Tesla in Tokyo

Tesla, the US maker of electric sportscars, has opened its first Asian showroom in Tokyo.

The Palo Alto, California-based Tesla Motors has globally sold only 1,400 of the electric cars - which start at $101,500 in the US (and 1.5 times that in Japan).

And while the price for electronic vehicles is likely to come down, a major drawback remains the lack of recharging stations, which make them risky for long distance driving.

Toyota is a shareholder in the American company, recently investing $50 million in Tesla stock, and signing a $60 million contract to have Tesla help develop an electric version of Toyota's RAV4 crossover vehicle. Japanese electronics maker Panasonic also supplies the cars' batteries.

In Japan, electric vehicles are tax-free and eligible for government incentive cash payments that can reduce the price tag by a quarter of the retail price.

More affordable electric vehicles are on the market already, such as the iMiEV from Mitsubishi Motors Corp., although sales at about 4,000 vehicles, mostly in Japan, still make a tiny fraction of overall auto sales.

Already showing wider appeal is Nissan's Leaf electric car, set for delivery in December. Its price in Japan is about 3 million yen with incentives, and about $25,000 in the US with federal tax credits. Nissan has received 20,000 orders for the Leaf in the U.S, and 6,000 in Japan.

Choices of monitors. Whats best for you..

What to look for when buying a monitor.

Size is an obvious and simple start. With monitors size is measured diagonally and in inches, and ‘the bigger the better' is probably a good rule to go by.

LCDs are bigger than CRTs with the same measurement as CRTs have larger frames that obscure some of the screen. A 21-inch CRT will show about the same area of screen as a 19-inch LCD.

Larger monitors are easier on your eyes, just like larger text in a book is - and they also support higher resolutions. Resolution is the number of pixels displayed on the screen (a pixel is a single point in an image). Make sure the resolution you go for suits the screen size - it's no good going for high resolution on a screen that's too small as the pixels have to be crammed in to fit - making for difficult reading.

LCD monitors have a set number of pixels - called "native resolution". As a general rule, it's best to go with the native resolution you're comfortable with. If you run a LCD at any resolution other than its native resolution, the display can become fuzzy or blurred. The resolution you see is also dependent the capability of your graphics card or video card - the part of your computer hardware that generates and outputs images to your screen.

If you buy a brand new monitor with the latest features but have a PC that's been around for while, your graphics card may need to be upgraded to get the best picture possible. Graphics cards also come as separate devices that can be plugged into your computer.

If you're going to watch movies and particularly if you're into games, make sure you buy a monitor that has a low response time. The response time is how quickly a pixel can change colours, measured in milliseconds. If you are a gamer, go for a monitor with a response rate of less than 5ms.

Contrast ratio is the difference in light intensity between the whitest white and the blackest black, for best effect go for the highest you can, but get at least 700:1. Film buffs and gamers should aim higher.
Whatever contrast ratio you settle on, your monitor should look equally bright when viewing light and dark images.

In monitor-speak brightness or luminance refers to how much light a screen can produce. It's usually measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2). It makes sense to get as bright a monitor as you can, because you can always turn it down but make sure it's at least 300cd/m2. 500 cd/m2 is better for TV and movies.

Viewing angles (mentioned above) are important too. The brightness and colour of LCD pixels can darken if viewed from an angle rather than front-on. Again manufacturers' specifications may not be completely accurate, so always inspect it on the shop floor if you can before you make any decisions. Colours and brightness should not change in the corners of the screen.

Some monitors come with extra features. Multifunction monitors perform as both a computer and TV screen. These can either be LCD monitors with built in TV tuners or Plasma TVs or screens that function as monitors. Some monitors have digital connections which can be hooked up with a graphics card with a digital video interface to give you a better picture. Also some are equipped with USB ports and speakers, but unless you're short on space, don't worry about it these too much.

HD move over, Its time for 3D

Hi-def days are numbered as 3D TV takes shape

Philips expects full 3D televisions to be available to consumers within the next 3 years.

Philips Electronics have given reporters a quick look into its research pipeline, demonstrating a prototype that was still fuzzy around the edges. Operating like a holographic greeting card, it combines slightly different angles of the same image to create video that appears to have different depths as your eyes scan it.

The result is uneven, at some moments blurry, and at others merely two dimensional. But sometimes the apparent depth or protrusion can be startling.

Specialized models have been sold to corporations - mostly movie theaters and casinos - where they are usually used for advertising signs since 2006. But Philips said the product is not yet ready for consumer rollout.

Philips' 3D television is one of several products shown to reporters, ranging from space-age lighting for shop windows to energy efficient water purifiers intended for the developing world.

The company has sold more than 2 million televisions with "ambient" back lighting to heighten mood effects. The company's vice president for research, Fred Boekhorst, said that Philips plans similar features that would involve "other senses." Such as smell-o-vision? A TV that reaches out and punches you in the nose? Boekhorst wouldn't say, other than that it would "involve emotions."

Philips showed off lighting products in early stages of development, including one using light-emitting diodes that is transparent like ordinary glass until it is turned on - and then its entire surface turns into a light.

For emerging markets, Philips has developed a water purification system based on ultraviolet light, which fries away organic material such as bacteria.

Other companies also are using ultraviolet light for water purification. Philips claims its next generation will be capable of cleaning 6 liters of water per minute, using 30 watts of electricity.

Philips already has introduced a household model in India, but the technology could also be used for bottle-sized versions for individuals, and in larger installations for cities.

Docking station for i-pod

It seems that every electronics manufacturer is bringing out devices that offer iPod integration these days. The DCM230 is a very stylish and modern looking audio system. It's a CD player and digital radio tuner as well as an integrated iPod docking entertainment system.

There are button controls on the top of the unit providing play, pause, radio search and skip functionality for the device but you will need to use the well-designed remote control to use all of the functions that this device offers, particularly when it comes to using your iPod.

The DCM230 offers a self-loading CD drive nestled nicely within the polished silver front panel, sitting below a nice blue lit LCD display, which shows you CD track information, AM/FM radio information and an alarm clock. There is also a USB port on top of the device which allows you to play MP3 and WMA files stored on a USB stick, however navigating USB content is hard task at best as the DCM230 doesn't display ID3 tags. The DCM230 CD drive supports MP3 and WMA CD playback but does not support AAC files or copyright protected WMA content.

The remote allows you to browse your iPod's playlists, navigate the iPod menu and even add items to your ‘On-The-Go' playlist. Selecting a new album or playlist to listen to is not an easy feat when you're across the other side of the room and trying to make heads or tails out of the text on your iPod screen.

The performance of the DCM230 for audio playback is very good. There are two 15W speakers hidden behind the perforated silver front grilles and the DCM230 has a Dynamic Bass Boost function that is also very good.

At low volumes with the DBB function switched on, the DCM230 was crystal clear and had a nice low end thump to it. You do get a lot of volume out of this device, but will lose definition at higher volumes.
One drawback with this is that you still need to be close enough to see your iPod screen when navigating your iPod menu by remote control, But its definitely not a substitute for high end audio.

technology

High-Def video camera.

The Sony Corporation have unveiled what they are saying is the world's lightest and smallest high-definition camcorder, A video camera thats as small as a juice box.

The tiny camera apparently only weighs just 300 grams and measures 32 mm x 119 mm x 63 mm (1.3 inches x 4.7 inches x 2.5 inches).

It can store almost an hour of high-definition images, It has an 8 gigabyte memory card and stores with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels.

Camcorders are the Sony Corporations top profit earner aswell as cyber shot digital cameras.

The new camera price US$1,217. and is due to go on sale in Japan on April 20. Other countries will have to wait.

technology

Diamonds for your loved one.

If you really want to impress your Girlfriend or wife, buy her one of these, I'm sure she will love you forever, Or at least as long as it takes for the novelty to wear off, Around a month or so...

The world's most expensive MP3 player which is made of solid 18 carat gold and has 430 diamonds has been auctioned for charity, The iDiamond and matching earphones is the world's most expensive MP3 player which recently sold at an auction for £20,000 by a British businessman who wanted to remain anonymous, for obvious reasons i suppose.

The super-bling iDiamond is built by Heyerdahl Jewelery and based on an iPod shuffle. But the costly music player built is unfortunately a one-off (Or should i say fortunately a one off) Heyerdahl also make limited edition iDiamond earphones, with 18 carat gold and 204 diamonds.

Microsoft / Blu-Ray???

According to a report in the Financial Times. Microsoft is already in talks to adopt Sony's Blu-ray high-def DVD technology for its Xbox 360 console. However, Microsoft have denied that it was negotiating with Sony. Microsoft was put on the spot after Toshiba bowed out of the high-definition DVD fight with Sony a few weeks ago.

The British business newspaper reported that Microsoft was already in discussions with rival Sony to license Blu-ray for the 360 which is putting Microsoft in the unusual position of having to pay a market rival to use its technology. It also said that there was a possibility that a Blu-ray drive would be incorporated into a new, high-end version of the games machine.

Microsoft had backed the wrong horse in the format race, Toshiba's HD DVD technology, over Sony's Blu-ray. However, Microsoft, with its Xbox 360 games console competing directly with Sony's PlayStation3 probably made the right commercial decision at the time.

While the PS3 comes standard with a Blu-ray drive onboard, the Xbox 360 has a standard DVD drive, a plug-in HD DVD unit was the only way to get high-def content out of the console, So it comes as no surprise to find out that Last week the software giant had no choice but to pull the pin on the drives.


technology

2008 is the year of PS3.

The Nintendo Wii is continuing to beat the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in sales, However, analysts are predicting that the Wii may have had its time in front, and should now prepare to hand over to one its rivals.

Last month, analysts at iSuppli predicted that the Playstation 3 will overtake the Wii in total unit sales and become the market leader. They have since gone one step further, and predicted that 2008 will be the year that Sony will one day look back on as the 'turning year' for the Playstation 3.

Nintendo has sold four times as many Wiis in January than PS3s, Will 2008 be the turning year for the Playstation 3?

Sony is offering a better software pipeline with blockbuster titles like Gran Turismo 5, which will boost PS3 sales this year.

Sony are anticipating price reductions on the Playstation 3 this year, and come Christmas, consumers who originally bought the Wii will likely purchase the PS3.

Sales of the PS3 are expected to increase not only due to increased affordability and a wider range of quality games, but also because it is a cheap Blu-ray DVD player.

Now that HD wars are over and HD DVD is the loser, more consumers are likely to make the switch to high definition, and the PS3 is as good a first Blu-ray player as any.

technology

DreamsWorks stuck on HD DVD deal.

DreamWorks needs the go-ahead from Toshiba before it can release Bee Movie on the high-def Blu-ray DVD format.

DreamWorks Animation says it is locked in an exclusive deal to distribute DVDs on Toshiba's HD DVD format even though the Japanese electronics maker plans to quit the technology.

Toshiba, which began selling HD DVD players in March 2006, has sold 1 million players and recorders. But this month it declared it would quit the technology after a bitter battle against Sony's rival Blu-ray, which won more studio and retail support.

In August, Viacom's Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks signed exclusivity deals to distribute next-generation films on HD DVD for the next 18 months.

Shortly afterwards, the New York Times reported Viacom executives with knowledge of the deals said Paramount and DreamWorks would get a combined $150 million in financial incentives for their commitment to HD DVD.

DreamWorks plans to release the DVD version of "Bee Movie" next month and is waiting to hear back from Toshiba on how to proceed.

JP Morgan analyst Barton Crockett said the Blu-ray market was still small although he expected DreamWorks would like to have the issue settled by the 2008 holiday season.

"It might mean they'll lose the opportunity to sell 'Bee Movie' on Blu-ray, although the market for Blu-ray is still pretty small and the offset is that they'd get money from Toshiba, which may in fact be more," Crockett said. "But I'm sure they'll like to have this settled by Christmas."

Other HD DVD-backing studios like General Electric's Universal Pictures said this month they will switch to Blu-ray after Toshiba officially pulled the plug on HD DVD.

LCD flat panel TV leader.

Japanese researchers have indicated that the global flat panel TV market will be dominated by LCD by 2012.

LCD will continue to enforce its position as flat panel technology leader in coming years, according to Japanese industry research.

Demand for flat panel televisions is expected to more than double to 180 million units by 2012, This has been driven by strong sales in China and the United States.

Demand for liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs is likely to reach 155 million units in five years, up from 74.8 million sold in 2007, while plasma sales will likely total 25 million units in 2012, compared with 11.4 million sold last year.

The forecasts are based on expected demand from 51 nations, but they should represent the majority of global demand since all major countries are included in the study.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics and Sony lead the LCD TV market, while Panasonic maker Matsushita Electric controls one-third of the plasma TV market.

The reasons behind L.C.D Dominating flat panels is due to the variety of sizes, Color saturation, response time, Power conservation And most importantly, Lifespan.

Toshiba to quit HD DVDs at the end of the month.

Japan's Toshiba Corp surrendered in the high-definition home movie war, giving up on its HD DVD format after losing the support of key studios and retailers to the Blu-ray technology backed by Sony Corp and said it would aim to end its HD DVD business by the end of next month.

The Blu-ray win means consumers no longer have to choose between rival incompatible formats and run the risk of being stuck with a 21st century equivalent of Betamax, Sony's videotape format that lost out to VHS in the 1980s.

The tide turned against HD DVD after the defection to Blu-ray by Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros studio last month.

The following week, Blu-ray took 93% of next-generation DVD hardware sales in North America, according to the NPD group.

Blu-ray made up 81% of all high-definition disc sales in the week ending February 10.

While Toshiba has lost the chance to be the leader in the next generation of movie discs, investors welcomed its decision to cut its losses on HD DVD early and invest in more promising businesses..

Toshiba has HD DVD agreements with studios including NBC Universal's Universal Pictures, Viacom Inc's Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc, which will now likely switch to Blu-ray.

Existing Blu-ray supporters include News Corp's 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Co and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Sony's PlayStation 3 game console also plays Blu-ray films.

Toshiba, which began sales of HD DVD players in March 2006, has sold 1 million players and recorders, including sales of drives for another supporter, Microsoft Corp, for its XBox 360 game console. Another roughly 700,000 HD DVD drives have been sold for PCs.

Blu-ray wins - Toshiba ready to 'pull the plug' on HD DVD

Sources say that Toshiba is ready to admit defeat in the high-def DVD battle and give up on its HD DVD format

Toshiba Corp is planning to give up on its HD DVD format for high-definition DVDs, conceding defeat to the competing Blu-ray technology backed by the Sony Corporation.

The move will likely put an end to a battle that has gone on for several years between Toshiba and Sony vying to set the standard for the next-generation DVD and compatible video equipment.

The format war, often compared with the Betamax-VHS battle in the 1980s, has confused consumers, unsure of which DVD or player to buy, slowing the development of the high-definition DVD industry.

Toshiba's cause has suffered several setbacks in recent weeks, including last weeks announcement by United States retailing giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc that it would abandon the HD DVD format and stock its shelves only with Blu-ray movies.

A source at Toshiba confirmed an earlier report by public broadcaster NHK that it was getting ready to pull the plug.

NHK said Toshiba would suffer losses running to tens of billions of yen to scrap production of HD DVD players and recorders and other steps to withdraw from the business.

Eye-fi.

To share photos quickly and easily a wireless camera is a must.

But for those people who do not want to invest in a new device help is at hand.

A company called Eye-Fi have developed a series of memory cards with built in wi-fi that automatically convert your camera into a wireless device.

The 2GB cards automatically connect to a wi-fi network and can dump photos to a folder on a PC or upload them to social networks or photo-sharing sites.

The firm has done deals with the likes of Flickr, Photobucket and Facebook.

The associated software takes care of log-ins and passwords and can even automatically resize pictures if the site requires it.

To send them to a computer the PC must be turned on and running the companies photo managing software.

Currently they are only available in the US but should be on sale in Europe later this year.

A vest for gamers ???????

I came across on the net earlier and i thought, This is really interesting, So i did some surfing and found some information, so if you have ever wondered what it feels like to fly a fighter plane or drive a formula one car, TN games have designed a vest for gamers that seem to recreate the on screen action as it would be in the real world of flying a fighter plane, Driving a Formula 1 car or even being shot.

The first version is designed for first person shooters and contains eight cells that can recreate the direction and force of bullet. The second version can recreate the G-forces felt whilst driving or flying. When the player accelerates, the cells inflate in the chest. Faster acceleration causes the cells to inflate quicker, whilst braking causes the back cells to activate.

The vests are based on technology that was originally designed for use by doctors to remotely examine patients. They connect to a computer by USB and consist of a light weight air compressor that pumps air into bladders. They have also designed sleeves, leg covers and a helmet that plug into the vests to deliver what it says is a "full body gaming experience".

What i haven't been able to find out is if these are on the market yet or at what price. Please feel free to leave any comments or updates to my post.

Acer Ferrari F-20 LCD.

The Ferrari F-20 from Acer is an LCD unlike any other. Acer, the market leader in the production of computers, has come up with a 20 inch widescreen LCD which is perfect for the home and office, Whether it be for normal everyday use or for gaming.

The distinct and world-famous Ferrari prancing horse logo of Ferrari is embedded on the flat panel. The total weight is only 15.0 lb. The Acer Ferrari F-20 LCD has got the most appealing of looks. This beautiful LCD comes in a rich black and luster red. Furthermore, it has CrystalBrite Technology which offers higher contrasts, brighter colors, crisper graphics and has a sharp finish and distinctive gloss red and black chassis, which separates Ferrari F-20 from other LCDs prevailing in the market.
It has an extremely fast response time of 8ms and assures high quality moving images. One of its most distinctive features is the playing of games on such a wide display. It has the resolution of 1680 x 1050 along with VGA and DVI-D connectors, contrast ratio of 800:1 and 300 cd/m2 of brightness.

Understanding wireless.

As you may have noticed, everything is digital these days and soon they will all be wireless. It is important to keep updated with all the various methods of connectivity as it tends to change every now and then as technology gets more advanced. A lot of internet service provider companies make it sound easy to get connected, it really is easy but they tend to never tell you all the smaller details of getting the best possible connection without interference and security issues.
Ive put together some of things that people should know before setting up a wireless network, I hope you find them helpful. Like most people out there, I had to find out the hard way about wireless internet technologies and what is the best ways to use them. Hopefully with this guide you will be able to understand wireless technologies more.

The wireless network works on five different protocols. You may have noticed a number on your wireless router with the numbers 802.11 followed by an "a", "b" or a "g". These are the three most used protocols used today. Why do we use these three protocols anyway and not all five? Well here is the difference between them.

802.11a – Was released in October 1999. 5GH Frequency. Data rate is only 23Mbit/s to a maximum data rate of 54Mbit/s and an indoor range of 35m.
802.11b – Was released in October 1999. 2.4GH Frequency. Data rate is only 4.5Mbit/s to a maximum data rate of 11Mbit/s and an indoor range of 35m.
802.11g – Was released in June 2003. 2.4GH Frequency. Data rate is only 19Mbit/s to a maximum data rate of 54Mbit/s and an indoor range of 35m.

The industry standard has been set to everyone using the 802.11g protocol but you can still use any of the other two protocols. They all have their disadvantages and advantages. Try to stick to 802.11g as it will offer you the best results for the time being.

When subscribing to an Internet Service Provider, it is best to check which type of connection you can use. In most countries, you can use a cable connection or an adsl connection. You will require a telephone line for the adsl connection and not for the cable connection unless your area does not have cable. In that case, you will need to use adsl instead. Remember just as you would get a different type of wireless connection, you will need a router to connect to that connection (basically a modem). You can not use a cable router on an adsl connection and vice versa. Some of the newer routers support both methods of connection.

Once you have your wireless router installed and ready to set up your connection, keep these tips in mind as they will save you a lot of hassle and misery.
- Try not to do your online banking on a wireless network, it makes it easier for criminals to get a hold of your account details by hacking into your wireless network.
- Always make your network as secure as possible, you do have the option to choose between 64 and 128 secure connections.
- Use a random name with letters in your connection name to not make it too personal and easy for hackers to identify your connection with your address.

Signal Problems:
A lot of people have complained about interference on their wireless network connection where they do not have a strong signal. You can avoid this by not placing the router too close to a microwave. Buy a phone with different frequency settings as they interfere a lot. A Bluetooth connection is a big no-no for wireless networks.

Samsung SP-P300ME Pocket Projector

One thing I’ve always wanted to get is a projector. it’s just one of those must have gadgets. I like the idea of being able to watch my favorite sports on a screen as big as i want (at home or at work) or a small screen for the kids to watch their cartoons. I saw one online the other day that was apparently so small that it could fit in my bag that i carry to work. I did some research and decided that because of the very pricey bulbs which the projectors use, which need replacing every so often, it’s not quite a luxury we can afford at this moment, So ill just make do with what i have for now.
The Samsung SP-P300ME Pocket Projector is very nice though. It delivers a great performance, with state of the art DLP technology. I think that the 800 x 600 resolution is a little limited and could do with 1280x768 resolution, but it is ideal for presentations or even more entertaining use, like watching a good game of rugby or a favourite movie, But its basically a mobile pocket sized projector, you can take it with you to work or home.

So the Samsung SP-P300ME Pocket Projector is just that, pocket sized. At only 1.65 lbs, it is definitely much easier to carry around with you that one of those large, wall or roof mounted projectors. It has a Carl Zeiss lens, putting the Samsung SP-P300ME Pocket Projector right up there, as one of the brightest DLP LED pocket projectors available. Unfortunately it only has around 2 ½ hours battery life, but with technology the way it is, Im sure it wont be long before we are getting 8 or even 12 hours battery life, but as far as pockets sized, or mobile projectors go, it’s pretty good.
You’ll be able to connect the Pocket Projector to various devices, thanks to their connection cables.
If you’re in the market for a pocket sized, or mobile projector, easy to carry around with you and take to the office or if you just like gadgets and feel the need to impress, the Samsung SP-P300ME Pocket Projector is a good buy.

Blu-Ray takes on HD-DVD.

NPD Group is global market research company which provides information about manufacturers and retailers. According to their latest report, Blu-ray player sales increased after Warner’s announcement that they will go Blu-ray. Although, HD-DVD is less expensive than Blu-ray, in December, 60% players sold were Blu-ray in the first two weeks of January the Blu-ray had a 70% market share.

After Warner’s announcement, HD-DVD sales decreased to an unbelievable 7 percent rate which means Blu-ray had a 93 percent market share. If these media sales continue, HD-DVD manufacturers will have to take drastic measures and it’s up to them to decide what the players future will be.
Ive also found out that in the first week of January 2008 there was a total of 15,257 Blu-ray Disc units and 14,558 HD-DVD units sold, And that was prior to the Warner announcement, which came on January 4th, So for January week 2 after the announcement, The unit sales were as follows ,21,770 Blu-ray Disc units and 1,758 HD-DVD units.
So what is the future for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD? Blu-Ray definitely has the advantage at the moment with more capacity aswell as more entertainment companies that support Blu-Ray but HD-DVD are cheaper and in terms of compatibility, both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players will be capable of playing CDs and DVDs, but it won’t be possible to read a Blu-Ray disc on a HD-DVD player and vice-versa. It is technically possible to create a player that can read both formats, but it will probably cost almost double, as it will need two separated circuits inside the unit, one for each technology.

The decline of Plasma

The manufacturers of plasma televisions have not doing very well throughout 2006 and 2007. With the recent boom in LCD screens, plasma manufacturers are fast loosing ground. The recent decline in plasma screen price tags will also see a revenue decline over the year.

In February (2007), unit sales recorded a $181 million. This is a 16% drop since February ‘2006. According to iSuppli, the Plasma sales will top out to be $10.2 million.However, they predict that the figures will nose dive after topping out with serious competition from LCD industry.
We are likely to continue to see average prices continue to drop through 2008, but the market still has quite a bit of upside left to it and the technology keeps changing all the time.

The current industry boost is mostly due to the healthy competition between all the panel makers and because of more efficient manufacturing processes as well as lower costs for materials.
The biggest manufacturers of the plasma screen like Matsushita and LG recorded pretty good sales figures during the first quarter of 2007. Yet another screen maker Samsung SDI is going pretty strong.

As far as I know, various factors contribute to the rise or drop in sales. It’s not always about ratcheting up the screen size or attractive discounts. Plasma manufacturers are always finding new ways to add more features and charge higher prices, Touch screen televisions are technology of the future. Whoever comes out with the most innovative ideas will win the market.

Bluetooth USB Hub

I came across this Bluetooth USB Hub a week or so ago and i was quite impressed with it. I thought it was a clever idea.
A Bluetooth USB Hub is basically a USB hub, a device which gives you extra USB slots, but it connects to your PC via Bluetooth.

Other than the security risks involved with using Bluetooth or any other Wi-Fi device it is a very convenient way to transfer data and / or connect devices. I guess it was really just a matter of time before some one decided to try to connect USB devices via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth USB Hub will allow you to connect any USB device you have, via Bluetooth to your PC. The Bluetooth USB Hub has it’s own external power supply and a Bluetooth dongle, which will allow you to connect the hub itself to your PC, should your PC not be Bluetooth enabled already. By the way, a Bluetooth dongle is indeed very useful and for just a few dollars. Basically this Bluetooth USB hub, once connected via Bluetooth to your PC, will allow for an extra 3 USB slots to be connected to your PC. And these USB devices work just like with any USB device you would connect to your PC; they’re hot swappable, meaning you can plug and unplug the USB device anytime you want.

There is one difference and an advantage, of using a Bluetooth USB Hub, instead of a regular wired USB Hub and that is that with the Bluetooth USB Hub you can actually have up to an additional 7 devices connect to it via Bluetooth. So say for example you want to use your printer at home between yourself, your laptop and your partners PC, but don’t want the hassle of setting it up over the network, or even not knowing how, you can easily connect it to the USB hub and then in turn, connect to the hub via Bluetooth from each machine. Remember, your PC has to be able to connect with Bluetooth, now most laptops, newer ones, usually have built in Bluetooth, but if you would like to enable your PC or laptop or what ever, just go out and get a dongle. It’s just a small device you plug into your PC via a USB port and install the drivers (although, XP and Vista will have it’s own drivers, so it becomes plug and play really) and then you’re Bluetooth ready.

The advantages of connecting to USB devices via Bluetooth is most definitely that you can connect more than one person at a time. It’ll most definitely make my life a little easier, as for example, we keep our photo’s backed up on an external hard drive, which usually goes back and forth from our two desks. This will mean we can just find the HDD enclosure a new home somewhere and both connect to it without having to move it around all the time and that always includes not only it’s USB cable but it’s power supply too.