
Everybody these days keeps going on and on about how we should start taking care of the environment, how the polar ice caps are melting, and blah blah blah. I get it, we’re not taking care of the planet and eventually we’re going to be totally screwed. Right now, we’re only kinda screwed, so it’s hard to get people to care about saving the environment. Sure, gas prices are on the rise and there’s no clear cut alternative source of power, but what’s there to worry about? I think a lot more people would do their part if it required as little effort as possible.
For all the lazy environmental activists out there, the Eco Button (Latest Buy, $19.95) can help you do your part. Basically, this gadget works with your computer to save energy by shutting down all functions that draw power from your computer except for the very minimum amount of memory it needs to run. Think your hibernation mode is saving enough energy? Think again. This button allows your computer to run on just 1.8 watts of power, keeping energy costs down and, most importantly, saving you some cash. All you have to do is plug the button into your computer via the USB port, download the software from the official website, and you’re ready to start saving energy with the push of a button. And unlike shutting down your computer or putting it into hibernation, you can easily take your computer out of “ecomode” by pressing any button on the keyboard. Your computer will immediately resume functioning and it’ll even tell you just how much energy and money you’ve saved during the latest “ecomode” process.
Come on, how simple does this sound? One push of a button, and you’re helping save the world. It’s a whole lot easier than that stupid recycling nonsense, right? Might as well just stop that all together. Then again, it probably couldn’t hurt to double your efforts.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 0.6″ x 2.2″ x 2.2″
-Connects to computer via USB cable
-Download software from official website
-Puts computer into “ecomode” when button is pressed
-Computer returns to current state by pressing any button on keyboard
-Only compatible with Windows based PC’s


Winter is really a drag, isn’t it? I mean, not only does it seemingly last forever, but it tricks you. Winter starts putting on its coat during February, pretending like it’s getting ready to go, and then all of a sudden just decides to stay for another month or so. It’s pretty shameless, if you think about it. The thing that really sucks about winter isn’t just the cold or the snow (although, those are fairly legitimate reasons to hate a season), but it’s the dryness. Half the time I feel like a snake that’s getting ready to shed its skin, and there’s no amount of body lotion that’s going to remedy that.
Reinforcements have arrived! The R2-D2 USB Humidifier (ThinkGeek, $19.99) is a tiny life-saving device! Alright, so maybe “life-saving” is a little dramatic, but you know what I mean. This little guy plugs right into my computer’s USB port and instantly goes to work to create a moister atmosphere. I’m not saying that it’s going to make the whole room feel less like the Sahara, but it will help your skin feel less scaly. Also, dry air is a common culprit for aggravating cold and sinus issues, so it may alleviate some of those nasty health problems as well. And don’t think I forgot the most important thing – it’s shaped like R2-D2! I mean, hello! Is there really anything else you need to know?
Just picture it: you’re sitting at your desk at work with your miniature R2-D2 humidifying away, happy as a clam. And then there’s everyone else, with their alligator skin and severe congestion, trying in vain to make it through the day. Who would you rather be?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Just add water to top and plug in
-USB powered
-Piezoelectric technology
-Fully licensed Lucasfilm Collectible
-Imported from Japan


I can’t stand being cold. I mean, I think I’d rather be a little bit chilly than insanely hot because then at least you can add layers. It’s not like you can continually strip clothing off if you’re hot – eventually you’re just gonna get down to skin and there’s nowhere to go from there (also, the potential for sunburn in sensitive areas is extremely high). The worst thing about being cold is that even though you can pile on layer after layer, sometimes it’s just not enough. You could have 20 blankets on top of you, but it’s gonna take about an hour for you to get nice and roasty toasty. And I’m impatient, so that’s just not gonna cut it.
What I’m interested in is a good old fashioned heated blanket, but with a more technological savvy twist, like the USB Heated Shawl/Lap Blanket (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $28.95). Specifically made for occasions when it would be virtually impossible or completely inappropriate to be holed up underneath a down comforter, this electrically heated blanket connects to your nearest USB power source. With a 4′ long cord, you’re not going to be tethered to your desk but I wouldn’t expect to be running any marathons any time soon either. For the ladies out there, this blanket can also be used as a shawl and has a button sew in to hold it in place. There’s an interior heating pad with a temperature range of 100 F – 113 F so there’s no way that you’re not gonna be cozy as a clam wearing this.
The only bad thing about a heated blanket is that as soon as you take it off, you’re instantly freezing again, Sure, that’s just like any blanket, but it’s a thousand times worse with a heated one. But then again, it’ll be that much warmer once you put it back on. It’s the same concept as getting out of a hot tub, only more easily accessible while at the office.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 31″ x 17″
-Cord length: 4′
-Interior heating pad
-Temperature: 100 F – 113 F
-Plugs into USB port
-Made of soft plush velour
-Button to hold shawl in place
-Only available in blue


I love to walk around my house barefoot, even in the winter. I’ve just never been a big sock person and I didn’t have much use for a pair of slippers. I have a friend, we’ll call her “Chris,” that is the exact opposite. She hates to have cold feet. Always wearing at least one pair of socks on her tootsies, Chris has been known (on more than one occasion) to rock a pair of slippers over her socks. In fact, she recently bought a pair of slippers that look like sneakers because her usual slip on pair were not warm enough. And just for a frame of reference, the average temperature has been about 50 degrees lately. That’s just how strongly Chris feels about warm feet.
So I searched the Interwebs and finally found the perfect foot warming contraption for my dear friend: the Pink USB Heating Slippers (Chinavasion, $4.98). Not only are they fully functional slippers, but they’re heated from the inside! These things are great because they don’t run on batteries, but they’re not exactly for the ultra mobile type. See, the way they generate their heating power is from the USB port of any computer, game console, or pretty much anything you can steal power from via USB cord. And in case you’re worried about getting your new favorite slippers dirty, all you have to do is remove the foam cushion and heating pad from the inside of the slipper and then you can throw them in the washing machine.
I know Chris will be super excited when I present her with these slippers for Christmas. She’s probably gonna just tear them out of the box and put them on immediately, and then just marvel at the roasty toasty nature of her piggies. I’d get myself a pair, but they only come in pink. Wait, real men wear pink, right?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Size 40 (about 9.5″) but fits almost any size
-Extremely comfortable
-Foam cushion to reduce stress on feet
-Plugs into any USB port
-Machine washable



I never used to understand why people needed to buy external USB hubs. I mean, in the past computers only had maybe two USB ports, but now four is pretty much the standard. And who’s so electronics heavy that they need more than four USB ports? Well, apparently I underestimated the general public, and myself, because those ports sure to fill up fast. Right now I’ve got a printer, wireless adapter, laptop cooler, and a thumb drive plugged into my laptop. I guess if I want to charge my iPhone, I’m pretty much screwed, right? Sure, I could unplug something else, but then it just becomes a hassle to figure out which thing is expendable. Plus, I never remember to plug it back in, which always comes back to bite me in the ass.
Ok, so now that we’ve assessed the need for a USB hub, how do you go about choosing one? You could go with something cutesy (I’ve seen flowerbeds), but I’m more function over fashion. The Stick ‘em Hub (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $15.95) not only provides you with four extra ports (three, if you want to get technical), but also offers a non-slip surface for your gadgets. In case you don’t think that that’s important, just imagine how great less cluttered your desk would be if you had someplace to stick your iPhone/iPod/electronic device while you were charging it. You’d know exactly where it was and you’d be able to access it easily. It would also make a great stand if you wanted to watch videos on your electronic device of choice while charging it. And it’s not a sticky surface so your fave electronics won’t be left with any residue. Best of all, you get extra USB ports out of the deal.
I can only imagine how many things I would plug into my computer if I had the option. I think I would just scour my entire house looking for USB adapters and their respective electronic devices, connecting and charging them at will. Yeah, I’m a dork.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-4 port USB hub and gadget holder
-Rubber holder keeps phone/MP3 player in place
-No sticky residue
-Charge and sync iPod or iPhone
-Fully compliant with USB 2.0 specification
-Backwards compatible with USB 1.1
-Maximum data transfer rate is 480 Mbps
-Connects up to 2 devices without a power adapter
-Individual port over current protection
-Plug and play compatible
-Available in green, pink, or black
