It’s not a formal wall socket replacement, but this Elecom U2H-TC410B 4-port USB hub will look sharp (and a bit misleading) when mounted to a desk or table. More »
Kensington’s just released the world’s first Wireless USB universal docking station, conveniently named the Wireless USB Docking Station. The thing suppports five USB devices as well as a DVI monitor, which can then be “attached” wirelessly to your notebook whenever it comes into range. Speaker ports round out the solution, and the whole thing is compatible with any Wireless USB notebook brands. You’ll be able to pay US$230 for one at the end of the month at Dell and Kensington. Is the convenience of not having to plug in five USB devices (or one, if you have a USB hub), a monitor and a speaker every time you sit down worth $230? We say yes. [Kensington]
Your house is wired for networking and you probably don’t even know it. Wires are wires, and the ones that give you power outlets every six feet aren’t much differen than the ones connecting your modem to your network. They’re already in the walls and can carry data as well as power, so think about using this Belkin Ethernet-to-powerline conversion hub to let you utilise the wiring you already have, converting the digital signals from up to three devices and transferring it through your house via a “powernet” to other devices.
Those who threw down the extra cash for a first gen PlayStation 3 got a few bonuses in return–the newer 40GB version is shy a few USB ports, a memory card reader and hardware-based backwards compatibility. Nyko is solving two of these problems with their Media Hub, a 3-port USB hub with media card reader (SD and Memory Stick). Compatible with all available PS3s, the Media Hub snaps seamlessly onto consoles and works from a horizontal or vertical position. Expect the Media Hub to hit stores this August for $20. Sorry you’re still jacked with the backwards compatibility stuff. [Nyko]
A four-way, USB 2.0 hub. A magnetic paperclip holder. A fake fish tank. A seven-colour LED illuminator. Mix them all together, and what have you got? Yes: possibly the worst USB gizmo ever. I mean, what’s next? A USB hub with built-in electric dog-polisher? I don’t know though: if you’re a collector of USB naffness then maybe you’d prize this thing… available now for US$20. [Gadget4All]
