Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/06/usb_secret_base_button/
This has to be one of the daftest USB gadgets we've come across: the Secret Base Emergency Button. Plug it in, press the top to open the shutter and reveal the red emergency key, hit that and... your PC shuts down. Yes, but it's the way it shuts down that matters.
Up pops an incoming message from your comrades informing you your hidden facility has been targetted by a "suicide bomber" and the only thing to do is to go into lock-down mode. Across your screen the blast-proof steel doors slam, guarding your base from the terrorist's self-immolation, all presented in a lively on-screen animation.
(http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/himitsukichi/movie/SBPV_EB.html)
And then your PC shuts down.
Japanese supplier Takaratomy has rather cute QuickTime video of the Secret Base Emergency Button in action here (http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/himitsukichi/movie/SBPV_EB.html) - there's a Window Media version here (http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/himitsukichi/movie/SBPV_EB.wmv).
For this silliness, Takaratomy wants a mere ¥3,990 ($35/£18/€26). ®
Brando hogs limelight with pig-shaped card reader (4 April 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04/04/brando_pig_reader/
Retailer offers DAP-disclosing Easter Eggy (29 March 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/03/29/amp3_easter_eggy/
Sticky tape USB stick holder (21 February 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/02/21/sticky_tape_usb_stick_holder/
Doctor Who Tardis USB hub materialises (31 January 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/31/doctor_who_tardis_usb_hub/
The Top 20 Weirdest gadgets of 2006 (20 December 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/20/2006_top_20_weirdest_gadgets/
USB pole dancer struts funky stuff, geeks drool (13 December 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/13/usb_pole_dancer/
Japan gets fug-fading USB ashtray (11 December 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/11/usb_ashtray/
Buffalo bullish over skinny scrollwheel mouse (6 December 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/06/buffalo_slim_mouse/
Yes! It's the gold ingot USB hub (24 November 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/24/gold_ingot_usb_hub/
Chilly users defrosted with heated USB mousemat (16 November 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/16/usb_heated_gloves_slippers/
USB hamster wheel targets keyboard hammerers (4 October 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/04/usb_hamster_wheel/
Nuclear War launcher (and USB hub) heads West (28 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/28/nuclear_war_usb_hut_heads_west/
Yes! It's the all-out nuclear war USB hub! (18 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/18/usb_nuclear_war_button_box/
Yes! It's the USB missile launcher! (6 July 2006)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/06/usb_missile_launcher/