Slideshow: Top 15 USB geek gadgets

Well we’re on to more practical items here. The USB Hot Plate device plugs straight into your PC’s USB port to create a heated coaster for your cup or mug. It also doubles up as a 4-port USB hub, meaning you won’t have to disconnect anything vital to plug it in, and you can keep your USB Humping Dog connected all the while.

Lay off my blue suede shoes — Yes, well you knew somewhere there would be an Elvis USB dancer didn’t you. The Everything USB Web site says: “The USB Rock Star looks enough like Elvis to appeal to fans and enough not like Elvis to skirt licensing requirements, but he will rock your cubicle like a hurricane. If you truly want to get back at your coworkers, plug the USB Rock Star into your systems USB port and crank up the Britney Spears.”

A classic. As described on this site, this flirtatious, gyrating, portable, 8-inch, bikini-clad blonde pole dancer brings a smile and some festive cheer to both the home and office with her cheeky dance routine. You can even plug her into your PC audio outlet and she’ll dance to your own MP3s and other downloads. This device is definitely for private use. Unless you work for Larry Flint this item is most likely not HR-approved.

This one sounds a little dangerous but here at Layer 8 we’re all about that. According to this site the USB Missile Launcher is the perfect way to waste away the hours in the office or get revenge on the office dolt. Just mount the USB missile launcher in a sturdy place, such as desktop or even on top of your monitor and bombs, or rather missiles, away! Software is included to ensure your missiles don’t end up in your boss’ coffee. Ideal for hard-to-reach targets or really pesky office chums. The missiles are really foam so human resources won’t be visiting your launch pad, er desk.

This little fella nods, but he wags his little tail and the nodding speeds up and slows down depending on what the sensor detects. In attention mode the sensor detects if someone is trying to use your computer, or if someone walks in front of the dog it triggers a warning bark. The USB canine also alerts you when you have new mail, and has an alarm and calendar option. The dog barks 10 different songs, including Happy Birthday to You. No word on pricing and availability, but the company is looking for vendors to carry it for them.

Yes you plug this little baby in and off goes your hamster. The faster you type, the faster the little rodent runs. Real hamster not included.

A Typing Speedometer Mouse? Oh why not. This little guy sits on an exercise bike and well, the faster you type the faster the little rodent pedals and your typing speed is displayed on the LCD readout. A good time can be had by all.

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Be sure to check out 2007 Gift Guide: Storage, big and small