It's really about time someone released a portable power strip with USB charging. Really, honestly, we don't know what took 'em so long -- it's frigging 2008, everything's been USB-powered for a couple years now. Hat tip to you, Belkin, for the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, which goes for $25 or so.

[Thanks, Alex]

While a company not typically associated with consumer electronics can make the leap at any point, it's usually a relatively modest entrance, but Gibson has apparently had a bit too much fun at NAMM, and has thrown its logo on just about every device it could think of in the process. You won't find much of anything new in Gibson's lineup of consumer electronics, but if you're a Gibson purist and live life one riff at a time, these goods are for you. The company announced its own line of USB 2.0 Gibson Signature Series Les Paul flash drives, which currently come in a 1GB flavor and mimics a 1959 Les Paul Standard, and the firm plans to roll out more collectible drives shaped like other classic instruments in the future. Additionally, a 500GB external HDD was released, boasting USB 2.0 and a glowing Gibson logo on the side, and it seems that the firm is looking to snag a bit of that high-end interconnect market by offering up "premium gold" versions of optical audio, USB, and HDMI cables. Also on tap was a 7.1 AV receiver with a built-in guitar input, XM capability, and HDMI 1.3 video switching, various forms of recordable media, a dual-layer DVD recorder, surge protectors, and a few home theater speakers to boot. Although pricing is still up in the air at this point, it looks like you'll have the opportunity to get your external storage, surround sound gear, and a few spare E-strings all at the same place here soon.

[Via Macworld]

Whomever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks obviously never met Belkin's surge protector design team, who whipped out this unusual pair of plug multiplying safety units; the Compact and Concealed Surge Protectors above will set you back a hefty $40 and $50 apiece, but you'll have plenty of places to plug junk in (especially adapters), as well as an enclosing cover in the case of the Concealed. The $35 Belkin Clamp-On pretty much does what it says, and is, of course, more intended for applications one is relegated to performing in the garage. Expect 'em out in October, and don't forget your damn self a UPS.

Read - Clamp-On Surge Protector
Read - Concealed and Compact Surge Protectors