Will anyone buy Lacie's new designer USB hub - or is it destined to appear only as an on-shelf accessory in Ikea catalogues? It certainly looks the part, and wouldn't seem out of place next to an iMac. Styled by French designer Ora-Ito, the Huby provides an array of five USB and three Firewire plugs and sockets, along with a fan and a light for good measure, all on flexible cables.

The gadget will retail for $79/£69. LaCie's taking pre-orders at its website (http://www.lacie.com/uk/products/product.htm?pid=10854&www.reghardware.co.uk) ahead of the late December ship date. ®

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