Comments on: USB Cup Warmer Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:57:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: John http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-100284 John Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:44:03 +0000 #comment-100284 The latest and cheapest USB steel cup warmer http://www.giftwhole.com/usb-warmer-usb-fan/usb-cup-warmer-112.html The latest and cheapest USB steel cup warmer

http://www.giftwhole.com/usb-warmer-usb-fan/usb-cup-warmer-112.html

]]> By: Jean http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-33923 Jean Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:53:28 +0000 #comment-33923 What I am looking for is a BATTERY operated cup sized warmer - just like the plugins for the office, no USB. I'd like to take to restaurants when drinking warm beverage so it doesn't turn so dang cool so fast. What I am looking for is a BATTERY operated cup sized warmer – just like the plugins for the office, no USB. I’d like to take to restaurants when drinking warm beverage so it doesn’t turn so dang cool so fast.

]]> By: trophyofgrace http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19314 trophyofgrace Mon, 03 Jan 2005 15:26:06 +0000 #comment-19314 I remember that story, I believe it was an AOL user that thought their CD-ROM drive was a cup holder, and broke off. Although it's completely false (a cup is nowhere near heavy enough to break off a tray), it was pretty funny! I remember that story, I believe it was an AOL user that thought their CD-ROM drive was a cup holder, and broke off.

Although it’s completely false (a cup is nowhere near heavy enough to break off a tray), it was pretty funny!

]]> By: Muad'Dib http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19313 Muad'Dib Mon, 03 Jan 2005 06:36:13 +0000 #comment-19313 I'm surprised no one has ever marketed the cup warmer to work with the cup holder that's in almost everyone's computer. Maybe route the cable inside to one of the internal USB ports, and to make it really swift, have it come with a software routine that keeps the cup holder from retracting while the warmer is on. That's the one problem I have with those cup holders: I keep tapping it accidentally when the cup is still there, and it spills coffee on the front and inside my computer. Once it happened when I was drinking hot chocolate. Now <strong><span>THAT</span></strong> was difficult to wash out (especially because the CPU fan kept spraying the chocolate and the soap suds all over the place)! I’m surprised no one has ever marketed the cup warmer to work with the cup holder that’s in almost everyone’s computer. Maybe route the cable inside to one of the internal USB ports, and to make it really swift, have it come with a software routine that keeps the cup holder from retracting while the warmer is on.

That’s the one problem I have with those cup holders: I keep tapping it accidentally when the cup is still there, and it spills coffee on the front and inside my computer. Once it happened when I was drinking hot chocolate. Now THAT was difficult to wash out (especially because the CPU fan kept spraying the chocolate and the soap suds all over the place)!

]]> By: digital843 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19312 digital843 Thu, 17 Jun 2004 01:35:34 +0000 #comment-19312 Oh, I didn't think post was out of line either. I could see that we were talking about two different things. I just received the notice there was a new post and saw it came right after mine so didn't completely understand. And yes, all are very friendly. Oh, I didn’t think post was out of line either. I could see that we were talking about two different things. I just received the notice there was a new post and saw it came right after mine so didn’t completely understand. And yes, all are very friendly.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19311 Julie Wed, 16 Jun 2004 17:13:43 +0000 #comment-19311 ctdahle: It wasn't out of line at all. You'll find that we're all friendly around here. Welcome! :) ctdahle:

It wasn’t out of line at all. You’ll find that we’re all friendly around here. Welcome! :)

]]> By: ctdahle http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19310 ctdahle Wed, 16 Jun 2004 16:31:15 +0000 #comment-19310 I was talking about the USB powered cup warmer that Julie reviewed in February. That is what lead me to this thread. I'm just trying to learn my way around this board. I'm sorry if my post was out of line. Cheers, Chris I was talking about the USB powered cup warmer that Julie reviewed in February. That is what lead me to this thread.

I’m just trying to learn my way around this board. I’m sorry if my post was out of line.

Cheers,

Chris

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19309 Julie Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:28:50 +0000 #comment-19309 But I don't think ctdahle was talking about that product. Anyway............... But I don’t think ctdahle was talking about that product.
Anyway……………

]]> By: johnsoax http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19308 johnsoax Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:13:45 +0000 #comment-19308 Actually the one that Ditigital is talking about isn't USB based. From Sharper Images <a href="http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=58750400">web page</a>: <blockquote>Compact device is just 5 3/4" long x 4" wide x 5 1/2" high. Weighs 19 oz. Plugs into standard AC outlet with 6-foot adapter cord or 12V DC dashboard socket with 4-foot adapter cord (both included). Handsome platinum finish with black base. One-year warranty. Created by Sharper Image Design®. </blockquote> Actually the one that Ditigital is talking about isn’t USB based.

From Sharper Images web page:

Compact device is just 5 3/4″ long x 4″ wide x 5 1/2″ high. Weighs 19 oz. Plugs into standard AC outlet with 6-foot adapter cord or 12V DC dashboard socket with 4-foot adapter cord (both included). Handsome platinum finish with black base. One-year warranty. Created by Sharper Image Design®.

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19307 Julie Wed, 16 Jun 2004 12:41:07 +0000 #comment-19307 digital843: It's a USB product, so it requires a computer / laptop in order work.... digital843:

It’s a USB product, so it requires a computer / laptop in order work….

]]> By: digital843 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19306 digital843 Wed, 16 Jun 2004 03:59:09 +0000 #comment-19306 Completely mystified by last message. This is a kitchen product. Has nothing to do with laptops. I have found it very practical. Completely mystified by last message. This is a kitchen product. Has nothing to do with laptops. I have found it very practical.

]]> By: ctdahle http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19305 ctdahle Tue, 15 Jun 2004 00:38:10 +0000 #comment-19305 I think this is just about the funniest product I have heard of in a while. A great gag gift, though not as funny as the home grown "Ready for Windows 95" fly swatter (it had an ethernet cable attached to the handle) that a friend gave me a few years ago. On the serious side I'm really curious to know hotwhat this does to the battery life on your laptop... I think this is just about the funniest product I have heard of in a while. A great gag gift, though not as funny as the home grown “Ready for Windows 95″ fly swatter (it had an ethernet cable attached to the handle) that a friend gave me a few years ago.

On the serious side
I’m really curious to know hotwhat this does to the battery life on your laptop…

]]> By: digital843 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19304 digital843 Sun, 07 Mar 2004 23:20:55 +0000 #comment-19304 I switched the beverage holder to "cold" and inserted a soda can. Like the coffee cup it fits snugly but not tightly and is easy to remove as about 1" of the can extends above the top of the holder.(even easier when flip tab is up) I left a can cold from the fridge inside the holder for an hour and it came out frosty cold. I opened it and left it for another hour and it also was just right. I actually believe both hot and cold settings make liquiids a little bit more so than when inserted but not uncomnfortably - very nice. Hope this helps. John I switched the beverage holder to “cold” and inserted a soda can. Like the coffee cup it fits snugly but not tightly and is easy to remove as about 1″ of the can extends above the top of the holder.(even easier when flip tab is up)

I left a can cold from the fridge inside the holder for an hour and it came out frosty cold. I opened it and left it for another hour and it also was just right. I actually believe both hot and cold settings make liquiids a little bit more so than when inserted but not uncomnfortably – very nice.

Hope this helps.

John

]]> By: digital843 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19303 digital843 Sun, 07 Mar 2004 16:26:14 +0000 #comment-19303 I do not usually have soda at home in a small can but I'll get one and let you know. The coffee holder - like a smaller thinner car cup - lifts right out. It is thin enough so that only the bottom actually touches the bottom, not the sides. John I do not usually have soda at home in a small can but I’ll get one and let you know. The coffee holder – like a smaller thinner car cup – lifts right out. It is thin enough so that only the bottom actually touches the bottom, not the sides.

John

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19302 Julie Sun, 07 Mar 2004 16:09:06 +0000 #comment-19302 That product looks pretty interesting. I'm not sure I'd want it sitting on my desk though. It looks pretty big. How hard is it to remove a can of pop? That product looks pretty interesting. I’m not sure I’d want it sitting on my desk though. It looks pretty big. How hard is it to remove a can of pop?

]]> By: digital843 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19301 digital843 Sun, 07 Mar 2004 04:24:12 +0000 #comment-19301 Another night owl! <a href="www.sharperimage.com">www.sharperimage.com</a> In SEARCH type Hot+Cold Beverage Holder (or just "coffee warmer") John Another night owl! http://www.sharperimage.com In SEARCH type

Hot+Cold Beverage Holder (or just “coffee warmer”)

John

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19300 Julie Sun, 07 Mar 2004 04:05:41 +0000 #comment-19300 digital843: Do you have a link? I'd like to check it out. digital843:

Do you have a link? I’d like to check it out.

]]> By: digital843 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19299 digital843 Sun, 07 Mar 2004 03:32:12 +0000 #comment-19299 Good review. You were honest about it not being too warm after a while. I have been totally frustrated in finding a way to keep coffee warm for very long - insulating cups, coffee warmer plates, etc. Two days ago found the answer from Sharper Image. You insert a metal cup into a holder and push the hot button. Keeps drinkable for hours. Also does cold with the metal cup or even a soda can. Keeps a multitasker like me from microwaving the cup over and over. $49 + shipping. John Good review. You were honest about it not being too warm after a while. I have been totally frustrated in finding a way to keep coffee warm for very long – insulating cups, coffee warmer plates, etc. Two days ago found the answer from Sharper Image. You insert a metal cup into a holder and push the hot button. Keeps drinkable for hours. Also does cold with the metal cup or even a soda can. Keeps a multitasker like me from microwaving the cup over and over. $49 + shipping.

John

]]> By: questionfear http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19298 questionfear Tue, 02 Mar 2004 03:10:06 +0000 #comment-19298 i thinik this product would be better if it was a hot plate like julie siad, but mostly because i can imagine someone getting the wire caught in thier mouse/speaker etc wires from the abck and suddenly theres tea on the computer. i lost several keyboards in college this way. well it was to beer, not tea, but its the same general idea. i thinik this product would be better if it was a hot plate like julie siad, but mostly because i can imagine someone getting the wire caught in thier mouse/speaker etc wires from the abck and suddenly theres tea on the computer.
i lost several keyboards in college this way.
well it was to beer, not tea, but its the same general idea.

]]> By: Vickie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19297 Vickie Mon, 01 Mar 2004 18:48:54 +0000 #comment-19297 I guess it would be great if you had a favorite cup with a neat design painted on it. Oh wait! It covers up any design that might be painted on the outside. ;) It might work better if you used a cup like the gift shops sell...one of those that comes with a porcelain cover/coaster. Think I'll just stick with my insulated cup. Interesting idea though! I guess it would be great if you had a favorite cup with a neat design painted on it. Oh wait! It covers up any design that might be painted on the outside. ;)

It might work better if you used a cup like the gift shops sell…one of those that comes with a porcelain cover/coaster.

Think I’ll just stick with my insulated cup. Interesting idea though!

]]> By: JohnKes http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19296 JohnKes Mon, 01 Mar 2004 17:57:57 +0000 #comment-19296 My engineering intuition tells me that they should have used thicker insulation. I'll bet if you ran the test without the thing on at all, the results would be similar to the unpowered results. In other words, a simple insulated cup might work better. Perhaps plugging into a powered USB hub would guarantee 5V, 500mA (per USB specs) - 2.5W of heating power, whoo hoo! My engineering intuition tells me that they should have used thicker insulation. I’ll bet if you ran the test without the thing on at all, the results would be similar to the unpowered results. In other words, a simple insulated cup might work better.

Perhaps plugging into a powered USB hub would guarantee 5V, 500mA (per USB specs) – 2.5W of heating power, whoo hoo!

]]> By: Judie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19295 Judie Mon, 01 Mar 2004 01:18:55 +0000 #comment-19295 <blockquote><em>Originally posted by doc10house </em> <strong>That is without a doubt THE singlemost ridiculous, pointless and poorly-conceived computer-related hardware product I've ever seen. </strong></blockquote> Okay, but what did you really think about it? <em>sorry, I couldn't resist! </em> ;) Judie :0)

Originally posted by doc10house
That is without a doubt THE singlemost ridiculous, pointless and poorly-conceived computer-related hardware product I’ve ever seen.

Okay, but what did you really think about it?

sorry, I couldn’t resist! ;)

Judie :0)

]]> By: doc10house http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19294 doc10house Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:17:25 +0000 #comment-19294 That is without a doubt THE singlemost ridiculous, pointless and poorly-conceived computer-related hardware product I've ever seen. That is without a doubt THE singlemost ridiculous, pointless and poorly-conceived computer-related hardware product I’ve ever seen.

]]> By: joshhoelker2002 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19293 joshhoelker2002 Sun, 29 Feb 2004 21:24:11 +0000 #comment-19293 I noticed that when you tested the mug warmer, you were using a laptop. Laptops are not always a reliable source for testing USB devices because most manufacturers trim down the mA output to USB ports to save battery life; I know this because I am a tech and deal with this on a daily basis. Front USB ports are also unreliable because some do not have the +5v-5v connected, thus lack sufficient power output. All in all, when testing USB devices it's better to test them on a desktop, or if you only have a laptop, plug it in to the power supply, also disable power settings in windows control panel. It would be interesting if the tests were done on a desktop to see if the results are different... Josh I noticed that when you tested the mug warmer, you were using a laptop. Laptops are not always a reliable source for testing USB devices because most manufacturers trim down the mA output to USB ports to save battery life; I know this because I am a tech and deal with this on a daily basis. Front USB ports are also unreliable because some do not have the +5v-5v connected, thus lack sufficient power output. All in all, when testing USB devices it’s better to test them on a desktop, or if you only have a laptop, plug it in to the power supply, also disable power settings in windows control panel. It would be interesting if the tests were done on a desktop to see if the results are different…

Josh

]]> By: lorcro2000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/2004/02/27/usb_cup_warmer_review/comment-page-1/#comment-19292 lorcro2000 Sun, 29 Feb 2004 09:02:36 +0000 #comment-19292 I'm just trying to decide whether the warmer is kitschy enough to be fun or if it is just completely silly... I'm leaning towards silly. If you have a problem with beverages cooling too fast, just get a proper insulated mug. Then you'll have the problem of beverages <em>not</em> cooling fast enough, so you burn the lining off the roof of your mouth regularly, like me. ;) I’m just trying to decide whether the warmer is kitschy enough to be fun or if it is just completely silly… I’m leaning towards silly.

If you have a problem with beverages cooling too fast, just get a proper insulated mug. Then you’ll have the problem of beverages not cooling fast enough, so you burn the lining off the roof of your mouth regularly, like me. ;)

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