Whether it’s a home office or a large business, computer and monitors use and waste a large amount of electricity as well as increasing our carbon foot print. A computer left running overnight or for the weekend is where more of the wasted electricity is found as over 30 million of the 60 million home computers and the 104 million office computers are left on. This means about 15 million tons of wasted energy every year.

Many people find their computers producing decorative screensavers are also adding to their carbon footprint since computer still have to run at full power to be able to produce this screensaver. Screensaver isn’t the only piece of computer which using this much energy just sitting on our desks. Yet there is an option for many of us who have to leave our desk several times a day to tend to other business. One person’s carbon footprint from just their home computer can be reduced by more then 650 pounds a year at the same time they save $30 to $50 on their electricity bill just by adding an Ecobutton.

The Ecobutton is a lighted device that sits on your desk just like your mouse and connects to your computer by a USB cable as a reminder of reducing our footprint. Whether it’s a short or long break, you can just simply press the button and your computer slips into an “ecomode” saving energy by slipping into using the same amount of power it uses when your computer is shut down.

Another reminder to boost your choices to reduce your carbon footprint is the software that comes with the Ecobutton. This software tells you how much power, how much money, and how many carbon units you have save by using the Ecobutton.

The Ecobutton is just one more small way each person can reduce their carbon footprint and increase the money in their pocket. With money being tight and our knowledge of the importance of going green, Ecobutton gives us one more step in the right direction, but isn’t the only positive advantage. It also saves us time. To be able to reduce our carbon footprint without the Ecobutton means we have to wait for our computers to reboot on our return.

Saving time and money at the same moment we are reducing our carbon footprint make the Ecobutton a good choice as an addition to all the computer equipment on our desk. The only downfall that can be found is there is no price or information to purchase. This can only be done by emailing the company directly. So check it out and see what you think.

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This one is handy for number crunchers on the road: a mouse that doubles as a numerical keypad. It's better than holding down the Function Key on your laptop for a number keypad, but most people would want it in wireless. Not very ergonomically confortable either.

Cursor shaped Mouse

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Here's an unusual and interesting design: a mouse shaped like a Cursor. We are assured that it is comfortable to use, it's wireless, and that it's no bigger than any other mouse. Judging by the image, we would probably think likewise.

Skype Phone Mouse

 

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This has a handy function for Skype users: a mouse that can be used for making calls. Complete with microphone and audio control.

SpyMouse

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Be careful about what you say round this mouse. It has an inbuilt condenser microphone - capable of picking up on any nearby conversations. The website for this product even say "Exterior look and specifics are subject to change without warning", so watch out - any mouse could be a suspect.

Two Computer Mice you won't find in Shops

The Minty Box

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When you have a spare optical mouse and you've got dremel tools, a minty tin, epoxy glue, a mini-hack saw, and around 4 hours of free time, this is what you get: the creative 'Minty Mouse'

Nintendo Mouse

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Somebody bougght an old Nintendo Controler and installed an optical mouse inside. Result: very cool mod.

Mouse pads have come a long ways in the last several years and a long ways from the plain old foam, plain Jane jobs that we see sitting on top the majority of desks in stuffy offices everywhere. Our mouse pads started out to solve a problem that helped our computer mouse to more easily glide, which gave us more error-free control over our cursor on our computer desktop. The smooth, flat surface of the mouse pad made a perfect location to silkscreen company logos, trademarks and photography that would create another cottage industry of collectible mouse pads.

Today, there are thousands and maybe even millions of different mouse pad designs both high-tech and low-tech, colorful and bland, expensive and cheap that would overwhelm the average person. There is absolutely no way in the world that this article can even to begin scratch the surface of all of the awesome and cool mouse pad designs, so stay tuned for other cool mouse pad articles that I will be writing in the weeks ahead. So, please enjoy and thank you for your support.

Ouija Board

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Honestly, this board game has always given me the creeps and now using the mouse we can channel dead people at the same time as we surf the web. Just don't freakout too badly when you hear voices whispering out from the dark corners of your room.

High Tech Mouse Pad

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What do you get if you cross modern day high tech technology with a mouse pad? You will get the “USB Hub + SD/MMC Card Reader + Mouse Pad” and yes, that is the actual name that the manufacture named it. The name says it all, so I will not bore you with anymore-technical jargon.

Sexy Mouse Pads For Men

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Ewe, I want one of these - not for me, but for a friend (wink!). Not too sure if the mouse pads are ergonomically designed, but who really cares.

More Than Just Another Mouse Pad

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Redmaloo's felt laptop cases are the perfect solution to securing your expensive laptop computer when on the go and transforms into a portable workstation at the times that you want to surf the Internet. It is a laptop case, a workstation and one cool mouse pad rolled up into one.

Cool-iCam Mouse Pad with Built-in Art Pad

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The Cool-iCam Art Pad is the perfect solution to multitasking at the office, because the built-in photo editing tablet allows the user to edit digital photos with professional results. The user can operate their computer mouse, remove red-eye, change colors and edit photos however they would like and all by using this one very cool art mouse pad.

Flexiglow Mouse Pads

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Flexiglow mouse pad allows the user to illuminate the dark and gloomy corners of your office cubicle with your choice of three bright neon colors red, green and blue. Just plug in the USB connection and adjust the dimmer switch to increase or decrease the light intensity and relax with a little extra color in your life.

Mouse Pad with Card Reader / USB Hub / Speaker

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This is the ultimate mouse pad for all of you mulitaskers that need extra USB hubs to connect all of your gadgets to and a 5-in-1 card reader, so to upload your digital photos and audio. The built-in speakers will come in handy when in the mood to listen to all of the free music that you have (IL) legally downloaded off of the Internet.

Color Changing Mouse Pad

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This is an awesome James Bond 007 like mouse pad that at first glance appears to be a plain old black surfaced mouse pad, but just as soon as the heat from the user's hand touches it, then the invisible logo or message is revealed. Now, if only someone would invent a way to hide the answers to the next college exam on one of these types of mouse pads, the world would be a much better place.

Backlit Lighted Mouse Pad

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Lighted mouse pads may not serve or solve any major problem that computer user's must sometimes deal with, but if anything they do help to brighten up with style a desk or office. Really lighted mouse pads are yet another way to trick out your desktop and nothing more.

C-Pen 20 Mouse Pad

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Saved the best for last, as it would seem. The C-Pen 20 Mouse Pad is a multi-functional gadget that takes the stress out of navigation and has 10 programmable active buttons that are located at the top of the mouse pad, so that the user can save their custom commands or more complex macros. The mouse pad comes with a C-Pen, which can be used to replace your standard mouse.

The removal of the cord was the first hurdle to overcome, and next the focus seemed to shift to packing more functionally into a smaller streamline version of the computer device. After mouse functionally was improved upon, the designers and manufacturers began to focus on making the mouse trendy cool for youthful user.

This article only introduces you to a small fraction of a very large product line of computer mouse or mouse-related products currently available for sale on the market today. This is the first article in a mini-series of articles that will present new mouse and mouse-related products to you.

Please, be sure to leave any comments in the comment section provided at the bottom of this article. If you want me to investigate an unique mouse or mouse related product to consider for inclusion in the next article of this series, then please leave a complete website address where the mouse or mouse related product can be found and I will check it out.

1. Wow Pen Traveler

   
   
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   Wow Technology has developed an ergonomic wireless mouse that contains built-in laser pointer and flash memory functionality. This advancement in design and style makes today's “WOW PEN” PC mouse a cut above the rest, because it allows the user to control their computing activities without stressing the wrist or forearm, in which can help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from setting up in the user's hands and fingers joints. Hands up, this is one cool wireless computer mouse.

2. BMW Mouse

   
   
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   This is the perfect mouse for car collectors, because not only does it look like a BMW automobile, but it has working headlights, too. Want more can we ask for?

3. Mouse Skeleton

   
   
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   The Skeleton Mouse gives a whole new meaning to working yourself to the bone, now doesn't it? Your friends and family will freak out after they see this PC mouse sitting on your desk.

4. Aircraft Mouse

   
   
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   Up, up and away. The aircraft mouse flies in the face of criticism and gives you a highflying mouse experience. It remarkably resembles a stealth fighter jet and lights up adding that extra little bit of flare when working in the dark.

5. GamePad Mouse

   
   
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   Gamers prepare yourselves for the ultimate gaming gadgets with this all-in-one PC mouse and gamepad. It works just like any other PC mouse, but the built-in game pad makes playing World of Warcraft (WoW) or any other computer game a snap to play like a pro.

6. Stone Mouse

   
   
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   This is touted to be the first fully-functional computer mouse made entirely out of stone. It is truly an elegant custom computer mouse that gives being stoned a whole new meaning.

7. Bamboo Mouse

   
   
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   The Green Movement should really be impressed with the bamboo computer mouse, because it is entirely produced from a renewable crop product. Bamboo grows rapidly about a foot or more in a single day.

8. Mouse Mouse

   
   
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   Some people just will not be satisfied unless the computer mouse actually looks like a real mouse, so now they have the opportunity to really own a mouse computer mouse of their very own. It is not recommend for anyone who gets squeamish at the mere sight of a real mouse, so in otherwords, this would not be a desirable gadget to give to your mother or sister as a gift or anything.

9. Fishing Lure Mouse

   
   
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   The fishing lure computer mouse would make a great gadget gift for any diehard fisherman that you know. It looks just like a deep-diving crankbait fishing lure without the sharp hooks. This fishing lure mouse is perfect for fishing for information on the Internet.

10. Candy-Filled Mouse

    
    
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    Thank goodness this candy is enclosed in a hard acrylic case, because it wouldn't last long around my house. This is surely a sweet looking mouse that really works, just like any other mouse that we commonly use.

11. USB Mouse with Built-in Skype Telephone

    
    
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    You know that not too many of us can live too long without having our cell phones nearby and this USB computer mouse comes complete with a fully-functional Skype telephone built right into this nifty mouse.

12. The World's Thinnest Mouse

    
    
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    Have you been looking for a computer mouse that is thin enough to tuck into your shirt pocket to take with you when you are on the go? If you have, then look no further than this mouse. It is about the size of a credit card and is a fully functional device that works like any other mouse does. Just don't carry it in your wallet, because it could quiet possibly destroy it before you even have the chance to break it in.

13. Inflatable Mouse

    
    
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    This computer mouse offers something completely unique as it needs to be inflated before being used to interact with your desktop computer. I suppose that this PC mouse would make a nice addition to anyone who already has inflatable beds, couches, and other inflatable furniture scattered throughout their home. Honestly, I would be very disappointed if it should spring a leak and deflate, just when I'm honing in to the high score in Missile Command.

14. Alien Fossil Mouse

    
    
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    Now, I don't really know if aliens or UFOs are really, but I do know that the Alien Fossil computer mouse is. Actually, it looks very strange and probably feels just as strange as it looks, too.

15. Shoei Helmet Mouse

    
    
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    This computer mouse will surely satisfy the most curious motorcycle fetish, because it is after all a miniaturized reproduction of a Shoei Helmet. The only thing that would make this a better mouse design would be if it could actually be worn while working, because accidents do happen at work (like your co-workers walking by and smacking you across your head).

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!

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.

1. Wireless PC Lock
   
   

   This is a great protection against people trying to break in your computer whilst you are gone. You first plug the USB-stick-like wireless receiver in you desktop or laptop, and then place a small badge in your pocket. If you and your badge move further than 2 meters away from your computer, it will be locked. Each piece has its own security code so one computer can only be locked by one badge. I'm sorry to say this kids, but this USB gadget is also useful for parents who don't like their children being at the computer all the time.
   
   Price: £7,99 - €10 - $15

2. Vacuüm Cleaner
   
   

   It's true - the keyboard you're sitting at right now, is the dirtiest spot in your whole house. This USB vacuum cleaner is a great solution for all that. It can easily keep your keyboard clean of crumbles and dust. It is also equipped with two brushes, one for general cleaning and one for cleaning between and underneath your keyboard. Also has two power levels.
   
   Price: £7,99 - €10 - $15

3. Air Darts
   
   

   Have some annoying colleagues in your office? This USB air dart launcher is a great solution. Just plug the launcher in you computer and load it with the three harmless soft foam rockets. Next you aim with your mouse and click to fire. The launcher pans 180 degrees and can tilt up to 45 degrees.
   
   Price: £19,75 - €25 - $38

4. Pencil Sharpener
   
   

   Tired of sharpening you pencils manually? Got some free USB ports? Then this is the gadget for you! Once plugged in, this device sharpens your pencils. Once your pencil is sharp, a LED will flash to alert you. The sharpener is equipped with a tray that can easily be removed for cleaning.
   
   Price: £6,99 - €9 - $14

5. Aquarium
   
   

   This aquarium is the home to two small (fake) fishes. As the power from your USB port generates a current in the water, the fish will start to swim around. It's also equipped with a blue LED that lights the tank. Both the current and the LED can be switched off. The aquarium contains about half a litre of water.
   
   Price: £6,99 - €9 - $14

6. Mini Fan
   
   

   Having a hot day at your office? Bad air-conditioning? Here's a great solution! This USB-powered mini fan will serve you all the cooling you need. It has a flexible neck for easy positioning, soft blades that can't cause any injury and a silent motor so neither you or your colleagues are disturbed. But you can still laugh at them because you're cool and they aren't.
   
   Price: £6,99 - €9 - $14

7. Fridge
   
   

   This mini fridge is a great addition to the mini fan. Where the mini fan keeps you cool, the mini fridge keeps your drink cool. It only takes five minutes to cool your beer to a temperature of 54°F/12°C. The fridge is about 20 centimetres high and is connected to your USB port by a 2 meter-cable, so you can place the fridge under your table.
   
   Price: £12,95 - €16 - $25

8. RC Car
   
   

   Now this is something special. When you plug in this small garage, the battery of the car inside will be charged. After ten minutes, you can use the arrow keys of your keyboard to steer the small car around. You can even press spacebar and make the car honk. Fully charged, the car can drive around for about five minutes. You can also customize the car's decal.
   
   Price: £19,99 - €25 - $39

9. Cup Warmer
   
   

   You have seen a fridge that keeps your drink cool when the day is hot. But what if it's freezing, and you want to keep your coffee hot? Just plug this cup warmer in, place your cup right on top of it and it will be heated up to 120°F/50°C. There is also a LED light showing you whether the warmer is switched on or off and just like the fridge there's a nice long USB cable.
   
   Price: £5,99 - €7 - $12

10. Paper Shredder
    
    

    Have a desperate need to get rid of personal papers or just garbage? This paper shredder can shred papers up to the A6 size, which is equal to two A4 placed next to each other. Your papers are shredded into long pieces of about 3.5 millimetres wide. There's also a reverse switch for when you suddenly realise that you still need the paper you're having shredded.
    
    Price: £10,99 - €14 - $21

5. Modify your flashdrive's icon and name

Using an autorun.inf file placed inside the root folder of the thumbdrive, there are many things you can play around with, such as modifying your flashdrive's icon and name. Personalise your thumbdrives so that you are the only one in the world with your picture as its custom icon! Click here to learn more.

4. Make a "sawed-off USB cable" flashdrive

Yes, the above picture shows a working flashdrive, no matter how strange it looks. Doing this can surprise your friends to a great extent. Learn how do make one yourself here.

3. Boot a separate OS

Hate the OS a public computer is running on? No problems, just boot up a separate OS from your personal flash drive. DamnSmallLinux is only one of the many choices. You can find out more about DSL here.

2. Encrypt your thumbdrive

Encryption allows you to protect sensitive and personal files stored on your flashdrive, ensuring that if you lose your flashdrive, the information doesn't' fall into the wrong hands. Get more information here.

1. Run Firefox portable

Since many public computers do not have Firefox preinstalled, you can use the portable edition of the popular web browser to surf the net, and even synchronize the plug-ins and bookmarks of your Firefox at home to the portable version! Get it here!

In conclusion, your flashdrive has much more functionality than you think, so be sure to explore its hidden potential. For all you may know, you might discover something new!