At first glance, I thought this was an actual mouse, and that you were supposed to drag a numerical keypad and a couple USB cables around the desk during use, but it's just a trackball mouse that's meant to stay put. Looks like it's got a standard 17-button keypad and two USB ports, and it connects via USB. If you're one of those Golden-Tee-loving types who's into trackballs, it's available for a kinda expensive 5,290Yen ($60). [RedFerret via OhGizmo]

R2-Q5, as the startlingly extensive "Wookiepedia" informs me, appeared only in Return of the Jedi (and two of the LEGO Star Wars games). It's pretty clearly an R2-D2 model painted black with red accents, and I can't imagine why the makers of this USB hub thought it has a been enough fanbase to deserve its own gadget. But whatever: I do not judge other nerds on their obsessions. Enjoy, Star Wars dorks. [Geeky Gadgets via Dvice]

In all actuality, it's just a typical 4-port USB hub with a tad more style and a lot of extra space for larger USB devices to plug in. Yes, the hub is a bit expensive at $40, but when a friend electrocutes himself trying to stick a USB dongle into a wall socket because he saw you do it, the price will seem minuscule next his the medical bills and the subsequent lifetime of misery as his bowels no longer have the patience for toilets. [AudioCubes via OhGizmo!]

Brando say the USB Solar Charging 4-Port Hub (catchy name I think you will agree) can be used either as a traditional USB hub, or as an eco-friendly charger - using the sun's rays to keep your gadgets going.

The lightweight 54 gram device comes with six mobile phone connectors and houses a built-in battery meaning you don't have to have all your tech attached while it's soaking up the sun. It can also be charged by an AC power supply should the clouds be out or you just want to stick it to the environment. [Brando]

We're not really sure where this 49-port powered USB hub came from, only that it's designed not for robot vagina overload (such a waste of potential!) but for laboratory testing situations. But we don't see any reason not to load it up with our favorite ridiculous gadgetry. [Crunchgear]

There are Transformers and there are Transformers. And while a 10-story Optimus Prime is OK, this $42 import features a cassette deck (which, in a manner similar to Soundwave, ALSO features a Transformer), plus it can transform into a netbook. And while this "Qosimo" netbook doesn't necessarily work, the body serves as a charming guise for the 4-port USB hub that lies beneath.

Now, I don't want to blow everyone's minds too hard before a holiday weekend, but imagine, if you will, connecting this USB hub Transformer to more USB hub Transformers. Devastator, stand back. [Product via CraziestGadgets]

UPDATE: OK OK, while both the Autobots' Blaster and the Decepticons' Soundwave both had cassette deck capabilities, the robot does more closely resemble Blaster. I am SO SORRY. Stop emailing me, fellow geeks!

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

But in all seriousness, it's not like you have to gut a classic to create this DIY hub. And, in defense of the creator, his materials list does state that the cartridge was already broken before descending upon it with knife and Dremmel. I apologize.

In the end, this is a quick and dirty little project, comprised of only three ingredients and requiring minimal tools and expertise. Just don't hack up anymore classics if you make this your Sunday project. My innocent childhood memories beg it of you. [Instructables via Gearfuse - Thanks, Daniel]

Granted, Art Lebedev was trying to design a USB hub with a somewhat high concept—to resemble a prism. And granted, Art Lebedev isn't known for making things simple.

But still, that gallery of sketches and CGI makes my brain want to down a carton of Ben and Jerry's before curling up under a cold shower and weeping itself to sleep. [Art Lebedev via Craziest Gadgets]

Luckily, this hub isn't just some 20-step Instructables idea that you'll never do. You can actually buy this thing in one of seven different colors. Sure, it'll cost you $50 and an extra $11 to ship—or about 2000x what you can find a USB hub for today. But your kid won't haphazardly yank just any USB hub from your desk, taking your precious attached storage to the floor with a crash. [Etsy via OhGizmo!]

The Smiling Face USB Hub's head can be rotated a full 360 degrees in order to direct his perkiness to you, no matter where you place him. And if you ever get tired of his overly peppy smile, you can replace his face with other photos that will cheer you up (NSFW). Available in blue and orange, this Smiling Face USB 4-Port Hub will cost you $14. [Gadget4all via Craziest Gadgets]

Even though fires alone are disconcerting, what's even more disconcerting was that Rock Band publisher EA glossed over the event and offered a canned response:

Hello Jim,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your Rock Band purchase. It is always a pleasure to assist our customers in any way that we can.

The USB Hub comes with 4 USB ports that the peripherals can be plugged into [sic]. Check to see if the customer has plugged the AC Power Adaptor [sic] into the USB Hub and a wall outlet in order to provide power to the USB Hub. Power Down Xbox 360, and unplug everything, but the USB Hub, AC Adapter. Plug in One Peripheral [sic] to a port on the USB Hub. Turn on the Xbox 360 to see if it is working.

The conversation continues over at BBPS.com, but needless to say, it gets both funnier and scarier before it's over. [TheBBPS via Joystiq]

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.