When I was a kid, my parents bought me a Radio Shack 150-in-1 Electronic Project Kit. At the young age of 10, I was able to build an AM radio, a wireless burglar alarm that made sounds when Mom entered my room, blinking lights and even my own local radio station. Today, we can buy USB gadgets that are just as useful.
USB Refrigerator
Wouldn’t it be nice to cool a drink while sitting at your desk? The USB refrigerator does just that. Mine holds two cans of Coke or one small bottle of mineral water. The word “refrigerator” is a stretch – “slows down the heating process” is more accurate. You can buy one at Deal Extreme or Ebay for $20-$35. Since I threw away my Jar Jar Binks (the Star Wars dude who talked with a Jamaican accent) soap dispenser, it is the most ridiculous thing that I own.
Jokes aside, my USB refrigerator really works. Put your hand on one and you’ll feel how cold it gets. Until a few years ago, software (think marketing and filesharing technologies) was interesting while hardware (think computers and graphics cards) were boring. Mobile devices and the proliferation of the USB connection have helped bring about the comeback of hardware. Hardware has never been cooler and there’s no better example than the USB refrigerator.
USB Cup Warmer
On the other side of the spectrum is the USB cup warmer. Place your cup of coffee or tea and it heats it up – a bit. The one I bought is also a USB hub and comes with 4 USB ports. USB cup warmers go for $5-$10.
USB Fan Is the office a/c not cooling you enough? For less than $20 you can be the proud owner of a USB fan! They come in all shapes and sizes. A USB fan may not be of much use in the summer, but it will give you a quick burst of cool air.
USB Feet Warmer You won’t get far with these covering your feet, and you probably wouldn’t want to be seen with them anyways, but the USB feet warmer is the most ridiculous way to protect your feet from the cold.
USB Drum Kit Ever have the need to hit something hard while at work? The USB drum kit won’t get you an audition to join your favorite rock band, but it looks like a cool stress reliever. 2 drumsticks included.
USB Microwave
Have you ever wondered what kind of R&D they do at a ketchup company? Heinz has invented the world’s first USB microwave! The Beanzawave (I couldn’t make this up) lets you microwave a can of beans from your desk. Just don’t spill the sauce on your computer.
These USB gadgets have me dreaming. I would love to have a USB pizza microwave (are you listening, Domino’s?!), a USB dishwasher, a USB washing machine and a USB Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. What is your fantasy USB gadget??