Gizmodo: usb gadgets

Worries of Godzilla Vanish with this Mini USB-Powered Zen Garden

Andi Wang — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:00:13 EDT

This $25 mini USB-powered zen garden circulates water around its plastic bamboo shoots, creating relaxing sounds for a peaceful atmosphere in the workplace. That, or it'll make you want to pee. [Akihabara via CrunchGear]

Progress On the March: Brando's SATA Hard Drive Dock Now Has Speakers

John Mahoney — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:40:00 EDT

Onwards and upwards with Brando—is there any other way? Now in it's 162nd iteration, their handy SATA hard disk dock has speakers. Excelsior!

A two-port USB hub is also included (duh!), and it appears that the speakers can play MP3s directly from your USB devices or hard disks. Me? I'm holding out for the one that also integrates a bottle opener and personal massager. This one's $59. [Brando]

SATA HDD Dock Station Combo Stereo Speaker + Hub -

SATA HDD Dock Station Combo Stereo Speaker + Hub is a new concept of
HDD docking with music player. It allows you to enjoy the high-speed
data transfer as well as the wonderful music.

It compatible with both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA Hard Disks flexible and
solid easily plug and play your hard disk or standalone playing MP3
freely.

There is a 2 port USB2.0 HUB on the front plate, which helps to access
more USB devices simultaneously. With the built-in USB audio function
and adjustable volume control, the timbre rich stereo speakers of this
docking station brings high quality voice as well sound music to
upgrade the audio system of your desktop computer or notebooks.

Features:
- Standable, convenient, trendy and patented design
- Supports both S-ATA 2.5" HDD and 3.5" HDD
- PC connection: USB 2.0
- Built in volume control and mute button - Convenient to use
- Built in 2-Port USB Hub
- Built in Stereo Speaker - speaker output power is 3W
- Built in USB Audio Sound Card
- Line-in function - Let the HDD dock be a standalone speaker system
- Microphone in and Speaker output function - Let you connect it with
a headset and therefore access easily to the VOIP applications, such
as MSN, Skype, Google Talk
- Support Window 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9.X or higher
- Dimension: 134 x 117 x 56mm (approx.)
- Weight: 285g

Package Contents:
- SATA HDD Dock Station Combo Stereo Speaker + Hub
- USB Cable
- Universal Power Adapter (100 ~ 240V)
- Audio-in Cable
- User's Manual
**Hard Disk Drive is not included

Thank you
Brando

USB Whac-a-Mole Brings Your Carnival Fantasies into Your Cubicle

Elaine Chow — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:15:00 EST

Sure Whac-a-Butt may be a great conversation piece at your frat house, but some of us prefer the classic version. Luckily, that's out now too. USB Whac-a-Mole is $17, but only in Korea. [Hallyutech]

Thanko's USB "Bust Beauty Pad" Fights Boob-Chill Epidemic Valiantly

John Mahoney — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST

This is without a doubt Thanko's finest USB warming gadget to date.

These kidney-bean pads heat up to 40°C when plugged into USB, effectively taking the problem of cold boobs (man- or otherwise) while websurfing off of our collective minds. THANK YOU THANKO! They're $22: [Thanko via Crunchgear]

USB Card Shaver Disguises Your USB Shaving Shame

Elaine Chow — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:45:00 EST

This USB Card Shaver is the thinnest of its ilk that we've seen and, with a diameter of only 10mm, is perfect for the man-on-the-go trying to hide that he uses an USB shaver in the first place.

The product page explains that its great for business, traveling and as a holiday present for your loved ones. One charge will last you 12 hours of shaving. If you didn't bring your computer, just use the included USB to AC Adapter. Yours for roughly $32. [Rakuten]

Frank Goes Subservient Chicken and Plays With USB Gadgets

Jason Chen — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:20:39 EDT

Instead of making a chicken dance around by typing in commands, this Frank's Cubicle website has you making Frank play with all his USB gear by clicking on links. It's interesting for a few minutes, especially when you see what he's been looking at with his Spyplane. Makes us wish we had a bunch of USB gadgets to play with ourselves. Oh wait, we do. [Franks Cubicle]