We're not talking about high powered glamorous devices here. We're talking about Christmassy stocking-fillers. So they may not run Powerpoint, but they will play Christmas songs, flash and (mostly) plug into your USB port.

Anna demos the Bamboo Fun Pen and Touch tablet from Wacom. It's a USB pad that lets you draw directly onto your computer. What does Toy Story 3 have to do with this? What is Anna actually drawing?

Available on Amazon in medium (£170) and small (£90).

A clever gadget aimed at reducing credit card fraud: SmartSwipe plugs into a USB port on your computer and lets you swipe your card to enter its details on a site, instead of having to type them in each time.

A USB gadget that is actually useful, it will be sold by Firebox from June. Firebox say it makes paying online easier and safer: "Simply swipe your card and click 'confirm' via the onscreen purchase wizard and your encrypted details will appear in the relevant boxes. The only detail you'll need to add is your 3-digital security code."

The cyber criminal tactic that the SmartSwipe cuts down on is when the record of your keystrokes is hacked and someone accessing your computer remotely is able to tell what buttons you push in your keyboard, allowing them to work out the passwords and numbers that you enter in.

So, SmartSwipe is not fraud-proof, but it does look like a sensible way of reducing that type of cyber-crime. And would be easier to use than having to type your number in multiple times.

Firebox tell us that SmartSwipe is compatible with nearly all websites that take credit/debit card details.

We think £69.99 is a little pricey for this gadget, though it does sound useful.

SmartSwipe will be available from FireBox from June, for £69.99

In the winter I spend my time writing about warming devices. Things like the lunchbox warmer or the hamburger-shaped hand warmer (which provoked an existential crisis in me back in Nov 09). Now the summer has come, things are heating up (sort of) outside, and USB cooling devices are on the table. And on your seat, nestling under your buttocks.

The USB Cooling Seat Pad has a built-in a cooling fan. Makers Brando say: "It pushes the fresh air through countless holes in the seat pad and helps you to stay away from sweaty seat." Lovely.

I gotta say it doesn't look very trendy though. Think about the image you want to project in the office before you launch into buying this one.

From the maestros of the USB gadget - Brando - $25.

A Chinese design student has solved the eternal not-enough-USB ports problem in one fell swoop. The solution is more than just a USB hub, it's an infinite USB plug, that in theory lets you plug in as many USB devices as you can fit on the desk.

Getting enough power for all of them while not zonking out your computer's cooling system could be the problem, but hey, kudos to this student for thinking outside the box.

Sadly only a concept, we hope someone's going to pick this up and start manufacturing.

[via engadget, source yankodesign]

Handwriting tool the The IRISnotes Executive 1.0 turns your handwritten notes and sketches into digital data on your Apple Mac. The battery-powered pen and pad - transform scribbled notes and sketches into editable text on a computer.

The pen works by recording your hand movements which are then transmitted to a receiver on a clip put in at the top of an ordinary piece of paper. The receiver then can be connected to a computer where the IRISnotes Executive 1.0 software converts handwriting into electronic text that can be saved, edited, emailed and shared, and can be transported into Word or other word processing programmes. The files are also archived as handwritten notes.

Good for creative Mac types who like to scribble as well as type.

I.R.I.S. Mobile Note Taker: costs 149€ and will be available on May 1st, 2010, see: website

Mobile broadband dongles have been around for a while now, going from a business buy to a household necessity.

Over the past year many deals have sprung up offering free laptops with mobile broadband contracts, which would in my eyes suggest that these are set to replace the standard wireless connection and work just as well.

I have been a bit slow on the uptake here preferring to use my trusty Virgin connection but after much consideration decided to bite the bullet and buy one of these genius gadgets.

I chose to try out a T-Mobile pay as you dongle, as the coverage in my area was good. It's easy to install and once you're set up, you ready to go. Or so I thought.

On my first day of use the device cut out more times than I could imagine, cue lots of calls to T-Mobile. The people on the other end couldn't see the problem and their first idea was to refresh my dongle. What this basically means is that you can't go online for half an hour.

But of course after this time the problem wasn't resolved, cue another call to T-Mobile, where I sat through an hour of usage and directions but with no result.

Now I'm sure if we can take this as admittance of failure but, by the end of the call, and after all routes were exhausted the technical guy apologised for the "shabby service" and told me I could be better off with another provider.

I've been advised to take the dongle back to the store and replace it with a 3 or Vodafone device. Not really something T-Mobile bosses would be happy to hear.

I want to make sure this problem isn't just happening to me so please leave your comments below and let me know if you have had any problems with your dongle provider.

OK, I admit it, I'm slightly infatuated with the Archos brand, as I've never found another PMP designer that has managed to combine everything a user might want into such a sleek shell. The latest Archos news to whet my appetite (and cause my bank manager sleepless nights ) is that of the Archos 9. Following on from the adored Archos 7 and Archos netbook announcement is the rather stylish looking Archos 9, which tried to be the best of both the PMP AND the netbook world.

Mouse mats are one of those items you don't tend to give much thought to. Generally you either use the rubbish Windows one that came free with your computer, or a novelty football one that you got as a joke Christmas/Secret Santa present. Well I've just discovered some rather adorable designs from My favourite Mirror. There's something a little bit edgy about all the designs, and the one pictured just happens to be the one that appeals to me most, but there are LOADS to browse through, They measure in a 7.5 inches wide and would really brighten up your workspace.

$15 from My favourite Mirror [via Domestic Sluttery]

More computer stuff here

If you're a peripheral person you'll be pleased to hear about the latest creation in Movea's mouse range, the Air Mouse GO Plus. This expands of the features of their previous offering buy giving consumers the option of three assignable buttons to customize their experience.

The mouse lets you work wireless with your computer within a 30 meter radius of clear vision, and the buttons lets you programme features into your device. You can set up specialized buttons for opining applications and playing media, as well as utilizing the gyroscopic features by flicking your wrist to change the volume.

Remember the little piggy that went to market, then there was the one who stayed home, another little piggy had roast beef, the other, sadly had none, then there were these little piggies who cried # I wah wah wah wah wonder # as they played the sounds of the Runaways through their cuddly and cushiony speakers.

Like pink, pigs and speakers in soft plush toy form? Fantastic. They're USB powered so can be hooked up to your computer (desktop, laptop or netbook varieties) MP3 player, PDA and basically any piece of gadgetry that possesses that all important 3.5mm jack.

Is it just me, or do these little piggies are a little reminiscent of sumo wrestlers?

£17 here

More USB peripherals here

Those momentary bouts of office monotony would be sorted with the Hello Kitty and Family Guy USB IZMO's. Like most USB peripherals, you have to install the included software, and then connect your desktop pals to your PC to interact with your computer. One hooked up, they'll respond to your key strokes with about as much movement as a USB peripheral of this size can make. Stewie vocalises some of those one liners he's become notorious for and shoots his taser whenever he deems appropriate (or when the software acknowledges he hasn't done it for a while). Things are a little different for Miss Kitty. As she possess no mouth, the chances of her speaking are next to nil, so instead, she'll turn her head, light up her wand and move her wings (does Hello Kitty have wings?)

Both USB buddies can be found at Amazon. Interestingly, the Hello Kitty model does less and costs more (ahh the power of branding) at $32.40 USD, whereas Stewie retails for a much cheaper price of $19.86 USD.

[via Chip Chick]

More USB peripherals here

Who doesn't love a good USB stick? They're one of the essentials of every day life, but how many people opt for dull mundane versions when they could have seriously geek chic versions? Welcome to the five best USB sticks currently available.

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO START THE GALLERY

Stressed? The answers not if, it's when. Evil emails, caffeine crashes, and call centre operatives who like to leave you on hold whilst they paint their nails all contribute. So a stress ball can often be a good way to relieve tension. But do you seriously need a USB one?

This either implies that you're having such a bad day that you need it RIGHT now, and the fact that you anticipate such stress levels that you'll install software is frankly worrying. Say bye bye to that promotion and hello to RSI of the fingers. You can load it up and even display graphics to relate to just how stressed you are- and if your grip is improving. Yay!

$29.90 from Gadget4All

See here for more useles crap/ peripheral madness

Now I'm not the neatest of persons, a fact to which my flatmates and co-workers will swear to in court. It's a shame I know, but neatness has never really been my priority, yet I hate the inevitable tangle of wires that seems to snake around all my gadgets. The IDAPT charging station seems like a gift from the gods, as it's an easy way to keep you gadgets in juice without any of those pesky wires.

It's available in a variety of colours and has 3 charging slots (you can also get a cheaper model which has two).

Well done to everyone who braved the bitterly freeeeezing cold weather conditions last week as the UK decided to quite literally freeze over. Didn't it give the impression that if you were to step foot outside you would freeze over almost instantly?

One of the uncomfortable side effects of sub-zero weather is frostbitten nips. This particular occurrence is never fun - it hurts slightly and causes unsolicited stares from ogling men (and women). Would a boob warmer ease the pain somewhat? Perhaps, but would you really want a couple of cashew shaped pads with wires hanging out permanently affixed to your bra? I can't imagine doing this in the office would be easy. Thanko (the makers of the Butt Warmer) refers to them as bust pads, so they could even give your boobs a Wonderbra-style boost. Does this make them a bit more desirable?

Now I love my gadgets. My phone is my prized possession and when on occasion it has fallen into the toilet it has plummeted me to the depths of despair.The idea of voluntarily submerging items of tech, seems far fetched but Seal Shield has made it a reality with their line of dishwasher friendly mice, keyboards and remote controls.

No longer do you need to put up with sticky germ infested pieces of electronics as you can just rinse and go to bring them back to a storefront shine. If you're still unconvinced,all devices come with a three year warranty, and are 100%waterproof guaranteed.

What do you look for in a webcam? Highest number of megapixels? Flexible stand? Motion detection? Pah! Forget those, and go for something more cuddly. After all who wants a clear picture when you can have a pen holder instead. Yes, a pen holder. Held by a monkey. A cuddly monkey. With a camera stuffed in there somewhere. Perfect. You do have to pay for this though. Hmm.

$25 from USB Geek [via Geek Alerts]

See here for more peripherals

Buffalo have introduced a new NAS device to their storage line-up, and it boasts some pretty impressive specs. For those unfamiliar with the term NAS, it stands for Network Attached Storage, and is basically a file server that is attached to a network. It lets you stream movies, upload data, and store files, and everyone on the network can access it. Their new line-up is great for households who use a large quantity of media (or download a lot) as it stores a significant amount. I like the fact that the units are also upgradeable, which means they'll be cost effective in the long term, and the Quad is a rather unassuming box, so won't mess up your décor.

The frost outside my door and the immensely embarrassing slip I experienced this morning as I made a mad dash for my train has compelled me to write about something that will help you through the harsh winter. A USB heated blanket may sound like something for the elderly or people with circulation issues, and the person using it in the office may well become the subject of ridicule, but at least they won't be shivering or have ice cold hands that could turn surrounding objects into ice. Or make people feel violated when you touch them for that matter.

Inside its comfy realms, it has a warming pad that'll be sure to defrost your body and leave you feeling all warm inside, instead of what you're used to - shaking profusely till it physically hurts. And if you're one of those bill evaders or cheapskates who live in a cold place, $25 USD is nothing to pay when you think about the money you'll save on central heating.

[via Geek Alerts]

More USB stuff here