Will anyone buy Lacie's new designer USB hub - or is it destined to appear only as an on-shelf accessory in Ikea catalogues? It certainly looks the part, and wouldn't seem out of place next to an iMac. Styled by French designer Ora-Ito, the Huby provides an array of five USB and three Firewire plugs and sockets, along with a fan and a light for good measure, all on flexible cables.

The gadget will retail for $79/£69. LaCie's taking pre-orders at its website ahead of the late December ship date. ®