Gizmodo: USB Hub

USB Hub/Paperclip holder/Fish Tank, May be Worst USB Gizmo Ever

Kit Eaton — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:51:00 EDT

A four-way, USB 2.0 hub. A magnetic paperclip holder. A fake fish tank. A seven-color LED illuminator. Mix them all together, and what have you got? Yes: possibly the worst USB gizmo ever. I mean, what's next? A USB hub with built-in electric dog-polisher? I don't know though: if you're a collector of USB naffness then maybe you'd prize this thing... available now for $20. [Gadget4All]

Brando 3-in-1 Data Dock Saves Case Space With Multi-Use Trays

Kit Eaton — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:48:00 EDT

For those of you with desktop PCs crammed to the gills with peripherals, this slot-loading data dock from Brando might be a neat space-saver solution. It takes up just one 3.5-inch drive bay, but has three interchangeable sleds: one for 2.5-inch SATA HDDs, one with a 4-way USB hub and one a multi-type card reader. You simply chose which you need at the time, and slide it into one of the two slots. Cleverly each aluminum-frame sled also functions as an independent USB peripheral, making them pretty useful portable accessories too. Available now for $69. [Brando]

Earth Trek Phone Stand is USB Hub, Card Reader Too

Kit Eaton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:10:00 EDT

Sure, this all-in-one from Earth Trek is no good-looking gadget stand like the iClooly, but it'd be hard to beat it for convenience. You can use it to prop up your cellphone (though how does it stick on? ... magic? love? glue?) and also charge it through a range of swappable connectors. It's also a three-way USB hub, and you can even jam in a range of memory cards from microSD to MemoryStick Pro Duo. Looks like the perfect thing to fling in your laptop bag when you're off on a trip. It's available in black or white, but there's no info on price. [Akihabaranews]

Smart Dog USB Hub Has Four Paws, Four Ports and a Radio

AddyDugdale — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

This Smart Dog USB hub is a bit of a three-in-one marvel. As well as the four USB ports, the bow-wow acts as a shonky computer speaker. Then, if you rip the head off this iridescent puppy, you've got yourself a portable radio with autoscan capability. Cost is $19.15. [Gearlog via UberGizmo]

Optimus Prime USB Hub Speaks but Won't Stomp Across Your Desk

Kit Eaton — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:57:31 EDT

"I laugh in the face of your so-called transforming USB hub!" says the four-way Optimus Prime USB Hub, "because I, Optimus Prime, am a Transformers USB hub that... um... doesn't transform. Oh." What the 9-inch Autobot bust actually does do is flash its eye lights and shout out when you connect something to it. And in case that gets boring, you can turn the sound function off. Available August for $34.99. [BigBadToystore via Everything USB]

DIY Glowing Video Tape USB Hub: Put an Old VHS Tape to Good Use

Sean Fallon — Fri, 02 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT

Have any old VHS tapes lying around? Really? What the hell is wrong with you? That stuff should have been tossed ages ago. Anyway, since you have one, it might be a good idea to repurpose it into something useful—like a USB hub. As far as DIY projects go, this one should be simple enough—even for a novice. All you need outside of the tape is a USB hub, some LEDs, a small switch (optional) and some cables. It looks cool, and when all is said and done you can act all high and mighty about your herculean recycling effort. Additional image after the break.

For the full instructions, hit the following link. [Instructables via Hacked Gadgets]

Brando 3-Way USB Hub Doesn't Need Power Brick

Kit Eaton — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:50:00 EDT

See those two USB plugs on this hub gizmo from Brando? They're what makes this thing a little bit neat, even if its looks aren't anything special. Most USB hubs need to draw energy from a power brick if you're going to load them up with much more than a memory stick and charge up a gadget. But this one plugs into two USB ports on your PC for more juice, so you can connect up to three different devices and charge or sync your phone or camera at the same time via the mini-USB connector. It's available now for $12. [Brando]

I Saw a Mouse! Where? There in Brando's USB Mouse Hub

Kit Eaton — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:07:29 EDT

Ok, this is just another four-way USB hub... but this time it's a hub with added cuteness to please your kids. And yes, it's just a mouse-shaped gizmo, rather than a pointing device. The little guy from Brando has four bendable legs containing the USB sockets, is USB2.0 compliant and comes in pink or green (a green mouse?) for just $12. [Brando via Geekalerts]

All Spark USB Hub Gives You Unwanted Responsibility

Haroon Malik — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Captain Witwicky had an excuse; he didn't know the Decepticons were after the All Spark. In fact, he didn't even know what the Decepticons were. If you opt to purchase this All Spark USB hub, with four ports and retailing at £13.99 ($28), what exactly would be your excuse? Still, if you do decide the All Spark USB hub is for you, prepare to die at the hands of your maniac MacBook, once the All Spark gives it life. Scary. [Everything USB]

Find Nemo Floating in a Four-Way USB Hub. Verdict: Fishy!

Kit Eaton — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:43:20 EDT

Someone, somewhere, gets to design these weird and wonderful USB hubs: and this one is perhaps the craziest we've seen. It's a four-way hub with a fishbowl. With a plastic fish, a couple of shells, a splash of greenery and real water. And it illuminates, cycling through four different colors. It's fantastic, fishtastic plastic. And it could be yours for only $12. [Gadget4all via Pocket Lint]

USB Hub With Magnetic Mount Sounds Like a Bad Idea

Kit Eaton — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:46:28 EDT

So at first glance what we have here looks like a well designed four-port USB hub, with a handy top-placed port for convenient thumb-drive plugging. It's not multicolored, it doesn't have a photo frame built in, it doesn't transform. Just a plain old hub. With magnetic mounting. Sorry, what? Magnetic mounting? So someone can stick it to their PC case? With magnets? Now, call me silly but that sounds a teeny bit daft. No? Someone might mess up their data with it. It costs $15 from gadget4all. Update: So, it's supposed to be quite hard to damage data on a hard drive like this. Doesn't mean I haven't done it though. [Gadget4all via Pocket Lint]

USB Modular Hub from, Surprise, Brando

AddyDugdale — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:37:00 EDT

Yesterday, Brando chose not to release any new products. I wonder why—maybe they thought someone might not like it. It's a four-way USB hub that also brings color to your desk. I say a pot of paint does just the same (give Brando five years and they'll probably come up with USB paint). All this USB nonsense begs one question, though:

[Brando]

HDD USB Dock Gets USB Hub Integrated, Still Plugs in Like NES Cartridges

Jason Chen — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EDT

The USB HDD Dock we saw a few months ago just got a USB hub upgrade. Not only does it still take 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives in the top like a Famicom cartridge, there's an added 4-port USB hub on the front. Because if you're going to take up one of your machine's precious USB ports for something, it's even better when that something gives you 3 extra ports in return. [Brando]

USB Hub Photo Frame Misses Crucial Digital Parts

Kit Eaton — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:59:13 EDT

There are ways and means to add some interest to a USB hub, but Evergreen's new Picture Frame Hub misses all of them. Sure, everyone could do with four extra USB ports from time to time, and having a picture of your loved one on your desk is always good. But combined? And with a light behind the photo? Nope, it just doesn't work. All it makes you want is a real digital photo frame. But, if it still floats your boat, it's available soon for $24.91. [Geekstuff4u via Akihabaranews]

Desk Assortment is Like a Frankenstein USB Junk Monster

Sean Fallon — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:45:38 EST

The world is infatuated with USB gadgets, so why not put a whole bunch of it together in a value priced assortment that pays no attention to order or aesthetics? The visionaries at Think Geek have done just that with their Mini USB Desktop Multi-tasking Device. Features include a cup warmer, task lamp, mini vacuum cleaner (that doesn't even work all that well), and an open USB port. Plus it is all packaged in a island that measures a whopping 8 inches in diameter. If it wasn't so damn cheap at $14.99, I would be laughing my ass off right now. [Think Geek via OhGizmo via DVICE]

Brando USB Hub has Multicolor Moodlight For Desktop Cheeriness

Kit Eaton — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:34:12 EST

I nearly labelled this four-port USB hub with digital alarm and seven-colour moodlight "just another boring Brando USB gadget." But on second thought, I decided I actually like it: if you're going to have a USB hub on your desk, why not combine it with some multicolored LED goodness? Brighten up your dreary cubicle with some rainbow ambience, that's what I say! Okay, the clock part is dumb, since who has a PC that doesn't already display the time? But we can overlook that design error, can't we Brando-fans? This 3 x 3 x 1 inch wonder is available for $16. [Geekalerts]

USB Runner Hub Reminds You Of Your Lateness

Jason Chen — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:59:11 EST

Do you need a constant reminder that you're always late? Perhaps in a four-port USB hub form? Then this USB Running Man Hub is the perfect gift for your birthday, with its four distinct USB 2.0 ports in the guy's base, arm, leg and briefcase. No? You wanted a nose hair trimmer instead? Guess that's too bad then, isn't it Adam Frucci. [Brando]

SpaceStation Organizer Looks Futuristically Minimal

Jason Chen — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST

We've seen our fair share of organizers over the years—especially since we live next door to those good-naturedly anal folks at Lifehacker—but this SpaceStation seems like it's the most minimal that we've seen yet. The system consists of a long, rubberized pad to lay your electronics on top of and a hollow bottom with USB Hub for you to coil all your USB cables around. The end result is a clean surface on top, but a slightly more organized bottom as well. If you were handy, you could probably build one of these yourself for slightly less than the $79 price tag, but it won't look nearly as nice. [Bedlounge]

USB Hub Has Individual On/Off Switches

Jason Chen — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:00:05 EST

USB Hubs come in all shapes and sizes (including fruit cake), but this is the first time we've seen a USB hub with individual on/off switches. This isn't only useful for switching off stuff without unplugging it and making a mess, it also helps save power when you're on laptop battery mode. It's a non-powered hub, however, so you won't be able to run four external USB hard drives off this thing. Those of you with four external hard drives should probably be getting a Windows Home Server unit and plugging those into there anyway. [Brando]

Brando Updates Its Cup Warmer with USB Hub and Clock

AddyDugdale — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:51:55 EST

Brando has updated the classic USB-cup warmer combo and added a clock and a four-port USB hub to it. Presumably the hub is for the USB sugar bowl, USB milk jug and USB tea spoon. Hungry office workers can presumably plug in Solid Alliance's USB biscuit. A gallery, for those of you who are into cup-warmer, USB and clock porn, is below.

The USB Cup Warmer, Clock and Hub is available for $24. [Brando]

Christmas Cake USB Hub from Solid Alliance Heralds the Arrival of Festive Tat

AddyDugdale — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 03:51:41 EST

When Solid Alliance and Christmas meet, there can only be one winner: fans of all things USB. What collector of dumb peripheral stuff could refuse this Christmas cake, complete with 1GB memory key strawberries? And then you see what else they use to decorate the cake.

Prawns, rubber duckies and bunnies — hmmm, about as seasonal as strawbs, I suppose. As well as being pointless, the hub is expensive. A set of four cakes will cost you 50,000 , that's around $450. [Solid Alliance via Akihabara News]

IOGear Wireless USB Hub Reviewed (Verdict: Pointless Use Of Good Technology)

Adrian Covert — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:27:55 EDT

Unquestionably, Wireless USB is a technology with great potential. With the introduction of IOGear's Wireless USB Hub, they claim it connects to your PC easily, clears up wire clutter and makes speedy file transfers. But after playing with IOGear's Wireless USB Hub, we can't say this device lives up to that potential. Connecting can bothersome, USB 2.0 is substantially faster and the wires are still there.

In theory, using the Wireless USB Hub is supposed to be as easy as connecting the antenna dongle to your PC, plugging in your hub, and hooking up USB devices. In reality, the hardware requires installing separate drivers for the hub and dongle, associating the hub to your PC via an authentication process and using its custom software to connect the hub. Yet the hub still had trouble maintaining a strong signal despite sitting a foot away from the antenna dongle.

In transferring files, we had issues trying to get a 500 MB file from an external hard drive to the PC. In the one attempt we were successful, it took 2min, 45sec to transfer the file. Compared to the 22 seconds it took using USB 2.0, Wireless USB isn't in the same league. Even smaller files took longer to transfer as a 100 MB folder of MP3's took roughly 45 seconds, whereas USB 2.0 completed the transfer in under 10.

But most interesting of all, is when you get to the bottom of this thing, it isn't all that wireless. Sure, there's a wireless connection between the dongle and the hub, but wires still exist between your USB devices and the hub and two extra pieces of hardware (plus another AC adapter) are added into the mix. So really, whats the point?

If you want to use a laptop in various parts of the house, but still want the freedom of being connected to a hard drive or printer (and for whatever reason don't want to use a wireless network), this hub may be for you. But for anyone else with a desktop or who is OK with using their peripherals in a single room, the $200 price tag of this wireless USB hub just isn't worth it. When USB gadgets and computers start talking to each other directly, I'll start paying attention to wireless USB.

Fiber Optic USB Hubs Extend Devices 500 Meters

Jason Chen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:20:25 EDT

Wireless USB is all well and good if your house is free of things like walls, but for everyone else, this Gefen Fiber Optic USB Extender manages to boost USB connectivity up to 500 meters. You can use it for any device, such as USB hard drives, burners, keyboards, printers, or humping dogs—fiber optics degrade much slower than standard copper cabling. However, this kind of advanced tech won't be able to be picked up at Fry's on your way home from work—it costs ~~$16,000~~ $1,600. [Gefen via Everything USB]

Podera Luxe USB Hub and Flash Card Readers Are Downright Purdy

Charlie White — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EDT

We were starting to get bored with USB hubs and flash card readers, but just when we thought we'd seen them all, along came the Podera Luxe USB Hub and its comely sister, the Luxe memory card reader. There is just something pleasant about this USB hub, even though it only has four ports. Sure, it's going to look much uglier when you plug your own USB cables into it, but we like that elegant Colorado Red color and the hub's gently rounded corners. There are other swank-looking colors available, too. And oh yeah, check out this matching flash card reader.

It looks like it's cut from the same cloth as its USB port brother, and this little box accommodates most memory cards through a single slot. This is one case where less really is more, proving a product that uses the word "pod" doesn't have to have the letter "i" before it for it be beautifully designed. Check out Podera's USA distributor site for these and a couple of other eye-catching designs. [Technabob]

Brando USB Hub, For Plugging Every Which Way

Charlie White — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 09:59:45 EDT

Here's another USB hub from Brando, the company that wants to create a USB hub for every possible situation. This one might just come close, because this four-port hub lets you revolve the upstream port and then one of the receptacles 180° to accommodate USB devices from all directions. We're not big fans of that goofy-looking starburst design that reminds us of The Dating Game from the '60s, but still, for $15 this might solve a problem or two. [Brando]

Traffic Light USB Hub May Be the End of You

Haroon Malik — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:33:47 EDT

If you really, really want a USB hub that is fashioned like a traffic light, will record 10 seconds of audio and has pointlessly blinking LEDs; you're in luck. The Traffic Light USB hub will set you back $17.50, but not only will it make you look more stupid than you already do, it will also remind you of the road rage-induced stress from which you suffer.

Couple that together with your uncontrollable PC onset aggression, and this USB hub will accelerate you toward a heart attack before you can say, "My left arm hurts." You have been warned. If you are still keen, hit up the link, but more importantly, learn how to take good advice. [Product Page via Nerd Approved]

Kensington Introduces sd200v Video USB Dock and Other Notebook Accessories

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:20:06 EDT

Kensington's new $139 sd200v is a single hub that can manage your keyboard, mouse, printer and iPod, plus speakers, microphone and even a VGA monitor, all tied to your laptop by a single USB cable. The catch is that the DualView DisplayLink USB video connection is Windows-only, and it's not likely to be high on performance. Still, only having to unplug one cable when you're on the go is a huge boon.

At the same time, Kensington has introduced two notebook stands: one with the remarkably descriptive name Notebook Stand with USB Hub ($79), and the other, the slightly cooler Easy Riser Cooling Notebook Stand ($29), both below.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

'Connect it' Notebook Accessories: Productivity Made Simple
Kensington is also announcing additions to its "Connect It" line of notebook accessories, designed to create more room on the consumer's desktop and enhance overall notebook usage. The sd200v Notebook Docking Station with Video lets consumers connect all their peripherals to any notebook with a single USB connection, and built-in DualView technology lets them use an external monitor to display or extend the notebook's virtual desktop with the simple push of a button—doubling the amount of screen space and dramatically improving user productivity. The two notebook stands, which round out the new line, feature Kensington's SmartFit adjustment system, allowing users to achieve an optimal monitor height in seconds. The Easy Riser Cooling Notebook Stand elevates notebooks to dissipate heat, while the Notebook Stand with USB Hub attaches to any notebook to create a desktop workstation.

The additions to the Kensington "Connect It" line of notebook accessories include the sd200v Notebook Docking Station with Video (SKU K33415), Notebook Stand with USB Hub (SKU K60723) and Easy Riser Cooling Notebook Stand (SKU K60112).

Weird Webcam and USB Hub Lilli and Oscar are Ethical, Expensive

AddyDugdale — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:49:20 EDT

If you want to throw some crazy shapes on your work table, maybe you'd be interested in United Pepper's Lilli and Oscar, two recyclable peripherals made from sustainable materials such as sand and paperboard. Lilli is a 1.3-megapixel webcam and Oscar a USB hub.

Your green credentials will remain intact as, not only are they made in an Fairtrade workshop in Vietnam (I'm not going to ask how they got here, by indigenous goat, I hope) but they come in recycled packaging. Price is not so friendly, however*. $60 for the the all-seeing Lilli, $40 for the pluggable Oscar, and they're out in the UK next month. [Hippyshopper via Shiny Shiny]

*That means they must have been brought by the goats, then.

The Definitive Firewire/USB Hub

Jason Chen — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EDT

We've posted our share of crazy awesome USB hubs, but "The Hub" from Ora-Ito actually looks great and looks like it works great. Not only does it have two Firewire cables, it's got a miniUSB, two USB extension cables, a regular USB cable, a USB light and a USB fan. But the good news is that it looks somewhat like an electronic plant, so you'll feel real great knowing you spent $90 on a USB/Firewire hub. [APlusRStore via Popgadget]

Brando's Chromatic Four-Way USB Hub is Fruity-Cutie

AddyDugdale — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 06:00:06 EDT

The childish at heart will love Brando's latest four-way USB hub. Bend it into any shape you want, it comes in two different shapes and will brighten up your desk with its acid colors. Gallery, price and specs all after the jump.

4-port hub
Colourful design
USB 2.0
Plug and play, hot swapping
Low power consumption
Interface: USB compliance
Support Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
Size: 200x40x11mm
Weight: 69g

The four-way hub is also available with round components and costs $12. [Brando]

Belkin Wireless USB Hub Is All Dressed Up, No Place to Go

Charlie White — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:17:44 EDT

Belkin's bringing some seriously pretty design to its game, and here's another example: a four-port wireless USB hub that lets you roam freely with your USB devices. Belkin says this model F5U302 lets you transfer data at the full USB 2.0 speed of 480Mbps over a 30-foot range. This might come in handy for a printer that you'd like to locate off in a closet somewhere, but besides that, it seems like it has limited usefulness.

For instance, if you have Wi-Fi on your laptop and it's connected to your network, if there's a printer connected anywhere else on your network, you're already able to print wirelessly. Perhaps this wireless USB hub would be handy for connecting a USB hard drive wirelessly, and then you could roam around with your notebook while saving your data on that gigantic hard drive stuffed away somewhere.

We do like the design of this iteration of Belkin's wireless USB hub better than its predecessor, the F5U301 that began shipping earlier this year for roughly the same price of $199.99. If you can find a good use for this new design that has pretty much the same technology inside, it'll be shipping next month. [Belkin]

Belkin's Three Truly Awesome USB Hubs Clip and Swivel

kevinhall2 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 17:45:11 EDT

Belkin's three new USB hub designs actually do something useful on top of hubbin'. From left to right, there's the Swivel Hub and the Clip-On Hub, both with a planned price tag of $30, and then the Hub-To-Go at $50.

The Swivel Hub has 4-ports and, well, swivels, allowing you to position as you please. Looks handy in a tight space. The 2-port Clip-On will attach to any desk, bar, or surface you can get it around, as long as it's thinner than 1.25 inches. Last up, the Hub-To-Go offers you seven additional ports, three of which you can take with you. Out in August, they aren't up on the Belkin site yet, so keep an eye out—or the shelves, these sweet units should really stick out. [Belkin via PC World]

Four-Way USB Hub with Extender Cable from Elecom

AddyDugdale — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:02:36 EDT

Elecom has come out with two ingenious four-way USB hubs that look like they would be more at home in a tool box than on your desk.

Available in four colors - black, blue, gray and white - the U2H-FC024S is a drum design for you to roll the cable up on - so no more office spaghetti. Its brother, the U2H-FC034S has four suction pads so that you can attach it to wherever for more stabillity. Weighing 80 grams, they are available in Japan for a smigeon under $30.

Self supply of electricity possible 4 ports USB and the like 4 series [PC Watch through Google Translate]

Fresh Pics of Belkin 802.11n Network USB Hub

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Unfortunately for a few commenters, Belkin hasn't introduced new finishes. Like the Model T, the $130 hub still just comes in any color you want, as long as it's black. But after every blog posted the same low-light diagonal shot last week, we thought you might like some new views. You can refer back to our story for initial specs, or jump for a shot of the rear. (I don't think that came out right.)

We'll let you in on the details as they emerge. – Wilson Rothman

Product Page [Belkin]

Belkin to Finally Ship Cable-Free USB Hub

Charlie White — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 13:08:17 EST

Belkin announced its Cable-Free USB Hub will ship in a couple of weeks for $200. Touted as the first wireless USB hub and the first ultra-wideband (UWB) product to market, it lets you hook up wirelessly from 30 feet away, with what the company says is 480Mbps throughput.

Well, it's about time we saw a UWB device finally available. We saw this four-port hub at CES almost a year ago, when Belkin reps told us it would ship in March. Can it perform as advertised? We'll test those bold claims. – Charlie White

Product Page [Belkin]

Thanko Dips USB Hub in Gold

Louis Ramirez — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 09:30:18 EST

Thanko, who's known for their extensive line of heated gadgets, has gone the luxury route and dipped a USB hub in gold. Gold paint, that is. The 9-port hub (8 downstream/1 upstream) weighs a hefty 5.5 pounds and comes with its own power input so you can pretty much connect anything to it. It's a little too gaudy for our tastes, but it might make for a nice office weapon thanks to its chunky weight. It's selling for roughly $50. – Louis Ramirez

Thanko USB Hub [via New Launches]

Belkin F5U307 Creates Cascading USB Sandwich

Louis Ramirez — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:20:24 EST

The folks at Belkin have a knack for making ordinary desktop peripherals look stylish and it seems they've struck again, this time giving our trusty USB hub a Lego-like makeover. The daftly-named USB 7-Port Plus Hub (F5U307) gives you additional USB ports and can be stacked on top of another sammich style to create a delicious tower of USB goodness. It'll also help you avoid cable clutter (since you wouldn't need to interconnect the hubs). It's not quite the wireless USB hub of our dreams, but at $49 bucks it beats flying to Japan for the alternative. – Louis Ramirez

Belkin Cascading USB Hub Avoids Cable Mess [via Everything USB]

Brando USB Twister Hub: Rubik's Cube on a Stick

Charlie White — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 11:20:34 EDT

Brando adds one more product to the near-infinite variety of USB hubs with its USB Twister Hub, a four-port USB 2.0 expander with Rubik's Cube-like modules that twist to your bidding. It's $26.

This is mildly amusing-looking, but not so cute when it's populated with plugs twisted every which-way. It would be much more useful if it were a power strip. – Charlie White

Product Page [Brando]

USB Egg from Evergreen Consolidates Three Functions in One

Charlie White — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 09:11:56 EDT

Here's yet another USB device to clutter up your desktop, but this one from Evergreen attempts to consolidate numerous functions into its whimsical egg-shaped design. It's a pair of speakers, a card reader and a USB 2.0 hub, giving you not-exactly-rocking tunes with 2 watts per channel, a card reader that can handle SD, CompactFlash and Media Stick, and then a USB hub with two ports.

Doesn't a product need to have more than two USB ports to be called a "hub?" Perhaps it should be called a "twofer." Anyway, the USB Egg is available in Japan, and there's no word whether we'll see it stateside. Looks like fun if you're obsessed with eggs or perhaps concerned about fertility. – Charlie White

Speaker, Card Reader, HUB USB2 Egg [Akihabara News]

Magnetic USB 2.0 Hub Matches All Your Other Magnetic Stuff

Charlie White — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:17:05 EDT

Here's a magnetic USB hub to match that $1.53 million magnetic bed you sleep in along with your magnetic personality.

Sure, it's a rather prosaic item, this USB 2.0 hub with four ports, but if you have a metal desk and wire management issues, this $22 device might be able to solve a small problem or two. Just don't get that small built-in magnetic pad on the back too close to any magnetic media. – Charlie White

Product Page [Brando]