Unusual USB Devices

In addition to portable drives,  printers,  cables,  routers  and other normal devices, there are a whole host of mechanisms that USB technology is used for. Of all new technologies, USB may be producing the most unusual (and sometimes impractical) devices on the market. Many of these tools must be ordered from overseas, so be wary of shipping costs. This guide will help you navigate through the innovative, quirky, the extremely cool and the utterly useless features some USB devices offer.

Relax, Have a Seat

Freaking out about that final report? Stocks collapsing and your futures dwindling on WallSt.com? Well, stop worrying, there's a USB device aimed at you, too. These devices are intended to sooth and calm the frustrated computer user. Might they do the trick? You be the judge.

Vibe USB Personal Massager This massager  might look like an odd variant of a torture device, but it is, in fact, a compact body massager. So pick one up, and give yourself a rub or you and your cubicle mate can take turns, annoying others and wasting company dollars in the process.	USB Frog Massager The USB Frog Massager  satisfies two big niche audiences: persons who are interested in USB massagers and persons who are interested in receiving a massage from a frog. Just push the friendly amphibian's eyes and he'll get right to work.

Roughin' It

If you're ever going out into the wilderness with your laptop, then bring these USB devices along. Whether facing frozen fingers or tied to a tree, these tools will save your life. However, they might not be that helpful in any other situation. Still, you'll be thankful you had them when that single moment of need strikes you.

USB Swiss Army Knife If you're a zoologist in the wild, roughing it but in need of a quick detachable storage device so that when that rhino charges at your laptop, your life's work isn't destroyed, then this 1 or 2GB USB drive/swiss army knife  is the thing for you. Computer heads who can't bare to leave their work at home can keep their storage close to them on that weekend hunting trip. And of course, this USB Swiss Army knife is great for those of us in young companies who commute to a forest for work. In addition to the USB drive, the tool has a nail file, small knife, toothpick and scissors.

USB Heated Gloves

How many times have you had to check your e-mail while pike fishing in the Alaskan wilderness and suffered frostbitten fingers as a result? Well, no more! These USB heated gloves  will keep your hands toasty. They also come in special styles for girls.

USB Heated Blanket

Perhaps imagined as a tandem piece with USB heated gloves, this USB heated blanket  will keep the lonely cowboy cozy under the stars as he pays his cell phone bill and uses Google maps to determine his next cattle move.

Quite Cute

Are you tired of that ugly gray USB Web cam you've been sporting for the past few years? Do you wish that snowballs were digitally powered? Do you have an obsession with puppies, Christmas or just cuteness in general? Well, then pick up these three steals.

USB Drumming Santa The USB Drumming Santa  is for computer users who want to constantly be fulfilled with holiday cheer and impress their niece or nephew. For under $20, you can watch Santa rock out to some classic holiday hits like Joy to the World and Jingle Bells.	USB Puppy Cam The USB Puppy Cam  is actually quite excellent. If you're tired of giving those Web cam confessionals to an unsympathetic lens, try the Puppy Cam on for size. It was VGA resolution and manual focus. The puppy cam comes in two models, Cooper  or Donut.	USB Snowman Continuing the holiday USB obsession, the USB Snowman  lights up by your computer screen and ... well that's about it I suppose. However, if you demand that all of your devices and appliances conform to the holiday spirit, this guy's for you.

No Comment

I'm sure these USB devices will come in handy for someone. Afterall, they are all still being manufactured so the niche must exist. Maybe you're the one who fills it. Maybe you're a true USB obsessee desperate for all the gadget goodies you can get. Or maybe you're a collector hoping that when these products discontinue you can open the first international USB device museum.

Top Tag Pet ID

The Top Tag Pet ID  makes getting your dog back easy so long as the person who finds him has a compatible computer handy. Perhaps a customized dog tag  will get the job done a little easier.

USB LED Aquarium Do you prefer to be distracted by lights and not-entirely-accurate representations of aquatic life to actually getting your work done? Well, then the USB LED Aquarium  will suit your needs. This device uses light to simulate actual fish and a motor to generate a "current" when plugged into your computer. Cyberguys says the USB LED Aquarium can calm you when stressed out on the job.

USB Humidifier

The USB Humidifier  uses your computer's power to fill the area with moisture to help with recovering from a cold or flu, or to cure that dry summer air. While the safety of plugging a potentially damaging steam-generating device into a computer can be debated, what alternative  could you possibly have?

USB Disco Ball

Get the party started with the USB Disco Ball. Bring your laptop to your best pal's frat party and dance away or simply celebrate your latest programming set by plugging in and rocking out. You could even become the life of the four-by-six foot office party. Be careful not to ruin that expensive swivel chair, though. This product retails for about $20, so compared to "real" disco balls, it's quite a deal.

External Resources

• Wired's Weirdest USB Devices: A Wired Magazine article on the strange USB devices available, some of which are also featured on this page.
• USB Brand: A commercial site dedicated to selling all things USB.
• USB Geek: Another good site with lots of USB equipment.