One for the summer, this - and perhaps for the more horticulturally inclined iPod owner. It's a ladybird-alike* speaker ready to bring your music to lazy sunny afternoons in the garden, picnics etc.

Ladybird speakers: not for squashing

Available in red or green, each 6.9 x 5.2 x 3.4cm bug incorporates a speaker and a rechargeable battery to power the on-board amplification. The audio connection is made using a bundled 3.5mm jack cable ready for any music player. The box also contains a USB cable to charge the battery.

Simple, but a little less harmful to aphids than the real thing.

Ladybird speaker: Beatles de rigeuer?

Available now from Hong Kong-based gadget purveyor Brando, the ladybird speaker costs $16 (£8/€12).

* Or ladybug, or ladybeetle, depending on which part of the English-speaking world you're in.

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