If your office isn't quite overrun with newfangled USB-powered devices, well, maybe it should be. Joining the staggeringly-long list of
lava lamps,
seat coolers,
deco lights, and other
curious adornments, the USB hamster wheel is yet another incredibly novel way to make a spare USB port feel appreciated. Although most of these gizmos distract you (and your
co-workers) from meeting those deadlines, this rodent could very well assist in boosting your productivity level. After the little guy's software is loaded up and he's all plugged in, just start typing to see his wee legs start to move. The quicker you type, the quicker he scurries, and we assume you don't even have to type actual words to get that wheel a-spinnin'; if an alarming stream of smoke begins to form, you can let the critter cool off by just flipping the on / off switch. Oddly enough, this USB-powered device still requires a couple AA batteries to operate, but if you need an
alternate form of motivation to get you going each morning, the hamster wheel is available now for £24.95 ($47).
[Via
Uber-Review]
posted Oct 4th 2006 11:05AM
Bummer.
I was kinda hoping for the alarming stream of smoke.
Perhaps with modification that could be useful for at a couple of the LAN parties I've been to.
Pizza's on me fellas.
Pizza's on me.
Wait, this is backwards, should the hamster run in the wheel an provide power TO your computer? A few hundred of these things hooked to some USB hubs and you wouldn't have to plug your computer into the wall.
I wonder if this would respond to stepmania...
(pulls out Quasar stepchart)
bit old maybe? I got this as an xmas pressie last year from M&S in the uk. But its STILL a talking point in the office as its so, well, apt !
Is this the same wheel?!
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1569125216323959688
I was hoping it was a hamster powered wheel to run my usb powered fan...
"Ezekiel saw the wheel...
This is the wheel he says he saw."
I would want the wheel to spin on CPU useage, not WPN, that way I could easily tell how pegged my box is, by checking how fast the little guy is running.
This is too cute. I know what I"m buying my girlfriend for Christmas now. Thanks, Engadget!
(maybe I'll buy one for myself to make it smoke. O.o;)
It's not USB powered. It needs 2 AA batteries (included) to operate. The only reason for the USB is that when you type on your keyboard, the wheel moves.
This would be more usefull if it was a hamster wheel that charged my laptop.
I prefer hampster-powered hampster wheels myself... esp. when they can recharge my USB gear. *plans on making a visit to the local animal shelter shortly*
- Tony R.
iHampster! The perfect accessory to your iPod! The faster the hampster runs, the faster your iPod charges! Free mini-cow-prodder included!
Why is the hamster being held in someone's hand? Or am I the only who's noticed that it has fingers for legs?
Maybe we should just get rid of power outlets...
weird but awesome!
at first glance it looked like a high tech exercise for my real hamster-drat!I guess I'm going to have to think harder about what to get Clyde for Christmas..oh well