Plug and play around

From initially being a useful plug-and-play mouse input, increasingly used by other drives and devices, USB is now your gateway to a personal office party.

First there are the basics, such as a USB fan and a USB desklight, now fairly commonplace. If the A/C is too arctic, warm your toes with some USB heated slippers and USB gloves heated gloves. If it's too dry, there's always the USB powered ultrasonic Humidifier Potter II Or try the USB Piezo-Ioniser to purify the atmosphere in your cubicle.

Decoration next. For a cunning two-in-one (you're probably getting low on ports already) try the combined USB speaker-flower pot. An illuminated USB aquarium adds some e-feng shui, though sadly the fish aren't real. For an authentically Arabian atmosphere, smoulder some oud or frankincense in a USB fragrance oil burner. A USB Mini Lava Lamp adds disco dazzle: unfortunately USB is not powerful enough to melt wax, but the glitter floats around effectively. Depending on the time of year, you might prefer a USB Christmas snow globe.

It's probably time now for a drink and snack. Enjoy a hot coffee or tea using a USB beverage warmer - as a tip, go for the VTEC USB Coffee Warmer and 4 Port Hub in case you're running out of sockets. Or chill your coke with the USB Beverage Chiller , featuring the "amazing CoolIT Liquid Chiller—a cooling system with transparent tubes that resemble racing-engine hoses" according to PC magazine.

By now, you've probably attracted the attention of half the office, who will be popping round to your desk to enjoy the party. A USB dance pad will keep things buzzing, or a game of USB air darts for those with too many left feet.

Hunger is kicking in now. Unfortunately, ThinkGeek's George Forman USB-powered iGrill turned out to be an April Fool's joke, meaning no office barbecue fun, yet at least. But don't despair, Japan has invented a USB Noodle Strainer . Just add cold water and pre-cooked noodles to the oval bowl, and the machine will begin to circulate the noodles around (so far this is only intended for cold, soumen noodles). After a few minutes grab your chopsticks, and have fun trying to catch the strained noodles as they pass by. Toppings and seasonings can be served from the strainer's centre island.

But the piece de resistance is yet to come. Surely the very reason that USB was invented in the first place: the absolute ultimate in USB entertaining has now arrived.

The USB Fundue. Yes - that's right - a USB-powered fondue set, complete with colour-coded forks to avoid confusion. Just add a bar of chocolate or a block of cheese, grab some fruit and crusty bread, and dip away.

Next on the inventor's list: a USB-powered robot to do your work for you while you're enjoying the USB office party.