Do you know anyone that is a Homer Simpson fan or just a computer geek that loves a hot drink while online? If so, then you have to check out the newest Simpson gadget on the market.

The Homer Simpson Mug and mug warmer will keep their coffee, tea, or brandy warm while they surf online or play their favorite game. I for one think I need one of these. I absolutely hate to pour a cup of coffee, sit it beside my computer, and then get busy and forget about my coffee. Then when I do remember it is ice cold.

You will really begin to like Homer Simpson if you are not a fan when he aids in keeping your hot drinks warm and inviting while you are working on the computer.
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With the improving technology, keyboards and mice have both undergone numerous transformation in design. With users perferences of optical mouse over traditional roller ball-type, newer and more sophisticated mousse pads are now more widely invested on, especially for Gamers who like smooth touch and transitional surface while requiring accuracy and precision in the control of the mouse.

Motivated by some fast paced games, users are more particular about the quality of their gaming arsenal, i.e. keyboard, the mouse and perhaps even mousepad. Providing a cutting-edge of user’s control of the mouse, Maxtill have revealed that glass is arguably the best material in creating a mouse pad with ultra smooth surface for effortless control of optical gaming mice.

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We all would probably love to have a fish aquarium next to our computers to keep us calm while working or even trying to conquer the world on our favorite PC game. However, we all know that an aquarium next to computer will just not do. Well get the next best thing - the USB Mini Desktop Aquarium. Not only is it an aquarium with life like fish but it plugs into your computer making it even more awesome if you love new gadgets for your computer.

The USB Mini Desktop Aquarium has two life-like tropical fish, which with the aid of a small motor to generate a current in the water softly swim, around the tank. It is just what you need to get some stress relief after trying to meet all those deadlines. The aquarium itself has a high intensity blue LED that will illuminate the water in the tank when you have the lights off and give an even more calming effect. The motor and the LED can be turned on or off independently of each other.
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I am quite sure many of you heard of VOIP (Voice Over IP), and often will relate to the renown Skype Technologies S.A., recently acquired by eBay. Providing several services for many users, including free Skype-to-Skype calls, low tariff rate for SkypeOut, Beta version of SkypeIn and corperate type of Skype Groups, one of the most attractive offers Skype has offered is SkypeOut, with low tariff rates to several countries around the world. Since, acquired by eBay several months ago, there is been largely little improvement to Skype, nonetheless not to mention lower rates.

This is where a new challenger comes in, the VoipBuster! Other than providing FREE peer-to-peer calls, it also introduces FREE IP-to-landline calls to some destinations in the world. Currently at beta release, I have tested the software and it’s brilliantly cost-efficient and worth the money to switch from Skype.

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Edifier, a brand established in Beijing, China, has more than nine years of experience in sound production. Lately, they have unleashed a portable audio system – the MP300, to capture the consumer market. The piece of hardware is actually a 2.1-speaker system, manufactured for the mobile users of notebook (laptops) and portable audio players.

Design with a heavy emphasis on portability and mobility, the MP300 offer excellent sound quality even at high volume. Weighing at mere 1.4kg, it is too invaluable not to be missed by any notebook users, who wish to have personal entertainment system on the go.

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Skype is by far the most popular software on the internet for crystal clear Voice Over IP communication. With this in mind, Elecom decided to release the easy to use, portable BT-MG1.

Basically, the BT-MG1 is a small, pocket-sized USB drive with 32MB of Flash Memory. The unique thing about this little drive, however, is that it is completely configured and setup to plug and play Skype! All the software is preloaded, and also stores all your personal Skype information to further increase the usability of this wonderful little gadget.

The best part is, it’s completely safe from things such as identity theft, and it requires absolutely no downloading or installing to the computer it is being accessed on. You don’t even have to install it on the drive itself!

This handy little device is expected to be released in mid-December (just in time to make a perfect Christmas present!) at an affordable cost of $75. Elecom will also be offering the BT-MG2 which is virtually identical to the BT-MG1 with the exception of giving you the advantage of Bluetooth connectivity. The BT-MG2, however, will go for roughly $105 though.

You know what it’s like your coding (well browsing or gaming) away and your trusty side kick the can of beer become lukewarm with neglect. Well not any more thanks to the USB Beverage Chiller!

We reported a while ago on the USB Mug warmer which may be useful in the office (debatable) but it would certainly be no use for many a late night gadget head whose drink of choice can be found in a can. Fortunately for us the company Cool IT Systems have spotted the gap in the market and released the first USB Beverage Chiller.

Though still at the concept stage it is due to be released in the very near future (I’ve heard rumours of next month). The USB chiller gets all of it’s required power from the USB connection and boasts the ability to chill to 45˚F (that’s about 7˚C in real money :)). I reckon this could prove to be one of the most useful USB devices and beats the USB mug warmer, the USB Guitar and the USB Massage Ball hands down IMO.

[CoolIT Systems via CoolIT Systems (funnily enough)]

2006 is definitely going to be the year of convergence - we’ve seen Microsoft release a new version of XP Media center edition this year and companies are now starting to get behind it in a big way. With the xbox 360 supporting media center extender functionality, the idea of having a “digital hub” controlling your home entertainment is slowly starting to percolate the public consciousness.

A nice twist on the conventional media center PC comes from SecurGen in the form of their IDVR. Not only is it a media center PC, but it can also integrate a home control system and the monitoring of up to 8 security cameras.
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