USB Hub Now With Switches

If you had ever thought if USB hubs should come with on/off switches, do not worry for you are not alone. This 4-port USB cube hub by Brando has exactly that; the 2 ports located on its top face come with on/off switches, while the other 2 ports located on its sides are just, well, regular USB ports.

On one hand, I'm sure a USB port that you can turn on and off would definitely come in handy, somehow, but surely you would purchase the cubes for the aesthetics, just like your iPod. It comes in a great pallette of colours to brighten up your desk, is USB 2.0 compatible and costs USD12 (approx. RM38).

Check out a whole list of other interesting USB products on their site.

[Source: Brando]

The NSX Is Back!!... Well, On Its Way Anyway

The prototype test mule for the new Honda NSX due in 2010 has been caught by photographers making its rounds on the Nurburgring. Our friends over at KGP Photography, who brought us these brilliant pictures of the development mule on the 'Ring, unofficially clocked the camouflaged prototype achieving a lap at 7 minutes 37 seconds. 

Not forgetting that the 7:37 lap was done in midst traffic on the 'Ring, this is a great start for Honda and Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, who wants the new NSX to be able to post better lap times than the Nissan R35 GT-R's 7 minutes 29 seconds and the upcoming Lexus LF-A.

If the NSX with its rumoured 5.5L 550hp V10 powerplant and 8-speed transmission can already achieve those times, with continuous development over the next year or so, the new NSX could be well on track to dethrone the GT-R.

That is until the GT-R V-Spec is unveiled.

Visit Autoblog's gallery for more photos by KGP.

[Source: Autoblog, Photography: KGP]

TAG Heuer Reveals New Grand CARRERA Concept

Ever fancied a timepiece that measures to 1/10th of a second? Fear no more, the wait is almost over. At Baselworld 2008, TAG Heuer revealed their new concept watch equipped with the world's first automatic chronograph able to measure and display 1/10th of a second.

The Grand CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph can truly be described as a feat of engineering, with the seconds hand able to clearly display 1/10th second intervals when coupled with their own revolutionary Rotating Scale.


This innovative concept features a COSC-certified Calibre 36 RS movement that oscillates at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour, all housed beneath a tinted double sapphire crystal.

The stunning concept displays other its chronograph readings using two "Black Gold" Rotating Systems with the chronograph hours placed at 6 o'clock and chronograph minutes at 3 o'clock. In addition, there is also a Linear Second readout at 9 o'clock.

The watch is beautifully housed in a stylish 43mm black titanium carbide-coated case with its titanium-carbide coated rubber bracelet completing the entire package.

Check out the video below to view the masterpiece in action.



[Source: TAG Heuer]

108-inch Sharp LB-1085 on sale now in Japan

In January 2007, Sharp introduced their new 108" LCD TV, which was set to be the current largest HD television set in the market. At CES 2008, Sharp officially announced at a press conference that the 108" monster will go on sale this year and true to their word, the huge HD TV has been launched in Japan.


The LB-1085 will dazzle owners with its 1080p resolution with the 108-ASV LCD panel adopting a 400cd/m² brightness, 1200:1 contrast ratio, 6ms response time and 176 degrees of viewing angle. Around the back, there are 3 HDMI ports, 1 DVI, 2 component, and many more including the regular S-video and composite jacks.

The giant stands 1.55m tall, is 2.5m wide, and weighs an understandable 195kg. Interested buyers can start placing their orders through direct order from Japan now.

[Source: Impress]

Subaru Liberty GT uncovered Down Under

Australian Subaru owners now have something new to spot and pick out on the roads when they're out shopping; the special edition 2008 Subaru Liberty GT. The Liberty, known elsewhere as the Legacy, will only total 250 production units specific to the Aussie market.


The special Liberty GT, which will be tuned by STI utilizing most of their own performance parts, will feature 260bhp and 350Nm of torque from 6,000rpm and 2,800rpm respectively. Suspension upgrades include custom Blistein shocks paired with STI 5mm lowering springs, and braking is managed by black Brembo 4-pot calipers in front and 2-pot calipers in the rear coupled with stainless steel brake lines. Enkei will be providing the limited run production with 18" 12-spoke wheels which will be lighter than the stock Liberty GT wheels by 2.5kgs each.


Aesthetics are improved by means of an exclusive front grille install, redesigned muffler, and lip spoilers on the front bumper and rear boot lid to reduce lift and improve the aerodynamics. The interior is also properly dressed with leather and alcantara adorning the front seats with cherry red STI logo and stitching.


Sedan and wagon variants will both be available with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed SPORTSHIFT auto transmission. Choice of colours include black, silver, grey, and white.

[Source: Subaru Australia]

UCS Lego Death Star II Part 1: The Unveiling

Collectors' items have long been produced for highly successful franchises and George Lucas' Star Wars is definitely no exception with its huge and loyal fan base and cult following. Many have jumped on the train of opportunity to reap profits by marketing various types of collectors' items and fortunately, Lego has jumped on the bandwagon too.

Released in 2005, the Ultimate Collectors Series (UCS) Death Star II has ever since been one of the most sought after Star Wars Lego sets by enthusiasts. The 3,449pc kit stands approximately 65cm tall and is about 50cm in width.

Selected as the first feature for The Fun Stuff, I have managed to procure one such set, and the entire build process will be cataloged here with pictures from the unboxing to the final piece assembly.

The kit came in a rather large box measuring about 24"x18"x10". I would say that the artwork on the exterior carton was pretty decent and interesting, and as a plus the carton was easily collapsible for storage if necessary.





On the inside, the kit was segregated into 4 separate smaller boxes and a nicely bound 100-page instruction booklet. First impressions of the booklet were that it was made with pretty good quality paper with a well thought-out binding that befitted a collectors' item. The instructions were actually easy to follow in the early stages, but at certain points, the overall amount of grey and black pieces did create some confusion especially at the cutaway portion of the construction.



The 4 small boxes however were just plain white and only had minimal marking but were decently up to the job.



Stay tuned for Part 2 as all 3,449 parts are sorted and prepped for construction.

Welcome Mat: Inaugural Post

Welcome to my new blog about random fun stuff in life. Unapologetically, the definition of fun will be extremely biased and as you will slowly come to see, there will be many posts on vehicles related to the combustion engine (literally referring to cars, motorbikes, etc), heaps of electronics (in and out of the car), models and figures of mecha, loads of toys, and hopefully I will be going as far as to cover beautiful places and wondrous sunset (or sunrise) scenes.

On top of that, I also intend to branch out eventually to food and drink, and possibly even begin reviews (once again very biased) on stuff like new cars, new gadgets, new restaurants, and anything and everything that might tickle my fantasy.

To sign off from my first post, I would like to thank anyone visiting this blog and I hope that you would not hesitate visiting again. Once again, welcome to The Fun Stuff, as "A day without fun, is a day incomplete".