I never thought I’d drool over a hard drive, until I saw this huge chocolate bar covering one. The Chocolate HDD Case is so realistic that it could proudly sit in any Candy Shop. I wouldn’t recommend giving it to somebody fighting with sweet addiction. And if you think you can hide your data inside, think again. What may seem a very subtle camouflage case for your hard drive, can turn out useless if you deal with gourmand data thieves. Nevertheless, as a gift, I find it delicious.

It comes with a very useful USB cable and USB output. And if you’re not really into this flavour, you can choose vanilla or strawberry. But don’t try to chew on it, cos they’re  made out of silicone.  Each can hold a 2.5 inch SATA HDD or SSD.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.51 on GeekStuff4U.

Via graziestgadgets.com

d_skins Protective Disc Skins are an interesting idea. But “interesting” is a word that can encompass many meanings, and in this case it’s both good and bad.

The concept is great: laser-transparent skins that protect your CDs and DVDs all the time (even when played) can save a lot of important data, from holiday photos to company records to favorite video games. It takes seconds to place a d_skin on a disc and even if it gets scratched, the disc stay intact.

However, the price isn’t so great: at almost $2.5 per skin they’re much more expensive than a blank DVD, so unless you’re very rich you probably won’t cover your entire movie and music collection in these.

But the bottom line is they’re useful. Since everyone has a few treasured DVDs, a pack of skins won’t be such a huge investment, and you won’t stress next time you happen to drop the one with your marriage photos…

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

Via Wired

Configuring a network can be a big pain in the ass if you’re a newbie. Computer gurus will snort and look down at you, but learning new things takes time… time we don’t always have.

Personally, I’d rather be seen as a complete idiot than fiddle around for 2 hours with Windows just to send three movies from one computer to the other, so I think the Data Copy and Internet Connection Sharing Dongle can become very important to someone with little technical knowledge.

It’s just that simple: plug each end in an USB port and share files without installing any drivers or messing with any setting. The 2 metre cable should be enough (unless your desktop PCs are in different rooms) and you can transfer the files in no time.

The price isn’t too friendly for something best used as a last resort solution, but if it saved me the trouble of fixing my dad’s network every month, I’d invest in one.

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

Via BoingBoing

Valentine’s has come and gone, but the heart-themed gadgets stay. And, unlikely as it might seem, this Heart Card Reader actually looks good all year round, not just as a gift for the uninspired lovers.

Beside the design, there’s nothing special about this, but it’s a nice little useful gadget: it reads MicroSD, MMC micro, MiniSD, XD, MMC mobile, MMC Plus, M2, MS Duo and SD cards, and it can make a desk a bit more cheeful.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $7.99 on SourcingMap.com.

Via ChipChick

Although the internet makes it very easy to stay connected to the world, cell phones are still a more effective way of getting a hold of people. Actually, if you checked out a random person’s desk, there’s two things you’ll probably find: a computer and a phone.

But if said phone is buried under a mountain of papers and forgotten on mute… it’s pretty much useless.

The Mobile Rak makes messy people’s lives easier: since it attaches to the lid of your laptop, it holds any phone/other similar-sized device right in front of your eyes. Not only you won’t lose it again, there’s no way you’ll miss another call.

However, there’s 2 downsides.
1. A velcro band will be attached permanently to your lid. Of course you can remove it, but wiping all the glue off is an exercise in futily.
2. If you adjust the display’s position, the phone might fall out; if you use the included elastic band to hold it in place, it’s more difficult to pick up once it starts ringing.

Do the pros outweight the cons? I’d say they do (but that’s just because I’m a little cell phone addict).

How much under $29.99?
Some: $16.95 on NewPCGadgets.com.

Via The Gadgeteer

A perfect raiding night needs more than a good computer and the right game addons. If it’s something important you need to be in the best mental and physical state, which means some extra accessories are required…

Security

Actually, this is a step you should’ve taken before the raid: get a Blizzard Authenticator. Seriously. Have you seen how many accounts get hacked? I’m sure you don’t want to discover you’re broke and all your epics are gone.

Staying awake

.
Raids usually last a long time and it can get pretty late until you finally down that boss.

1. Engobi Caffeinated Snack Crisps. It’s food and caffeine all in one, pure win! Each bag is equal to two Red Bulls, so it should keep you up for long enough.

2. To stay even more faithful to the spirit of the game, you can get your caffeine and nutriments in true potion form. A Mana Energy Potion and a Health Energy Potion should keep you running for a wipe night.

3. If your poison of choice is coffee or black tea, not energizing drinks, you can at least get a mug to match your screen. Naturally, they come in two types again: Mana and Health Mugs. HP for tanks and mana for casters, get the one for that’s better for your class! (No, drinking out of it won’t make your warrior suddenly gain 3000 HP, but it might keep you alert enough to move out of the Green Shit on the floor.)

4. Finally, for you caffeine-haters: something that doesn’t involve ingesting anything. The Anti Sleep Driving Alarm detects movement and when your head droops it blasts your ears with a loud obnoxious alarm. There’ll be no way of falling asleep during a raid while wearing this.

Now that we’ve made sure your account is in working order and you’re alert enough, we can deal with the little details to make you more comfortable.

Fighting the heat.

If it’s a hot day, you’re melting already. Add the heat from the computer to that… and you’re one unhappy gamer.

1. If you’re using a laptop, you need to cool it down. Not only it will make you feel better, it will also make the game run smoother. You do not want it to crash because you tiny fan can’t handle all the heat… Try the HeatShift Laptop Cooling Pad for something different from the usual plastic pads.

2. If you’re gaming on a desktop, a fan will do. Something like the MP3 Speaker Fan doesn’t take much space and it can be a nice backup solution in case you break your good speakers. If the audio part seems useless, the Arctic Breeze Fan is a gadget without any bells and whistles and is only dedicated to keeping you cool.

Fighting the cold.

Just one thing: frozen fingers = BAD.

1. For full-body warmth, get the Snuggie, sit in your favorite chair hugging the laptop and off you go into Northrend!

2. If you’re one of the unlucky people forced to play next to a window that doesn’t close properly, your hands are going to be frozen all the time. But a pair of USB Heating Gloves can solve that… and they don’t even look that silly.

And to top this off… something you don’t need, but you definitely want: a Custom World of Warcraft Tabard t-shirt. Really, how much more dedication does it take? It’s fabulously geeky, but there’s no better way to show your support for your guild. And, after all, you do spend several hours a day with this people.

There you have it! Buy them all or choose a few, but get the best out of your gaming experience. And remember: Ulduar is coming.

If something is pink, does it automatically become a Valentine’s Day gift? I sure hope the designers of the Laptop Mouse Protective Case weren’t thinking about that, because if there’s one thing that can get a guy dumped for sure it’s this.

Why would anyone need a cover for their mouse? Ok, they at least thought to give it holes for the optic sensor and the cable, but that doesn’t make it useful for anything other that… I don’t know, maybe doing the Dakar with a group of ditzy blondes who want everything to match their hair accessories?

Please don’t touch this. Or if you do, buy it for yourself, don’t inflict it on anyone.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $2.37 on BudgetGadgets.com.

Via RedFerret

I didn’t think a laptop stand could impress me anymore, but the Latosta did it.

It’s one of those solutions that are so obvious you wonder why no one thought of them before… The stand is 2 pieces of steel with rubber caps. That’s it. It keeps the back of your laptop off the desk so that it gets properly ventilated and, once you’re done, it’s extremely easy to carry around.

The way it works is difficult to describe in words, but the picture is more than eloquent.

However, there are size limitations: it won’t work if your keyboard is thicker than 1 1/8″ or if the keys are closer than 1/2″ from the edge, and it might get in the way of some ports (depending on how they’re placed). Of course, it can’t be used on an irregular surface, it needs something flat for the rubber to get a proper grip.

On the plus side, it’s a perfect accessory for traveling. I’m fine using my cooler pad at home, but I don’t want to carry it around for 3 days if I could just lift the laptop a bit! Give me bits of metal to throw in the bag and I’m happy.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.95 on LightLaptopStands.com.

Via GearDiary

Valentine’s Day is looming closer… and you’re screwed. Your girl is expecting something nice, something that doesn’t scream “bought from the corner store on the way to your appartment”.

If she’s into big, expensive presents… you’re on your own there, you need to figure out if she wants an iPod, a new perfume, some jewelry or tickets to an exotic country.

For the rest, we’re here to help. Coming up, 8 affordable presents that will show her that you went that extra mile for something unique. Mix and match if you want, there’s nothing stopping you from getting more from the list!

1. You can’t go wrong with chocolate. But let’s admit it, she can buy all the fancy stuff for herself all year long! But I bet she never got a Chocolate Pizza before…

2. Breakfast is a whole ritual, and for many of us cookies simply cannot miss from the menu. The Valentine’s Edition Dunk Mug makes cookie-lovers’ lives a bit easier with the special compartment – and it comes in pink to match the occasion. (Unless she hates the color, in which case there’s a regular version you can go for.)

3. To fill the cup on Valentine’s morning, nothing could be better than some “You Warm my Heart” Hot Cocoa Mix. Delicious chocolate and floating marshmallow hearts, aww.

4. Still not enough sweets? There’s more! The Message Cookies spell out your feelings – literally. There’s nothing wrong with being cheesy if it shows her how much you love her!

5. If your girl leans towards the geek side, she might appreciate techy presents better than the usual beauty products. And because Valentine’s is a special occasion, get her the best of both worlds: a designer flash drive in a special “in love” edition. The Pink Meletta Mimobot is trendy and useful at the same time.

6. Wii fanatics are bound to love the Chocomiis. Two delicious chocolate figurines representing the happy couple… and you can even bite the other’s head off (in a very literal way) in case you get angry. Although we hope that, since you’re celebrating Valentine’s, you’ll try to keep a peaceful atmosphere.

7. Showing up in a Binary Love t-shirt, carrying a bouquet of flowers, can do more than any regular gift for a girl who’s passionate about her computers. How many people know how to write “love” in binary? You’ll be the only 2 people on the street who know the meaning. Even better, you can get matching t-shirts and reach the heights of geeky love.

8. At the end of the evening, celebrate in style. Sparkling Gold Cuvee is not just a fancy brand name – it actually has flakes of gold floating inside the bottle. It can’t get any better than this.

And there you have it. 8 ideas to get you through this February 14th. But remember: you shouldn’t save all the nice gestures for special occasions. It won’t hurt if you get her some special chocolate on a random Monday, will it?

Yes, girls are becoming an important demographic of gadget buyers. No, pink rhinestone roses won’t make them flock to your products.

The Red Rose USB Drive is… well, a “girlie” thing. At least in some deluded males’ imagination. In my experience, girls who go crazy about rhinestones are usually more preoccupied with shopping for shoes and bags than with file storage, so, even though it’s released just in time for Valentine’s… don’t. Really.

If you’re keen on getting her a pink flash drive, there’s better things to be found. And if you really like this design, go for the black version, it looks a bit more elegant.

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

Via Gizmodo