Computer Column-4

There are so many things available today that we can plug into our computers. Of course there are the obvious and ubiquitous peripherals like the printer and scanner. But so many consumer electronic products these days now have a USB port.

Digital cameras all have them now. Just the other day, I bought a cordless telephone system for my home. After taking one out of the box I discovered that yes, you guessed it, it had a USB port. I discovered that I could transfer the contents of the phone's built-in phone number database to and from my computer to first back it all up, and second, transfer all of the names and numbers to other satellite handsets whenever I decided to buy more of them. In addition, the color display screen on each handset has the ability to display color images.

Using the USB port, I can transfer any digital picture I have in my computer to any handset. Plus there are several other utility and housekeeping functions the included software lets me do to the phone via the USB port. And that's just the phone.

My new set of speakers hook to my computer via the USB port. My flash memory card reader, my label printer, my Caller-ID display, my portable hard drives, the microphone, the audio adapter, the list goes on and on, all of them connect to my computer via the USB port.

Given that most computers come with a paltry two, maybe three built-in USB ports, it's a given that you more than likely have at least one or more USB hubs attached. A hub is a little box that lets you connect several USB devices using only one USB port. It's pretty much like one of those multiple plugs you get when you need to plug in several cords into the two-socket wall outlet.

Hubs are pretty much utilitarian. If you look at most hubs, they're basically little boring boxes with multiple USB receptacles and a USB cord attached to it. Some hubs attempt to be a little more eye-appealing by adding some of those little LED indicators that light up when something is plugged into its corresponding port.

But for the most part, USB hubs are boring to look at and most find themselves tucked away behind the computer desk or just out of sight collecting dust somewhere as they do their meaningful but boring job of letting you plug in multiple devices to your computer. But as with anything, there are always exceptions.

Enter in the "Self Destructing Button USB Hub" that's recently made it to the United States from Japan where they really love these kinds of things. And it seems like a lot of us share in that admiration as there's been a growing hubbub over this little hub.

Basically, it looks like one of those really cool-looking self-destruct buttons you see being used by the military. Powered by the USB connection, the Destructing Hub sports two toggle switches numbered "1" and "2." Flipping the first switch begins the self-destruct sequence. Flip on number 2 and the sounds get louder. The next step requires you to insert a key into a lock labeled with the number "3." Turn the key in the direction of the arrow to the red-lettered word "ON." When you do so, you hear a click and a red flashing light labeled "MAIN" begins to flash indicating you are ready to initiate the final sequence.

There placed squarely in the middle of the hub is one of those big, bright red push-buttons surrounded by a dotted yellow-on-black caution decal. But before you can press it, you have to swing open the transparent square plastic cover that enclosed the big red button so that you can't accidentally push it.

Then when you're ready, you press the button. You hear a final destruction sounding explosion and the end of the world takes place. Or so the fantasy goes. And since it's your fantasy, it could be the destruction of your computer when it eats one too many of your documents. Or it could be the destruction of co-workers or your nagging little sister or whatever happens to be frustrating you at that moment. But whatever it is that you are blowing to kingdom come, the Self Destructing Button USB Hub is sure to be one heck of a stress buster. Or at the very least, it will make for a novel conversation maker.

And oh yes, by the way, it's a four-port USB hub too. Playing with all of those switches doesn't in any way interfere with the hub's actual operation.

The Self Destructing Button USB Hub works on Windows and Mac OS X, sells for $62.63 and is available at www.geekstuff4u.com. What's that you say? You think it's a silly thing? See me reaching for that button?