Look, we know it's pointless and likely in violation of even the most rudimentary safety codes enacted since the Middle Ages. But there's something about DIY hackery of that 500mA USB port that tugs at the little Erector Set cobbling kid in each of us. Just wire up an off-the-shelf pan with some insulated tungsten filament and you'll be cooking an egg in about 7 minutes -- you know, after an overnight pre-heat, presumably. Now prepare to have your noodle scrambled along with an egg in the video after the break.

[Thanks, Mira B.]

You paying attention Redenbacher? Those daring kids at Instructables have created the USB Popcorn Maker from a high intensity heater light, aluminum cup, and mason jar. Add oil, non-Linux kernels, and salt and you're ready to cozy-up in an uncomfortable three-some with the Wachowski Brothers. Unfortunately, the video posted after the break jump-cuts between USB attachment and the first corn kaboom. But given the 5V USB source, you'll likely need plenty of time to get the oil boiling. Then again, nobody said this was practical.

[Thanks, Sophia D.]

Wipe that look off your face, it should be completely clear by now that as time progresses, the probability of a concept or thing -- any concept or thing -- being made into some form of USB-powered device approaches one. Around here we just call it Engadget's Law.

[Via technabob]

What's missing from your life these days? If you said a faux-wood, USB powered, "ladybug" shaped speaker -- well, that's pretty odd. Regardless, now your sick, twisted fantasies can be fulfilled with the Wooden Ladybug mini-PA, a charming yet useless accessory for your desktop. If you don't want to stay shackled to your USB ports, you can also throw in a few AAA batteries and take this on the road. Be sure to show it off to your friends so they can congratulate you on your totally boadacious new sound system. Available now for the shockingly odd and affordable price of $13.76.

[Via Technabob]

The USB Greenhouse grows plants which is good for the environment right? Oh sure, 'cept you have to keep your PC running 24/7 in order to provide the fake USB sunlight to the artificial soil. It's what life will be like when robots farm, only with Marigolds not the wee babies harvested of their electrical properties. $43 for you without a soul.

For those not quite ready to take the high-definition plunge, LG is looking to make burning those vanilla DVDs a whole lot easier whilst on the road. The uber-slim GSA-E50N (and LightScribe-equipped GSA-E50L) measure in at just 6.14- x 6.5- x 0.84-inches and weigh 0.84-pounds, come in black or white motifs, and play nice with Windows Vista. Moreover, the unit is powered completely via USB, and can burn DVD+R / RW, DVD-R / RW, and DVD-RAM discs at up to 8x speeds. Both units are slated to hit the streets soon, and while the GSA-E50N will ring up at €89 ($122), the GSA-E50L will demand an extra €10 ($14).

[Via The Inquirer]

Oh dork lord incarnate, meet the SolidAlliance 3-port USB Engine Hub. Modeled after a motorcycle engine, SolidA's latest features a kick starter, gear shift, and enough faux-engine revving effects to drive everyone around you nuts. No word on price yet, but it's available starting tomorrow in Japan. Now check the video action after the break.

Update: Priced at ¥5,250 or about $43, vroom vroom daddy, vroom vroom.

We know you've been waiting for it. Now finally, Brando brings you the $33 USB Mini Fridge. Sure, it takes 5 minutes to bring the fridge down to 8.5 degrees centigrade (47 degrees fahrenheit) and it holds just one can. But hey, it's a 5V USB-powered refrigerator dambit and that's worth it at any price.

Although it's been unscientifically proven that Nintendo's Wii is the least likely of the three major consoles to actually need a heat suppressing adornment flanking its side, it's no surprise that accessory manufacturers are out to get the suckers anyway. For those of you who just can't keep your Wii cool enough, and weren't about to drop any dough on the repulsive China Shenzhen Firstsing variety, Brando's coming to the rescue. The company famous for its USB-powered, unnecessarily flashy gizmos has struck again with the Wii Crystal Cooler, which utilizes USB power to fan off your Wii, sports a nifty blue LED to give it that special touch of tacky, and also doubles as a stand. It can be yours today for just $19.

That ain't no USB Slipper folks. It's an honest to goodness USB powered dancing shoe. Ok, ok, the image is clearly digitally manipulated. But if we know Thanko and SolidAlliance like we think we do, it won't be long before we see a craplastic version in a production run. Check the video after the break.

Now you can add the $20 Warmmi "USB knee pads" to your USB heated ensemble. So what's keeping ya? Just toss your laptop into a rucksack and slip into a tethery outfit of USB knee pads, slippers, and gloves and head out to the Burning Man playa, playah. Just leave the USB lap warmer at home -- hippies hate anything Hello Kitty.

USB circus cannons and stationary missile launchers are one thing, but if you really want to intimidate your co-workers (and, quite likely, get fired) you'll need to let one of these bad boys loose to roam the cubicles. While it's not completely USB-powered, plugging the tank's controller into your PC will cut down on the need for some batteries, as well as increase the number of control options (and hacking potential) at your disposal, letting you point and click your way to your desired target. The tank is also apparently no slouch when it comes to navigating hazardous terrain, able to climb a 30 degree slope and traverse rough roads (i.e. carpet), all while simultaneously being able to aim its on-board missile launcher and deliver a "precise missile strike" at targets up to 20 feet away. Naturally, it also comes equipped with a full compliment of sound effects, though we somehow suspect that won't stop you form supplying your own. At $80 plus $40 for shipping and handling, the price may be a tad exorbitant, but the sight of the tank doing its thing in the video after the break almost makes it seem worth it.

Where else but the good ole US of A would we revel in crafting items that not only utilized that oh-so-lonely USB port on the rear of your leased laptop, but had the potential to "deliver welts" to unsuspecting co-workers? While the pre-packaged USB missile launchers are quite the novel desk adornment, this DIY job seriously brings the heat (and the pain). While the modder responsible here envisions a more robust, costly, and dangerous version in the future, his 1.0 edition features a $19 electronic AirSoft gun, the turret base from an aforementioned USB missile launcher, super glue, and the usual compliment of assembly tools. After disassembling the launcher and tapping into its base, a bit of fancy wire work is required to affix the more powerful AirSoft gun to the rotating turret. A few more screws and finagling, and you're all set to demolish the fun at your annual holiday bash, all for just around $70 and a few hours of your time. So if you couldn't handle boot camp, but still have a passion for mechanical sentries, be sure to hit the read link for the full skinny.

[Via HackADay]

If you just so happen to be in the market for a new mouse or off-the-wall hand-warming device, Japan's own Thanko has just the things. If you're down with a bit of holiday cheer, the admittedly unsightly snow globe mouse sports a bright, smiling face across the buttons, actual snow globe in the casing, and USB connectivity; additionally, Frosty can get his party on with the seven color-changing LEDs that light up the dome. If all that glitz just screams overkill, the hand-warmer mouse can keep your palm toasty as the snow trickles down outside your window, and the adjustable temperature knob can prevent unnecessary perspiration from accruing. Both mice sport 800dpi optical sensors and light-up when connected to a powered USB port, and the heater-equipped version can be had for ¥2,980 ($25), while the Santa-approved variety demands just ¥980 ($8.32).

Read - Thanko's hand-warming mouse [Via The Raw Feed]
Read - Thanko's snow globe mouse [Via The Raw Feed]

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]