It won't conjure up any spells, but Harry Potter's wand does light up at the tip, thanks to the magic of two AAA batteries. For Harry-mad fans, this collectible will probably bring out the closet wizard in any Muggle. A life-like replica of the wand from the instalment of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, this even comes with its own Ollivander's wand box as featured in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Cue orchestra. Unfortunately, cape not included.
By now, the only thing that hasn't been USB'd is probably your kitchen sink. But we wont' bet against that not happening. This USB doorbell acts in harmony with your PC to allow all those MP3 files you've downloaded, er, saved on your hard drive to customize as chimes for your doorbell. Fortunately, this doesn't need to be tethered to work. All you do is plug the USB Doorbell to your PC, load up the former with fav sound files, and voila! Unfortunately, like the Nabaztag bunny, this allows only 30-second WAV or MP3 file lengths. So it's not as if you can play the entire national anthem on your doorbell (for which your neighbors will thank you). That said, it's long enough to play something as simple as telling your guests that you've been abducted by aliens and to go away, to really annoying dog growls. Grrr…
Price: US$99 Availability: At ThinkGeek Device: USB accessory Specs: Needs existing prewired low-voltage (4-24V) doorbell system to operate, powered by 3 AA batteries, compatible with Windows only
Let it not be said that geeks don't have a sense of furniture. Here's one that tops other versions in luxury and comfort. Snowcrash (not the most assuring name for a store) has put out a top-end recliner that's so good, it's baaad. Yeah. Being Swedish in pedigree, you can expect ergonomic lines, funky European aesthetics and quality finish. According to the literature: "The semi-reclining position with the screen at eye level is designed to be comfortable for long periods. Pillows suppot the neck and lower back, arms and legs are supported on adjustable arms and footrests." Now this is the kind of surfing station we'd love to have at CNET Asia. Too bad, at US$4,300, it'd be a tad difficult to convince the boss why this will improve productivity. Horizontally speaking.
If you don't have the Wii, this could be the next best thing--portable table tennis you can set up on just about any tabletop. We can just see how those stuffy meetings can be turned into a power game of table tennis over the conference table. More ping for the pong?
Price: US$25 Availability: Found retailing at Uncommon Goods Device: Table tennis Specs: Four net segments, two net stands, three net connectors, two balls, two paddles, one mesh bag for storage or travel
These have got to be the coolest nuts in town. Brings to mind a former editor at CNET Asia who liked to crack his, ahem, nuts by stomping on them with his size 10 shoes. Then disgusting the rest of us by picking through the wreckage for the meat. This one lets you have your nuts and eat them, all thanks to a design that makes it easy-peasy to crack those tough shells. Comprising a stainless steel bottom and ribbed metal fitting inside the top part, striking the rubber dome does the deed, although we've not taken a crack at this to say if it requires just light tapping or some serious pounding.