Novel use for USB port on 08's
 

Was in the dollar store today, and picked up a little USB LED light on a flexible neck. It would make a nice map light for the USB port on the new cars.

If you can't find at your local dollar store, let me know, and I can pick up a pile (or however many they have). For a buck, how can you go wrong? Shouldn't cost more than 50 cents or so to mail it out, if anyone is interested.

I'll post a pic tomorrow of mine.

I like this USB device for cold mornings when I am running late and don't have time to eat a good breakfast.

http://store.theonion.com/images/get/339

How about a fan?

http://www.curiocityonline.com/image...-fan-elfan.jpg

~Neal

where's the usb port?? :confused:

Next to the audio aux input under the toggle switches in front of the cup holders.

I'll just stick to using the BMW iPod interface cable... but that light is a novel idea!

I have a fan too. But waving a piece of paper generates more breeze than the fan does. Good for when you're sitting on the tarmac waiting for a plane to take off though.

Thought the map light was a neat idea since the ones that plug in the cigarette lighter cost like $35. The USB one for a buck throws a nice subtle blue light. Good for looking at a map, but not so bright as to disturb the driver. It came from the dollar store that goes by the same name , 'Dollar Store' if you have one in your area.

If I need breakfast I'll throw a slice of cold pizza on the passenger seat and turn on the seat warmer. Does the toaster fly, or is that a thing of the past.

http://www.ibiblio.org/Dave/Dr-Fun/df9609/df960924.jpg

I think this could be fun...

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/...sbvac_tiny.jpg

would help keep the MINI clean between washes!

Well, I guess I need to dump my 2007 and buy a 2008 to get all those advantages. I shouldn't lose more than a $5k-6k in the trade. Gotta be worth it for a toaster, a vacuum, led light, and I'll even get autoup windows thrown in as a bonus.

Except I like the old style tire sensors, so I guess I'll just suffer along with the '07. Seemed like a plan for a minute or two...

I Personally like the USB MINI Cooper Remote Control Car. How incredibly post-modern would it be to have a Remote control MINI powered by your MINI!

Here's the light from the dollar store. Worth a buck even if you don't have an 08.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...c/a5ec090b.jpg

You could just pickup a Cig/USB charger. I have 2 of these for my MDA and can just it for other devices.

If you want more stuff to plug in go to:
http://usb.brando.com.hk/

http://www.monstech.com/images/wm_un...er_black01.jpg

It should be noted that you don't get the USB port if you don't get the bluetooth hookup. My '08 doesn't have one.

Cig Lighter usb charger
 

Where did you find the Cig lighter usb charger?
Thanks:)

The supplementary manual I got with my 2008 MCS specifically states not to hook up usb devices such as lights, fans, etc. to the usb port. I assume the current draw on these devices could potentially short out the port.

Here is one.
http://www.monstech.com/charger-ciga...469f367274d4bf

Also in black:
http://sewelldirect.com/Zip-Linq-USB...te-Lighter.asp

USB Air freshener

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/a26a/

If you truly want to turn your Hi-Fi into a High Fidelity sound system then dust off those LPs and pop one of these on your dash:
The Ion USB Turntable (Dust Cover Included)
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/mp3/90a0/

(not recommended for use with the sport or JCW suspension)

If you want to see some fun USB toys just type USB into the search at ThinkGeek.

From everything I've read the USB port isn't meant to power anything. This is why even HDDs are not recommended. If I remember right the USB specification details out voltage requirements for the port but not the amount of amperage the port must provide. Sounds like MINI is being cautious and you should too.

Yeah, wasn't there something posted by the sound system dude at mini2 about that and iPods misfiring?