cubicle

Gadgettes 180: The Multi-tasking Clothes Episode (podcast)

OK, so we suck at bringing you a show every week. But we promise that when we do, they'll be as explosive and ridiculous as this one right here! We revisit the idea of multitasking, but this time, we focus on functional clothing. That and we insult you a whole lot. Thou wimpled plume-plucked pignut!

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 180

Ping, a social networking garment

Hoodie buddy with built-in headphones (thanks Jacob!)

Sleeper hoodie (thanks Jacob!)

Beer opener dog collar (thanks Rodney)

How one soldier can carry a whole power plant on his back… Read more

Out of Sight Out of Mind modular desktop blows our mind

If you are one of those who has to put up with messy colleagues (hint: like the one to my left), the SpaceStation desktop organizer could probably do the trick. But what if they need more than just organization, something along the lines of an overhaul? Then you'll probably need to invest in an "Out of Sight Out of Mind" (OSOM) table.

Staying true to its name, the modular desktop system will allow your cubicle neighbor to customize his or her workstation. When any of the modules are not needed, they sink under the table, keeping the … Read more

Work in the mold--the Jello-O mold

Some people never outgrow the wonderful taste of Jell-O, and why should they? Every potluck seems to have a Jell-O mold. Whether it be speckled with marshmallows or odd bits of fruit, a Jell-O mold seems to always show up. Love it or hate it, it is one thing you can count on. Now, you can take that mold with you to work, without adding any calories to your diet.

The Jelly Box by David Hingamp takes cubicle lifestyle to a whole new level. The workspace was designed as part of the recent Urbantine Project in London. The theme of … Read more

Lacie USB speakers choose fashion over function

Testing out a set of PC speakers is practically begging for an interoffice dance party, so when Lacie's USB speakers arrived at the office, we couldn't wait to bust open the box and get it started. Unfortunately, the speakers don't sound nearly as good as they look, and the high price tag is the final nail in the coffin.

French designer Neil Poulton helped Lacie design this set of PC speakers that use USB connectivity alone for both power and audio. We're typically all for a product that lets us chuck another wire out of the … Read more

Mini Fridge-Warmer keeps drinks cold or food warm

I like it. I like it a lot. It's a fridge. It's a food warmer. It's a Mini Fridge-Warmer from Think Geek. As the name implies, this combination appliance can cool down drinks or keep lunches warm. With a temperature ranging from 44 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, this dual-purpose fridge is sure to keep you cool...or warm...or somewhere in-between.

The Mini Fridge-Warmer boasts a 20-liter capacity while maintaining a relatively small footprint. It reaches a height of about 17 inches, and the base of the appliance holds its footprint down to a little larger than … Read more

Declare war on your cubicle nemesis

Live out your fantasy of being an army commander with the USB wireless rocket launcher from ThinkGeek. Place the launcher within a 15-foot radius of your command center (that would be your computer), position the transmitting and receiving dish within sight of each other, and count down to D-Day saying, "Hasta la vista, baby." If you miss your target with the first missile, quickly send the command to reposition it and try again. You've only three foam missiles, so make careful use of it. To make the experience more complete, dig out your toy soldiers and station … Read more

The perfect exercise machine for slave labor

Gamercize has been peddling and pedaling exercise machines for some time now, mostly making fitness gear designed to work with game consoles as well as the occasional digital cycle for kids. But this week it's releasing a product aimed squarely at the cubicle set.

The U.K. company has come up with a "GZ PC-Sport and Power Stepper" combination that can fit under the desk so worker bees can continue their duties uninterrupted while burning off calories without leaving their seats. And here's the kicker: It can be hooked up to the computer by USB so … Read more

Cubicles that crush the soul

And you thought your dark, cramped, dusty workspace was depressing. Have a look at the winners of the Wired News Saddest-Cubicle Contest, and get ready to appreciate your own scrappy little cube anew.

After all, it doesn't get too much worse than David Gunnells' cubicle (or does it?). The first-place winner of the contest, an IT guy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, spends his days in a windowless conference room, his desk hemmed in by heavily used filing cabinets. He sits near a poorly ventilated bathroom and shares a wall with a parking garage. His mother-in-law was … Read more

28 toy stores for cube dwellers

If your workplace is the couch at the local Starbucks, turn back now--this list is not for you. This guide is for those who work diligently at desks. This often small rectangle of space can become a canvas to display your personality to all. We've rounded up and categorized 28 places to buy things to take your barren desk to the next level.

Emporiums/Cornucopias, etc. Places to get several types of items in one place

ThinkGeek is one of the better "everything under one roof" sites. Especially great is their user picture section, which lets purchasers post pictures of themselves using the product in real life. Stock photography be damned.

Perpetual Kid is another solid directory of good office, and general fun items. My personal favorite is the robot calculator that doubles as a stapler magnet and Post-it Note holder.

Hammacher Schlemmer. You've certainly gazed lovingly at one of these catalogs while stuck on a flight. The online store is no different; there are a ton of useful and interesting office gadgets to make your desktop a playground (with taste, of course).

Dealextreme has a little bit of everything. What separates it from the pack? Their weird gadgets section. The name doesn't lie. For example, get one of these to take notes at your next meeting.

Geekstuff4u has a good, clear listing of geeky gadgetry to adorn your cube. I have trouble deciding between the USB squid drive, and pop-up pirate USB hub that requires stabbing a pirate with plastic swords to get him to appear. Charming.

Kleargear is another handful of amusing and/or interesting gadgetry to buy. Worth checking out is their entire section dedicated to cubicle decor. Get an early start on Halloween with this gaudy skeleton you can attach to the top of your computer monitor. When people ask what it is, be sure to make some lame "spreadsheet from hell got loose" joke.

Firebox. Not to be confused with the popular Web browser, Firebox is neither on fire, nor a box. It does, however, have a lot of cool gadgets worth putting on your desk. The best for lunchtime breaks and releasing steam? The Rock Beat Drumsticks, which let you do an air guitar--except with drums. Your co-workers will love you.… Read more