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]

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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

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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]

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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

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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]

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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]

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This is one of those cleverly designed flash drives with mass novelty appeal - especially given the state of the economic climate and our ongoing financial woes. Wouldn't it be nice to smile instead of cry about money (and the fact your favourite cheese has gone up by £1.45 in your local Sainsbury's) for a change. From afar, the LaCie CurrenKey wouldn't look out of place in a pile of spare change. Upon closer inspection, it may look a bit like the plastic money your teachers would give you to trick you into learning, but with a metal exterior, the CurrenKey feels like a real coin - albeit a bit thicker. Just don't mix it with your real money - all it takes is a few drinks and your LaCie flash drive wouldn't look out of place from the coinage rattling around in your purse/bottom of your bag/pocket.

Arrrr mi hearties, if ye be looking for a change of navigating peripheral, look no further than the Pirate Computer Mouse. It doesn't matter if ye be Goth, girlie, pirate, or other, the piratey peripheral can be enjoyed by all. I'm not sure whether this permits you to knock back rum at your desk or have the right to hold up other desks and take their tat booty, but you can try.

There's nothing extra special about it, unless you happen to really be into your pirates or hazardous warning signs. But Jonny Depp does play a pirate in Pirates of the Caribbean and we love Jonny Depp. That's enough justification to get it right? The nautical fantasy starts here. Send your bog standard mouse to Davy Jones' locker and get the pirate mouse here for $27 USD. You'll be able you can sit at your desk singing yo-ho-ho all day long.

[via Bright Blue Moon]

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