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Technophile: USB-powered amenities

Curt Brandao reviews the usefulness of a tiny USB that keeps your can of soft drink cold.

Curt Brandao

October 28, 2011

USB Mini Fridge

The form Some people, mostly those who spend the majority of their lives staring into computer screens, are willing to take the "universal" in Universal Serial Bus (USB) very seriously, indeed. For them, there is a seemingly endless array of USB-powered devices that aim to improve their quality of life - such as it is - not the least of which is the USB Mini Fridge.

The features This highly stylised tiny fridge can hold one can of soft drink and gets its cooling energy directly from your computer.

The function The makers claim the fridge's cooling pad inside will fall to 8.5 degrees Celsius just five minutes after it's plugged in. Don't expect to feel a tiny Arctic breeze when you open its tiny door, but if you put an already-cold drink inside, it should stay that way for a longer period of time.

Dh121

Thermaltake Mobile Fan II

The form This diminutive desktop version of a floor fan measures only 14 centimetres high and its rather geeky form factor rests on a wire frame.

The features The Thermaltake Mobile Fan II packs an effective punch, wind-wise, and features an adjustable speed knob. It runs rather silently as well, even at the highest setting. It comes with a retractable USB power cable.

The function Whether you use your computer for work or play, chances are you produce a fair amount of heat energy in the process. The Thermaltake Mobile Fan II offers welcome relief - it can also be used to cool the processor inside the computer that is powering it.

Dh33

ValueRays USB Infrared Heated Gloves

The form These one-size-fits-most USB-powered gloves plug into your computer and warm the backs of your hands as you type.

The features The fingerless gloves are designed not to limit your dexterity as you type and come with a long 65cm power cable that will prove useful for those who operate wireless keyboards.

The function Some of us are very cold-natured, or work in an office with a jet engine blowing frigid air on top of us from the ceiling - either way, few would doubt that worrying about office-related frost bite is an impediment to productivity. These gloves will warm you up and reduce that work-related anxiety - even if they cost you a few style points.

Dh110

Citizenship-by-investment programmes

United Kingdom

The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).

All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.

The Caribbean

Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport. 

Portugal

The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.

“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.

Greece

The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.

Spain

The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.

Malta

The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.

The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.

Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.

Egypt 

A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.

Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties

THE SPECS

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Torque: 780Nm

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The specs
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