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March 29, 2005

Dear CNET members,
I never thought I would ever bring up what I got for the holidays in spring, but since this topic is about ridiculous accessories, I just had to show you mine. So here it is--my glowing USB snowman that takes residence next to my PC speakers. Yes, it's silly, but it was pretty amusing at the time, when I realized it was powered by a USB connection. But now that the amusement has worn off, during a couple of hot spells this year, I sure wished my snowman would turn into snow cone so that I could eat it. Do you have a funny or outrageous accessory that you would like to share with the rest of us? To get you started, read what Editor Rafe Needleman listed in his article as ridiculous accessories. And when you're ready to tell us what accessory you think is outrageous, silly, ridiculous, or all of the above, chime in with TalkBack, and have fun with this topic. We're all listening.

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community

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This week's hot topic:

Ridiculous PC accessories
In his recent Works For Me column, Rafe Needleman showcased some of the most ridiculous PC add-ons that he's seen and asked you to share your own findings. Many of you were quick to name your favorite superfluous gadgets and accessories.

Keep the coffee hot
CNET member khammo01 found a USB-based device designed to keep your coffee mug hot. But upon further investigation, he found that the gadget's insulating sleeve might be its only benefit since most USB devices can't pull enough power to generate the heat required.
Read khammo01's full post in CNET TalkBack

Switch to manual
CNET member pkeeler found a handheld generator that recharges your cell phone. If you've ever used one of those manually powered flashlights, you're probably thinking the same thing we are: how many hours of hand-squeezing does it take to make a five-minute phone call?
Read pkeeler's full post in CNET TalkBack

Turn on your mouse light
Sure it looks cool, but is there any legitimate use for a mousepad that lights up? CNET member montgomeryburns found one marketed toward gamers--it even cycles through seven different colors!
Read Mr. Burns' full post in CNET TalkBack

Speak Up!
Have you come across a gadget or a PC peripheral that seems a little silly? Read "Works For Me: Ridiculous accessories," and speak up in the TalkBack section.

TalkBack on funny gadgets

CNET peripheral resources:
• Peripheral reviews
From CNET Reviews

• Peripherals forums
From CNET forums

Quick Hits

Here are some great comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Keep the feedback coming!

• Should you hold out for an ultra-HD HDTV?
   TalkBack posted in Fully Equipped

• Week in review: the strong arm of Apple
   TalkBack posted in AnchorDesk

• Can you really get a free iPod?
   TalkBack posted in The Real Deal

Weigh in on this week's hot topic:

What PC accessory do you find the most ridiculous?

What's next?

Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.

• eBay nightmares
• MP3s are history
• Manage your
PC's memory

• CTIA 2005
• Who you callin' spyware
• Cell phone
radiation levels

Hot Products
Along with finding the funniest peripherals around, CNET members had plenty of new tech products to talk about this week.

Nokia 7280
Though most of you agreed the Nokia 7280 scored points on originality, you were divided over the form vs. function debate. Those of you that liked the phone praised its bold fashion sense. Those against slammed the awkward form factor and the diminutive keyboard.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

Sony PSP
The long-awaited arrival of Sony's revolutionary handheld has been met with some mixed criticism. First, the bad news: many of you have complained about dead pixels on your display as well as damaged units. The good news: those of you that received undamaged units have raved about the handheld's performance, usability, and better than advertised battery life.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

Casio Exilim EX-S100
Many of you have fallen in love with the budget-minded Casio Exilim EX-S100--and for good reason. Common praise went to the camera's perfect mix of performance and ultraportability, as well as its hearty battery life and its ability to shoot VGA video clips.
Read User Opinions | Compare prices

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