For Christmas this year I got the coolest little USB powered light that I didn’t even know I needed. But now two days later, I can’t imagine living without. While I certainly hope Santa (or your regional equivalent) was just as good to you this year, it got me thinking. USB gadgets have become so proliferous my eyes glaze over when someone announces a new one – the USB-powered microwave for instance. I don’t get enough exercise as it is – I really don’t need to cook at my desk too. But here are some gadgets I could really find useful – with any luck someone in Santa’s workshop is already in beta:

1) A USB-powered cat toy with alternate laser dot or string that would maintain a random pattern but preset distance from the keyboard, keeping the keys a human-only zone

2) A USB phone extension that could interface with either the cell or home phone and allow caller-id preview, answer or send to voicemail functions – nothing worse than having to reach for the phone when inspiration has hit – or juggle all those devices on limited table space

3) Some kind of cool gyroscope (with pretty colors, of course) that would recharge the laptop battery with its own kinetic movement

4) A plugin Monopoly game board that would allow the computer to become a real-world opponent – I’ve never quite trusted that the computer player is really random

5) A device that could be prestocked and then automatically mix and serve the perfect margarita – ‘nough said!

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