The intended uses for this hub range from the esoteric to the boring: product testing, ad-hoc mega-NASes and group disk manipulation all make the list, while 49-strong Humping Dog orgies somehow don’t. Near-unlimited pluggability doesn’t come cheap, with the basic hub—without the pictured reinforcement plates or power supply—rings up at about $US650. UK-only for now. [Cambrionix—Thanks, Steven!]

The kit, which includes a netbook carry case capable of holding a 10.2-inch computer, a USB mouse and a four-port USB hub, will be available through JB Hifi stores for just $55 from today. While it does nothing to solve my other problem with netbooks – their purposefully underwhelming processor – it’s a pretty solid option to make up for many netbooks’ shortcomings.

[Targus]

The problem is, the canon and the aeroplane are both severely underpowered—they only support USB 1.1. These hubs are relics to be perfectly honest. I mean, you wouldn’t go to Gettysburg looking for artillery to fight WWIII right? [Cannon and Airplane via GeekAlerts and Geeky Gadgets]

We’re not really sure where this 49-port powered USB hub came from, only that it’s designed not for robot vagina overload (such a waste of potential!) but for laboratory testing situations. But we don’t see any reason not to load it up with our favourite ridiculous gadgetry. [Crunchgear]

There are Transformers and there are Transformers. And while a 10-story Optimus Prime is OK, this $US42 import features a cassette deck (which, in a manner similar to Soundwave, ALSO features a Transformer), plus it can transform into a netbook. And while this “Qosimo” netbook doesn’t necessarily work, the body serves as a charming guise for the 4-port USB hub that lies beneath.

Now, I don’t want to blow everyone’s minds too hard before a weekend, but imagine, if you will, connecting this USB hub Transformer to more USB hub Transformers. Devastator, stand back. [Product via CraziestGadgets]

UPDATE: OK OK, while both the Autobots’ Blaster and the Decepticons’ Soundwave both had cassette deck capabilities, the robot does more closely resemble Blaster. I am SO SORRY. Stop emailing me, fellow geeks!

The Price: $US60

The Verdict: That’s pretty damn expensive for a non-powered hub, even if it does look quite nice.

The moshi logo on the front lights up, the wedge is nicely shaped and it just looks nice, but $US60 is quite a lot for a hub.

It comes with both a USB extension cord in case your machine (MacBook Pro or iMac) is slightly further away from your hub, and a Firewire 400 to 800 converter. But the setup does work, which is what’s important.

So you’ll have to ask yourself whether or not you need both a USB and a Firewire hub, whether you need to have it in one device, and whether you can justify paying $US60 for it. [Moshi]

The device attempts to solve a problem that doesn’t exist—cooling netbooks that generally run pretty cool—while simultaneously destroying a netbook’s main purpose on this earth, portability. Because the USB Mini Netbook Cooling Pad + 3-Port Hub + 2.5″ HDD Dock is almost as big as the netbook itself. Almost. In this case, the USB Mini Netbook Cooling Pad + 3-Port Hub + 2.5″ HDD Dock is just small enough to make the resting state of your computer into a dangerous challenge of physics.

And then it’s painted pink to top it all off, a colour that matches everything.

A two-port USB hub is also included (duh!), and it appears that the speakers can play MP3s directly from your USB devices or hard disks. Me? I’m holding out for the one that also integrates a bottle opener and personal massager. This one’s $US59. [Brando]

SATA HDD Dock Station Combo Stereo Speaker + Hub -

SATA HDD Dock Station Combo Stereo Speaker + Hub is a new concept of
HDD docking with music player. It allows you to enjoy the high-speed
data transfer as well as the wonderful music.

It compatible with both 2.5″ and 3.5″ SATA Hard Disks flexible and
solid easily plug and play your hard disk or standalone playing MP3
freely.

There is a 2 port USB2.0 HUB on the front plate, which helps to access
more USB devices simultaneously. With the built-in USB audio function
and adjustable volume control, the timbre rich stereo speakers of this
docking station brings high quality voice as well sound music to
upgrade the audio system of your desktop computer or notebooks.

Features:
– Standable, convenient, trendy and patented design
– Supports both S-ATA 2.5″ HDD and 3.5″ HDD
– PC connection: USB 2.0
– Built in volume control and mute button – Convenient to use
– Built in 2-Port USB Hub
– Built in Stereo Speaker – speaker output power is 3W
– Built in USB Audio Sound Card
– Line-in function – Let the HDD dock be a standalone speaker system
– Microphone in and Speaker output function – Let you connect it with
a headset and therefore access easily to the VOIP applications, such
as MSN, Skype, Google Talk
– Support Window 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS 9.X or higher
– Dimension: 134 x 117 x 56mm (approx.)
– Weight: 285g

Package Contents:
– SATA HDD Dock Station Combo Stereo Speaker + Hub
– USB Cable
– Universal Power Adaptor (100 ~ 240V)
– Audio-in Cable
– User’s Manual
**Hard Disk Drive is not included

Thank you
Brando

The latest creation from the industry leader in extremely unlikely gadgets, Brando’s Rota-Rota USB hub combines three swiveling USB ports, readers for most flash memory formats (sorry, CF) and, uhh, two thermometers?

Styled more like a 1950’s car accessory than a USB device, the Rota-Rota only looks like it’s made of metal. And before you just laugh this off, consider this: you probably have a USB hub or a card reader, but do you know exactly how hot it is in your office? In Celsius and Fahrenheit? That dream is just $US15 away, people. [Brando]