waterproof

What is it about USB devices that makes people want to abuse them so? This HDMC USB key can be dunked 1 meter under water and withstand shocks from drops of up to 4 feet, according to Akihabara News. Other than its rather odd almost-square shape (about 2 by 2.4 inches), the key is most notable for an extra-wide cord that doubles as a protective bumper around the device.

If you're really sadistic, however, you probably also want to consider the Kingston key that can be submerged even deeper (4 feet) and withstand temperatures minus-4 and 185 degrees … Read more

You've got to wonder what DHS investigators think of stuff like this. After all, it's not as if there are an overwhelming number of practical consumer applications for an underwater monitor kit like this one, which we saw on Red Ferret.

Manufactured in China, the "full-set" kit apparently includes a 7-inch LCD, a five-hour battery and a diving camera with night-vision range of 9 to 15 feet. The equipment can all be conveniently stored in a metal carrying case that--we hope--would be subject to careful inspection near ports, bridges or any other appropriate locations.

What is it about anniversaries that makes companies lose all sense of good taste? (If they had any to begin with, that is.) Throw in the term "limited edition" and things are certain to get ugly in a hurry.

Case in point: Pentax's "Asahi LX Gold," to celebrate its 60th year in business. But it didn't stop at the camera's 18k casing--Pentax had to add crocodile-print leather as well, presumably because it needed that extra something to finish it off. Luxist says the camera isn't just all about show and features the &… Read more

When we first saw this wrist camera, we thought it was a joke. Check out the picture on the far right: It looks as if we could have done just as well with any waterproof point-and-shoot and some Velcro.

Granted, Discovery's wrist cam does have some interesting features, such as the ability to shoot 32 10-second video clips as well as take photos. But we just can't get past the design.

The product literature says this "ultra-light" camera weighs "less than 12 ounces"--which means that, by today's standards, it isn't exactly … Read more

In our sensory-inundated world, multitasking isn't confined to terrestrial pursuits. While you swim with your iPod and transfer USB files, for example, you can also be taking photos underwater.

The newest entry in aquatic photography is a 6-megapixel camera from Japan's Sea & Sea (shouldn't it be "Sea & See"?), which was posted on Engadget. In or out of its protective casing, the camera is no slouch where specs are concerned: It has a 2.5-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom and 32MB of built-in memory contained in a 3.7-by-2.2-inch body that's less … Read more

After posting an item about water-resistant music players, we started to wonder how many situations would require them. Then we saw the SwiMP3 on Shiny Shiny.

This waterproof player not only affixes directly to your head via goggles--which are provided, by the way, though you can use your own--but it also sends soundwaves through your cheekbones to enhance underwater listening. Judging by the photo, it's not the most flattering accoutrement, but you'll presumably be submerged while wearing it.

The SwiMP3 isn't cheap. It retails for $250, though it's available at lower prices. But if you're … Read more

Call us old-fashioned, but we still cringe at the idea of taking anything electric into the water. But then again, we won't swim until an hour after eating either.

So we might be willing to take a chance on the Hydra, a water-resistant MP3 player scheduled to go on sale next month (pictured at top). The USB player, which includes a multicolored LCD display and FM radio tuner, is designed to work with both Windows and Mac operating systems and comes in 1GB and 2GB sizes for $40 and $60. No matter what your opinion on the necessity or … Read more

There must be something in the air today. Or, to be more accurate, the water.

Earlier, I posted an item about a waterproof USB storage device. Now, we get news about underwater casings produced by Fantasea (pronounced "fantasy") for several Nikon Coolpix cameras.

The casings, which form a watertight seal around the camera, enable photographers to take pictures underwater, while protecting the camera itself from damage. All the of the casings for the Nikon Coolpix cameras are priced at $200, can withstand a depth of up to 130, and allow photographers to use zoom, macro, exposure, mode, menu, … Read more