USB-powered desk fan doubles as 4-port USB hub

Any halfway dedicated nerd already owns at least one desk fan that's either USB-powered or features some sort of dual purpose, but if you're a budding star in the kingdom, this might be the one to get you going. The way-too-loudly-colored Cute Green Desk Cool Fan plugs into any spare USB port, moves a small quantity of air around and doubles as a 4-port USB hub. There's even an On / Off switch for the fan for those times with stagnancy is preferred. Not too shabby for $14.99 delivered, we say.

[Via Protein OS]

[maty @ Aug 21st 2008 1:47PM]

I hacked an old USB cable and spliced it using some 4-pin PSU molexes with a 120mm case fan for a desk fan...

I somehow think this one would work substantially better, and USB ports to boot! It'll do me!

[Techie @ Aug 21st 2008 2:01PM]

I wouldn't mind getting one right now to be honest. It's not bad since it's only $9.99 with a $5.00 shipping fee.

[IrishGandalf @ Aug 21st 2008 1:54PM]

plz for the love of humanity release a version with better colours!

[helloUser @ Aug 21st 2008 1:55PM]

I kind of like this!

[gabe @ Aug 21st 2008 2:12PM]

Not ashaimed to say this but I want one! In Black!!!

[maplelief25 @ Aug 21st 2008 2:21PM]

Anyone know if this'll work with a PS3? I need the extra USB ports!!!

[Rafael Illan @ Aug 21st 2008 10:43PM]

yes it will work

[Rammer @ Aug 21st 2008 2:48PM]

That actually ain't half bad as quirky hubs go.

[jesusss @ Aug 21st 2008 3:03PM]

why isnt this in crapgadget?

[mewyn @ Aug 21st 2008 3:25PM]

See, this is the thing I hate with all these USB power vampires out there, they cause the system to not have an accurate idea of how much power is being drained from a USB port, and could cause too high a current to be drawn from the port, leading to possible damage to the port's controller (either hub or root hub). Almost all of the time these devices don't have any circuitry to tell the system "hey, I'm using this many milliamps of power". The system uses those, along with a hub's powered flag, to determine if a port is using too much power or not. This is why some systems will shut down a port if too much current is drawn (this is a very popular happening with USB 2.5" bus-powered hard disks). This is all done to protect the circuitry of the port. Most ports can't go over 500mA and if they get a significant higher draw they can potentially destroy circuitry. (I've seen it happen with 1A loads.)

It probably won't destroy your computer, though, unless you decided to plug in 4 other USB power vampires into it, then, who knows what will happen.

[grull27 @ Aug 21st 2008 3:41PM]

That is one ugly P.O.S. At least make it in black...

[Jason @ Aug 21st 2008 6:17PM]

Keep it away from the kiddies - lead paint and all...

[yumx123 @ Aug 21st 2008 11:07PM]

it is cute.

[swappy @ Aug 22nd 2008 12:07PM]

wow... hope this fan is powerful