Because of how universal USB is, this being literally the “U” part of “USB,” many different developers all have their own take on using the ports for maximum benefit and utility. Here are a few examples.
USB VPN Connectors
This device looks like two devices but it’s actually one. You split the device into two halves, and plug one into two different computers. The device then creates a VPN between the two computers automatically. Normally you’d have to go through confusing software and firewalls and so on to make this happen, but these devices will let you do it automatically.A VPN lets you control another computer remotely, and transfer files back and forth via a secure connection. It’s often used by business professionals who want to access their work computers while on the road, or telecommuters who need work computer files without going into the office.
External Hard Drive Docking Stations
Most people are familiar with using “thumb” drives to transfer and store data, but not as many people have heard of docking ports that can actually handle hard drives that are normally inside of a computer.If you use a device like one of these, you can take a hard drive from the inside of an old computer, and stick it right into the docking station that’s hooked up to a USB 3.0 device on your computer. If you have a lot of USB 3.0 ports, you can easily hook up a bunch of old drives from computers that don’t work anymore all at the same time.
This lets you get more storage and save your old files in one go. This is advantageous because otherwise you would have to crack open your new computer and look for extra ports inside, which might not exist. Many USB ports are more common and much easier to access.
Custom Flash Drives
Custom flash drives are a way to make your computer completely personal. Usually, flash drives are all the same looking with just a rectangular piece of metal. Additionally, these custom drives can be programmed with unique info. For example, you could plug it into a customer’s computer an immediately show them any website or presentation you want.And if your flash drive has your brand logo on it, or if it even looks like a brand product, such as a USB device inside of a pen, this can be even more impressive. But even beyond business, having a custom device based on your specific specifications will just seem much more personal and fun.
USB Dead Drops
One interesting phenomenon that’s cropped up recently is the USB drive that’s been buried into a wall. It’s used as free “dead drops” by the public who can add files into it for free. You’re obviously taking a risk every time you try one of these if your antivirus software isn’t up to date, but it’s an interesting new idea that many people are trying out.Overall, there are likely to be as many new USB devices in the future as there are people to dream them up. It’s hard to imagine what they might think of next.
Allen MarshAbout the Author:
This post was written by Allen Marsh. He is a freelance writer who shares his tech tips on various blogs.