Environmentally friendly hand warmers.

Hand warmers called kairo in Japanese, are frequently used by those Japanese needing an extra bit of warmth. The varieties sold in Japan have an adhesive side that enables the user to stick them anywhere he/she wants, usually on the tummy or low back.

Sanyo created a cool version of the kairo for its Eneloop battery line. Since you just recharge the Eneloop batteries, for a few hours of warming relief, there’s no used up kairo to dispose of after you’ve warmed yourself up.

Your Eneloop kairo can even be stylish on the inside with the limited edition AA-sized Eneloop Glitter batteries (AAA Eneloop Glitter also available for other electronics).

Onkyo Wavio SE-U55SXⅡ, an external USB digital audio processor.

Japanese audio company, Onkyo, is quite well regarded for their audio products, however they also produce hardware for the computer market. Most recently they have been noted for their HTPC and TW Series tablet models, but being a sound company their Wavio series of speakers and audio processors should be getting more attention.

With computer desktop sales slowing down, and people turning to notebooks for their computing needs, the lack of hardware expansion is quite a downer, especially for those people who are looking for decent audio in a laptop. Enter Onkyo’s newest entry into the USB digital audio processing market, the Onkyo Wavio SE-U55SXⅡ. This digital audio processor is the second generation of the original Wavio SE-U55SX series. Not only is this digital audio processor able enhance the audio on your computer, but it is also able to interface with other audio equipment such as your iPod or home audio system.

Using Onkyo’s VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) technology, the SE-U55SXⅡ delivers high-definition 24bit/96kHZ stereo sound, in a simple and elegantly designed self-standing unit. On the side (or front) there are controls for input and headphone levels, and an input selector, as well as 3.5mm connectors for a microphone, headphones, and an S/PDIF digital connector. The back panel holds connectors for stereo analog line in/out, power, digital optical in/out (S/PDIF & Coaxial), and USB.

Audiophiles looking to enhance the audio experience on your portable computer need look no further than the Japanese quality of the Onkyo Wavio SE-U55SXⅡ USB Digital Audio Processor.

Source [Onkyo]

Portable Gigabit Ethernet for the traveler.

Wired Ethernet connections aren’t going away for a while. Whether it be in the office, a hotel, or at a client’s site, if you need Internet access chances are you’re going to need an Ethernet cable. Most of the time someone will be able to scrounge up an extra cable for you to use, but imagine being in the office of your valuable client, how professional is that?

Japan’s Buffalo-Kokuyo, has created just what the business computer user or gamer needs for times when wireless Internet just isn’t available. A portable self-winding CAT-6 Ethernet cable making a Gigabit LAN connection possible where ever you may find yourself. Up to 2.7m of CAT-6 cable is held in this tiny package that will slip in your computer bag’s pocket on standby whenever you need it.

Buffalo Self-Winding CAT-6 LAN 2.7m (Black)
Buffalo Self-Winding CAT-6 LAN 2.7m (Silver)
Buffalo Self-Winding CAT-6 LAN 1.2m (Black)
Buffalo Self-Winding CAT-6 LAN 1.2m (Silver)

Casio G-Shock Crazy Colors, Jan. 2011 Release

Every month Casio releases a slew of new G-Shock quartz wrist watches in limited production amounts. Fans and collectors of G-Shock watches then rush in to buy these new models before they’re off the retail market. The G-Shocks’ durability and design, combine to make some unique fashion statements in the hands of their owners.

For January 2011, Casio has released three new models in their Crazy Colors series. While the majority of the models in the past have been pretty crazy, last month’s releases seem to be somewhat toned down. The three colors combinations released recently are white/blue, purple/pink, and black/lime. These new Casio G-Shock Crazy Color series watches are available now, for a limited time in Japan.

Source [Casio Japan]

Nine Wave NW-Studio Pro Headphones

Nine Wave is a newcomer to the headphone scene. The company was incorporated in March of 2010, and its headquarters is in the Ebisu area of Tokyo. Their first product is the NW-Studio Pro headphones released at the beginning of February 2011,  created from Japanese technology.

The NW-Studio Pro features Pore technology to reduce sound degradation. By locating the sound outlet holes on the bottom side of the ear piece, the emitted sounds do not bounce back and forth between the eardrum and headphone diaphragm.

Those looking for studio quality sound in a lightweight and portable package may have found the perfect headphones in Nine Wave’s NW-Studio Pro.

Source: [Nine Wave]

Bring new SATA drives to your IDE rig.

This article jumped out at me on my RSS feed, because I’ve been looking for a similar option for my laptop. If you’re frugal like me, or have some sort of personal attachment to whatever desktop computer you’re running, you might be able to use this device that forms a bridge between your old 3.5″ IDE (PATA) connection and a new SATA hard drive (or even optical disk drive).

System Talk’s SUGOI Adapter SATA measures in at 100×14.6x24mm and includes a Master/Slave switch. It supports SATA 1.0 and SATA2 use is also possible, while interfacing with the Ultra ATA133/100/66/33 cable from your motherboard.

Now, if they only made one for notebooks…

System Talk’s SUGOI Adapter SATA is available worldwide from beNippon.

Source [System Talk’s]

Sharp x Bandai: Evangelion character calculators

Just announced by Sharp today was their collaboration with Bandai to create a total of 6 calculators inspired by Evangelion, K-On!, and Shima Kousaku complete with accompanying cellphone lanyards.

These calculators will be released on March 11th this year (2011), and are open priced, so we won’t know how much they’ll cost until release.

K-On!

Shima Kousaku Series

Source [Sharp]

Bring the Noise! Sony’s New MDR-XB1000.

Sony’s newest headphone is sure to please you bass fans, you know that XB label stands for Extra Bass, don’t you? With the MDR-XB1000’s exclusive 70mm driver, you’ll be getting a taste of the World’s largest driver in a headphone.

The Sony MDR-XB1000 features:

• The World’s largest 70mm driver unit that provides a dynamic and deep bass response of 2-30 kHz.
• A Direct Vibe Structure with a tightly sealed acoustic design.
• King-Size earpads with pressure relieving cushions for super, long-term comfort.
• A durable, tangle-free Y-type cord.

Not only will the bass be big, but the size is huge as well! Sporting these XB-1000 headphones will definitely make you stand out on the street. Sadly, the Sony MDR-XB1000 is only available in Japan at present, but on the bright side, beNippon is selling these massive Sony MDR-XB1000 headphones at a great price!