Get a Sphero 2.0 for $68, build your own BB-8 "Star Wars" droid

Here's the problem with Sphero, the smartphone-controlled ball: It's really cool, but once the novelty wears off, well, now it's just a ball sitting idly in the corner.

Ah, but if you make like Make magazine's Christian Paulsen and hack your Sphero to become an adorable "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" BB-8 droid, now you've got something cooler than cool. And if you've seen even a second of the "="" trailer"="" shortcode="link" asset-type="article" uuid="383416e3-8d4d-4059-9242-c5ca771d4c76" slug="star-wars-force-awakens-new-trailer-teaser" link-text="" section="news" title="'Chewie, we're home': New 'Force Awakens' trailer lands" edition="us" data-key="link_bulk_key" api="{"id":"383416e3-8d4d-4059-9242-c5ca771d4c76","slug":"star-wars-force-awakens-new-trailer-teaser","contentType":null,"edition":"us","topic":{"slug":"culture"},"metaData":{"typeTitle":null,"hubTopicPathString":"Culture","reviewType":null},"section":"news"}"> , you know that nobody puts BB-8 in a corner. (Sorry, had to.)

Of course, if you're getting a Sphero, you might as well get the much-improved second-gen model. Which you can do on the cheap if you hurry: Today only, and while supplies last, Meh has the refurbished Sphero 2.0 for $68, plus $5 for shipping. That price includes a Nubby cover, which makes the Sphero much more all-terrain friendly. Price for this pair at Amazon: $114.

If you haven't heard of Sphero or just don't know much about it, I'll refer you to CNET's review. Spoiler alert: It's "amaze-balls."

I think the real appeal here is the aforementioned Make project, which would be perfect for a kid already bored with summer. Or an adult who needs a "Star Wars" fix before December.

Granted $68 is still a little steep for what amounts to a toy, but it's certainly better than the $129.99 list price. Your thoughts?

Bonus deal: Still haven't given your TV the audio makeover it so desperately needs? Ending soon, and while supplies last, Groupon has the refurbished Sony HT-CT60BT 2.1-channel sound bar for $74.99 shipped. This cooler-than-average-looking hexagonal speaker pairs with a subwoofer for deep bass, and it supports both Bluetooth and NFC for easy pairing with your phone or tablet. Take note, however, that it requires a digital optical connection to your TV, and it comes with just a 30-day warranty.

Bonus deal No. 2: I spend most of my days hunched over my laptop, and I've got the neck and shoulder pain to prove it. What I need is a simple, effective and cheap way to elevate the screen a little. Like this: For a limited time, StackSocial has the Just Mobile Lazy Couch laptop and tablet stand for $13.95 shipped. Price at Amazon: $19.95. Rating at Amazon: 4.4 stars out of 5. This two-piece mini-stand set angles your laptop or tablet to a more comfortable angle. Delivery may take 2-3 weeks, though StackSocial assures me they're working to cut those times down.

Contest! Stop what you're doing and enter CNET's Great Gadget Giveaway right now. What are the two prizes? I can't tell you. And neither can CNET. Why? Some wacky branding/licensing issue. But the accompanying picture on the entry page will give you an idea as to one of the prizes. As for the other, let's just say it rhymes with "eyebone mix." So, yeah, you want to win this sweepstakes. Trust me.