And yes, all of the ports are 2.0 compatible. Although, to be honest, I can't imagine why any one person would be using more than say 10 or 12 ports. Unless, of course, you have a thing for Brando. [USBfever via TRFJ]

If you really like steampunk-inspired gear, this can be yours for about $1,200 to $1,500.

The keys have all been artificially distressed to give the impression that this keyboard has "traveled the world in the backpack of an intrepid explorer."

Side view. Note the holes and, yes, more distressing and tarnish.

More keys! Also distressed! Just like your wallet should you try and buy this thing. [Datamancer via Born Rich]

Basically, what this big red thing does is slip over your Wiimote and, theoretically, makes it easier to grip and push those tiny buttons when playing a game with the Wiimote on its side. Kind of like the Classic Controller, with an accelerometer built in.

Unfortunately, Ars Technica says the additional bulk just makes things unwieldy. One needs big, beefy hands to use this thing properly, they report, and the additional heft in back—junk in the trunk, if you will—only makes things worse. And since the buttons on the case are just pressing down the original Wiimote buttons below, things got a tad unresponsive. Even at $10, the reviewer "breathed a sigh of relief" when he tore it off after an hour of play time.

It's too bad. That tiny directional pad and those tiny 1 and 2 buttons really cramp me up after an extended play session in the Mushroom Kingdom. [ars technica]

As the story goes, the DualShock got it on with a '60s era Baterang and the Gaming Gods retaliated—smiting their unholy spawn. This event cleared the slate, so to speak, and the evolutionary process started all over again. [Autour D'un Cafe via Geekologie]

I'm not sure if that is accurate or not, but with measurements at 4.3 x 2.9 x .5 inches it is even smaller than the popular FreeAgent line from Seagate. The USB 2.0, self-powered drives are available in 250GB, 500GB and 640GB flavors for $75, $109 and $149 respectively.

Today, LaCie introduced the most compact 2.5" hard drive on the market – LaCie Rikiki, in metal. Measuring just a mere 110cm (cubed), its sophisticated form factor holds up to 640GB of media that you won't mind storing in a pocket or purse.

Encased in brushed, sturdy aluminum, the LaCie Rikiki, which means "tiny" in French, represents a resilient aesthetic that protects your media from everyday blunders and unwelcome fingerprints. Its lightweight design makes it a perfect companion for keeping your digital world close at hand.

"We are part of a generation that wants more from our electronics, but in the smallest form factor possible, and with a competitive price," said Anne-Sophie Marchand, Consumer Product Manager. "With the LaCie Rikiki, we have done just that by fitting high-performance and high-capacity in the palm of your hand, for under $100."

Leveraging the versatile USB 2.0 interface, the LaCie Rikiki is instantly compatible with your PC or Mac. Simply plug it in and you're ready to store and share your favorite media with high-speed performance. LaCie Rikiki also offers USB Boost software for enhancing speeds up to 33% (Windows® only).

LaCie Rikiki also comes with a simplified software suite – for quick setup and easy-to-use backup management – enabling complete configuration in just a few clicks. The LaCie Rikiki is an all-in-one solution for storage mobility.

Availability
The LaCie Rikiki will be available in 250GB, 500GB, and 640GB capacities through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+, and LaCie Corner, starting at the suggested retail price of $74.99 (excluding VAT). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

[LaCie]

The speakers are battery-powered and can be daisy chained together to create the Sanford and Son equivalent of a surround sound system. Although, that would be a pricey proposition considering that each can will run you about $46. [Folksy via Core77]

In other words, it gives the balance board a bit more wobbability (but less wobbability than Tony Hawk's Ride board). Again, not worth the asking price as far as I am concerned, especially since the "reviews" on the product page seem canned and their "sale price" uses some crazy math I am not familiar with. [Switi via Joystiq via GoNintendo]

You see, in order to supply the full 900mA for each port you will need weigh yourself down with the optional AC adapter when out and about. Plus, the whole thing is so damned bulky in general that you are liable to break it sooner or later. At least StarTech is offering a lifetime warranty on it. Of course, with a product like this, StarTech probably won't be around long enough for you to get your $50 worth. [StarTech via EverythingUSB via Ubergizmo]

At Giz, we only endorse finger vein security (publicly, because privately we'd rely on nothing short of full colonoscopic verification). Sony's FVA-U1, going on sale December 18 in Japan, will be the smallest finger vein reader on the market conveniently operating over USB. [AkihabaraNews]

The Elecom "Like a Spoon!" mouse wraps stainless steel around plastic like a little, electronic amuse-bouche. Of course, given its $90 price and necessity to import (it's Japan-only), the satisfaction had better last more than a moment. [Elecom via Akihabara News via Engadget]

At any rate, the Panda head can connect to any computer via USB, or directly to your MP3 player via a 3.5mm audio plug. Rotating the Panda's ears controls volume and bass. [Gadget4all via Geekalerts via Technabob]

As Unplgged noted, it's kind of like "an audio version of a lava lamp," which seems like a good way to describe a speaker that utilizes light and water. It's only a concept at the moment, but I like the visual approach to music. [Yuki Yamamoto via Designboom via MocoLoco via Unplgged]

The information is apparently the result of behind-closed-door meetings in the UK between Microsoft and third party developers. Microsoft will be manufacturing 5 million Natals for a worldwide launch in November 2010 (some of those standalone, some of those in 360 bundles), and price is a major concern for the company. Those who left meetings were under the impression that Natal alone will run anywhere from $50-$80 with 14 games included—"impulse buy" territory.

I've always expected that Natal would launch inexpensively, closer to new Wii hardware and PS webcams than an actual new console. But $50 would be a very tempting sweet spot, indeed. [MCV via Kotaku]

Apparently, the Yeti is the first microphone to earn a THX certified distinction—something Blue Microphone views as a validation of its "incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response." Features include: a triple capsule array that allows you to record in stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, an analog to digital converter and a built-in headphone amp for zero-latency monitoring. And the whole thing is ready to plug in to a USB port and use on your PC or Mac right out of the box.

Blue Microphones Announces World's First THX Certified Microphone, the Yeti USB Condenser Mic

Featuring condenser capsules in a triple array, Yeti is the latest, most advanced addition to Blue's line of premium USB microphones

(Westlake Village, California –November 10, 2009) – Blue Microphones (www.bluemic.com), a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, announces Yeti, the first THX® Certified microphone. The latest addition to Blue's new consumer line, the Yeti is the ultimate USB microphone for professional recording. The Yeti features:
· The first USB mic to offer Blue's premium condenser capsules in a proprietary triple capsule array for the highest quality, most versatile audio recording capability
· After rigorous lab testing, THX certification affirms the ultimate in recording and playback fidelity thanks to superior design and quality
· Four patterns (Omni, Cardioid, Stereo, Bidirectional) for incredible versatility and superior results in any situation
· Studio quality performance and features, with zero latency, amplified headphone monitoring, microphone mute, and hardware-based gain adjustment

Yeti is the first microphone to offer the quality and range of versatility to produce the best quality recordings in a wide range of situations, including podcasts, vocals, live or event recording, interviews, broadcasts, instruments, bands and more.

"Blue Microphones recognizes THX as a benchmark within the industry for professional audio production and playback. We, are honored to be recognized as their first partner for audio input," says John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones. "Blue strives to provide the highest quality sound for both professionals and consumers alike and we are proud to provide such recognized quality with the new Yeti, the world's first THX Certified microphone."

Building upon the technology foundation established by the award-winning Snowball USB microphone, Yeti adds four distinct pattern modes, a zero-latency headphone output with volume control for direct monitoring, adjustable microphone gain control and a mute button. The Yeti's angle can be adjusted on its custom-designed desk stand. Following suit with the rest of Blue's desktop products, the Yeti features driverless installation and works with both PC and Mac.

"The THX Certified Yeti from Blue Microphones provides aspiring artists a recording solution that combines quality, usability and convenience for a wide range of audio applications," explains Matthew Chrispen, director of certification at THX. "THX testing and certification ensures the fidelity of the recording always remains true to its source, allowing artists to accurately capture voice-overs, interviews and other sound elements with confidence."

The Yeti, MSRP $149.99, will be available beginning December 2009, at Apple, CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, Guitar Center, other fine pro-audio and consumer electronics retailers and online at Amazon.com. For complete details, visitwww.bluemic.com.

[Blue Microphones]

When you need room for just one appliance, the Rozetkus wall socket sits flat against the wall. But when you want to make room for four more items to plug in, the socket pops out, dramatically increasing its surface area.

And while some of you will be eagerly awaiting the pricing/availability of this product, knowing the power draw of my home theater system, I'm holding out for the 3-foot-long, 40-plug XXL edition. [YankoDesign via Engadget]