Crave

Few times have so many accessories come out so quickly for something so small. That's just one distinction that belongs to the iPod Shuffle, as evidenced by this Marware travel dock that plugs directly into a USB port, according to iLounge. But if you're really trying to save space--after all, isn't that what the Shuffle is all about?--you might want to consider the IncipioBud, which forgoes the need for a dock altogether.

No offense to Lindy, but we got the creeps when we initially saw this picture of the U.K. company's new "USB MiniCam Pro" Webcam. At first we couldn't figure out why, but then it occurred to us: It looks like a baby version of one of those "Sentinels" from The Matrix. Or maybe a cyclops squid. Either way, creepy.

But onto the specifics. The "high-sensitivity" Webcam has a flexible neck design and an unusual set of LEDs for dark settings (both of which add its odd look), according to Absolute Gadget, … Read more

We're happy to say that the accessories industry hasn't abandoned the MacBook after all. After complaining that iPods get all the attention, we see that iSkin has just come out with a new series of "ProTouch" keyboard protectors for MacBooks, in black with printed letters or opaque white with characters that glow in the dark. The $25 prices seems kind of high for what it is, but if these protective sheets keep coffee from frying your keyboard, it's probably a worthy investment.

We took an unofficial vow of temperance (not the alcohol kind) in blogging holiday-related items, but not for politically correct reasons. It's just that many of them are useless.

There are always exceptions, however, especially to any rules we half-heartingly make here at Crave, and this one from I4U News is one of them: a snow-globe USB mouse. Our only regret is that it's made by Thanko, a Japanese company that we find increasingly annoying because of its inane products.

Just don't make any Wii-like sudden movements with it. You wouldn't want to spill its stagnant … Read more

Skype 3 rolled out today without a lot of fanfare. That's fitting as it brings some nifty-sounding new features, but none of them are earth-shattering. The first is a new tab on the Skype dashboard called "Live" that incorporates Skypecasts right into the main window. Here, you can join public discussions and conversations in progress, or start your own. If none of the conversations strikes your fancy, browse the directory to see if there's anything for you there.

The other big addition is the new Do More option under the Tools menu. Here, you'll find … Read more

Monitors have something in common with keyboards--and no, Sparky, it's not just that they're both connected to your computer. Where design is concerned, both are often neglected stepchildren toiling in the shadow of their showy sibling, the the mouse.

BenQ, however, is one manufacturer that sees monitors as objects of beauty, and it partnered with Taiwan's National Palace Museum to prove it. Chip Chick, in fact, calls their new "Art Museum" line "the most beautifully designed monitors we've ever come across."

The 17-inch LCD screens, which have built-in speakers, are adorned with … Read more

Just minutes after having noted that laptops face relative neglect when it comes to protective products, we got notice of yet another an iPod safety accessory--thereby proving our point once again. But to show we're not bitter, we're passing along DLO's "Action Jacket" for the Shuffle, a strap-on case for Shufflers on the go.

Ultra-mobile podsters will probably also appreciate the "Power Bug" announced at the same time, a "compact, fold-away" charger that plugs into the wall. It should be noted that DLO isn't just any iPod accessory bandwagon-jumper: Months … Read more

Lest there be any doubt about the convergence of digital technology and the human body, consider this: a "bio-inkjet printer."

Carnegie Mellon scientists working on stem-cell research have developed a printer that uses "bio-ink," which Popular Mechanics describes as "solutions of hormones that alter cell behavior." In an article that sounds like natural sci-fi fodder, the magazine says the machine uses a custom-made nozzle that prints highly accurate patterns "to create a blueprint for cells to grow and differentiate into the various types that scientists want to create."

And why not? Manufacturing … Read more

Skype announced today a new all-you-can-eat SkypeOut plan for U.S. and Canadian customers. For $29.95 per year, you can make unlimited SkypeOut calls to mobile phones and landlines within the U.S. and Canada. Even better, if you sign up for the plan before Jan. 31, 2007, you get a 50 percent discount so you only pay $14.95 for a year of unlimited SkypeOut calls, plus 100 minutes of SkypeOut credit for international calls. If you're like me and don't make even $14.95 worth of SkypeOut calls each year, you can still opt to … Read more