As it often happens, some of the neatest and most interesting gadgets seem to lack serious utility; while some cross the thin line between serious stuff and ridiculous gear, others are so simple that categorizing them becomes really hard. Such is the case with the USB Beer Barrel Speaker, a piece of weird audio technology available online from Brando, suitable for a gift idea at best.

We're dealing with a small-sized beer barrel-looking USB speaker, most likely to be used with your portable digital players when you feel like sharing your fav tunes without having to pass the earphones from one guy to another.

While being a fancy accessory for the true beer-lover, the USB Beer Barrel Speaker seems more fit as a decorative object on a work desk; I have serious doubts regarding its audio quality, as its drivers are small and definitely lack enough bass punch.

Yet, if you can find some space in your purse or laptop bag, the USB Beer Barrel Speaker could make for a neat thing to carry around, provided your notebook is already loaded with high-grade speakers.

On the tech side, the USB Beer Barrel Speaker comes with a rechargeable, environment-friendly Lithium-Ion battery; too bad that the retailer does not specify any standby/operation times! Additionally, an on-off control switch and a rotary volume pot will let you "customize" your audio experience with the barrel.

Connectivity is ensured via a mini-USB to USB cable sporting a classic 3.5mm stereo jack that will let you hook up this musical barrel to virtually any gadget you might think of: PDAs, laptops, PMPs, MD/CD/DVD players, cell phones and so on. Weighing a mere 69 grams, the USB Beer Barrel Speaker is definitely not a burden on most occasions; and the wood-like textured finish might even fool somebody from a distance.

Retailing for around $14, this small gadget adds to the ever-increasing ranks of similar portable speakers whose utility and use (other than that of a more or less inspired gift) remain subject to question.

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