The USB memory stick is nothing new. Commonplace and inexpensive these days, we’ve got a lot of data, and we need a place to put it when we’re on the move. This is where the Japanese come in. They’ve invented and continue to invent some amazing gadgetry, but they are also responsible for a lot of oddball electronics. Their creativity when it comes to memory sticks and USB-powered toys is unrivalled. This conglomeration is a round-up of the oddest of the odd, the ones you should be too embarrassed to use.

Humping Dog

Yes, it does exactly what the name suggests. It humps. Quite literally. Just insert this weiner into your USB port and away he goes. This dog is a pretty basic mutt, he may mount your computer like no other memory stick can, but he’s not a flash drive and doesn’t light up or anything like that. You can see an eloquent video of this pooch in action at www.gizmodo.com.

Engulfing Dolly

This evil-looking keychain dolly will hide your USB stick in its tummy. The doll is promoted as “eating” the memory stick, so it’s stored away in its bowel for later use. To retrieve said stick you must insert your fingers down its throat. Sounds like quite a lot of work (thanks technabob.com).

Hello Kitty USB Foot Warmers

Thanks to Sanrio you’ll be able to keep your trotters lovely and warm with this USB foot warmer. Clearly this isn’t a USB stick, but still, it warrants a mention since it comes from Japan and connects to your USB port and, quite frankly, is kinda odd. Admittedly, it does appear comfy, and will even help you sit in an ergonomic position since you can’t move your feet once in place.

Tasty USB Sticks

Here we have USB food sticks. Dubbed the ‘Foodhub’, this handmade fanfare of plasticity consists of a main course of tomato rice (this is the hub); and four courses of 1GB USB sticks: a shrimp, a burger pattie, a dumpling thing and a dessert. I don’t really know what to say… Then there are the comparatively normal sushi USB sticks. These look like the little plastic food you see in the windows of Japanese restaurants. Rather authentic-looking dim sum drives are also available (and before we get a flood of letters, yes, we know that’s Chinese food, rather than Japanese). Or perhaps a sup of this sake USB drive will wet your palate more?

Rocket Launcher

If you have a penchant for mass destruction (or perhaps distraction), then this one is for you. Rather large for a USB gadget (20cm tall by 15cm wide), this missile launcher can fire its arsenal up to 5m. It can pivot 180 degrees horizontally and 45 degrees upwards, and is controlled by the included PC software.

Woody

For the more holistic among us, there is the option of a more ‘natural’ USB stick. An exception to the Asian rule, a European company called Oooms manufactures this wooden goodness. Described on the company’s site as “picked from the woods”, these USB sticks are certainly not from a factory — they are quite literally constructed of real sicks, meaning that each is unique. Available in capacities of up to 2GB

This article is from Tone issue #65. Check it out here!