Japan might be one of the world's most technologically advanced countries, but it's by far one strange place for gadgets. Thus, while we have to thank the Japanese engineers for such wonders as technology like the PlayStation 3, the Nintendo Wii, Blu-ray and HDDVD and much, much more, we also come across certain inventions that are...well, mind-boggling. And one of the strangest such devices I've come across lately is Thanko's USB Necktie, a device that, presumably, should solve all the heating problems of the office workers around the world.

Actually, this thing is not that different from all the other hundreds of USB-powered fans available on the market. Nevertheless, the design is what really takes the cake in this case, as the small ventilator is installed in the necktie's knot, of all places (which, by the way, is a Windsor-style knot, at least at a first look). However, it does require an active USB connection for power, which means that the users will have to remain "chained" to their computer at all times, via the 140-centimeter USB cable.

According to Thanko, the USB Necktie works in a very interesting manner, which will certainly keep the wearer cool during the hot summer days (well, at least to a certain degree). Thus, the small ventilator faces forward and, presumably, cools down the base of the neck, although the company's website doesn't exactly explain the degree to which the user will actually feel the current of air developed by the "USB turbine".

Thanko's "extraordinary" USB Necktie retails for around 3,000 Yen (the equivalent of 25 US dollars), which might be an OK price to pay, should this device prove to be as effective as touted. However, since the possibility of that happening is remote (or rather non-existent), users should really save the money for something more serious....whatever that might be.

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