5 hardware gimmicks you’d want to own

We’ve all bought something on impulse, some piece of hardware that we just had to have.

Thoughts of, “It’s totally useful” and “I don’t know how I’ve managed before without it” convince you to go ahead and buy the item, only to be disappointed and leave your new purchase to gather dust in the cupboard.

Regardless, if you’re the type to get excited by a new toy or gimmick, you might consider one of these…

Antec BIAS

The Antec BIAS is a monitor lighting kit that installs itself on the back of your 24-inch or smaller monitor. It makes used of six white LEDs and projects soothing while light on the wall behind your monitor.

It claims to reduce eye fatigue, increase perceived image clarity and perceived contrast ratio.

We’re not buying the marketing, but it does look really cool.

The device retails for under R100 locally, meaning it’s a relatively inexpensive waste of money. I’ve just ordered mine.

OCZ N.I.A

Ah the good old Neural Impulse Actuator from OCZ, the device they said would revolutionise gaming.

It didn’t, but you aren’t nerd enough if you never considered owning one.

Luckily the high price tag meant not too many wasted their money on the N.I.A, though I still crave some of that “Space-Age Technology” from time to time.

Video eyewear

Who hasn’t wanted a pair of glasses with little screens in them?

With manufacturers providing a range of solutions that give the impression of watching a 75-inch+ TV from 3 metres away there is no limit to the appeal of this one.

However, poor resolutions, low battery life and a high cost makes video eyewear a gimmick for now, but we sure do dream of the day when good quality affordable devices become available.

USB powered XXX

You name it, and there is a USB powered version being sold online.

Mug warmers, cigarette lighters, fans, cup holders… and this is just the start.

Companies are quick to take the versatility of the USB port way too far by providing you with all sorts of devices that don’t actually work well enough to justify themselves.

Just ask my USB mug warmer that struggles to heat half a glass of milk in 4 hours.

Gaming Glasses

Gaming eyewear looks pretty cool. Featuring a soft amber tint, the glasses are supposed to reduce eye fatigue and increase perceived contrast.

While there may be some merit to this, you’re wearing glasses indoors, while looking at a monitor.

They’re also quite pricy, but that’s not to say wannabe pro gamers won’t splash the required dosh.

There is no end to the amount of gimmick hardware available out there for gamers and PC users in general.

The marketing surrounded them seems to promise the world, and the price tag is irrelevant when you really want the device, so you’ll often give in.

This isn’t a bad thing though, because if it puts a smile on your face, why the heck not?

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