USB

Perfect for connecting all of your USB-powered gadgets to your computer, a good USB hub is nearly a necessity. I'm loving all the fun and quirky designs I've seen lately, from a duckling-shaped hub to a colorful Lego hub. Now, add the More Power to You USB Hub ($20) to the list. Besides having a funny-yet-appropriate name, this hub bends into different shapes to accommodate up to four USB connections. Perfect for when you need a little more peripheral breathing room.

• TruePower Outlet charges via USB . . . and it's only $20 — Dvice
• Lucky Arizona students get free WiFi on school bus, are now more productive — Oh Gizmo!
• Hazzah: Plants vs. Zombies hits the iPhone — Crave
• Genius behind ChatRoulette is only 17 years old — Switched
• Is James Cameron working on Avatar prequel? — io9
• Apple gets serious and starts banning iPhone hackers — Gizmodo

I'm an admitted fan of Blue Microphones, not only for their power, but also for their beauty — a few of these stacked on your mantel could totally double as art. While cruising the Macworld show floor, I got an up close look at a few of their new desktop mic models which would be perfect for recording on the go, or creating your podcasts and video blogs. The Snowflake (pictured here) ($45) is a high quality mic to capture your recordings, but there's also a 2MP web cam-enabled version called the Eyeball ($65). Both of these are easy as pie to set up — just plug them right into your Mac or PC's USB port, follow a few prompts, and you're set to go.

The Mikey ($100) is a sweet little microphone to capture sounds right on your iPhone. Record concerts, lectures, and studio jam sessions on the go with its three recording levels — from loud to quiet — and transfer the audio right to your computer with a USB adapter. Plus, there's a free app that partners up with your Mikey to get the most out of your recordings. Check out a few more photos of the beautiful Blue Mics in the gallery below.

I had no idea I'd be so infatuated with USB drives until I stumbled upon the Bone Collection at Macworld. These 2GB ($20) and 4GB ($30) USB drives come costumed as astronauts, iPhones, penguins, dolphins, dinosaurs, you name it, for your storage needs. I obviously spent a lot of time at the Bone booth this year, as I'm also loving their sporty iPod and iPhone armbands. You can pick up your own cutie-patootie USB drive on Xtreme Geek, you'll just have to decide on which one you want the most! They're all so adorable!

Equal parts whimsical and functional (and downright cute!), the USB Duckling Hub features four USB ports in the adorable rubber ducky design.

The USB hub comes in three colors — blue, white, and traditional duck yellow — and is a quirky addition to my list of unique USB hubs. And at only $10, it's an affordable and useful desk accessory. Could you rock it?

You're familiar with the "Easy Button" from Staples, right? Well this little USB device reminds me of that, but you don't need to order any office supplies to use it. The Go To Sleep! USB Button ($16) quickly and easily puts your computer to sleep with a single tap.

Although you can program your Mac to catch some Zzz's just by putting your mouse in an assigned corner, the sleep button can be handy for both you Mac and PC users alike. Plus, I think it's kinda cute, and would have made a great stocking stuffer for that cube worker who often leaves their computer for meetings, breaks, or just to get some exercise during the day. No need to waste time mousing over to your computer's menu, just tap and you're ready to go.

Can't stand a dirty keyboard? Neither can I, but getting in between the keys to clean (especially on my laptop) can be challenging at times. Not eating at my desk is not an option (plus, a little dust here and there is pretty hard to avoid), so of course I love this gadget! It's a USB-powered keyboard vacuum ($5).

It plugs into the USB port on your computer and comes with two attachments: a brush and a flexible rubber tip to get in between keys. It's a great stocking stuffer for your favorite workaholic or anyone who appreciates a clean keyboard.

Only 30,000 of these limited-edition Beatles USB drives will be made, and are expected to be released in North America on Dec. 8. For $280, the 16GB drive contains the entire Beatles catalog, plus extras like videos, album art, and photos. Since they'll probably sell like hot cakes, you can preorder yours now via the official Beatles store.

Beatles albums still aren't available in the iTunes store and I'm curious how fast these devices will sell out. The concept is great and the drive has a cool design, but would you fork over nearly $300 for the digital music files?

Vinyl is making a comeback! Many artists are now releasing albums on vinyl as well as digitally.

There's something about the sound of a vinyl record that makes any song — even a new release — sound totally old-school. I've mentioned my love for retro-style record players before, but this Ion USB Portable Turntable ($140) from Urban Outfitters is the perfect mix of retro and tech. It hooks up to your computer via USB, which means you can turn your favorite vinyl tracks into MP3s. Also, it's totally portable, and runs on batteries or connected to a wall outlet.

I want to use this to import my parents' record collection into my computer — the turntable supports both regular-sized records and 45s. Plus, since it's portable, it's perfect for parties.