have card-reader slots, for MemoryStick Micro and microSD cards. Most interestingly, the 400g version has integrated GPS and an NMEA 2.0 interface, so you can slip it into your PC or Mac, and pinpoint your location live in Google Maps. Available late this year, but you'll have to wait for pricing info. Full press release below.

SONY ERICSSON PRESS RELEASE June 17, 2008

Sony Ericsson launches two new dual function USB modems to keep you ahead of the game

Sony Ericsson unveils the MD400 and MD400g - the first HSPA USB modems of their kind from Sony Ericsson not only providing high speed broadband but also a combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and a microSD(TM) slot brought together in a stylish and attractive design. Apart from an in-built antenna, an innovative additional swivel antenna optimizes the performance when in use. When closed, it covers and protects the retractable USB connector. The MD400g also has an in-built GPS receiver which automatically shows the user's current location.

Singapore, 17th June 2008 - For people on the move keeping in touch via the internet with colleagues, clients, friends and family is a necessity. Now Sony Ericsson gives users the speed they need in a stylish way with its two new modems complete with HSPA technology. Users can receive 7.2Mb/s in download and up to 2.0Mb/s in upload speeds. This means that sending attachments via email such as images or video content can be sent up to five times faster than before.

"The MD400 and MD400g are high performance and stylish devices that enable you to have all your essentials at hand even when you are out of reach from broadband at home or in the office. The USBs are simple, quick to install and the multiple technologies guarantee internet access every time," said Johan Tysklind, marketing director mobile computing at Sony Ericsson. "The combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and the microSD(TM) slot really makes these products stand out from the crowd and the MD400g even includes a GPS receiver."

Sony Ericsson MD400/MD400g - the world on the move
HSPA technology - up to 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload
First USB modem with combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
In-built antenna complemented with an additional swivel 'Diversity' antenna maximizes reception performance and boosts data transmission
Innovative mechanical design allows the swivel antenna to also protect the retractable USB connector when the modem is not in use
USB modem - can be used in any PC, laptop or desktop
In-built GPS receiver and GPS utility (MD400g) which can link directly in to Google Maps(TM) and mark current location
PlayNow shortcut link - just a click away from entertainment
Auto-install
Auto configuration
So whether you are a professional that needs internet access anytime of the day, a student away from the library or even someone taking advantage of nice weather in the park the MD400/MD400g range can give you the broadband access you need from any mobile location.

- ENDS -

At a glance:

MD400 Mobile Broadband USB Modem, MD400g Mobile Broadband GPS USB Modem

Compact size, 70 x 28 x 15 mm (open)

Weight 28g
Dual antenna solution featuring Receiver Diversity optimisation which ensures highest possible data rates. the USB connector retracts when the swivel antenna is folded. Completely closed it covers the port

Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
GPS (MD400g): Integrated GPS receiver (NMEA 2.0 interface)
HSPA: Up to 7.2 Mb/s, downlink. Up to 2.0 Mb/s, uplink
HSPA/UMTS: Triple band 850/1900/2100 MHz
EDGE/GPRS: Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Operating Systems: MS Windows® 2000, XP, Vista, MAC-OS X supported
Features/Enablers: Sony Ericsson Wireless Manager
Auto-installation and auto-configuration: Multi color LED illumination indicating communication status (and GPS status - MD 400g)
25 supported languages
Sony Ericsson update services
Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
In-built GPS receiver inc. GPS utility (MD400g)
PlayNow(TM) icon - a click away from entertainment
Colours: Exquisite Ebony, Lustrous White

Availability: Globally available Q4 2008

Legal
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk, standby and video call times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2008.

[Sony Ericsson]