Gallery: Creative uses for USB ports

The Force is strong in this four-port R2-D2 USB hub. The loveable rust bucket will spin his head and beep when you insert a USB device.\r\n\r\n

There is also a Darth Vadar version available, depending on which side of the morality fence you sit.\r\n

\r\nSilicon.com takes a look at why you need extra USB ports in this gallery.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: Wesco

The Ghost Radar may not help with any gremlins in your system but it will detect ghosts in your office. It responds to changes in electro-magnetic turbulence, heat, light and biometrics to predict imminent paranormal activity.\r\n

\r\nBut peace of mind from ghoulish attacks doesn’t come cheap at around $220 for the 4GB variety. The other drawback is it doesn’t come with a Ghostbusters Proton Gun as standard.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: CNET Crave

A solution to a hot, sticky office has arrived, courtesy of Japanese company Thanko. This is a genuine silk tie (an improvement on the previous silicon model) with a hidden fan in the knot.\r\n

\r\nWhen the mercury rises, slide down the material and let the cool winds blow.\r\n

\r\nPhoto Credit: Thanko Raremono Shop

OK, so most of us don’t lead a James Bond existence, no matter how much we’d like to. But you can bring a little bit of espionage to the office with this hidden flash drive watch.\r\n

\r\nThe 4GB flash drive hides seamlessly behind the back of the plastic watch face with stainless steel mask. It won’t prevent SMERSH’s latest plot to rule the world but it may mean you don’t lose your flash drive quite so frequently.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: MTP

Poor fingers. They really do suffer during the workday, continually banging away on the keyboard. They deserve their downtime too. The finger dance mat gives them the chance to express themselves freely.\r\n

\r\nInspired by the Dance Dance Revolution arcade game, your digits have to follow the lights on the dance pad to accumulate points. The dance mat also comes with a cardboard cut-out disco diva for a truly authentic experience.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: Paladone Products Ltd

The Corsair Flash Survivor is truly the Ross Kemp of the flash drive world – practically indestructible. Encased in CNC-milled, anodised aircraft-grade aluminium, this rugged flash drive is water resistant to 200m.\r\n

\r\nsilicon.com can’t really think of a good reason why you would need a flash drive at those depths but it’s good to know anyway. Maybe pearl divers will find it comes in handy?\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: Corsair

So you recycle your waste paper and you try not to print out your emails. But you want to do more in the office to prevent the melting ice cap and save the endangered bearded vulture and the humphead wrasse.\r\n

\r\nThe ecobutton is for you. When away from your desk simply hit the big green buzzer and your computer will change to energy-saving ‘ecomode’. The clever button, made from recycled plastic, can also tell you how many carbon units you are saving.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: ecobutton

The office arms race has taken a huge leap forward with the Webcam Missile Launcher. The onboard webcam allows you to accurately aim your foam missiles, which have a range of 15ft.\r\n

\r\nThey can even be operated from your MSN, or by friends on your MSN list, when you’re not even at your computer. With firepower like this, negotiating a hefty pay rise shouldn’t be a problem.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: Dream Cheeky

With heating bills going through the roof, we’re all going to have to find more economical ways of keeping warm. Thanko’s dual Heating Slippers offer one solution.\r\n

\r\nThe warming pads within the slippers can be heated to different temperatures, between 35-50\u00baC, for individual feet. Sadly the slippers are only available up to size 10 and only come with a metre long cable. So not ideal for people who have bigger feet or who like to move away from their desk then.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: Thanko Global Technology

Slackers of the world unite, the invention you have been dreaming of has arrived. With one press on the foot pedal you can hide any incriminating windows in an instant.\r\n

\r\nThe switch can also be configured to carry out different tasks and with a whopping six-foot cable you can hide the switch away from prying eyes. Fear of getting caught by your boss will never hinder your YouTube viewing or eBay shopping again.\r\n

\r\nPhoto credit: StealthSwitch

Here’s another place to plug in those precious USB gadgets. This gold ingot is only $74.\r\n\r\n

\r\nPhoto Credit: Thanko Raremono Shop\r\n