Originally published in Potentials
magazine, May 2007Perk up your desktop with these fun and functional accessories that plug right into a computer via USB port
Laptop Essentials Kit Road warriors and compulsive bloggers will appreciate this compact kit from Brookstone, which includes a numeric keypad, optical mouse and adjustable mini light as well as a set of earbuds with a microphone, so users can effortlessly switch between listening to music and making Internet conference calls. The set also includes a 4-port USB hub, so recipients can connect even more USB accessories.
www.brookstone.com$50
Recording Studio Guitar Strike the right chord with this rockin' item, which turns any Mac or PC into a recording studio and amplifier. The full-size, 6-string electric guitar features a maple neck, tremolo arm and three single-coil pickups and is powered through its USB connection. Included software allows users to record tracks and play back other digital music as accompaniment. Headphone output ensures recipient can host a jam session in her cubicle without bothering coworkers.
www.hammacher.com$199.95
Alibi 3-in-1 Web Cam Speaker and Microphone If your office could use a little spy action, this handy device looks like a stylish speaker, but hides a voice recorder and camera that can capture audio and video, which can then easily be transferred to any computer. The device can be customized with a single-color logo.
www.leedsworld.com$68.17 - $98.15 (Prices vary depending on quantity.)
LP-to-MP3 Converter Brush the dust off that 1970 Hot Tuna LP and bring your vinyl collection into the digital age with this clever turntable, which converts records into MP3 files. The device plays both 3313 and 45 rpm speeds and even includes cleaning software to remove those atmospheric pops and hisses.
www.hammacher.com$169.95
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