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Computer screens you can barely see through or which have message scribbled in dust by workmates are, let’s say, not what most people would want to have. But ah, that eternal laziness… maybe it will clean itself if you leave it another day?

Nope, not going to happen. If you’ve got a colleague, a child or a friend like this and don’t want to offend (or clean the screen yourself), you can go for the subtle approach. The Itsy Bitsy Cleaner is a cute toy… which just happens to be designed to clean monitors. Just a coincidence, honest!

Of course, it has to be used often to be effective. It’s big enough at 2″ and can be easily cleaned, but removing a year’s worth of dust is impossible even for the toughest spider.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $10 on UncommonGoods.com.

Via Outblush

You’re not a real Apple fanboy before you are snuggled up in bed with the icons. No, it’s not some sort of sick make-believe fantasy, it’s the real thing… in a way.

The Icon Pillow Collection has 6 Mac icons you can hug and sleep on to prove your undying love to the world of Jobs. But then you’d better get your head checked out, because you might be developing an unhealthy obsession. Yes, Mac are great, but no that good.

Ok, ok, I have to admit that the pillows are extremely cute and they’d make a great decoration to a computer geek’s room… and they’re not expensive… and they’re so delightfuly eye-candy, just like Mac OS! Aw, who am I kidding, I run Windows and I’d still get one.

If you can’t decide between the 6 models, remember that the full set is discounted at $149.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $29 on ThrowBoy.com.

Via ShinyShiny

Although it’s just one of the time travel machines in the Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space range, the blue police box in Dr. Who has become known as the TARDIS. It’s become one of the most famous vehicles in SF, so it’s no wonder someone turned it into an accessory for something that was considered science fiction until fairly recently: your computer.

The Doctor Who Tardis 4 Port USB Hub lets you power your gadgets (duh), but it also makes a nice desk decoration (if you’re a SF geek, at least). It’s even got a blinking light on top, how’s that for classy?

Ok, it’s very possible for people to pass by and wonder why on Earth someone would have a 1950s London police box on their desk, but they don’t know what real TV means.

All it needs now is a Dalek for company… Start planning.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 on ThinkGeek.com.

As usual at this time of year, a slew of products are launched for people who don’t want to make any effort to think of a Christmas present. Incidentally, that makes them great for business partners or young cousins who will like the pretty colors, but doesn’t mean anyone can get away with giving them to their wife.

And, again as usual, they come with a really long name, such as Novelty Santa Claus Christmas Stocking 2GB USB Memory Stick. No need to explain what it is or what it looks like. It’s just a random something which is sort of useful and still cheap enough to make bulk gift giving easy.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $18.99 on SourcingMap.

Via ChipChick

Computer mice have ceased being simple pointing devices a long time ago. They’re symbols of status (“Look at my uber gaming mouse!”), of taste (“Look what sexy lines my mouse has!”) or of… love for creepy crawlies?

“Look at the bug inside my mouse!” indeed… The RealBug Mouse is the perfect accessory for wannabe entomologists or for evil people who want to scare their friends. It even comes with choices, a green beetle, a spider or a starfish, because hey, what if Judy likes beetles, but is scared of spiders? You need the right tool for the job!

Just as puzzling as the insect keychains that were all the rage a while back… and potentially just as popular. For reasons unfathomable for the part of the population which thinks most insects should remain out of sight.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 on ScientificsOnline.com.

Via BoingBoing

While so many USB-powered “gadgets” are just glorified junk, I think I found my soft spot. After this shark pad, two more USB Warmer Mouse Pads enter the stage.

They’re appropriately cute: one depicts a cow, the other is decorated with a giant strawberry. But this isn’t that important, really. What matters is the effect: warm hand on mouse. If you’ve never had to use a computer in a cold house or office, shut up; if you’ve been a victim before, you can understand why this will be a hit.

As for me… after braving the cold for a while and covering myself in blankets, I think it’s time to go high-tech. If I can talk my mouse into working on anything but the desk, that is.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.50 on Gadget4All.com.

Via RedFerret

I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I see a crapgadgets vendor add something actually worthwhile to their catalog. Really.

Although it has the dreaded 3-letter word in its name, the USB Volume Controller is not another 5-in-1 useless novelty item; it could come in quite useful in certain situations. It only does one thing: allows you to control the computer volume without touching the keys or mouse.

I said “certain situations”, ok? I know that usually if you’re close enough to touch a gadget attached to your computer, you’re close enough to move the mouse. But consider this situation: guy and girl together, music playing on the computer, monitor off to stop it from disrupting the atmosphere… what’s better, sliding a hand on a sensor or turning on the monitor, waiting for it to power up, click the appropriate icon? Not very useful on a regular basis, but for people who use the computer as a stereo it’s definitely an addition to be considered.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $11.99 on USBFever.com.

Via Pocket Lint

I’ll make a guess here: you might have a plain silver flash drive, one shaped like a food product or maybe even the infamous humping dog… but you’ve never owned an USB Human Skull Drive.

Unfortunately, it’s not made from a real skull. However, it looks cool. And cheesy, of course, but at least it doesn’t take itself seriously (I hope). The image of a skull plugged into a laptop is pretty unusual and I, for one, like it.

Not that I’d buy one, mind you. But it would complete the bad-boy image of a certain metalhead friend of mine whose birthday is coming up… Seeing his face when he gets this silly gift will be priceless.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19 on USBGeek.com.

Via Pocket Lint

You’d have to be really addicted to your computer if you needed a big lighted sign to indicate you have e-mail, right? …Oh, I am. Maybe not this much, but close.

Gmail has a notifier, right? And all instant messaging programs let you know if you receive an e-mail on the associated account. But you can’t see that if you’re far away from the computer… The USB Webmail Notifier takes the Gmail Notifier icon and makes it big. Really big. With lights inside. Whenever a new message arrive, it lights up and can play a sound of your choosing.

Waiting for a note from that cute guy you met yesterday? You can go read on the sofa and it will tell you each time it might be him. It works with the major e-mail providers (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail) and integrates with Outlook, Outlook Express and POP 3 mail, so real addicts can be sure they’re not missing anything even when they’re *gasp* more than 3 feet from the computer.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $17 on USBGeek.com.

Via ubergizmo

When someone is on the go, they usually want to carry as little stuff as possible, but still be comfortable in all their activities. For business people, this means laptops and, recently, netbooks.

The Super Tiny Keyboard aims for that market but fails. It’s not the size; yes, too small might make it difficult and painful to use, but it’s not much smaller than a netbook. But… why would you carry an USB keyboard with you?! It’s not like you have a teeny-tiny computer with a teeny-tiny screen you can shove in your duffel bag. You either carry a portable computer with you or you travel without one. It’s not like the keyboard would be the biggest problem if you want to travel with your desktop…

Utterly pointless. It could have been a good idea if it worked with cell phones but… it doesn’t.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $25 on Brando.com.hk.

Via BoingBoing