USB Engine Hub

(Photo credit: Witty)

Tired of looking at the conventional USB hubs? Why don't you have a motorbike engine or USB engine hub on your desk? This device comes with 3 ports to enable you to connect to any laptop or PC via a USB port. When you plug it into the USB port, the engine revs up to tell you that it is connected. The main feature of this device is that it has a starter pedal and gearshift which make realistic engine noises when pressed. Perhaps, the video here will demonstrate it better for its engine sounds and powerful vibrations.

Donut Flash Drives

(Photo credit: Technabob)

Are you hungry? Would you want to have some donuts? You can choose from three flavors: traditional chocolate frosting, strawberry and a weird green color. These delicious looking donuts are not served for you to bite on as it stores bytes and bits instead of calories.

Gundam USB-Powered Air Ionizer

(Photo credit: Yanko)

Are you a fan of the Gundam anime series? If yes, you will fall in love with this device. This USB-Powered ionizer is useful to keep the air around you ionize as long as your computer or notebook that it is plugged to is turned on.

USB Lighter Flash Drive

(Photo credit: TechIT)

This USB Lighter Flash Drive might not be caused you concern as it does not use a flammable liquid. Rather, it builds on the same concept as the lighter in most cars. It uses small resistance coils powered by a rechargeable battery, in which you can plug it into an available USB port for recharging purpose.

The Smallest USB hub

(Photo credit: WonderIT)

This USB hub is claimed to be the smallest USB 2.0 hub in the world, which is designed to help you connect more peripherals to the PC without occupying too much desktop space. It measures 5.8mm x 28mm x12mm to make it travel-friendly. Though it is small, it manages to cram in four USB 2.0 ports. From the above picture, you can see that it's shorter than the length of two SD cards, weighing about 21 grams.

USB Fibre Optic Christmas Tree

(Photo credit: Compwee)

This USB Fibre Optic Christmas Tree will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit. When you plug this device into an available USB port, you'll experience a warm glow as the tips of the branches glisten with a bright blue shimmer. The sparkling lights from this Christmas tree will give you soothing as well as hypnotic effects besides adding a festive spirit.

USB Owl

(Photo credit: Parker)

This USB Owl is a cute and friendly-looking little owl which is one of the weirdest USB products. The owl will blink sagely, move and roll his eyes around, and rotate his head which will definitely provide you inspiration to any home and office computer users.

USB “Timeless Watch”

(Photos credit: Nakamura)

This USB “Timeless watch” is a combination of a digital watch and a USB. It was designed by the Czech designer, Ondrej Vaclavik. The watch is lightweight while providing time and information. After connecting to a computer or a notebook, it will remain the status of charging.

USB Animal Drives

(Photos credit: Feber)

These USB drives are Swedish products. They're shaped into animals like a gorilla (Fredrik), a sheep (Jan), a turtle (Göran), and a pig(Maud). Each of this USB drive is available in four memory sizes: 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB.

USB Eternal Love Rings

(Photo credit: KimJong)

Are we matched to each other? How long will our love last? Now, let's synchronize these USB Eternal Love Rings to a laptop or a computer to “connect” our mutual love.

USB Hub Photo Frame

(Photos credit: Joey)

This USB Hub looks like a digital photo frame. It comes with four ports and is USB 2.0 compatible. It matches the photo size of 62x 53mm. It's one of the devices to put on your desk to brighten your memories. Besides that, its back light picture frame will brighten up your paper pictures anytime and anyplace you get it plugging into your laptop or computer.

USB Mini Fan

(Photos credit: Erfan)

This super cute USB Mini Fan is shaped into animals like a little pig and a little ducking. If your indoor air is not thoroughly ventilated, don't forget to let this cute little pig or a little duckling to ventilate your surrounding air.

2008 Beijing Olympics USB Flash Drives

(Photos credit: XinChen)

In conjunction to 2008 Beijing Olympic, the USB flash drives took a theme of the Olympic Games in China. They were released with a very limited edition. The 4GB thumb drive of the Olympic torch features the game logo in its centre, with some swirly red cloud around its surrounding. The Mascot-series which consist of 4GB flash drives have their front side printed with images of Fuwa besides the Olympic logos.

Mini cars USB Flash Drives

(Photos credit: FareWi)

These mini cars USB flash drives are one of the weirdest products of USB. They won't take you go downtown but they help to store data of pictures, MP3 and some movie files as well.

(Photo credit: FareWi)

When you plug this mini car into a USB port, its headlight will be immediately lighted up. It's cool, isn't it?

(Photo credit: FareWi)

They also come in a freight car and a patrol car. It's such the weirdest and coolest products ever made!

(Photo credit: Dee)

If you're pregnant or you want to be a mother, it's time for you to have one USB Pregnancy Test device. It's 99% accurate to detect hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), hCG-H (hyperglycosylated hCG - for detection before your first missed period), and LH (luteinizing hormone - for detection of your most fertile days). Note that these hormones don't indicate pregnancy or ovulation respectively as the extenuating circumstances may have affected the levels of these hormones in your body. In addition to these hormones, the device will show you the symbol of a baby, no baby, or multiples and your estimated delivery date based upon your concentration of hCG, hCG-H, and LH in your urine via its onscreen interface.

To use it, you pee on a stick, specifically the absorbent test strip at one end, then you remove the cap from the other end of the stick (to keep you away from casually contaminating) to reveal the USB connector. Next, pop it into your computer and you'll see your USB port starts the electrospray ionization process with a created spectrograph of the various masses for your analysis and urinalysis. After reviewing your test results, just pop the device out of your computer and change the test strip. The display will remain lit for five minutes before power off. It is recommended to use the horizontal USB drives for this USB product to avoid accidental moisture transference.

USB Wheel Phone Stand

(Photo credit: TechIT)

Can you feed your eyes with a visual stimulant instead of hearing the phone rings? Of course, with a device called USB Wheel Phone Stand, you can achieve your desire. However, this Ferris wheel only works for VoIP phones.When a call comes in, this device which is connected to your PC will spin. It's indeed an interesting stuff!

Popdrive Bottle Drive

(Photo credit: Simon)

The Popdrive Bottle Opener is a 1GB thumb drive that is both USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible. This device comes with an attached bottle opener with its entire length in 3.75”, 1.5” in width, and 0.5” in height. Now, you can have this device to transfer your file and open those cold beverages without using your teeth. It also has an attached carabineer-style key chain to enable you to clip to your belt buckle, backpack, purse or set of keys easily. Its unique feature is that it lets you transferring files and opens the frosty beverage with the pesky bottle caps all at a time.

“I Love You” LED Laptop Light

(Photos credit: USBfan)

“I Love You” LED Laptop Light is a device that adds a little more light to your laptop or computer. It might be a perfect gift to give for Techie girl.

Star Wars USB Hubs

(Photos credit: akihabara)

For both computer Greeks and Star War's fans, the invention of R2-D2 and Darth Vader USB Hubs seem to be good news for them. Undoubtedly, the addition of these USB hubs will bring more joys to the computer users. Once you plug one of them into the USB port, it will operate automatically. You will see its eyes get blinking, its head moves and you will listen to sounds actually to what you listen in the Star War movie.

USB Fridge

(Photos credit: feiyang)

This USB Fridge will keep your beverage chilled while you're at your computer. It gets 5 minutes to bring the fridge down to 8 degree Celsius (47 degree Fahrenheit) after plugging it to your laptop or computer.

USB Illuminated Roll-up Keyboard

(Photos credit: Simon)

This USB Illuminated Roll-up Keyboard is made by high-quality silicone and it is washable, water resistance, soft touch while typing without creating sounds and foldable. It comes in white and pink color. This device is so convenient that it can be rolled up and put easily in your briefcase, notebook carrying bag or backpack.

USB Data Injection

(Photo credit: pcjunky)

This is not made for the injection purpose; rather it is used for data junkies. It might be simply made your daily data storage easier and interesting.

Stethoscope looks like USB

(Photo credit: Erfan)

Please don't be mistaken! This is not a stethoscope that a doctor uses to place on your stomach to diagnose to sounds of your heart, breathing, intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins. This USB is used for a direct individual data connection. It is equipped with the properties of hearing, scanning and checking.

Strange looking USB Drive

(Photo credit: 123pc)

This is a very creative designed of a USB drive, featuring in a delicate art in its design. It is a tool for theft prevention on a laptop or a computer that is essential for data security, virus protection, industrial or individual espionage and video piracy.

USB Apple-shape Speaker

(Photos credit: link)

This is an interesting design PC speaker used particularly for a notebook. That means the desktop computer users cannot use this device at their computer desks.

USB Monster Hub

(Photos credit: link)

This monster has six-legged attached beneath its body. It has the ability to hook up to USB devices via any of its highly adjustable limbs. Its furry legs are pretty cool looking. This monster resembles the Dark Star that I watched from the Slayers series.

USB & FireWire Hub

(Photos credit: Hume)

This stylist USB & FireWire combination Hub is designed by Ora-Ïto for your PC or Mac. The hub is round in shape, and has a white polycarbonate appearance. The add-in 4 USB ports and 2 FireWire ports allow you to connect iPod, PSP, mobile phone, movable keyboard, camera and printer simultaneously. That means you can connect up to six devices at a time. It comes with 8 flexible and twistable cables (5 USB 2.0 & 3 FireWire 400), a USB fan, a USB light, a USB extension cable and a FireWire 400 extension cable to make it fully equipped for all the connections the computer users required. Indeed, the connectivity with this interesting USB hub will let you experiencing the creativity and beauty of the art.

A Purse's U-disk

(Photo credit: KimJong)

Nowadays, a USB is like other fashionable hairstyle and clothing has become a modern trend to suit different requirement and situation. Like what you see in the picture, this is a female-like modern purse U-disk. It is particularly favored by females, spy agents or female detectives.

A Porcupine fish's U-disk

(Photo credit: Jack)

Hey, you, SpongeBob, don't make me angry; I'll stab you!

Christmas Cake USB Hub

(Photos credit: Yaujima)

This creamy cake is a product of Japan. It has 4 ports that are decorated with four USB strawberries, measures 120x120x130mm, and weights 650g. It offers up to 1GB memory and is compatible with OS Window 2000 and later. This sumptuous like creamy USB Hub cake looks like a real cake but unfortunately you're not tempted to have a slice of the cake.

Wooden USB Memory Sticks

(Photos credit: Joana)

These wooden USB Memory Sticks are available in memory sizes of 512Mb, 1GB, and 2GB. They're USB 2.0 Memory sticks which are compatible to Window, Linux and Mac. These memory sticks are useful to have around when transferring files from a computer to another computer.

My computer isn't typically slow but there are days it takes forever so this got me think of little things I could be doing while I was sitting here waiting.

I checked out some sites and came across lots of little office toys you can plug into your USB ports but my list contains merely little cheap USB toys that will make you smile.

USB Dog

 

I know some people out there might not find this funny but to me these USB Humping Dogs are so cute and hilarious. They are fairly cheap only costing $12.99 from most computer gizmo shops, and once plugged into the computer they start humping the USB stick with speed. A great gag gift for someone close to you and will definitely put a smile on most people's face.

USB Retro Upright Vacuum

 

Now don't expect to clean the house with this little guy but it is meant to clean up around your computer work area. It works just like the normal size vacuums only smaller and is still pretty powerful. Easy to clean and only cost $19.99 perfect for that clean freak you might know.

USB Missile Launcher

 

Ok, ok I know what the majority of you are thinking and your right this is kind of an immature toy, but still it puts a smile on my face so it's bound to do the same for another. This USB Missile Launcher cost $29.99 and is ready for firing out of the box. Just simply plug it into your USB port and aim the missiles with your mouse and press your button to fire. The soft foam darts will shoot an amazing 12 feet and is guaranteed to make someone smile.

USB Kitty

 

The USB Kitty is a neat little gadget for the desktop of cat lovers. This little guy is totally functional and uses voice, sound and motion technology. It sits on your desktop and every now and then lets out a little meow when it senses your movement. Great little gift for that special pet lover and only cost $24.99 at most gizmo stores.

USB Hamster

 

Here's another cute little USB toy for the pet lovers out there. This little hamster on the wheel is cute and will run around the wheel as fast as you can type on the keyboard.

USB Putter Return

 

Finally for all you hardcore golfers there is a putter game now available for your desktop or laptop computer. It returns the ball and keeps track of your score and anyone else that plays. For only $18.99 you can't go wrong for such an enjoyable game.

USB Motorcycle Engine

 

This little toy appealed to me because I am a huge fan of motorcycles. This little USB gadget once plugged in sounds like a chopper and also has totally function parts. The block moves up and down and if you switch gears the engine sounds changes like it does when you shift on a normal size motorcycle. For only $39.99 it makes the perfect gift and will put a smile on any motorcycle lover's face.

USB Chameleon

 

This life like Chameleon has to be one of my favorite USB gadgets yet. I only recently fell in love with lizards because my youngest step daughter had gotten one for a birthday present. It sits on the corner of your screen as you can see and every now and then it rolls its eyes usually in different directions. This little guy will definitely bring smiles to anyone you see's it in action and for $24.99 I think I'll be buying one.

USB Greenhouse

 

If you're a plant fanatic then this little USB greenhouse might be for you. All you do is simply place the soil in the bottom of the greenhouse, and then you plant the Marigold seeds which come with the package and plug it into your USB port. Water every couple days and watch your plant grow big and healthy. It's pretty reasonably priced at only $29.99 and makes a great last minute gift.

USB Bendi Board

 

Are you messy or accident prone like me? If so, then this might be the answer to your problems. This is the Bendi Keyboard which is totally functional and almost indestructible. It's made from 2 pieces of rubber totally sealed around each key eliminating the worry of spilling drinks on your keyboard and much more. It's easy to use and very easy to clean since it is machine washable. The average price range for a keyboard similar to this is about $30 which to me isn't all that bad considering how messy I can be at times.

No matter if it's a cell phone covered in diamonds or a toilet covered in 24k gold; people do stupid things and buy stupid things when they have too much money. Even when it comes to computers for some people money is no object and they want the best or most expensive that money can buy.

Here's my list of six of the most remarkable and expensive computer accessories you can find on the market. You might not be able to afford any of these products but hey there are people out there that can. So check out my list to see what rich people like to buy for accessories for their computers.

CineMassive MasterPlex 30D

 

Now this computer display is for the hardcore gaming fan or person who spends 95% of their time in front of a screen. This 6 screen monster is said to be one of the biggest screens available for consumer purchase. The center screen is a 30 inch LCD and is surrounded by five 20.1 inch LCD's which gives the user a total of 13,696,000 active pixels. The whole unit stands about 34.8 inches tall and is 55 inches wide. When the CineMassive MasterPlex 30D was released to the public it had a whooping price tag of $7,499 but now you can get this beauty for a mere $5,995 from their website. This might not be the biggest and most expensive computer display but it was the only one I found with a price tag.

 

There is word that Siemens is in the process of perfecting this gigantic 8 panel seamless computer display which is said it will bring user fatigue down drastically. There is no exact word of price or release date but rumor has it this beauty will be on the market by the end of 2008.

Happy Hacking Keyboard HP Japan

 

Now it never seems to amaze me what the Japanese comes up with but this one, even surprised me. Although this looks like an ordinary keyboard the price for this little gizmo is a whooping $4,400 US making it one of the most expensive keyboards in the world.

You ask why such a high price? Well maybe it's because the whole keyboard is hand made and painted, or maybe it's because it's dusted with gold dust. If you can believe this some sites even say the hairs on the brushes used to lacquer the boards are that from virgin females but no word if that's fact or fiction. If you got about $4,500 laying around then maybe its time to upgrade your keyboard to this unique accessory.

Pro 2 64 GB USB Flash Drive

 

Now here's a beast of a memory stick for you data hungry freaks who like to keep back ups of everything. This is the Pro 2 GB USB Flash Drive 2.0 will hold a mass amount of data for those business presentations or whatever you might want to download to another computer. Even use it to store downloaded music or movies but be prepared to pay a hefty price for this little guy. The Pro 2 will run you about $3,340 but if you ask me Ill stick to the cheap $20 memory sticks just incase I lost it.

Zeus' Platinum PC

 

Now if you're bored looking at your same old pc tower day in and day out then the Zeus Platinum PC might be for you. This PC is being called by some people as the World's Most Expensive PC because its casing is made out of platinum and the diamonds form star constellations around the case. If you think it's pretty and looks expensive then you're absolutely right because this PC tower cost nearly $800,000 US. There is a gold model if this one is to steep in price range and it will only cost you a mere $650,000.

Most Expensive Mouse Pad

 

I personally don't use a mouse pad because I have a laser mouse and it seems to work just fine for me, but for those you who do use mouse pads then this top of the line pad might be right up your alley. This is a basic mouse pad made of solid carbon fiber with an inlaid leather mouse area. Looks nice and is easy to clean but is it worth the $489.00 US that it sells for? Probably not!

Expensive USB Mouse

 

Now I couldn't finish my list without including one of the most important accessories of a computer, the mouse. Now this beauty is made out of 18 carat white gold with 59 brilliant cut diamonds that are placed in whatever pattern you want. Makes for a great anniversary gift to that special someone but just be prepared to pay at least $24,000 for this item

So that's the list and if you have $838,224 US sitting around you want to burn, then you can afford everything on the page but for me I guess I'll just keep dreaming!

The Thumb Drive

Another name for the USB flash drive is the thumb drive. That is probably the reasoning behind this thumb designed flash drive.

The Teddy Bear Drive

This is a modded drive that you probably won't find for sale. The either gutted the drive and inserter the contents where the head should be, or they just stuck the casing and all in place. It's not exactly portable, and would almost make a portable hard drive more practical, but it would still be good for a few laughs at work or school.

The Swiss Army Knife USB

This new Swiss Army Knife USB has to be one of my favorites. While it would not be acceptable for minors to be carrying around, it would be a nice USB drive for those who actually carry a Swiss Army Knife anyways. These come with storage capacities of 64mb to 1gb and are sold online.

The USB Watch

Nothing like carrying and displaying your USB drive on your wrist wherever you go. You probably won't forget this at home, but it would be very strange to be walking around with a USB on your watch.

The Lego Brick

This was one of the original modded USBs that got people thinking, but I believe you can now purchase them online for about the same price as a normal USB. What can a Lego brick not do or make?

The NES Controller USB Drive

These controllers are used more for geek oriented mods than they are for gaming at the current time. This is just one of the many USB styled drives made from a NES controlled. If you mod it correctly you can even still use the controller.

Backspace USB

Another common modded drive would be with old keyboard keys. They give it a real computer styled look. If you have a friend who isn't computer savvy you can use the enter key with the arrow pointing to the side you stick into the computer to pick a joke at their inexperience with computers.

Chapstick USB

A common item you'd find in your pockets was turned into a USB. It was a custom mod that you may need to order a special sized USB to get it to fit. It's not the front part that would be cutting it close, rather the insides of your USB.

Chewing Gum USB

Rather easily done, but unique to say the least. There are several different gum and mint containers that are easily transformed into a new USB case. Simply cut a hole for the front to stick out, and secure your USB with glue or tape.

Disposable Lighter USB

Do you have a bunch of these disposable lighters lying around that don't work anymore? You can turn them into a cool looking USB drive with little work. Just gut the insides and cut the hole and you're finished.

Every week people are creating more unique variations of the USB. There are two ways to mod a current USB to create one to your style. You can simply secure it in its current casing, or remove it from the casing completely for the tighter fits. Experiment with different casings until you find one to match your style. Who knows, maybe if you put a picture of it up on the internet you'll see it going viral on the tech blogs.

A collection of some unusual computer case. A product of imaginative and fantasizing minds.

Bat-Mobile PC Mod

Batman's Bat-Mobile PC mod.

Aquarium PC Mod

Recycled aquarium computer case.

Lego PC Mod

Lego PC case.

Microwave PC Mod

Computer case made from recycled crap microwave oven.

Frame PC Mod

Open frame computer mod, easy hardware installable.

Atlas Robot PC Mod

Robot fanatic computer case.

Piano PC Mod

Musician's computer case mod.

The Heineken PC Mod

Heineken beer computer case.

Wooden PC Mod

Mahogany wood computer mod.

R2D2 PC Mod

Star Wars' R2D2 computer case mod.

Army Humvee PC Mod

Army Humvee vehicle computer case mod.

Metal Crap PC Mod

A computer case made from heavy metal craps.

Gas Pump PC Mod

The John Deere gas pump computer case mod.

Precious Wooden PC Mod

Volks Wagen PC mod

Volkswagen computer case mod.

WMD PC Mod

Pumpkin PC Mod

Halloween edition computer case mod.

Toy Car PC Mod

Computer case made from car toy crap.

Steam Punk PC Case Mod

Steamer computer case mod.

Toilet PC Mods

Annoying toilet bowl PC case mod.

Airline PC Mod

US airlines PC mod.

Basic Onboard Items

• All desktop systems should come with the following connections:
  
  
  1. Onboard LAN Ethernet connection. 10/100 is standard but a 10/100/1000 is the faster model of this port. You will use this port to connect to your high speed internet connection.
     
  2. Multiple 2.0 USB ports, a minimum of 4. These are necessary for your devices you will plug into your computer such as: keyboard, mice, video cameras, MP3 players, and other items.
     
  3. Onboard Sound. This should include: output, microphone, input, and output to speakers. Newer system might also include a SPIF jack which is for higher fidelity output to stereo systems.
     
  4. PCI-Express card slot on motherboard. This is primarily for the ability to add a fast video card.
  5. PCI card slot available on motherboard. This is primarily for the ability to add numerous different cards like a video capture card.

Operating System

• Windows is the prevalent operating system. Unless you are a computer geek, Windows Vista will be operating system you will be selecting. Unfortunately there are different flavors.
  
  
  1. Vista Home Basic is similar to Windows XP Home. It is nice, but lacking some of the nicer features that makes Vista better than XP.
     
  2. Visa Home Premium is the upgrade from Home Basic. One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of Windows Media Center. This is very helpful for making your system a Digital Video Recorder. Also it includes the added benefit of burning DVDs that will play on regular DVD players.
     
  3. Vista Business is the business orientated Vista. You would think that it includes all the features from Vista Home Premium, but it does not. It more built around remote office computing, with a built in fax machine. Many of the options you can add on later with other programs.
     
  4. Vista Ultimate is Vista with all the bells and whistles. If you really need to have every option available, then get this.
     

• Overall, Vista Home Premium is the selection most home users should select.

AMD or Intel

• These two companies are always one upping each other for who have the faster processor. History has dictated that AMD will have slightly cheaper prices, but Intel has an overall speed edge. What you should be looking for today is a multiple core processor. Speed in MHz is no longer a direct correlation to speed of the unit.
  
• For the safest bet, is to get an Intel unit that is in the same price range or slightly higher than the AMD. AMD is known to push the envelope and be a bit less reliable.

Size of Computer

• Yes, size is now a factor. There is the standard tower or desktop models, but some companies are coming out with Slim and Micro Factor models. In this case the smaller the unit the more expensive, and possible limitations of what you can put inside.
  
• It is a safe bet to go with the regular size case, since it is cheaper and has the ability to hold all the upgrades that you will want.

Video Card

• Many computers come with onboard video capabilities, yet these computers have the ability to add on a video card for better performance.
  
• When will you need this? If you plan on playing any high end games, show any high definition video, or using dual monitors.
  
• For best performance you will need to have a PCI-Express port available in your computer.

RAM

• The guide for this is usually the more the better.
  
  
  1. 1 gigabytes is the minimum to run Windows Vista.
     
  2. 2 gigabytes is good to run all the functions for Windows Vista.
     
  3. 4 gigabytes is best amount to have.
     

• If you have more than 4 gigabytes the operating system might have problems detecting and using the additional RAM.

Optical Drive (DVD, CD, Blu-Ray)

• The advent of price reductions all computers should come with DVD +- RW. This means it has the ability to read and write DVD's in both + and - formats. If a unit can read and write to a DVD it can do the same to a CD.
  
• Blu-ray (pronounced Blue Ray) DVD is the new high capacity standard that is capable of storing 5 times the amount of data as a regular DVD. Currently is an expensive add on, right now you should avoid it.

Hard Drive

• The bigger the better. The first hard drive you put into the computer will always be in there. Have the ability to add an additional hard drive, but not replace the first. SATA is the current data transfer technology.

Upgradability

• Today all you might upgrade is the video card, additional cards for the PCI slot, RAM, and hard drive.
  
• It is better to not upgrade the operating system to the successor to Windows Vista. It is better to use the computer with the original operating system running at a decent speed, than run a slow operating system.
  
• With the low cost of computer equipment, upgrading your system beyond what it is supposed to be capable of is not cost effective. By the time a new operating system is out it is time to buy a new computer.

Brand Name

• Dell, HP, Acer, Levono (IBM), Gateway, and Toshiba are out there for you to buy their websites and by phone.
  
• Another way to purchase these brand names is now at local stores. Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, or any other big box or electronic store.
  
• A name brand computer will be supported by the manufacturer and have better warrantee's than custom built system.
  
• It is always better to buy directly from the manufacturer for warrantee issues.

Overall you should buy a computer that is within your budget, because they are not monetary investments. Computers will depreciate faster than your automobile, but they are now a necessary tool in today's world.

Are you worried about what people might find on your USB if it is lost or stolen? Then look no further than this neat little gadget that has military style encryption and even allows you to set a pin number so you and you alone can access the contents of the drive. Perfect for those porno peepers who do not wish to be discovered by spouse or if you are writing that oh so secret diary that no one, but no one can see. That is, of course, until you publish it on your blog so the world, its wife, the sheep and the water melons can read your innermost thoughts about their various uses.

The Love Hippo

Some think the Noble hippopotamus, a somewhat pointless rhinoceros - or at least that was the observation of the poet Winstanley. Hippos have had a bad press of late, what with squishing lots of American tourists, similar in girth and weight to themselves. Is there such a thing as hippo envy one wonders? Whatever the case, this hippo could find herself described in the same way the British rather pompously inscribed their one pound coin. Decus Et Tutamen is the phrase, which means decorative and useful. One for lovers of cute rather than the aesthetes of our little blue planet, I would imagine.

What came first, the chicken or the USB?

A rather frightening addition to the host of strange and peculiar USBs available, this peculiar piece of hardware should neither be confused with the Firefox extension of the same name or the game which is taking the domino world by storm at the moment (I kid thee not, there is a domino world and there is a game called chickenfoot). There is an ancient superstition that if you eat a chicken foot you will become handsome, so perhaps this could be your choice of gift to the geek with the lank hair and the spots who works in your IT department. You know the one. Yes, him.

Doggy biscuit bones

Your tastes may veer more towards the canine so these may be the perfect USB for dog lovers everywhere - and I choose my words carefully. Shakespeare once exhorted us to “Fill all thy bones with aches” and so this may be a great flash drive if you want to catalogue your daily miseries. Or plot, perhaps, your revenge on those who have offended. After all, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will make me go and sit in a corner and cry for hours. One advantage of these items is that the lid flips over and stays attached meaning that you can never lose the top of your USB, unlike your heart.

Boy racer heaven

Perhaps you are a secret boy racer and have in your fantasies dreamed about zooming, fifties style, around the water systems of some American city while your girl cheers you on to victory against that nasty type with the leather jacket. This model then, may be for you. I have never been sure about the combination of cars and the fairer sex. After all, Albert Einstein once said “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.” As possibly the cleverest guy on the planet ever, his words must be taken in to account - at least a little.

Swarovski - AT Your Own Risk

Any gentlemen reading this may find it a hoot to give the above Swarovski crystal USB to the lady of the moment. However, give it a thought or two before you do - receiving this as a gift may increase the expectations of the lady in question to an unfathomable height (if that isn't an oxymoron). She may well see it as a precursor of the real thing. Remember the immortal words of the sixteenth century English poet, Donne, upon his wife and his marriage: “John Donne, Anne Donne, Undonne.” Cynicism aside, if your lady veers on the right side of sanity, this may amuse and entertain her for a while, but buyer beware!

One for the Lecter in all of us

This would look rather pleasingly gruesome sticking out of the side of your laptop or PC, so those of a slightly queasy nature may not appreciate the biological humor involved. Neil Armstrong said in an interview that while standing on the moon (conspiracy theorists, give me a second here) he was able to blot out the earth with his thumb. What he should have said was his thumb, safely encased inside a bulky space suit because the consequences may have been serious otherwise (and in space, no one can hear you scream out expletives as a vacuum renders you quickly speechless - the original byline for the film Alien incidentally, considered too long, much like this sentence).

Mr Simpson's Choice

You don't need to be a foody to appreciate this one - just a glutton. One of my favorite Kurt Vonnegut retorts was “I couldn't give a flying f**k through a rolling donut” and if you are of a similar bent this may be the USB for you. You can work out your perspective on life itself with this one. If you see the donut, you are an optimist. If you only see the hole then, I am afraid, you veer towards the pessimistic view point on life, the universe and, well, everything. Hopefully it will be the former. As a certain Matt Groening once said: “Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?”

The Utility USB

Holy Flash Drives, Batman! This one may well turn out useful if you find yourself short of a tool or two but only when you're not using your PC. The only problem is that when the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem begins to look like a nail. This may, then, not be a good present for the suggestible friend or the inquisitive child. One could be tempted to self harm with this baby. However, if that happens keep in mind that self harm is a sign of distress, not madness. Congratulate your friend or child on their survival technique and move on together.

In Vino Veritas

Red, red wine, goes to my head - so says the song. If you have a fondness for the red grape elixir with a bite then this is possibly your USB of choice. Don't overdo it though, because when the wine is in, the wit is often out. Even Shakespeare had words to say on the subject, even though it is thought that an alcohol induced snooze under a tree led to the cold which led to his demise. He said that “good wine is like a familiar creature if it is well used.” How would Shakey's take on the world change, could he see our world of overindulgence and excess? He could throw his lot in with Johnny Depp who used to date a certain Ms Rider. When they split up he had his tattoo changed from “Winona Forever” to “Wino Forever”. Did that man have to act to play Captain Jack?

In the Biblical sense? Really?

This one is a little worrying, to me at least. Dylan Thomas once said of the Welsh that they were a nation that prayed on their knees every Sunday and on their neighbors for the rest of the week. Can you imagine any current candidate for the American presidency getting away with saying the following? “When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion.” That was Abraham Lincoln who probably did more good during his presidency than either Junior or Senior has today (and on a religious note, I will not make any poor taste joke about a burning “Bush” here). I have looked and cannot find an equivalent Koranic USB, which makes me ponder as to who takes their holy book more seriously.

Holy Data Bombs, Batman

For some reason, this seems like the next and obvious choice on this list - why? Answers on a postcard please! This may be one if you wish to shock or awe your colleagues but it may be wise to err, depending on what you surname is. We live, after all, in suspicious times. Whitney Brown once tickled me pink - “Our bombs are smarter than the average High School student - at least they can find Kuwait”. Seriously, though, if this one starts tucking in your office, vacate the premises quickly. Don't have nightmares!

Bullet Proof your data!

This leads us on to this model - the original bullet proof USB, or at least that is how it is marketed. It would take a pretty sharp sharp-shooter to pinpoint this on a moving object, but I guess I am taking the sales pitch too seriously. Do you remember when the Washington Bullets changed their name because they didn't want to be associated with crime? They're just called The Bullets now. This little beauty is designed for those of you who have an extreme active lifestyle. Considering you are sat at your PC reading this, I can only assume it will be of little interest. So, let's move on.

Life is a gamble, after all!

You may prefer to gamble rather than gambol through life - in which case this may be your USB of choice. If you are of the school that money won is twice as sweet as money earned, you could take your chances on this. It may be a warning from the manufacturer, however, that this hardware is just as likely to fail as it is to work, so be warned! I think I may take my chances with another model - after all, in a bet there are always at least two people involved, a fool and a thief.

Canine Capers

If you use your internet connection as a means to watch mammals (of any particular species) doing it like they do it on the Discovery Channel, then this may give you a giggle or two. If anything more, go and wash your hands immediately! Dog lovers - and here again I chose my words carefully - may get a little queasy on first site of this and call their therapist immediately. If so, remember what Ben Williams said: “there is no psychiatry in the world like a puppy licking your face.” I repeat, face, for all of you potentially sick puppies out there.

First, remove the casing of the computer. Make sure you have the anti static wristband on and the alligator clip tightly fastened to the computer case to avoid a static discharge. There are typically four screws in the back thin metal panel to be removed allowing the metal casing to slide free from the tower. In newer computers such as Mac, HP, Compaq, Gateway, and Dell there are two screws on one side of the tower at the rear that will allow the side panel to be removed for access to the motherboard and other internal components.

The second step is to locate the card to be replaced or installed. This is most easily accomplished by looking for the card in the rear of the computer such as a video card or modem then sliding your hand around to the inside of the case to assure you have the correct card. Then removing the one screw in the thin metal strip holding in the card.

The third step is to place the tower on its closed side down. Now put one hand on the metal strip of the card and the other hand on the end of the card. Apply steady pressure up to disengage the card from the motherboard slot. This is not complicated and computer cards are relatively strong.

For the fourth step unwrap the new card from the plastic static resistant packaging. Hold the card in the same manner you removed it and line it up with the motherboard slot making sure the line in the center of the card lines up. Most newer computer card boxes will have a sticker on the side telling the consumer what type the card is PCI, AGP, or PCI Express. When you are satisfied the card matches the motherboard slot apply gentle steady pressure straight down, this is important to insure you do not bend the metal strip or break the sensitive contacts on the card itself.

For the fifth and final step, replace the screw you removed in step two to the metal strip of the card and the computer case. Now replace the side or rear panel of the case and the case screws. Stand your computer in the up right position and press the power button, making sure it doesn't make an unusual beeping or thumping noise and boots to your operating system. Insert the software disk that came with your new card and follow the onscreen instructions.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your first computer card and saved some money to boot. Showcase your talents next time someone needs a card replaced and make a little money for your very hard work and time.