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The Key to Staying Organized and Secure Lies Within Consumers' Pockets Deerfield Beach, FL - March 24, 2008 - From bank statements and insurance policies to birth certificates and contracts, today's consumers face confusion and frustration when it comes to organization and protecting critical data and documents. This month, Black Box Innovations, as part of its new Tâke line of portable technology, unveils the solution with the launch of the Personal Pocket Safe™, the world's first encrypted, epoxy coated, pin-protected smart drive offering powerful organization and portable digital protection for consumers. Formatted to fit any standard USB port found in PCs and notebooks, the Personal Pocket Safe™ will be available through select retail channels starting in spring 2008. "To shred or not to shred, to file or keep a paper copy, and where to store them safely are questions we all struggle with on a regular basis," said Stewart Wallach, visionary behind the Personal Pocket Safe™ and CEO of its parent company, CHDT, Corporation. "The Personal Pocket Safe™ eliminates the tedious and labor-intensive obstacles that prevent today's consumers from gaining control over organization by combining easy-to-manage technology, portable efficiency and digital security in an affordable way that's never been done before." The Personal Pocket Safe™ is powered by proprietary software embedded within a pin protected pocket safe that features a host of security-rich options that lock in all of the confidential and critical information that powers the lives of today's consumers. Measuring less than 3 inches, the Personal Pocket Safe™ is convenient for travel and easy to store from plain view. Robust functionality and security features include: • A pin (4 to 10 digits) that prevents unauthorized users from accessing stored data. • Military grade encryption and storage of confidential documents, from insurance policies and contracts to heirloom photos and other irreplaceable items • Archiving of sensitive credentials such as social security numbers, financial account information and passwords • Digital compartmentalization of up to 70 years of bills and bank statements*, health records, and scanned copies of important documents such as licenses, permits, birth certificates, etc. • Customizable reminders for everything from warranty and policy renewals to scheduled maintenance back ups • Digital security features that make the device untraceable when removed from a host computer or laptop • Automatic "lock out" technology that shuts down the device to deter hackers "As we designed the Personal Pocket Safe, we began to discover that it's not simply hardware or software. This innovation is a new breed of technology we've coined 'anyware,' said John Tate, President of Black Box Innovations, the developers and marketers of the Personal Pocket Safe. "As a digital safe, it organizes and protects the user, any time, any place in simple ways that can save consumers around the world a lot of time, money and heartache; in short - it makes users lives easier." In addition to its menu of organization features, the Personal Pocket Safe™ also helps protect consumers' identities. With nearly 10 million Americans victimized by some form of identity theft in 2007, the Personal Pocket Safe™ offers peace of mind in knowing that once critical documents are organized and secure, the risk of someone accessing that data is a non-issue. On top of proactive protection, the Personal Pocket Safe™ also offers consumers help with one of the most overlooked but necessary functions in today's digital age - backup. Data that might normally be lost in the event of theft, computer disk crash or other unforeseen disasters is held securely within the Pocket Safe. "According to recent reports we've collected, close to 90 percent of adults today know they should backup the information they store on a laptop or personal computer, but more than 75 percent admit they do not take action," said Tate. "The reality is, 100 percent of computer drives will fail at some point if in use long enough, and proper backup is critical." With an increasing population of consumers who try to "live green", the Personal Pocket Safe™ provides an easy and convenient way for individuals to achieve their eco-friendly goals by digitally archiving monthly statements to save paper. Other features include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, packaging made from recycled materials, as well as a storage case crafted from bamboo. About Personal Pocket Safe With patents pending in the United States and overseas, the Personal Pocket Safe™, developed and marketed by Black Box Innovations, marks the first product within the company's Tâke line, based on licensed technology from ClevX, LLC and ExamSoft Worldwide Inc. Black Box Innovations is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHDT Corp., based in Florida. Available through select retail channels starting in spring 2008, the Personal Pocket Safe™ helps consumers organize and safeguard their most critical documents and information through the world's first encrypted, epoxy coated, pin-protected USB device. For more information, visit takeanyware.com.

That's just what ATP Petito has done, selling its mini flash drives in a limited-edition Pink Ribbon version, available in 512MB ($39.99) and 1GB ($59.99) capacities. Being huge breast fans ourselves, we think getting into the tit-saving (and life-saving) business is a nice racket for a company with a product named Petito, but we're just wondering why there's no indication of how much of each drive's price will benefit the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. Is it one cent? Is it five dollars?

Any time a company is contributing a percentage of sales to a worthy cause, we think buyers have a right to know the exact portion of the money that will actually be contributed. If that number is not readily available, something smells fishy. [ATP, via Get USB]

That free flash drive stunk to high heaven. It had a strange, metallic scent that smelled like it had been mixed together with rotten eggs and B.O., and even made your hands smell like that if you picked it up. We're still trying to figure out why it stank like a pile of horseshit, but one thing's for sure: The company that gave it to us would've been much better off giving us one of these Fruit-a-Romas. [Microdia, via Gearlog]

Now we can tell you, for instance, that they are water-resistant to 200 meters, thanks to an ethylene propylene diene monomer seal. (You'll let me know if they made that one up, right?) We can also say that they are encased in Computer Numerical Control milled aluminum "as found in aircraft part production"—and perhaps even in the occasional aircraft part too.

As for zombie attacks, just show me a zombie with the motor skills to unscrew the lid, and the presence of mind to crack your data's 256-bit AES encryption (application included). You can't, can you? Didn't think so. The 4GB Flash Survivor costs $60, and the speedier 8GB Flash Survivor GT will set you back $130. – Wilson Rothman

Product Page [Corsair]

It's not really meant for swallowing, though, and you might want to keep it hidden away unless you want to show your boss that you're a drug addict and can't think of much else than the moment when you can take that next pill.

Even so, it is a rather eye-catching design, and works just like any other USB drive, but considering you can get garden-variety 4GB flash drives for around 50 bucks, this drive's $70 price will clip you for a few bucks just because of its novelty. – Charlie White

Product Page [Valvalo, via Coolest Gadgets]

There's precious little other information about this drive, but maybe all the other flash drive manufacturers might take a cue from this. Gentlemen, start your copiers. – Charlie White

USB flash drive drinks in sunlight [uber gizmo]

Don't take these anywhere near an airport security checkpoint—they look too much like pipe bombs. Pricing and availability weren't announced. – Charlie White

Corsair introduces its new USB stick designs [Hexus]

Yikes, this has to be astonishingly expensive, and they only gave it one gigabyte of flash memory? Well, then you'll just have to get two for those larger files that you must physically shuttle between the polo grounds and the country club. They're not even about to say how much these drives cost, and we don't even want to know. – Charlie White

Update: Okay, okay, we found how much these drives cost. They're 290 Euro including a 16% value-added tax, that's $375. -CW (Thanks, Markus!)

S. T. Dupont USB Memory Stick [Sybarites] Thanks, James!

The USB drive comes in 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB sizes and all of them feature that piano black finish, the same piano black that the PS3 uses. It should be out sometime this month, with the 1GB version carrying a $55 price tag. Mindless movie tie-in? Yes. But it's not just any movie, it's James Bond, the gadget geek's idol. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Sony via Crowdedbrain]

It's even packed into its own tiny cute little case. Available in your choice of black or white, it's 49.00 , or about $62 +$15.10 shipping to the US. This is one of those delightful little stocking stuffers that we find impossible to resist. – Charlie White

Product Page [GeekStuff4U, via ShinyShiny]

Ok, that's all well and good, but Transcend makes one incredible claim in promoting its Jetslash V60: "Now everyone can transfer to a paperless society." Yes, Western civilization was just waiting for the V60 to appear in order to be convinced that a paperless society was viable.

There's no price listed, but if you're in the market for a new USB flash drive in pretty colors, this is probably a safe bet. It is just a hunk of flash, anyway. – Nicholas Deleon

Press Release [Transcend via Fareastgizmos.com]

Obviously, the biggest deal here is the 16GB USB drive, which is just an awful lot of storage space to have in your pocket. The other drives, available in sizes of 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB will be out in Japan by the end of November, while the limited edition 16GB will hit in late December and can only be bought from Toshiba's online store. – Nicholas Deleon

Press Release [Toshiba via Digital World Tokyo]

The slide-out USB plug adds convenience to this tiny package, and its 8.8MB-per-second transfer rate is no slouch, either. Pricing and ship date weren't available yet. – Charlie White

T.One 8GB USB Microdrive [Product Dose]

Security-concious USB drives are beginning to pop up more often and Thanko has a new spin on an old idea idea with its Morse Code drive. Rather than having Windows-only password software protect the contents of the drive, Thanko has placed a number pad on the drive itself, letting users set up set up the drive with their own unique password without having to connect to a computer. Just like other security-centric USB drives, unless the correct password is entered when plugged into a computer, the data will remain locked up forever.

The USB 2.0 Morse Code drive comes in 512MB and 1GB versions but only nominally work with both Windows and Mac OS X. The drive retails for $59 and $85 in Japan, respectively. I'm sure Samuel Morse is just thrilled that companies are throwing his name around with very little merit. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page (in Japanese) [Thanko via Fareastgizmos.com]

Yeah, you could use a USB drive with some sort of software security feature, but it's probably only a matter of time until eastern European hackers crack that code. However, as this isn't Men in Black, you're already in possession of an excellent method of identifying yourself: your fingerprints. A-Data's FB1 USB drive scans your fingerprints on first use and identifies those fingerprints as the owner's. From then on, if you want to access the data on the drive, a simple fingerprint scan unlocks the drive. If, for some reason, your digits become unavailable, there's also a backup password system.

This fingerprint scanning USB drive is available in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB sizes, with the largest drive retailing for $59.99. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [A-Data via The Inquirer]

Most of the Gizmodo crowd probably already has some sort of USB drive, so companies are starting to make bombastic claims to get you to buy theirs, like will improve your quality of life, help you grow back your hair or other empty promises. PNY is no different, and its Attaché Pro USB drive uses security as its bait. Unlike some of its other Attaché siblings, it doesn't even look like an attaché case. It does look "trendy," though, or so claims PNY.

The Attaché Pro is available in 1GB, 2GB or 4GB versions and has a write speed of 17MB/s; read speed is 29MB/s. What makes it "Pro" is its security features, namely PNY's Windows-only SecureLock software. Users can lock the USB drive with a password, so in the event that it gets lost, prying eyes won't be able to see the sensitive data you've stored on the drive. SecureLock uses 128-bit AES encryption, so the 2600 crowd will have a tough time breaking into it. You can find it for about $46. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [PNY via Tech Digest]

Product page [Wal-Mart, via Chip Chick]

Anergé is Eternal Delight

Scant brainpower is required to realize that there's a strong correlation between a product's price and the number of middlemen involved in getting it to market. The more hands a doohickey passes through, the more expensive it tends to be—a major reason, I figure, as to why a gallon of gas costs 60 cents in Dhahran, but $3.45 up at the Esso station on 145th Street.

The bottom line is that it's always better to minimize the number of folks involved in the transaction, preferably by buying direct from the manufacturer. Alas, when it comes to low-end gadgets, most factories don't want to hear from you unless you're willing to ante up for 10,000 units, minimum. You just want one measly flash drive? Then head down to Chinatown with the rest of the consumerite masses.

But does it really need to play out like that? I thinketh not, and neither do the minds behind the Anergé brand, a straight-outta-Shenzhen line of thumb drives, MP3 players, and assorted other electronics flotsam. Rather than peddle to Wally's Discount Emporium or your local cell hut, this shadowy company is selling its wares factory direct—and maybe, just maybe, signaling the advent of a low-end revolution while they're at it. After the jump, the scoop on some seriously cheap goods, as well as some seriously Engrish-fied marketing copy.

I first came across Anergé while researching another column idea, on the stunning decline in prices for keychain USB drives. Froogle got me to this little number, a one-gig model for just $31.95. That sounded hella cheap to me, at around three cents per meg of memory—did I wake up in 2009? Or did I miss some sort of sea change in our collective understanding of Fowler-Nordheim tunneling?

I'd never heard of the Anergé brand that this drive was being marketed under, so I did the requisite Google check. Nothing, save for some product listings and a page for a Japanese apartment complex. Then I trolled the nation's corporate records, looking for at least a "doing business as" entry. Again, nothing. Gizmodo archives? Zip. And if it hasn't been mentioned on this fair site, well, does it really exist?

Turns out that Anergé products are sold exclusively via two affiliated sites, Campus111.com and USA111.com. Why the triple ones? As the former site so helpfully instructs, it's because their "goal is to make Your Satisfaction Assured 111%! No.1 Price, No.1 Quality, No.1 Service! Student Prices for Everyone, Everyday!!!"

The plethora of ones tipped me off pretty quickly that we were dealing with an author who's native language is probably Chinese—the fascination with numerology is a distinctively Chinese interest, as my pal Jennifer 8. Lee can well attest. And, indeed, if you read a little further, you'll see that, despite having a post-office box in Columbus, Campus111 and USA111 are really subsidiaries of a factory located in Shenzhen's Nanshan District. USA111, it turns out, is legally incorporated in Ohio, thanks to the legal assistance of this guy. But make no mistake, all the action is going down at the Fangda Building many thousands of miles away.

The deal here seems to be that the Shenzhen factory is pressing out low-end copies of existing designs, then stamping them with one of several, um, unique brands: Anergé, I-Spirit, and Smarts. The factory's MP3 players, for example, bear an eerie resemblance to an iRiver unit that I reviewed for Wired a few years ago. The major difference, of course, is price, and the ones listed at Campus111 really can't be beat—$39.95 for a 512MB MP3 player, $59.95 for a four-megapixel digital camcorder.

Part of their secret is obviously a willingness to dupe slightly outmoded designs—a classic low-end strategy. But you've got to think that the factory-direct element plays into their cost-cutting, too—the only place the product goes between Shenzhen and your doorstep is probably a warehouse in Columbus, owned and operated by the same businessmen. That means a smaller retail markup, especially since they're obviously competing exclusively on price. And, boy, God bless them for it.

The gadgets may not be exactly cutting edge, but this business model strikes me as somewhat futuristic. The Guangdong factories now realize that, if they're targeting the low-end market, there's not reason they can't bypass the discount stores and take the whole kitty for themselves. Campus111/USA111 knows that there's enough Internet competence out there to support a low-end e-commerce venture—in other words, even us cheap-ass types now see the wisdom in forking over for a sub-$20 DSL hookup, and looking for bargain online. And they've solved the problem of presentation—that is, designing sites that are professional enough to avoid skeeving anyone out about the safety of their credit-card info. (The factory also sells on eBay as a Platinum Powerseller, as the Campus111 site makes clear about 4,000 times.)

All that said, you'd think these guys would be raking it in enough to hire a somewhat more fluent English speaker to handle their copy. I can understand that they want to keep this a Chinese affair, but come on, check out a job fair at Ohio State and hire some poor English major who's wondering what to do with his/her life. If anything's gonna skeeve out a potential buyer, it's Engrish lines like: "WOW! ANERGE USB 2.0 FLASH MEMORY DRIVE. Your Close Secretary!" Or, my personal favorite, "Let's share happiness together!"

Um, let's not. Just send me some low-end gadgets, okay? And while you're at it, throw in one of those $1.95 copies of The Way of the Dragon that you're also selling. Doh jeh.

Brendan I. Koerner is a contributing editor at Wired and a columnist for both The New York Times and Slate. His Low End Theory column appears every Thursday on Gizmodo.

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Even if you didn't get excited over the Disney laptops and MP3 players we told you about two weeks ago, you've got to admit these new Disney USB drive keychains are pretty darn cute. Donald and Daisy aren't quite our style but we'd totally use the Stitch and Toy Story Alien ones if they ever hit the US. They come with either 256 or 512 MB of storage, no idea how much they cost.

New Disney Powered USB Keys [Akihabara News]

USB on an earring starts a new trend [The Inquirer via Ubergizmo]

Like its predecessor, Computer-on-a-Stick Pro is pre-loaded with Linux, as well as the Open Office Suite, Evolution e-mail and Firefox, among many other commonly-used apps. The pocket-sized drive s best feature is that it can be booted up and used as a self-contained operating system, and then when you unplug it you take all the files with you and leave no trace on that host PC. And, it can bypass Windows secure login, so you're free to use it on just about any x86-compatible PC. No worries if it's stolen, either, because everything is locked up with 256-bit AES encryption. The COS Pro is now available in capacities from 256MB ($59) to 2GB ($199).

Product Page [FingerGear]

Solar powered Flash drive from A-Data [New Launches]

Perhaps your parents or relatives are into tech and grew up on all things nostalgic. Dr. Who, Disney cartoons, Howdy Doody and such. Now's the time to score them a vintage-styled USB drive with Mickey and Minnie Mouse themes. These excellent-looking drives look right out of the 1950s and even have fake stiching and accents to give them that retro look. They come in both 256MB and 512MB versions depending on your storage needs and can be used as a keychain, too. No word yet on pricing, but don't expect to shell out billions unless they're limited edition.

Mickey and Minnie on USB [Akihabara]

Wow. Now this is interesting. A company called Walletex has finally come up with a real "credit-card sized" USB drive, that really, truly looks and feels like a credit card. Meaning, it's not just rectangular and kinda thin. The Wallet Flash 1.1 is being touted as the thinnest USB drive on the market and as you can see, it's easy to store. Right now, sizes are 128MB ($29), 256MB ($49), 512MB ($89) and 2GB, which isn't priced yet.

2GB Credit Card Shaped Storage [Trusted Reviews]