USB Can Cooler and Warmer

<!-- Generated by XStandard version 1.7.1.0 on 2007-08-05T09:01:51 -->

Does your soda get warm at your desk?  A koozie doesn’t quite get the job done?  Don’t like the watered down effect ice gives your beverage? Have plenty of USB ports but no electrical plugs?  Well, then the USB Can Cooler and Warmer is perfect for your desk!

(view large image)

Hardware Overview

• Plugs into your USB port for power
• No batteries required
• Dimensions: 14 cm x 11 cm x 13 cm
• Includes 3 feet of USB cable
• Advertises a cool down to 18-20 degrees
• Advertises a heat up to 65 degrees by set point thermostat
• Switch button for cool or warm
• Compatible with Windows XP

Installation and Setup

It is extremely easy to set up.  Just plug into any USB port and get ready to have a cool beverage all day.

Operation

It’s pretty simple.  Stick your can in the USB Can Cooler and Warmer and decide whether you want it warm or cold.   Next, flip the switch to cool or heat.  Finally, enjoy your beverage.

(view large image)

The device actually keeps beverages cold and if you’re a soda drinker who hates warm soda then you might want to consider purchasing the Cooler. 

The warm function does not work as well.  I had to let the Warmer sit with nothing in it to feel any heat and once I put a can of soda in, nothing happened.  The warmest it got was room temperature.

But what if the drink was already hot?  Well, that is almost impossible because the Can Cooler and Warmer only holds cans.  And canned beverages rarely come warm and aren't meant to be warmed up inside the can.  I tried to put a 16 oz plastic cup in, but it wouldn’t fit.  It might fit some plastic water bottles but a 20 oz soda bottle would not fit. 

Bottom Line

The USB Can Cooler and Warmer should be renamed the USB Can Cooler.  That’s all it is good for and at $32, it might be more cost efficient to take a chance on some ice.  It’s free.

Purchase Information

You can purchase the USB Can Cooler and Warmer from Brando directly for $32.

 

Looks like an another piece of stupid junk hardware

 

LOL

Nice review though

 

Heard of the USB missle launcher?

 

With a 500mA limit on USB ports it can't do a lot of heating or cooling. It might work better with a desktop computer which sometimes are more generous on power but I would be worried about blowing up a port on my notebook.

Can't we find some useful accessories to review?

John

 

Booo...we have to have a little fun around the office too don't we? We have a few more "useful" accessories in the queue still.

 

LOL!

Come on guys, it's cool and neat, and it's free


They're trying to lighten the mood, no need to get serious all the time


I'm looking forward to the upcoming cute, quirky and neat USB items

 

What would be nice is a nice portable air conditioner/fan so when your outside you can feel a nice usb powered breeze through your hair.

 

I'm waiting for the USB portable burger grill ...oh, wait, my 500 Mhz Titanium Powerbook could do that.

 

Oh...awesome and quirky USB item ^_^, I think it should do better with desktop as it has up to 1000mA current limit compared to half limit of notebook.

 

I wonder what else you can cool with it. =x

 

I have the Brando laser pen, got as a gift, and its awesome. A covert USB port, pen and laser pointer. Only downside is USB 1.1 is slowww.

 

What they need is a USB powered mini-light show. Then you could plug that is, start pumping out some tunes, and then you have a party all ready to go.

 

Got a USB face tracking tranquilizer turret for pc security in the que?
I can really use one instead of a soda can cooler!

 

If someone invents one of those and makes it available to consumers we might actually review it ... on a slow news day.

 

that could actually come in pretty handy in my house

 

Okay,.. that won't fit a 40, coffee mug or red bull.

Now, what if they make a USB microwave?, or someone mods their power supply so we can cook directly off of it..like grill a burger or something

 

rule #1: avoid liquids next to electrical devices.

 

It's hard to believe that it would to much of anything. I know these coolers use a Peltier device also known as a TEC (Thermal electric Cooler). They are really cool devices and fun to play around with. One side of the TEC gets hot and needs a heatsink (and usually a fan) while the other side gets cool.

I actually made one of these using a much more powerful TEC. The one I used, used about 70 Watts of Power at roughly 12 volts. It got cold super fast. Within about 20-30 seconds it had frost on the top of it. The one problem I had was I didn't keep the hot side cool enough thus it overheated and died. It was fun while it lasted, and I may try it again when I get a bigger heatsink and fan to use with it. My goal was to make a device that could cool a soda can in a matter of minutes from room temperature. I'll have to try again, with a larger heatsink!

 

Nice, very cool. Though it seems to encourage the spilling of beverages onto notebooks... LOL

Good review =D

 

There are actually plenty of USB powered mini fans... as for airconditioning... the power reqs would blow up the laptop...

And it doesn't matter that the heating function doesn't work well, theres the exhaust vents for that