You know that you can attach cameras and disk drives and all sorts of practical things to your computer. But did you know you can attach fish, missiles and beer? Here are a few of the goofiest toys, to give you an idea, and to provide a little warning.
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, that ubiquitous connector for all things digital. Although, lately it appears there are more whimsical applications than practical.
Mini Aquarium
Take my alewife. Please. Actually tropical fish. The USB aquarium is sold as a stress reliever. TIP: Fill it with distilled water, and you'll never have to clean the tank.
ZIOTEK Mini Aquarium
Price: $9.95
Missile Launcher
Ah, but what better way to relieve stress than a missile launcher? This one will inflict shock and awe on every cubicle within 15 feet. Comes with 3 foam missiles.
DREAM CHEEKY USB Missile LauncherPrice: $29.99
Panic Button
And, if everything starts to get out of control, the panic button. Added bonus: It's a USB hub with 4 ports.
ZARIGANWORKS Self Destruction Button
Price: $59.99 br />
Pencil Sharpener
You know that the paperless office that never materialized? Why not have your computer sharpen your pencil?
[Discontinued. Now probably an eBay treasure.]
Beverage Chiller
You might have heard of USB cup warmers. There are chillers, too. Let's see... It keeps cold things cold, it keeps hot things hot. How does it know?
COOLIT USB Beverage Chiller
Price: $24.99
Bottle Opener
Once you've chilled you beverage, you might want a PopDrive. It's an actual USB data drive that open a bottle. Think of the teeth you'll save!
POPDRIVE Bottle Opener
Price: $29.99
Birthday Decorations
The drinks are chilled and opened. Time for birthday party. And why decorate the whole office, when you can decorate the monitor? The USB Birthday kit comes with lights, ribbons, mouse pad and party hat.
KIT/410 USB Birthday Decoration Kit
Price: $9.99
All of the above items were loaned to us by
X-tremeGeek.com
The USB Industry Association is understandably cautious about this, with a reminder to be careful what you plug into your computer. It's a communications standard, not designed to power things like this. Sure, have fun with your computer. Just don't get squirrely out there.
NIPCO Hamster Wheel (no, not a real hamster)
Price: £ 24.95 = About US$50. Online merchants-all from the UK with prices in pounds.
By the way, the faster you type, the faster the hamster runs.
Loaned to us by the USB Implementers Forum.
